Minecraft will release natively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, optimizing performance for the console and introducing graphical improvements. Find out all the confirmed details below.
Minecraft Switch 2 Version Arrives October 27
Third Time's the Charm
Minecraft will launch natively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27. The release includes optimization for the console, support for Vibrant Visuals, and save transfers from the original Switch version. The returning Mario-Themed Mash-Up pack is included as part of the release.
This is the third time that Minecraft was released on Nintendo’s Switch family of consoles. The first was with 2017’s Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition. The Bedrock Edition followed in June 2018 and added cross-platform multiplayer and other features. Players who owned the 2017 edition received Bedrock for free.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed whether existing owners will receive the Switch 2 version for free or at a discounted price, but the post stated a "digital upgrade path" will be available.
Super Mario Mash-Up Returns
The Super Mario Mash-Up pack makes a return for Minecraft’s launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, adding official Mario-themed cosmetics. As of the Switch version, the pack contains 40 player skins, 5 locations like Bowser’s Castle, texture replacements for most mobs, baby variants, and items.
There's also an option to start in the pre-made world filled with many easter eggs and music tracks from the Mario series to find. The free cosmetic pack has been a recurring feature in Nintendo console versions of the game, as it also appeared in the Wii U and 3DS editions. The pack is also receiving an update to make the most of the Vibrant Visuals graphics.
Vibrant Visuals is the Default Graphics Mode
Minecraft on Nintendo Switch 2 will be running developer Mojang’s Vibrant Visuals, an official built-in graphics update for Minecraft that was initially released for the Bedrock Edition. In Mojang’s blog post discussing its features, the developers stated that they worked on "visual elements such as directional lighting, volumetric fog, and more."
Vibrant Visuals also pays close attention to emissive textures that should have more glow, like certain mobs and items. For example, a spider’s eyes should radiate more in the dark, while torches will cast a bright trail to follow. This same effect also applies to bioluminescent blocks like the Sculk.
This graphics update is backwards compatible with old worlds, so it works seamlessly when playing with other players without the feature. The Nintendo Switch 2 will render Minecraft using Vibrant Visuals as the default settings and extends to supported content in the Minecraft Marketplace.
Switch Problems Remain Unanswered
While many players are excited to play Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch 2, one of the biggest concerns is whether the upcoming version will eliminate the Switch release’s long-reported 2GB save-data ceiling.
The issue concerns how Worlds, downloaded resource packs, and other Minecraft content accumulate within the same save location, causing many issues like slow load times and crashes. What makes this issue even more frustrating for players is that the hard limit on save file data is per game, per profile, meaning that it won’t use the additional space on the memory card even if there’s room for it.
Players have been reporting this issue since Minecraft's Switch release, yet these issues persist today. Those who maintain long-running worlds, frequently use Redstone for complex builds, or have an extensive Marketplace library are more likely to reach their memory limit faster.
Overall, the native Nintendo Switch 2 release of Minecraft will use the graphical improvements from Mojang's Vibrant Visuals alongside optimization for the console. While the attention to visuals have been confirmed by the developers, fans are also interested in whether the console's stronger hardware will fix performance issues or integrate some of its newer features like the Joy-Con 2's mouse support.
Nintendo is yet to provide finer details such as the digital upgrade path, including its price and whether owners of physical copies will qualify. For now, prospective buyers will need to wait for any updates regarding the differences of the native edition from the existing Nintendo Switch version available through backward compatibility.
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Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 is coming October 27th!
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