Wholesome Gaming Round-Up 2025-38

Here’s your latest dose of Wholesome Gaming News, packed with cozy updates and cheerful surprises.

You’ve got a chance to win Chip ‘n Clawz in our LadiesGamers giveaway, while Dinkum is finally heading to Switch, with physical release details now confirmed. Life sims are thriving, with Pokémon Pokopia bringing a fresh twist to the genre, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream set to return next spring. Monster Hunter Stories 3 is also on the horizon, launching in March 2026.

Fae Farm has found a new home, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is on sale, and Overcooked! 2 is cooking up chaos on Switch 2. You’ll find new character customisation options in Moonstone Island, and Simon the Sorcerer Origins is conjuring its way to release on 28 October.

Scrapbooking fans can look forward to Pieced Together, while Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar celebrates a major milestone. Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato now has a release date, and Heartopia is officially announced for 2026. If you love building and brewing, Town to City is now in Early Access, and Cozy Potions: The Alchemist’s Shop has just been revealed.

And finally, Meow Moments: Celebrating Beats & Books brings hidden-object joy to Switch this September. Let’s dive in!

Giveaway Chip ‘n Clawz on LadiesGamers!

Another Giveaway on LadiesGamers.com!

This time, we are giving away 5 Steam codes for Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids to celebrate the joy of co-op chaos!

With its playful story, colourful world, and flexible gameplay, it’s a great pick for families, co-op sessions, or anyone just looking for a good upbeat time. James liked the game a lot, as you can read in his review here!

Find all the details of the Giveaway here!

Dinkum Coming to Switch

The Nintendo Direct had a nice surprise for me: Survival life sim Dinkum is landing on my favourite console as a timed console exclusive on November 5! A free demo of the game is available today on Nintendo eShop.

Dinkum is a survival life simulation game set on an island inspired by the rugged Australian outback. Here you can farm, hunt, mine, fish, and forage to gather resources, expand your town, and play together with friends! But be prepared to defend your settlement against natural threats!

So, a bit like Animal Crossing: New Horizons but no anthropomorphic animals this time, but people, and with fighting monsters in the wild that threaten your livelihood!

The game has been on Steam since April this year, and has very positive reviews. Looking forward to that one!

Physical Release Details Dinkum

Dinkum, the Aussie-inspired life sim from solo developer James Bendon, is heading to Nintendo Switch in physical form. Pre-orders open 26th September 2025, with the boxed edition launching 30 January 2026 via U&I Entertainment across all non-Asian retail territories.This does mean you’ll have to wait a bit after the digital release on November 5.

Fans who purchase the Nintendo Switch™ Dinkum physical edition will receive a Nintendo Switch-exclusive limited bonus.

You’ll build a town, forage, farm, fish, and explore the wilds of the Outback—all while navigating changing seasons and weather. It looks like a laid-back survival adventure with plenty of charm and co-op potential.

Pokémon Pokopia Life Sim Coming to Switch

Another game that definitely caught my attention in Nintendo’s Direct is Pokémon Pokopia, coming only to Switch 2. In the game, you play as a Ditto who has transformed to look like a human, to shape an empty land into a beautiful space for a variety of Pokémon.

You will learn new moves from Pokémon you meet to expand and create a paradise. Collect berries, rocks and wood, build furniture, grow vegetables in fields you’ve tilled and create homes for Pokémon you meet!

Pokémon Pokopia takes shape on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Pre-orders for the digital version will be available on Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store beginning November 12. That seems a bit early for me, unless the release is in the first months of 2026. Anyway, I will surely go for this game!

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Spring 2026

I really had a great time with the original game on the 3DS, so this one has my attention too: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.

On a small island floating in the sea, Mii characters live their own carefree lives. You’re in charge of this island, so create anyone you’d like to live here as Mii characters, like ones based on friends, family, and even yourself! Then, choose their personality and voice, and help your Mii characters enjoy their island life however they see fit. You can see what’s on their minds, help them solve problems, watch them interact, cultivate their friendships, and more.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on Nintendo Switch in spring 2026.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Coming March 2026

It may not exactly be the kind of wholesome game you expect here, but I’ve liked the first two installments of Monster Hunter Stories. So a new one coming is good news in my book!

In Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection you soar across the skies with Rathalos as you explore a sprawling world where all sorts of monsters live. Some are fierce, while others are friendly companions known as Monsties. Riders and their Monsties must work together to overcome any challenge that comes their way in this role-playing game with thrilling turn-based battles.

Raise, ride, befriend, and fight when Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 13, 2026.

