Chinese indie developer Seed Lab has officially announced that its highly-anticipated cozy life simulation game, Starsand Island, will debut on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 alongside its previously confirmed launch on the original Switch hardware.
The announcement solidifies Starsand Island as a significant addition to Nintendo's growing lineup of life sims, further affirming the genre's enduring popularity on handheld platforms. Starsand Island is scheduled for release across all major platforms in "early 2026." Crucially, the game will include tailored versions for both Nintendo Switch 1 and the new Nintendo Switch 2, offering expanded features and performance options tailored to each device.
This dual release underscores Seed Lab’s commitment to reaching both current and next-generation Nintendo fans. The Switch 2 edition of Starsand Island introduces a suite of performance enhancements.
Players can choose between a "Quality Mode," which aims for 45 frames per second at 1080p resolution, or a "Performance Mode" targeting a smooth 60 frames per second at the same resolution, available in both docked and handheld configurations.
In addition to upgraded visuals and frame rates, the Switch 2 release will also support mouse controls—an increasingly popular option for simulation and management genres on Nintendo hardware.
Furthermore, GameChat integration will allow for convenient communication during online multiplayer sessions, enhancing the social aspect of the experience. Starsand Island has already captured substantial attention in the indie gaming scene, following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023 that raised over $300,000.
This achievement reflects a robust community interest and a growing appetite for relaxing, harvest-driven gameplay experiences—an enduring trend on Nintendo's portable consoles. It's worth noting that the Switch is no stranger to hit titles in the cozy life simulation space.
Nintendo's own genre-defining Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains a staple with its upcoming "NS2 Edition" scheduled for Switch 2 in January 2026.
With the imminent launch of both games, the early 2026 window is set to be highly competitive, though the enduring popularity of life sims suggests strong demand for multiple entries in the genre. As anticipation builds, Seed Lab’s release strategy ensures both existing Nintendo Switch owners and early adopters of the Switch 2 will have access to Starsand Island’s chilled-out, community-focused gameplay.
With industry coverage growing, and a reveal trailer now available, Starsand Island continues to strengthen its position as a notable indie to watch in the next console generation.
The announcement solidifies Starsand Island as a significant addition to Nintendo's growing lineup of life sims, further affirming the genre's enduring popularity on handheld platforms. Starsand Island is scheduled for release across all major platforms in "early 2026." Crucially, the game will include tailored versions for both Nintendo Switch 1 and the new Nintendo Switch 2, offering expanded features and performance options tailored to each device.
This dual release underscores Seed Lab’s commitment to reaching both current and next-generation Nintendo fans. The Switch 2 edition of Starsand Island introduces a suite of performance enhancements.
Players can choose between a "Quality Mode," which aims for 45 frames per second at 1080p resolution, or a "Performance Mode" targeting a smooth 60 frames per second at the same resolution, available in both docked and handheld configurations.
In addition to upgraded visuals and frame rates, the Switch 2 release will also support mouse controls—an increasingly popular option for simulation and management genres on Nintendo hardware.
Furthermore, GameChat integration will allow for convenient communication during online multiplayer sessions, enhancing the social aspect of the experience. Starsand Island has already captured substantial attention in the indie gaming scene, following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023 that raised over $300,000.
This achievement reflects a robust community interest and a growing appetite for relaxing, harvest-driven gameplay experiences—an enduring trend on Nintendo's portable consoles. It's worth noting that the Switch is no stranger to hit titles in the cozy life simulation space.
Nintendo's own genre-defining Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains a staple with its upcoming "NS2 Edition" scheduled for Switch 2 in January 2026.
With the imminent launch of both games, the early 2026 window is set to be highly competitive, though the enduring popularity of life sims suggests strong demand for multiple entries in the genre. As anticipation builds, Seed Lab’s release strategy ensures both existing Nintendo Switch owners and early adopters of the Switch 2 will have access to Starsand Island’s chilled-out, community-focused gameplay.
With industry coverage growing, and a reveal trailer now available, Starsand Island continues to strengthen its position as a notable indie to watch in the next console generation.
