Choose based on your device and who you want to play with. On Mac or Linux, Java Edition is the available choice; on console or mobile, buy that platform’s Bedrock version. On PC, the official Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle includes both, so you can switch editions to match your friends. Java and Bedrock players cannot join each other’s standard multiplayer worlds.
Java or Bedrock: what changes your decision?
| Decision | Java Edition | Bedrock Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, and Linux | Windows, consoles, and mobile devices, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. Check the platform store for the current listing. |
| Multiplayer | Play with Java players on Windows, macOS, and Linux. | Cross-play with supported Bedrock platforms, including consoles and mobile. |
| Community and store content | Community mods and custom Java servers. | Marketplace content and Bedrock add-ons. |
| Controls and local play | Keyboard and mouse; native controller support is not listed in the official comparison. | Controller and touch support; split-screen on consoles. |
| PC purchase | Both editions are included in the PC Java & Bedrock bundle; use the launcher to select which one to play. | |
Edition and feature details are based on Minecraft’s edition and platform list, its feature comparison, and the PC bundle listing. Availability can vary by device and change over time, so verify the current store listing before buying.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Deluxe Collection | Windows Digital Code | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 | $42.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft | 8,800 Minecoins Pack | Digital Code | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Minecraft Dungeons - Ultimate Edition - [Nintendo Switch] (German Version)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sYwNKbQCL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Minecraft Dungeons - Ultimate Edition - [Nintendo Switch] (German Version) | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose the edition that matches your platform and group
Choose Java for Mac, Linux, mods, or Java servers
Java Edition is the fit if you play on macOS or Linux, or if community mods and Java servers are priorities. Multiplayer is with other Java players, including those on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If your friends use Bedrock on console or mobile, Java will not let you join their standard multiplayer world.
Choose Bedrock for console, mobile, or mixed-platform play
Buy the Bedrock version sold for your console or mobile device. Bedrock is also the practical choice when your group includes supported combinations of PC, console, and mobile players: everyone joining the same cross-play world needs to use Bedrock. The specific devices must be supported by the current game and platform services.
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- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
On PC, buy the bundle if you need flexibility
The official PC Java & Bedrock product includes both editions. You can switch in the launcher and choose the edition your multiplayer group uses; owning both does not make Java and Bedrock worlds cross-compatible.
For couch split-screen, check the console listing
Minecraft’s official comparison lists split-screen for consoles. If local shared-screen play is essential, check the specific console edition’s current product information before purchase rather than assuming the feature is available on Java PC.
Rank #2
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
Check the exact platform listing before checkout
Minecraft directs buyers to platform-specific stores. For Nintendo Switch, for example, use the current Minecraft for Nintendo Switch listing and confirm its region and format in the Nintendo store. The official edition guide lists supported platforms and their purchase destinations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Realms are optional and edition-specific
Realms is a separate subscription for hosting a shared online world. Bedrock Realms serves Bedrock devices; Java Realms serves Windows, Linux, and macOS. The official Realms page lists US monthly prices of $3.99 for Bedrock Realms, $7.99 for Bedrock Realms Plus, and $7.99 for Java Realms. These are US prices shown when checked for this article, not guaranteed prices elsewhere or later; confirm price, availability, trial terms, and included player counts at checkout.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Age rating: Approved from 12 years
- Genre: Adventure
- Version: Ultimate Edition
Rank #4
- 8,800 MINECOINS — Get 8,800 Minecoins to spend on creator-made content in the Minecraft Marketplace.
- MINECRAFT MARKETPLACE — Browse a constantly updating library of content from Minecraft creators, with new content available every week.
- CREATOR-MADE CONTENT — Use Minecoins to get Marketplace content such as skin packs, mash-up packs, mini-games, and adventure maps.
- ACCESS ACROSS DEVICES — Once redeemed and linked to your Microsoft account, your Minecoins and purchases are available on supported devices that run Minecraft, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Xbox.
- A GIFT FOR PLAYERS — Give Minecraft players Minecoins to spend on content in the in-game Marketplace.
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
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.
