Yes. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is the older, legacy Switch release; the current Minecraft for Nintendo Switch is the Bedrock version. The newer game adds cross-play with other Bedrock platforms and Marketplace access, while both releases are associated with the Switch-exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up content. Existing owners can still play and re-download the legacy game, but it is no longer sold in the eShop.
How the two Switch games differ
The similar names refer to separate releases, not two labels for the same current game. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition uses the older console codebase. The newer Switch release is Bedrock-based and is branded simply Minecraft. Minecraft’s migration FAQ and current editions information describe the newer release and its Bedrock platform support.
| # | 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 |
| What matters | Nintendo Switch Edition (legacy) | Minecraft for Nintendo Switch (Bedrock) |
|---|---|---|
| Game identity | Older Switch-specific release. | Newer Switch release built on Bedrock. |
| Multiplayer connectivity | Does not offer the newer Bedrock cross-play experience. | Cross-play with compatible Bedrock players on platforms such as Xbox, Windows, and mobile. |
| Marketplace | Legacy DLC handling; content purchased in this edition stays on the Switch device. | Marketplace is available. With Microsoft-account sign-in, Minecoins and Marketplace purchases are portable across supported Bedrock devices, subject to the content’s platform compatibility. |
| Super Mario Mash-Up | Included with the Switch release. | Available on Switch, but remains Switch-exclusive rather than available to cross-platform friends on other consoles. |
| Availability | No longer sold in the eShop; existing owners can continue to play and re-download it. | The current Switch version. The free Bedrock upgrade described during the 2018 transition was a historical offer, not a guarantee for someone acquiring the legacy edition now. |
| Old worlds | Worlds can be located and converted in the newer game. | Use the “Sync Old Worlds” option on the worlds screen to find eligible legacy worlds and convert them. |
Why choose the Bedrock release?
Cross-play with other Bedrock players
Bedrock is the practical choice if you want to join friends playing on supported non-Switch platforms. Players need compatible Bedrock versions, and account or multiplayer settings can also affect whether they can connect. The legacy Switch Edition does not provide this newer cross-play experience.
Marketplace access and purchases
The newer release has the Minecraft Marketplace. Signing in with a Microsoft account supports portability of Minecoins and Marketplace purchases among supported Bedrock devices; that does not mean every item is available on every platform. Purchases made inside the legacy edition follow different rules and do not transfer to other devices.
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- 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
Super Mario content is a Switch-specific exception
The Super Mario Mash-Up is exclusive to Nintendo Switch. Minecraft says it can be used in single-player, split-screen, local-network play, and Nintendo Switch Online play, but it is not available to cross-platform friends on other consoles. See Minecraft’s migration FAQ and editions information for the stated platform details.
Can you still use Nintendo Switch Edition?
If you already own Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, the game remains playable and can be re-downloaded, even though it is no longer available to buy in the eShop. Minecraft’s migration FAQ also recorded a free download offer for the Bedrock version for people who owned the old game during the 2018 transition. That was a historical upgrade policy; do not assume it applies to a copy acquired later.
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
How to move a legacy world to the newer Minecraft
- Open the newer Minecraft on Switch and go to the worlds list.
- Select Sync Old Worlds to search for eligible worlds from Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition.
- Select the world you want to bring over. The game converts it for use in the newer edition.
World conversion is distinct from DLC transfer. To synchronize legacy DLC, Minecraft’s FAQ instructs players to open the old game first so purchases can sync, then open the newer game. DLC bought in the legacy edition remains on the Switch device and does not become available on other devices.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Online play and Realms
Cross-play applies to compatible Bedrock versions, not to the legacy edition. Minecraft’s migration FAQ says Realms on Switch requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Check Nintendo’s current terms for the subscription requirements that apply to your account; no current plan price is established here.
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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
Player-count figures from the original launch should not be treated as a current comparison between the two releases. In its April 12, 2017 announcement, Marsh Davies of Minecraft described the original Switch release as supporting up to eight players online and four in local multiplayer. That is a historical statement about the launch release, not a verified current player-limit comparison.
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Best Value
Rank #4
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.
