Minecraft is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year
Minecraft is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 as a native release, Nintendo announced during its latest Direct presentation. While the game has been playable on Switch 2 since launch through backwards compatibility, this new version is specifically optimized for the console hardware and will feature significant visual enhancements.
The Switch 2 version of Minecraft will include the “Vibrant Visuals” graphics upgrade, bringing improved visual elements alongside enhanced lighting and shadow effects. These improvements should deliver a noticeably better-looking experience compared to the original Switch version, taking advantage of the Switch 2’s increased processing power.
A quality-of-life feature for upgrading players is world carryover—any Minecraft worlds created or played on the Nintendo Switch version can be transferred to the Switch 2 version, ensuring no progress is lost for those moving to the new console.
The announcement comes after the game appeared in the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) classification database in recent weeks, which had tipped off players that a dedicated Switch 2 version was in development. Additionally, the Switch 2 release will include the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, adding Mario-themed cosmetics and content to the game.
While Minecraft has been available across numerous platforms—PC, Mac, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the original Nintendo Switch—this native Switch 2 release represents the first title-optimized version for Nintendo’s latest console. No specific release date beyond “later this year” has been provided.