Minecraft has released its new dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version, and like many games, it comes as a free upgrade for existing Switch players—which is unusually being offered for only a limited time. Mojang’s iconic open-world sandbox game is one that has managed to remain eternally popular, and is thus widely available on many different platforms.
It took about 16 months for a Switch 2 version of Minecraft to materialize after the console’s debut last year. Those with Nintendo’s latest platform have so far been playing the original Switch version through backward compatibility. Due to the Switch’s aging hardware, that version of Minecraft doesn’t have all the bells and whistles supported by more capable machines. Minecraft’s new Switch 2 version closes that gap a bit, but eligible players need to claim their free upgrade before the chance is gone.
Minecraft Releases on Switch 2 With Limited-Time Free Upgrade
Switch 2 promo imageImage via Nintendo
The dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version of Minecraft is available now, having been released on October 27. For those that own a copy of Minecraft on the original Switch, a free upgrade to the Switch 2 version is available, but only until January 31, 2027. This gives players just three months to redeem their free upgrade before Minecraft’s Switch 2 version must be purchased separately. It’s full price upon release is $29.99.
This is a rather unusual rollout for a Switch 2 version. Such intergeneration upgrades are usually either free in perpetuity or are subject to a one-time fee, often five or 10 dollars. Anyone actively playing Minecraft on their Switch 2 is unlikely to miss the opportunity, as “an in-game message” will prompt them to upgrade, but anyone who plays sporadically may be stuck with an inferior version without paying for the newer one. Another oddity is that players in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand don’t have an option to upgrade for free at all.
What’s New in Minecraft’s Nintendo Switch 2 Version
Minecraft characters and mobs standing on top of a steep hill.
The big change in the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Minecraft is a visual overhaul. The Switch 2 is capable of running the Vibrant Visuals upgrade, which adds directional lighting and dynamic shadows, volumetric fog, screen space reflections, and other visual effects like bloom.
Minecraft on Switch 2 is available in its standard format, the Deluxe Collection, or the Ultimate Collection. All three will provide players with the Super Mario Mas-Up Pack, which includes special cosmetics, resources, and a world template, while the latter two offer varying additional digital items. There will also be physical Switch 2 copies of Minecraft available at a later, undetermined date.
An upgrade for Minecraft on the Switch 2 is more than welcome, but it’s a bit disappointing to see the free upgrade only available for a limited time. It’s a frustrating and anti-consumer choice by Mojang, which is under Microsoft’s purview. Worlds transfer over to this new version of Minecraft, so anyone who wants to continue playing on their new console should snag the upgrade sooner rather than later.
Systems
Released
November 18, 2011
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Mojang
Publisher(s)
Mojang
Engine
LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE