What Minecraft Edition Is on Nintendo Switch?

Which Minecraft edition is on Nintendo Switch?

The current Minecraft game on Nintendo Switch is the Bedrock-based version of Minecraft. It is not the older game named Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition. That older edition launched on May 11, 2017, and stopped being sold to new players on June 21, 2018.

If you already own Nintendo Switch Edition, you can get the newer Minecraft version as a free upgrade through the eShop. New buyers should look for Minecraft, not the retired edition. The name difference matters most when checking old purchases, saved worlds, and downloadable content.

Minecraft also has versions for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Those versions share many core features, but details can vary by platform and update. On a PS5 or Xbox, the edition is generally the Bedrock version for that console, rather than the old Switch-specific release.

What was Nintendo Switch Edition?

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition was a console version built for the Switch. Its release date was May 11, 2017. It was later replaced in the Nintendo eShop by the newer Minecraft game, and new purchases ended on June 21, 2018.

Players who bought the old edition can still find it in their purchase history, depending on their account and region. Existing owners could claim the newer game at no extra cost through the eShop. Check the account that made the original purchase if the upgrade does not appear.

The old edition is not simply another name for the current game. It has its own features and add-on support. Some downloadable content made for Nintendo Switch Edition may not work in the newer Minecraft version, so do not assume every old purchase will carry over.

What can you do in Minecraft on Switch?

Switch players can build, explore, and craft in both Creative and Survival modes. Creative mode gives players access to building materials and lets them make large projects without the usual resource hunt. Survival mode adds danger and resource needs, so players gather supplies, craft gear, and protect their builds.

These modes suit different play styles. A player planning a detailed castle may prefer Creative mode. Someone who wants to explore caves and gather materials may enjoy Survival mode more. Worlds can also be shaped around shared goals, such as building a town or finding rare resources.

Local multiplayer supports one to four players on a console. Online multiplayer supports up to eight players, subject to the game’s settings and network needs. This makes Switch useful for both couch play and shared online worlds. Check each player’s account and online access before setting up a session.

Updates, upgrades, and downloadable content

The newer Minecraft game receives updates that add or change content over time. Keeping the game updated helps players use the latest features and join friends on compatible versions. The game may also offer access to the Minecraft Marketplace, where players can find add-ons and other content.

Owners of the 2017 Switch Edition should use the eShop to check for their free upgrade. Find Minecraft in the store while signed in to the account that owns the old game. If the upgrade is not listed, review the purchase history and make sure the correct Nintendo account is active.

Take care with older downloadable content. Some add-ons bought for Nintendo Switch Edition may not be compatible with the newer release from 2018. Before buying content again, check which game version it supports. Keep the old game installed if you want to use content tied only to that edition.

How Switch compares with PlayStation and Xbox

The main Minecraft experience is familiar across Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Players can build, explore, and play in Creative or Survival mode. The biggest differences often come from the console itself, its controls, its online service, and the way each store handles purchases.

Cross-platform play is a key feature of the Bedrock version. It can let players on supported devices join the same world, though accounts, settings, and platform rules may affect access. Make sure everyone has the same current game version before troubleshooting a failed invite.

The retired Nintendo Switch Edition is the main point of confusion. It is a separate older release, not the standard version used for current cross-platform play. For a new Switch player, the current Minecraft game is the right choice. For an existing owner, the eShop upgrade is the path to the newer version.

Which version should Switch players choose?

New players should buy Minecraft for Nintendo Switch. It is the current version and includes the core modes most players expect. It also offers online and local multiplayer, with the player limits noted above.

Existing Nintendo Switch Edition owners should check the eShop for the free upgrade before paying again. Keep in mind that an upgrade does not guarantee that every old add-on will work in the newer game. Check the add-on’s listed version if it matters to your world.

In short, the answer to “what Minecraft edition is Switch?” depends on whether you mean today’s game or the retired 2017 release. Today, Switch players use the Bedrock-based Minecraft game. The older Nintendo Switch Edition remains relevant mainly to past owners and their old content.

• Current Switch players use the Bedrock-based Minecraft game
• Nintendo Switch Edition launched May 11, 2017, and left new sales June 21, 2018
• Past owners can check the eShop for a free upgrade
• Local play supports one to four players; online play supports up to eight
• Some old downloadable content may not work in the newer game