Fae Farm Has Found a New Home

Fae Farm, the cosy farming sim adored by players around the globe, has officially found a new home. On 15 September, a collective of seasoned game industry leaders—Gambit Digital, Game Cloud Network, Pure Wonder Interactive, and Phatty Acid—announced their acquisition of the title and its IP rights.

You’ll still be able to enjoy the game’s enchanting live services, but this new partnership also opens the door to fresh possibilities for Azoria’s future. Gambit Digital will take the reins as publisher, guiding long-term growth and development of the franchise. Originally launched by Phoenix Labs in September 2023, Fae Farm looks set to continue blooming under new stewardship.

We love Fae Farm; we even published a beginner’s guide for it. It’s good to see the game getting more attention again!

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on Sale

If you have your eye on Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, but you feel it’s a bit too pricey for your wallet, there’s some news.

For the first time, the game will be on sale for 20% off! Take advantage of this limited-time digital offer on Steam and Nintendo Switch, with the end dates of the sales varying:
eShop EU till September 29
eShop US till September 30
Steam till September 15 (not much time there!)

Overcooked! 2 Coming to Switch 2

In the Nintendo Direct we saw that Overcooked! 2 will be coming to Switch 2 too this winter.

Existing owners can upgrade for £7.99 / €9.99 / $9.99. New users can purchase the Switch 2 edition of Overcooked! 2 for £24.99 / €29.99 / $29.99. Might be good to keep in mind that the base game for Switch is now 70% off till October 8 in EU and September 27 in the US. That way upgrading later to Switch 2 would be more profitable that way!

This new version of Overcooked! 2 features the classic kitchen chaos you know and love but with shiny new Switch 2-exclusive features:

Enhanced graphics in line with PC
4K 60FPS gameplay when docked – enjoy those kitchen fires in 4k
Camera Play – enjoy all the laughter AND the shouting
Game Share
A new Platinum Platypus Chef

Chefs will still be able to play with Nintendo Switch players and any DLC you already own will remain. For those worrying about save files, have no fear as progression can be transferred back and forth between both platforms.

Character Customisation in Moonstone Island

Moonstone Island is getting a free update on Steam and Switch. Starting 18 September, you’ll be able to customise your character with new outfits, hairstyles, hair colours, and skin tones. It’s something players have been asking for for a long time!

This feature has been a labour of love, with the devs spending the past year crafting custom art and animations to make it all shine. you can choose your clothing, your hair colour, your hairstyle, and your skin colour!

The timing’s no coincidence, it’s Moonstone Island’s two-year anniversary, and the team’s celebrating the community that helped make it happen.

Two years ago Mina reviewed the game and absolutely loved it, saying:

” Moonstone Island is everything I wanted from a little farm simulation that’s also a Pokemon battler that’s also a deck-based system. It is everything I didn’t even know I wanted; the graphics are beautiful, the soundtrack is soothing, the animations are polished, and the artwork is stunning. I love Moonstone Island and think you will love it here too.”

So if you’re not playing Moonstone Island yet, this may be the time to dive in!

Simon the Sorcerer Origins Coming Oct 28

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is ready to cast its spell once again, on October 28! You can now pre-order it digitally across all major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Mac, Linux, and Steam Deck. Whether you go for the Standard Edition (€24.99) or splash out on the Deluxe (€34.99), you’ll get the nostalgic PONY DLC for free, letting you relive the original 90s soundtrack inside the new game.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a colourful, hand-drawn adventure packed with cheeky humour, magical chaos, and classic point-and-click puzzles. You’ll step into Simon’s world to uncover how it all began, with returning voice legends Chris Barrie (English) and Erik Borner (German) adding a familiar charm. The Deluxe Edition also includes a digital artbook and full soundtrack, giving you a deeper look behind the scenes.

Expect a whimsical new score by Mason Fischer and a surprise cameo from Rick Astley , bringing a dash of 80s soul to the fantasy fun. A new trailer’s just dropped too, showing off the game’s vibrant world and what’s tucked inside the Deluxe bundle.

Pre-orders are live now via Steam, the Nintendo eShop, and Xbox Store, with PlayStation Store listings coming very soon. Check out the new trailer here!

Cozy Scrapbooking Game Pieced Together

Do you love games that explore friendship, nostalgia, and emotional growth in a warm, creative setting? Then Pieced Together might be a game to keep an eye on.

Pieced Together invites you into a gentle, emotional journey through the pages of a scrapbook. You’ll follow Connie as she reflects on her decades-long friendship with Beth—two girls who met at 11 and grew up side by side, until something changed in their thirties. Now, it’s time to decide what’s worth holding on to.

It looks like a cozy game built around sorting, puzzling, and customizing scrapbook pages, with stickers to collect and memories to uncover. Each page reveals more of Connie and Beth’s story, blending heartfelt storytelling with tactile gameplay.

