Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition getting cross-platform play, Minecraft Realms this Summer
Update: Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is also getting the Super Duper Graphics Pack. Click here for more details!
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Yesterday, during the Microsoft E3 2017 press conference, a couple of announcements for Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition were made. And the first is a pretty big deal: this Summer, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition will be no more. Truly the end of the line, barely a few months after launch…
… ok, it’s not going away, it’s just changing its name. It will be called Minecraft, quite simply. Indeed, the game is getting cross-platform play this Summer, as part of a massive update called “Better Together”, that will unify the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile and VR versions of the game. It’s actually something the developers have been interested in doing for ages, and it’s finally about to become a reality.
Basically, there will be one version of the game, that’s consistent no matter what device you choose to play on. That’s why Minecraft: Nintendo Switch will simply become “Minecraft”. You will be able to play with friends across those devices: Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and VR devices.
Naturally, if you already own the game on Nintendo Switch, you will get the new version for free, and all your content will be transferred over (existing worlds, DLC, etc.). And the icing on top of the cake is that all DLC will also be cross-platform: buy it on Nintendo Switch, and you will also own it on the other platforms!
The Better Together Update will also bring a service browser to the start menu, and it will let you search a list of servers that you can join right away. Mojang will even launch 4 servers alongside the update: Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP, and Cubecraft, with more to follow. Naturally, there will be parental controls and safety features, to make sure your kids don’t end up on a less than commendable server… More details coming at a later date.
Speaking of servers, the Nintendo Switch version is also getting Minecraft Realms this Summer. It’s not a separate game, but instead a private server for you and your friends. This allows you to keep your worlds online and always accessible, even when you’re not playing. Naturally, you’re the one who decides who gets in, no strangers allowed in your world!
You can have up to 10 friends (+ you) playing on the server, but there’s actually no limit to the number of people you can invite. That way, if you have friends all around the world, they will be able to play while you’re asleep for example. As soon as your friend are on your approved list, they can join your world at any time, even if you’re not online.
What’s more, what do you on you server is totally up to you and your friends! The best part? They don’t even have to pay, only the owner of a Realm does. Naturally, Minecraft: Realms isn’t free: you need to pay for it, with monthly subscriptions and all, but we don’t have any details on pricing just yet. In the mean time, you can check out more details on this page!
The “Better Together Update” for Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch) will be released this Summer, worldwide.
Source: Mojang
