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What changed between the two Switch games?
Mojang’s naming distinction reflects two different versions. The older title kept “Edition” in its name; Mojang said Bedrock Engine-based versions would be called simply “Minecraft.” The newer Switch game joined that Bedrock family in 2018. Mojang’s Better Together FAQ and the Switch transition FAQ describe the change.
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
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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 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| Feature | Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition | Minecraft for Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Version family | Older, isolated Console Edition. | Bedrock-based game; Switch joined the Bedrock cross-play ecosystem in 2018. |
| Multiplayer | The 2017 launch announcement described up to eight players online and up to four locally. Those are historical figures for that edition, not a statement of current limits. | Cross-play with Xbox One, Windows 10, and mobile Bedrock players was a key feature at launch. Console access to servers is limited to partner servers, according to the Better Together FAQ. |
| Community features | Kept the legacy console edition’s minigames, according to Mojang’s transition FAQ. | Bedrock features described at the transition included Marketplace content and servers. |
| Updates | Mojang said the old version would stop receiving updates after the new game’s official release. | The newer version replaced it as the Bedrock-based Switch game. For current feature details, consult official release information. |
| Switch-specific content | The 2017 announcement listed the Super Mario Mash-Up pack. | The official editions guide lists the Super Mario Mash-Up as Switch-exclusive and notes play-mode restrictions. |
Sources: Mojang’s 2017 Switch launch announcement, Better Together FAQ, Switch transition FAQ, and the official editions guide.
Can Switch players join friends on Xbox, mobile, or PC?
The newer Switch game supports Bedrock cross-play. Mojang’s Switch announcement named Xbox One, Windows 10, and mobile players as compatible Bedrock platforms. That does not mean it plays with every Minecraft edition: Java Edition is separate from Bedrock, so a Java player cannot join a Bedrock Switch world through ordinary cross-play. See the Better Together on Nintendo Switch announcement and the editions guide.
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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
For servers, the Better Together FAQ says console players can access partner servers; do not assume that the server options are identical to those available on PC or mobile.
Can you still play the old minigames?
Mojang’s transition FAQ said owners could continue to access the old Console Edition and its minigames after the Bedrock game arrived, while the old version would no longer receive updates. This is the stated transition policy, not a guarantee about today’s online-service availability. The FAQ also said the old console edition would not be available for new purchases after the full release of Minecraft on Xbox One and Switch.
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
Which one should you get for Nintendo Switch?
If you want the current Switch game, look for Minecraft Nintendo Switch game and confirm that the listing is for Minecraft for Nintendo Switch, not the older Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition. Mojang’s official editions guide uses the current name and describes the Switch-specific Super Mario Mash-Up, with play-mode restrictions. Current stock, price, and availability of the older game at any retailer are not established by the official sources cited here.
Worlds and purchases when changing versions
The transition FAQs discuss migration of worlds and content, but they include platform-specific details; they do not support a blanket promise that every old world, DLC item, or purchase transfers in every current situation. Check current Minecraft support guidance for your account and content before deleting or replacing an installation. The historical Switch FAQ also describes a purchase-synchronization procedure, but it should not be treated as current step-by-step support instructions.
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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
What about Minecraft on Switch 2?
Mojang announced a native Nintendo Switch 2 version with Vibrant Visuals for October 27, 2026. As of October 8, 2026, that date is in the future, so the version is announced rather than released. See Mojang’s Switch 2 announcement.
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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.
