Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo leave Minecraft’s menu and keep playing in the same world, choose Back to Game or Resume Game. Open the menu with Esc on keyboard, the platform’s menu button on a controller, or the pause button on a touchscreen. If you mean stop playing, choose the edition’s save-and-quit or return-to-title option instead.
Return to your current Minecraft session
Opening the menu does not by itself take you out of the active world. Select Back to Game or Resume Game—the wording depends on the interface—to close the menu and continue playing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PIew9m20L._SL160_.jpg)
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
- Keyboard and mouse: Press Esc to open the menu. Select Back to Game, or press Esc again.
- Controller: Press Start, Options, or Plus, depending on the platform. Select Back to Game, or press the same menu button again.
- Touchscreen: Tap the pause button, then select Resume Game.
These are the default controls; Minecraft says they can be changed in the options. See the official Minecraft Controls guide for control details.
Leave the active world instead
If you are done with the world, use the pause menu’s save-and-quit or return-to-title option, where available. That leaves the active world; it is not the same as returning from the menu to the game. Menu labels and flows differ between Java and Bedrock editions. The Java Edition menu reference and Bedrock Edition menu reference describe their respective menus. Minecraft’s official controls guide also notes that the menu offers an option to exit the game.
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#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Does opening the menu pause Minecraft?
In Bedrock Edition single-player, gameplay pauses when you enter a menu or switch to another window on PC, according to Mojang’s March 26, 2025 announcement. That pause protection does not apply to a Realm or a local server session with friends; those sessions continue while you are in the menu. A solo Realm also unpauses if a friend joins. See Mojang’s Bedrock pause announcement for the conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Closing Minecraft completely is a separate action
Returning to the game keeps the session active, while save-and-quit or return-to-title leaves the world. Closing the Minecraft app is a third, device-level action. The steps vary by computer, console, or mobile device, so use your platform’s app controls if you want to close it fully.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
