The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Minecraft will be a free digital upgrade for specific users, and qualifying players only have until the end of January 2027 to take advantage of the offer. Minecraft launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Tuesday, October 27, with digital pre-orders now available starting at $29.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
The offer came a few months after information about the upcoming Switch 2 port was first teased via ratings listed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Like previous iterations, Minecraft on Switch 2 will be rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ for fantasy violence, in-game purchases, and user interactions. Ergo, players should not expect to see many differences between Minecraft on Switch 2 and other console ports released to-date. However, some users who played the game on a Switch console will have a tempting offer to claim.
Minecraft’s Switch 2 Upgrade is Only Free For Some Users
Nintendo and Mojang confirmed that upgrading to the Switch 2 version of Minecraft: Standard Edition will be available as a free option starting October 27. However, this offer comes with a few caveats for users. First, the upgrade is currently exclusive to all digital editions of Minecraft released on the original Switch. Second, users in Japan and Taiwan must pay a small fee to obtain the upgrade, where customers must pay 100 yen and 30 NTD, respectively. Finally, the free Switch 2 upgrade is only available until the end of January 2027. Ergo, qualifying users have approximately three months after the Minecraft Switch 2 port goes live on October 27 to upgrade at no additional cost. Additionally, users can also pre-order the Deluxe and Ultimate Collections at a discount if they are eligible for the free Switch 2 digital upgrade. Pre-orders are now available via the Nintendo eShop.
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Image via Mojang -
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Image via Nintendo
As of this writing, it is unclear if users with a physical copy will have a similar upgrade path. Neither Nintendo nor Mojang have revealed if that will be the case. All versions of Minecraft on Switch 2 will come with the Nintendo-exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up Pack. The pack can also be played with the Vibrant Visuals graphical setting, which adds more realistic lighting and shadow effects to the game world. However, Vibrant Visuals cannot be accessed in split-screen mode or when using specific Marketplace Worlds. All Minecraft data from the original Switch edition will carry over to the Switch 2 port.
The launch of Minecraft on Switch 2 will come at a busy time for the sandbox franchise. Mojang stated that the next Minecraft content Drop will include an underground Ice Cave biome that players can explore. The Ice Caves will also introduce frozen zombies as a new variant of one of Minecraft‘s most known enemies. Frozen zombies can throw snowballs at players, making them a ranged threat to unsuspecting spelunkers. The upcoming Drop has no release date, so fans must wait for more information.
Additionally, Minecraft will add a new dimension called the Sift sometime in 2027. The Sift is currently explorable in Minecraft Dungeons 2, so interested players can still get an idea of what to expect when it arrives in Minecraft‘s Java and Bedrock Editions.
- Released
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November 18, 2011
- ESRB
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E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
