Topic: Confusion about Minecraft switch versions?

I'm rather confused. On the Nintendo Switch eShop there's "Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition" (already released) and also "Minecraft" (releases on the 21st of July, 2018). What is the difference between these versions? The eShop is quite unclear about the differences so I would appreciate any information.
If it helps, my main concern is that I'd like to play cross-platform with my friend who will be using PC.

Thanks for your help, Kyle.

“Minecraft” is the version of the game that is compatible with cross-platform multiplayer. It is a different build of the game mostly unrelated to the switch edition.

Once it comes out, the switch edition will be removed from the eshop, but owners of it will be able to upgrade to the new version for free, and they will get to keep the old switch edition too. As a separate game.

As for main differences, the new version has:

-Infitine worlds.
-cross platform multiplayer.
-a different user interface.
-integration with Xbox live.
-its own dlc shop with its unique currency, shared with all systems that support this version of Minecraft.

Etc.

@Yosheel Ah okay, thanks for your in-depth answer! Really helps me out

I suggest anyone interested in Minecraft on Switch to buy the Switch Edition before it is pulled. After that point it will not be updated; however, while the new edition will have many improvements, it will also adjust the user interface to a point where many might prefer the old, traditional interface.

To that end I could see plenty of people sticking to their Switch edition simply for the sake of familiarity. Not to mention, it remains to be seen what other issues may arise with the new edition. Better to hedge those bets... The cost will likely be the same eitherway, this way just present more options.

@ACK will they keep online alive on the Switch Edition even after its pulled from the store?

Another plus for the switch edition is that it has minigames that are not present in the new edition.

I don't know how long will the online survive, but I don't think it will be cut down immediately.

@ValhallaOutcast I imagine they will. I believe all versions (such as Vita, Wii U, 360, etc...) still support online, so it wouldn't be in character to shut it down, but can't say for sure until the time comes. One benefit of the Switch version is it will always support local wireless, which is ideal for playing with kids and such.

The Better Together edition will support Realms, which are persistent dedicated servers... So I guess they could try to push people down that route. But I will be surprised if they pull online support.

For reference, the same Better Together/Bedrock Edition came to Xbox One this past winter and online in the Xbox One Edition still functions unchanged. As far as I know, Microsoft has never implied any sort of online cutoff. Further, some minigames are only available in the older versions, so there is some incentive to maintain the online features.

The good thing is that you'll get both versions for one price, so there isn't much risk, rather just the benefit of having options.

One more thing: Microsoft claims all worlds created in the old version will be waiting for you in the new edition. So there doesn't seem to be any real downside to starting in starting on the Switch Edition and migrating over if necessary.

@ACK good point

Except none of the new stuff would be in the old world I think, you would have to make a new one from scratch or increase the old one.

That's both correct and incorrect.

Minecraft won't modify the existing parts of a world, but anything you haven't generated yet is free game for the world builder.

If you load an old world in the new game and try to explore beyond the old limits, or visit places in the world you hadn't yet before the transfer, the game will start generating new stuff as if it was a new world.

So in short, anything you haven't seen yet doesn't exist. The game generates it along the way.

Has it been confirmed we are getting the new version for free if we have the old one, or just speculating? It makes sense but I just want to make sure because it scares me a little..

Also, if the worlds are carried over, will the DLC purchased carry over too? I know it didn't from Wii U to Switch but especially because they just released another pack it seems like it definitely should.

Yes, owners of the old version will get the new one for free. This already happened on the Xbox one.

Yes, dlc will transfer to the new version. Or at least most of it, not sure at the moment.

https://minecraft.net/en-us/article/better-together-faq