Starsand Island Release Date & Platforms (1.0, Consoles)

Starsand Island is out now. The full 1.0 version launched on August 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM PDT (8:00 PM Beijing time the same day) on four platforms at once: PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. That date closed an Early Access period that started on Steam and Xbox Game Preview on February 11, 2026 (9:00 AM PST, which is already February 12 in Asia — the developer’s own posts use both dates for that reason). Below is the full platform table, the timeline from announcement to launch, what each store charges, and the short list of platforms the game is not on.

For platform-specific detail, see the dedicated pages: Switch 2 guide, PS5 guide and Xbox & Game Pass.

Platform overview

Prices are store list prices captured on August 23, 2026; regional pricing differs.

Timeline: from announcement to 1.0

The roadmap published on February 13, 2026 had promised multiplayer for June; it ultimately shipped with 1.0 in August after a sign-up-only test in late June. Full version history is on the patch notes page.

What it costs

The standard edition is $39.99 everywhere, with a launch discount of roughly 20% running into September on each store (Steam until September 1; PlayStation and Nintendo until September 14). The Microsoft catalogue lists a slightly odd $39.49 MSRP, discounted to $31.59 — the only store that does not round to $39.99. A Deluxe tier ($59.99 on PS5 and Xbox; a Steam bundle at $59.98 before discount) adds the paid Classic European furniture, outfit and carriage DLC. Several DLC packs are free. The full breakdown is on the DLC and editions page.

Is Starsand Island free? No. It is a paid game. The only ways to play without buying it are Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Premium since August 20, 2026) or Steam Family Sharing from someone who owns it. The developer stated in February 2026 that the game has no in-game purchase system; the paid DLC is the only extra spend.

Choosing a platform

A few facts worth weighing before you buy:

• PC gets patches first. The developer’s August 17 post says console builds follow after each platform’s certification, so PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 players wait a little longer for each fix.
• The Switch 2 port reviewed badly. CGMagazine gave it 4.5/10 and called it one of the most slapdash ports the reviewer had seen. See the Switch 2 guide before choosing that version.
• PS5 and PC reviews are mixed-to-positive. Metacritic sits at 68 (PC) and 70 (PS5); Steam is 79% positive overall but only 40% positive in the 30 days around launch. Our review roundup collects the individual scores.
• Multiplayer has no crossplay. If you want to play with friends, everyone needs the same platform. Details on the multiplayer page.
• Steam Deck works (Playable rating, default controller layout, acceptable performance), but expect small text and mismatched button prompts.

PC requirements are listed on the system requirements page.

Early Access vs 1.0: what changed

Early Access ran for 184 days by the developer’s count. Version 1.0 added online multiplayer for up to four players, 3-heart relationship stories for NPCs, expanded dating activities for all 14 romanceable characters, an Autumn Pumpkin Festival with profession-specific rewards, and more than 20 player-designed blueprints from the spring design contest. Early Access saves carry over — if you already had an NPC at 3 hearts, the new story unlocks without restarting.

When did Starsand Island fully release?

August 18, 2026, at 5:00 AM PDT, simultaneously on Steam, Microsoft Store/Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Early Access had started February 11, 2026.

Is Starsand Island on the original Nintendo Switch?

No. Only Nintendo Switch 2 is supported. An April 2025 announcement mentioned a “Switch” version, but every 2026 source and Nintendo’s own store list Switch 2 only. The original-Switch listing on some aggregator sites is a database error.

Is there a physical copy of Starsand Island?

Yes, for PS5 and Switch 2. Japan got boxed copies on August 20, 2026 (¥7,018). North America and Europe get a “Day 1 Edition” on November 12, 2026, with pre-orders open at $39.99. There is no physical PC or Xbox release.

Can I play Starsand Island on my phone or Mac?

No. There is no official mobile build and Steam lists Windows only. Sites offering an Android APK are not distributing an official product.

Related guides

• Switch 2 guide: price, file size, review
• PS5 guide: release, price, Deluxe Bundle
• Xbox and Game Pass guide
• DLC and editions
• Patch notes and update history
• System requirements

Last reviewed: August 23, 2026 — sources: official Steam announcements, Steam/PlayStation/Nintendo/Microsoft store listings, Steam Deck compatibility report, press coverage of the console and physical releases.