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On the original Nintendo Switch, download Minecraft—the current Switch game, which runs Bedrock Edition. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is a separate, older 2017 release. Java Edition is not available for Switch.
Which Minecraft should you download?
Search the Nintendo eShop for Minecraft, without “Nintendo Switch Edition” in the title. Minecraft’s Switch update instructions direct players to find the game in the eShop. Nintendo identifies the current Switch release as Bedrock Edition in its Minecraft listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PIew9m20L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
This is not a choice between Java and Bedrock downloads for Switch: Minecraft’s edition comparison lists Java for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and Bedrock for Nintendo Switch and other supported platforms. Java Edition is not a Switch download.
How is it different from Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition?
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is the older, distinct game released in 2017. Nintendo says it stopped being sold through the eShop after June 21, 2018; existing owners can continue playing or re-download it and can upgrade to the newer Minecraft. See Nintendo’s legacy listing.
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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
If you own the older game, starting it provides a route to the newer game, according to Minecraft’s Switch instructions. Nintendo says owners can convert worlds, and that conversion may take time. That guidance is for the older Switch Edition; it does not establish a direct transfer path for worlds from Wii U Edition.
What to check before playing online
- Cross-play: The Switch release is Bedrock, so cross-play is for friends using compatible Bedrock releases. Minecraft Help says players need matching editions and game versions.
- Nintendo Switch Online: Minecraft Help lists a Nintendo Switch Online subscription as a requirement for online multiplayer on Switch.
- Microsoft account: Console players need a Microsoft account to use cross-play.
See Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements for the stated online conditions. Nintendo Switch Online is relevant to online multiplayer, not to choosing or playing the Switch edition itself.
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
What about Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo lists a separate Minecraft release for Nintendo Switch 2, with a release date of October 27, 2026. As of October 8, 2026, that date is still in the future; it is not the download for an original Switch. Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing says Nintendo Switch worlds can be carried over. The release date and migration details may change before launch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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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
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.
