Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition News
May2022
Feature There's No Storytelling Like Minecraft's Exquisite Emergent Narrative
Story time!
It's the fifth anniversary of Minecraft's Switch release today, and we're celebrating the only way we know how: By writing lots of words about it. Hooray! I was away from home when my house caught on fire. I didn't even hear about it until the next day, when it was far too late: The beautiful Tudor-style cottage was naught but a...
February2019
News Famitsu Report Reveals Japan's Highest-Selling Games And Top-Selling Hardware In 2018
Nintendo dominates the competition
2018 was a big year for Nintendo, with the Switch and the system's library of the games dominating the charts for many months of the year worldwide. Famitsu has now published its own report, revealing the top 10 highest-selling video games and top-selling hardware in Japan last year. According to the estimates...
September2018
Soapbox Nintendo's Excuses Regarding Cloud Saves Aren't Good Enough
The onus is on Nintendo to find a way to combat cheaters
Soapbox features enable our individual writers to voice their own opinions on hot topics, opinions that may not necessarily be the voice of the site. In this piece, Nintendo Life Operations Director Darren Calvert voices his opinion on the state of Switch cloud saves, and why Nintendo needs to...
August2018
News Nintendo Grabbed Every Top Ten Spot In Japanese Charts Last Week, Minecraft On Top
The dominance continues
As has been the case for a while now, Nintendo dominated the Japanese gaming charts once again last week, taking every single top-ten spot and securing 17 of the top 20 chart positions. Last week was Obon in Japan, a traditional custom that has become a major holiday in the region, so no new games were released into the...
News Japan Retailer Reveals Its Minecraft Sales On Switch Rapidly Outsold Wii U Version
Positive signs
The Wii U era was a difficult time for all games released on the platform. It didn't matter how big the game or series was, it still struggled due to Nintendo's inability to sell the system worldwide. Even Minecraft - one of the most popular games of the generation - couldn't gain sales momentum. With sales of Nintendo's current...
News Mojang Redesigning Minecraft’s Game Menus With Help Of Paper Prototype Kits
Submit your own ideas
In a number of titles, slick and easy menu navigation is critical. Minecraft is one of those games reliant on a clean and responsive user interface. While its menus have undergone multiple revisions over the years, Mojang is looking to improve the overall design once again, this time with the assistance of the community...
News Minecraft Movie Delayed After Director Leaves Project
Under reconstruction
Troubled production cycles for movies based on popular video game franchises is seemingly ongoing. Minecraft: The Movie is now the latest one with problems, following Warner Bros. acquisition of Detective Pikachu. The film originally revealed by the game's creator Notch in 2014, when he posted about Mojang's partnership...
July2018
News Nintendo Wants To Help External Publishers Incorporate Cross-Play
"We are inclined to do what we can"
Cross-play has been a rather heavily-discussed topic just recently; Sony's reluctance to allow cross-platform play with other systems in Fortnite caused quite the stir, and this even led to Nintendo and Microsoft teaming up for a Minecraft trailer which seemingly
News Minecraft's Aquatic Update Phase Two Gets Wet And Wild Today On Switch
Water surpise
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition has just received its next big update, bringing with it the next section of the big Aquatic Update that's overhauled the game's base underwater elements. If you're big into Minecraft on Switch, you'll be pleased to see all the big things Phase Two is adding to Mojang's global hit: New...
June2018
Nintendo Download 21st June (Europe)
The European eShops have some new goodies
The Nintendo Download has arrived on the EU eShops, and that means lots of new games, DLC, demos and themes to add to your growing collection. Be sure to leave a vote in the poll below, and a comment with your hot picks from the latest digital haul. Enjoy! Switch eShop: Mario Tennis Aces (Nintendo,...
