During’s Microsoft’s E3 conference last year, it was announced that the Switch would be getting a new version of Minecraft with the “Better Together” update. It was initially scheduled to launch in 2017, but was delayed to this year to make things run a little more smoothly. Today, it’s finally available for download.
Minecraft (just Minecraft, like Cher) has replaced Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition on the eShop, though those who have previously purchased the Switch Edition of the game will still be able to download it from their purchase history, and get the new version for free. The new version offers a host of new features, like a brand new, more efficient engine called Bedrock, an online marketplace for third party content, access to partnered servers, a faster and unified update schedule, and, most importantly, cross-platform multiplayer with Minecraft players on Xbox One, Windows PCs, and mobile devices, but not PS4. It’s available as a separate download to the previous Nintendo Switch Edition, instead of an update, much like the NBA Playgrounds Enhanced Edition earlier this year.
Minecraft on the Switch will also have access to Realms, the always-online paid user servers, but it won’t be enabled at launch — it needs a few more weeks of tinkering before it’s ready for the big time.
Minecraft is now available on the eShop globally, at $39.95 AUD for those buying new, or free for those who’ve previously purchased the Nintendo Switch Edition. It’s also available physically at retail starting today.
Gotta go fast.
It is a Holiday Gaming Extravaganza
Some really great deals.