by Ralph Lauren Abainza Interest in the Nintendo Switch continues to rise, with the company reporting that it just became the third-best selling console of all time, surpassing both the Sony PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Game Boy.  More and more young people are getting hooked on playing the Nintendo Switch, the newest addition to Nintendo's family consoles. Unlike its predecessors, this gaming device is more flexible because it can be held, played on a tabletop, and even on TV. It also has an extensive gaming library which includes farming games, which are getting more traction nowadays as more players prefer a more relaxed gameplay.  Farming simulation games are appealing to relaxed gamers, especially since they are usually low-stress, wholesome, and positive. Those interested to get a virtual glimpse of how farms work, can check out some of the best Nintendo Switch games available right now: 

Stardew Valley

  Stardew Valley is considered the gold standard in Nintendo Switch farming simulations because of its extensive resources and tons of features to explore. Taking inspiration from Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley lets gamers farm crops, enter relationships, attend community events, craft items, and try cooperative gameplay. Though virtual, the game allows players to get an idea of how vital are resources and collaboration in farming.  Stardew Valley

Farm Together

  Unlike other simulation games, Farm Together is a more straightforward farming game with no monsters, villagers, or mines to explore. Despite the lack of a fantasy background, many are interested in the game's focus on multiplayer-centered activities. Whether a player invites others or just joins a community of players, Farm Together lets people collaborate in building a successful farm. Players can also customize everything on their farm such as crops, buildings, and tools, all as the gameplay passes in real-time.  Farm Together

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

For those interested in rice farming, Sakuna: of Rice and Ruin is the best Nintendo Switch game to play. Though the main character is a goddess, which is far from realistic, rice farming and its methods follow real-world scenarios. Like rice farmers, gamers must have the determination to grow rice the right way. In the gameplay, rice farming is meticulous since it usually involves a lot of trial and error to get a perfect crop. Still, it will surely be a fun way to understand factors affecting rice crops. The gameplay is so realistic that players use farming tips from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture’s website as a walkthrough.  [

READ: Rice planting game is so realistic players visit Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture’s website for walkthrough

](https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2020/12/10/rice-planting-game-is-so-realistic-players-visit-japans-ministry-of-agricultures-website-for-walkthrough/) Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

Farming Simulator

Farming Simulator is a farming simulation game on Nintendo Switch with a more realistic rendering, perfect for those who would like to view farming closer to the real world. In the game, players can try collecting and driving types of farming equipment based on real-life agricultural machines when farming different varieties of crops. Aside from trying the machines, players can also raise livestock, such as cows and chickens, and even ride their horses around the farm. Farm Simulator

Harvestella

For those looking for a disaster-oriented game with a touch of farming, Harvestella is a role-playing game to try on Nintendo Switch. Players in Harvestella play like farmers preparing for the Quietus, or a destructive event at the end of each cropping season by planting crops and stockpiling food. The goal is quite similar to real-life examples, like in the Philippines, where farmers need to prepare for cataclysmic events such as typhoons or droughts.  Harvestella While farming simulation games in Nintendo Switch will never match the experience of personally tending crops and livestock on a real-world farm, these might at least jumpstart their players' interest in farming. Though virtual, players can get a glimpse of the struggles and excitements of farmers when growing crops and tending livestock.