News Shots Are Fired In This New Minecraft Cross-Play Trailer
Your move, Sony
Nintendo and Microsoft are leading the cross-play revolution on consoles, but it's Sony's decision to remain out of this multi-platform party that has gained the most column inches of late. Not only has the company blocked cross-play on key titles like Rocket League and Fortnite, it has taken measure
Nintendo Download 21st June (North America)
Here are all the new games arriving on the NA eShops
The latest update to the Nintendo eShops in North America is here, and it's brought all manner of new and exciting games to your digital doorstop. Whether its a LEGO-themed blockbuster or a new addition to your growing HAMSTER collection, there's bound to be something to tickle your fancy. Be sure...
May2018
News Mojang Details Phase One Features Of Update Aquatic For Minecraft
Gloo gloo
Minecraft is one of those games that’s in a constant state of flux, with the developers wasting no time in adding new content through regular(ish) patches. The big “Bedrock” update is due to launch on the Switch on 21st June, adding in cross-platform play and a whole slew of other features. However, alongside the Bedrock update,...
News Minecraft's Platform-Unifying Bedrock Edition Arrives On Switch This June
A new physical edition will arrive alongside it
Things are a-changing in the world of Minecraft, and that includes one of the biggest updates the block-building phenomenon has ever seen - the Bedrock Edition. The new update will unify Xbox, PC and Pocket Editions into one shared platform, and it's going live next month. This new version game...
April2018
News You Can Now Play As Final Fantasy XV Characters In Minecraft For Switch And Wii U
The more the merrier
Minecraft is becoming a pretty nifty way to see your favourite characters from rival platforms have a presence on the latest Nintendo hardware; back in January we saw Banjo-Kazooie return to our screens (albeit in blocky form), and we recently found out that playing the game on Switch can net you Xbox
News Playing Minecraft On Nintendo Switch Will Soon Net You Xbox Live Achievements
Well we didn't expect this
We all know that the Switch doesn't have a built-in achievement system, and the debate over whether or not it would benefit the console will likely go on for some time, but this news throws a very interesting addition into the mix. Microsoft and Mojang have confirmed that, once the game's Bedrock update has gone live,...
February2018
News The Platform-Unifying Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Looks Like A Chip Off The Old Block
Crafting on Switch gets an upgrade
Unless you've been hibernating for the last few months, you'll know Microsoft and Swedish developer Mojang is hard at work on what they're calling the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft, a post-Better Together Update revamp that will unify the PC version, the Xbox versions and the all the Pocket Editions (including...
Nintendo Download 1st February (Europe)
The EU eShops have been updated, and we have all the deets
February has arrived and it's brought with it the very first Nintendo Download update of the month. And it's a huge haul too, with all sorts of new digital editions being uploaded across Nintendo's various eShops. As usual, your friends at Nintendo Life have gathered together every new game,...
January2018
News Nintendo Reveals The Top 30 Best Selling Digital Games On Switch In 2017
With major differences between Japan and the west
2017 was a fantastic year for digital titles on Switch; developers have been praising the system left, right, and centre for generating impressive sales, and consumers have had a wonderful variety of options to choose from for their gaming needs. Nintendo has now released lists revealing...
September2017
News Better Together Minecraft Update Goes Live, But Won't Arrive on Switch Until Winter
"There's a lot of work to do to make that happen"
While it became a global phenomenon while still a more humble sandbox experience, Minecraft has evolved in significant ways since Microsoft bought out Mojang. From regular content updates to multiple iterations it's kept expanding, but the 'Better Together' update is pitched as the biggest yet...
News Halo Is Coming To The Nintendo Switch, In A Fashion
Yup, it's a Minecraft mash-up pack
Fans of the Master Chief, rejoice! Microsoft's million-selling Halo series is finally coming to a Nintendo console - but before you get too excited, we should point out that it's happening under the guise of a Minecraft mash-up pack. The pack will become available on Switch thanks to the launch of Minecraft's new...
