Starsand Island Has Bad News for Some Players

Starsand Island, a game many are calling the 3D Stardew Valley, recently changed its release plan, disappointing console players with a PC-exclusive early-access launch. Since its announcement, Starsand Island has become one of the most anticipated life simulation games of recent years, with hundreds of thousands of fans across PC and consoles already adding it to their wishlists.

Originally, the game was planned for a Q4 2025 release on PC. It was later delayed, with the new date set for February 1. At first, no early access phase was planned, and the PC and console versions were meant to launch simultaneously, though there was no Switch 2 version planned at the time. In December 2025, developer Seed Sparkle Lab included Nintendo’s new-generation console in the list of Starsand Island platforms and later revised the entire launch plan, separating the PC and console releases.

Starsand Island being sold on PS5 two months ahead of schedule

PS5 Stardew Valley-Like Game Accidentally Released 2 Months Early

Fans of Stardew Valley may be in for a treat as Starsand Island shows up early on PS5, more than two months ahead of schedule.

Posts

By Matthew Schomer

Starsand Island’s New Early-Access Release Date

In a post on the game’s Steam page, Seed Sparkle Lab announced that Starsand Island’s early access release is now set for February 11 at 09:00 AM PST. While this is not a major delay compared to the previous plan, the update has frustrated many fans, as the early access version will be exclusive to Steam. This means players hoping to try the game on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch 2 will need to wait until Starsand Island’s full release.

Starsand Island Full Release Date

At the time of writing, the full release date has not been confirmed, though the developer, Seed Sparkle Lab, appears to be targeting Summer 2026. Until then, Starsand Island will continue as an early access game on Steam, enabling the team to gather feedback and further polish the experience.

In response to a fan on social media who raised concerns about the delayed console release, the official Starsand Island account said the team is actively working toward the full launch. It also reassured console players they wouldn't miss out on early-access bonuses; developers are planning surprises for consoles as well.

Early Access Content and Bonuses

Standard Edition ($27.93)	Deluxe Edition ($41.93)
Base Game Chinese New Year Furniture Set Neo-Chinese Outfit	Everything in the Standard Edition Classical Furniture Set Elegant Formal Outfit Pumpkin Carriage

Starsand Island Steam Early Access Price Controversy

Alongside confirming February 11 as the new release date for Starsand Island, developer Seed Sparkle Lab also revealed its early access pricing. The game will be available in two editions, Standard and Deluxe, each offering different bonuses and rewards. The Standard edition is priced at $27.93 USD, while the Deluxe edition costs $41.93 USD.

Some players report that the early access price in China is significantly lower than in other regions. So, many fans are unhappy because they believe the developer may not implement regional pricing for Steam users outside China. One fan claims the Deluxe edition there costs around $16 USD, compared to roughly $42 USD elsewhere, which they consider an unfair pricing strategy.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image