Opinion: Will we ever see Minecraft 3DS?

Speculation has been flowing about whether popular block building and mining game Minecraft will eventually make its way to the 3DS.

Like most speculation, it comes from fans who generally want the game ported onto every device they own. But is it a good fit for the 3DS and will it ever happen? Lets take a look at the facts.

Last week, Minecraft creator Markus Persson (AKA Notch) replied to a post on Reddit asking if he might enlist the help of a third party to develop a 3DS version of the game. He said he thought Minecraft would be very awesome on the 3DS, but that he already had enough on his plate.

However resource constraints may change in the future, with Minecraft already confirmed to be receiving official ports to iOS and Android later this year, the 3DS does not seem like such a far stretch. An outside developer has been hired to handle the ports so it makes sense that the same group or others could be hired to work on a 3DS version.

If the 3DS proves to be popular in the sales charts by the time the iOS and Android ports are done, it may make some sense divert attention to a 3D version for either retail or the 3DSs new eShop.

But Persson told PC Gamer that the portable version of the game could be radically different and considered a spin-off of the main game with features that make sense for the device.

He said that the team is still throwing around ideas but the game could make the switch to a top-down view gameplay instead of the originals first-person view.

The main thing holding back a traditional Minecraft game on the 3DS is the limited hardware. Apples latest iPhone and iPad models each sport 512MB RAM, which is crucial for running Minecraft. The 3DS only has a rumoured 128MB (96MB for games, 32MB for the OS). If Apples devices are not going to receive a traditional Minecraft game, it makes little sense that the 3DS would. It seems clear that if a 3DS version were to happen, it wouldnt be a straight port of the game but instead a game optimised and refitted specifically for the 3DS, possibly with features missing.

Assuming the 3DS can be pushed to even handle some form of the game, the other road block is the question mark surrounding Nintendos online system. Minecraft features online play on servers set up by individuals and full chat and building capabilities with strangers. These features would be possible on an Apple or Android system, but would Nintendo ever allow such a thing on their closed friend code and peer-to-peer online system? Doubtful. Online play may have to be cut all together. Nintendos online system might also make it difficult to update the game with the constant swag of content that is synonymous with the PC version.

The thoughts of creepers exploding in 3D and touchscreen item management are compelling, but it seems clear that a traditional Minecraft experience will not work on the 3DS. However there is certainly hope for a spin-off game appearing on the system at some point in the future. With the 3DSs 3D screen and unique features like a pedometer and Streetpass, the developers could certainly craft a unique and compelling Minecraft experience. Just dont expect the same game youve played on the PC.

Would you be interested in a portable Minecraft spin-off? Sound-off in the comments.