And though the game is yet to be announced, there will be a demo available to play during Steam Next Fest in October!

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Reaches Milestone

STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar has officially sold over 500,000 copies worldwide, and Marvelous is celebrating the milestone with commemorative art for fans. If you’ve been waiting to dive in, now’s a great time to see what all the buzz is about.

Launched on 27 August for Switch, Switch 2, and Steam, Grand Bazaar is a fresh take on the beloved handheld classic. You’ll find upgraded visuals, new characters, and smoother gameplay thanks to quality-of-life tweaks. There’s even a glider feature and expanded story content to explore. And for the first time in the series, story events come with full voice acting—bringing even more heart to your farming journey.

I loved the game as you can read in my review. In fact, I’m still enjoying it immensely, as you can’t help but play for just another Saturday’s Bazaar to do even better!

Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato Release Date

StudioBando’s Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato lands on Steam, Xbox, and Game Pass this 7 October. You’ll follow Miho, a boy whisked away from his kitchen into a magical world, all in search of ingredients for Grandma’s soup. But each time he returns, things have changed in unexpected ways…

Expect a colourful, animated journey through South American landscapes, with cosy vibes and a touch of magic-realism, inspired by Spirited Away, The Little Prince and Coco. You’ll paddle rivers, solve puzzles, and meet a charming cast as you uncover a story about family, memory, and legacy.

Heartopia Announced for 2026

Heartopia is launching worldwide on PC and mobile in 2026. You’ll follow a Star Spirit to a blissful island, where you’ll become the town’s developer, decorating homes, dressing up in colourful outfits, and uncovering the stories of your neighbours.

From the first look, it seems like a relaxing blend of creativity and exploration. Developer XD Games promises seamless support for User Generated Content and six wholesome hobbies to dive into: Fishing, Gardening, Cat Care, Bug Catching, Birdwatching, and Cooking. And as you explore the open world, you’ll fill out your encyclopedia and earn better rewards, all at your own pace.

Might be an interesting one!

Cosy Citybuilder Town to City in Early Access

Town to City, the latest cosy citybuilder from the creators of Station to Station, is now available in Early Access on PC via Steam. Published by UK-based Kwalee and developed by Galaxy Grove, it looks like a charming 19th-century sandbox where you can build your dream town from the ground up.

You’ll place every building, road, and garden exactly where you want, shaping a community that reflects your style. Whether you dive into the story campaign or take it slow in sandbox mode, there’s plenty to explore: two campaign maps, five sandbox maps, eight city stages, six monuments, and over 30 quests.

The first reactions on Steam are very positive. Check out the new trailer that shows off the game’s vibrant towns and evolving systems, from population happiness to economic growth.

Cozy Potions: The Alchemist’s Shop Announced

If you’re craving a game that feels like a gentle escape, Cozy Potions: The Alchemist’s Shop looks like a colourful and calming way to spend your time. You’ll be growing enchanted herbs, brewing delightful elixirs, and running a snug little shop that welcomes all sorts of curious visitors.

Expect to get your hands dirty in a moonlit garden, where you’ll prepare soil, sow seeds, and watch your plants flourish through three stages. Once harvested, you’ll dry, grind, and mix your ingredients before tipping them into a bubbling cauldron, though you’ll want to avoid any smoky mishaps. With dozens of recipes to unlock, you can even sip your own potions for cosy little perks like quicker movement or spotting hidden ingredients.

The shop itself looks like a warm hub for townsfolk, with regulars popping in and the occasional cheeky thief to shoo away. As you upgrade your workstations and expand your space, you’ll turn your humble boutique into the realm’s most beloved apothecary.

Cozy Potions is expected on Steam and Nintendo Switch, and you can watch the announcement trailer here.

Meow Moments: Celebrating Beats & Books On Switch

Hidden-object game Meow Moments: Celebrating Beats & Books lands on Xbox (One and Series X|S), Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on 24 September 2025, bringing two vibrant scenes to explore.

You’ll wander through a lively music festival packed with colourful stages, food trucks and a Ferris wheel, then head to a bustling campus where cats and students mingle in study groups, clubs and sports. With over 600 items to find, it looks like a relaxing experience, complete with balloon-popping mini-games, gentle music by Tatyana Jacques, and charming illustrations from Katia Numakura.

The Feline Focus hint mode helps you spot tricky items without giving too much away, keeping things satisfying for both casual players and seasoned cozy-game fans. If you’ve played Celebrating Renewal & Romance or Celebrating Geeks & Athletes, you’ll know what to expect—this latest entry continues the series’ warm, joyful vibe.