Xbox Game Studios’ biggest export has a new home. Minecraft launched on Nintendo Switch 2 on 27 October, and the bit we care about is the one the launch post doesn’t shout about: the game you sign into is still very much an Xbox game.
According to Mojang’s announcement on minecraft.net, the Switch 2 version comes with Vibrant Visuals, Minecraft’s lighting and atmosphere upgrade, plus the Nintendo-exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, now reworked for those visuals with 15 music tracks and 40 skins. It’s sold digitally as the Standard Edition, Deluxe Collection or Ultimate Collection, with a physical Standard Edition at retail.
Your Xbox profile comes along for the ride
Mojang’s help centre lists Switch 2 alongside the other Bedrock Edition versions, and confirms you can sign in with a Microsoft account on Switch 2 using an eight-digit linking code, which syncs your progress and Marketplace content.
That matters because, as the Bedrock achievements help page puts it, “Achievements are tied to your Xbox profile, so you will need to sign in to Minecraft with a Microsoft account to earn them.” The usual small print still applies: Survival mode only, an internet connection, and no cheats or Creative mode in that world. So yes, you can chase Gamerscore on a Nintendo handheld. Strange times.
Free upgrade for existing digital owners
If you already own Minecraft digitally on the original Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 Standard Edition for free in most regions until 31 January 2027 at 9am PT. The upgrade path help page puts the discounted step up to the Deluxe Collection at $9.99 and the Ultimate Collection at $19.99 during that window. Physical owners get an in-game offer to upgrade at a discount instead. Either way, your existing worlds carry over.
Minecraft on Nintendo Switch 2 at a glance
- Out now (launched 27 October 2026)
- Includes Vibrant Visuals and the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack
- Microsoft account sign-in supported; Bedrock achievements are tied to your Xbox profile
- Free digital upgrade for existing digital owners until 31 January 2027, 9am PT (most regions)
Keep up with everything Minecraft on our Minecraft hub.
