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Yes—Minecraft on Nintendo Switch can play online with Minecraft on a Windows PC when both players use Bedrock Edition. A PC player using Java Edition cannot join a Switch Bedrock game. The Switch player must also sign in with a Microsoft account, and online play on Switch requires the applicable Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Which PC version can play with Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft is Bedrock. It can play with Minecraft Bedrock on Windows, but not with Java Edition on PC. Minecraft explains that Java and Bedrock use different servers and cannot play together; its edition guide distinguishes the two player groups.
| # | 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 |
| PC setup | Can it join a Switch player? |
|---|---|
| Minecraft Bedrock on Windows | Yes |
| Minecraft Java Edition | No |
| Bedrock player joining through a Realm | Yes, with other Bedrock players |
The Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC package includes both editions, but owning it is not enough by itself: the PC player must launch Bedrock for a session with someone on Switch. Minecraft lists Nintendo Switch among the platforms supported for Bedrock cross-platform play.
What do both players need?
- Matching edition: Bedrock on Switch and Bedrock on Windows PC.
- Microsoft account sign-in: The Switch player needs to sign in to use cross-platform play and friends.
- Online subscription: For online multiplayer on Switch, Minecraft identifies Nintendo Switch Online as an example of the required platform subscription. Check the terms that apply to your region; the cited guidance does not establish current prices or every region’s exact requirements.
Minecraft’s Microsoft-account guidance describes the platform-subscription condition. The Switch-specific sign-in process is covered in Minecraft Help’s Nintendo Switch instructions.
#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
How to connect from Nintendo Switch
- Open Minecraft on the Switch and choose the option to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- On another device, open the remote connection page shown by Minecraft and enter the code displayed on the console.
- Check that the Switch is linked to the Microsoft account you intend to use. The PC player should launch Bedrock Edition and use that account’s multiplayer or friends options to join.
You can add a player using their Microsoft gamertag; the Nintendo Switch Bedrock FAQ describes this friend-finding option. If the Switch player signs out of the Microsoft account, Minecraft Help says access to cross-platform friends and Realms is lost.
Can a Realm make cross-play easier?
A Realm is another way for Bedrock players on different platforms to play together. It does not bridge Java and Bedrock: the PC player still needs to use Bedrock. See Minecraft Realms for its cross-platform play information.
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
If the PC player cannot join
- Confirm the PC player launched Bedrock, not Java.
- Confirm the Switch player is signed in to the intended Microsoft account.
- Check that the players are using the Microsoft gamertag or Realm invitation associated with the correct account.
- Check the applicable Nintendo Switch Online requirement for the Switch player’s region and account.
These checks address the edition and account requirements documented by Minecraft. The cited guidance does not establish a complete fix for network, privacy, parental-control, or account-error problems.
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
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.
