Overview of Natsume’s Harvest Moon Bundle for Nintendo Switch
- Natsume has announced that their Harvest Moon titles, featuring downloadable content (DLC), will arrive on the Nintendo Switch.
- The distinction between Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons can lead to confusion among fans due to different developers.
- The CEO confirms enhancements for the Switch, with options for both physical and digital versions available.
Natsume is set to revive two classic games from the Harvest Moon franchise initially released on the Nintendo 3DS by bundling them for the Nintendo Switch. This bundle will include all previously released DLC, providing an attractive offer for dedicated fans who may have missed out on these titles in their original formats.
Even though the Harvest Moon series maintains a dedicated fan base as a charming life simulation game, its narrative became somewhat convoluted from the early 2010s onward. In 2010, Marvelous—the original developer of Harvest Moon—rebranded their titles in the West as Story of Seasons. Concurrently, Natsume, previously responsible for localization, began developing its own Harvest Moon games. This led to a split in the franchise, making the Natsume versions distinct from their classic predecessors.
Upcoming Titles: Harvest Moon on Nintendo Switch
In a much-anticipated announcement, Natsume declared that Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Harvest Moon: Skytree Village will be bundled together and released on the Nintendo Switch in Summer 2025. While specific pricing details remain under wraps, fans can take comfort in knowing that both games will come with all their respective DLCs. Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley includes ten DLC packs, and Skytree Village adds four more, with several being offered for free during their original launches.
NATSUME’S COZY BUNDLE for Nintendo Switch features two previously released Nintendo 3DS titles, Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Harvest Moon: Skytree Village. Both editions will be included on one game cartridge and include all DLC. Coming Summer 2025! pic.twitter.com/bo5VZJCLmA — Natsume Inc.(@Natsume_Inc) January 28, 2025
Curiosity has arisen regarding potential enhancements in these re-releases. According to Hiro Maekawa, CEO of Natsume, both games have been optimized for modern consoles. However, specifics regarding significant updates have not been provided, leading many to speculate that the core gameplay experience will largely remain intact. Importantly, the games will be available in a physical format on a single cartridge, making it convenient for collectors, while a digital download option caters to those who prefer online purchases.
The addition of these titles enhances the already expansive library available on the Nintendo Switch, especially with the anticipated backward compatibility of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. For newcomers to the Harvest Moon series or those looking to reconnect with Natsume’s unique approach, Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos, which debuted in late 2023, is a must-try option that showcases the evolution of the franchise.
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