News New Range of Minecraft Themed Hot Wheels Cars Hit The Track This October
Imagine a Creeper on wheels
In recent times, the Hot Wheels brand has collaborated with a number of well-known video game franchises. The Super Mario series has received its own custom Hot Wheels line and games like Rocket League have even featured iconic Hot Wheels by including the Bone Shaker and Twin Mill...
August2017
Nintendo Download 31st August (Europe)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle! League of Evil! Zed Blade! Much more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the Nintendo Download Update in Europe. This week has brought us two retail titles and a few interesting download-only games on Switch, while a promising 3DS eShop game and various DLC packs across platforms are also up for grabs - along...
July2017
Nintendo Download 27th July (Europe)
Pikmin! Miitopia! Overcooked! Namco Museum! My Nintendo discounts! More!
The Nintendo Download Update is now live in Europe, and there's a lot going on. On the Switch we have seven downloads going live today and tomorrow, along with some DLC. The 3DS has three retail releases to consider along with download-only options, while the Wii U...
Video Digital Foundry Assesses the Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition 1080p Update
No need to block it out any more
Based on the Switch eShop charts Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition has, unsurprisingly, proven to be rather popular on the system. It's certainly worthy of praise for offering such a feature-rich version of the game that can also be played on the go, but one complaint at its launch was that it ran in 720p even when...
News Update For Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Enables 1080p Display When Docked
Switch from 720p to 1080p
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is a perfect match for the Switch - it's the same great game as always but with the added convenience of being able to play a full-fat version on the move. Perhaps one of the few downsides, however, was that the game would run in 720p, which makes perfect sense when playing the Switch as a...
"I feel like Zelda: BOTW might become my favourite game of all time"
It might be a struggle to explain to your grandparents exactly how big a deal YouTube is these days, but a few facts and figures usually help. Joseph "Stampy Cat" Garrett - one of the world's most popular Minecraft YouTubers - has over 8 million subscribers (not to mention...
June2017
Nintendo Download 29th June (Europe)
Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC! GoNNER! Switch discounts! More!
The European Nintendo Download Update is here, bringing with it some exciting retail DLC along with some interesting new download-only games. We have options across Switch, 3DS and Wii U to consider, along with the usual (and Switch) discounts doing the rounds. Check out the full line-up...
News Minecraft On Switch Will Also Get The Super Duper Graphics Pack
Super!
Minecraft is getting a big update this year thanks to the "Better Together" initiative which looks to unify all players across as many systems as possible - and that includes Switch. However, this news was just one part of Microsoft's E3 presentation - it also spent a lot of time talking about the Super Duper Graphics Pack, which drastically...
News Xbox Boss Wades In On Sony's Decision To Block Minecraft Cross-Platform Play
"That doesn’t seem healthy for anyone"
One of the big pieces of news to come out of Microsoft's E3 presentation was that Mojang is working to unify all versions of Minecraft so that whichever platform you happen to play on, you're always going to be part of a much larger community of fans. The Switch version of the game is one of the first...
Sony defends its decision to block cross-platform play
Cross-platform play is coming to the Switch in a big way thanks to Minecraft and Rocket League, both of which will allow Nintendo players to take on their Xbox and PC-owning friends. However, Sony - owner of the most popular console in the marketplace right now - isn't playing ball in either...
News Minecraft's Cross-Platform Update Is Coming To Nintendo Switch This August
Ahead of the PlayStation 4, surprisingly
Microsoft has announced that it intends to unify all versions of Minecraft under its "Better Together" update, and that the Nintendo Switch will be one of the first platforms to benefit. Due for release in August, the update will unite the game across (nearly) every platform, thanks to the Bedrock...
Nintendo Download 1st June (Europe)
Astro Duel Deluxe! Harvest Moon: Skytree Village! DLC galore! More!
The Nintendo Download Update is live in Europe so it's time to see what's on offer this time around. There's a retail arrival on the 3DS, while the Switch has a couple of download-only options to tempt you. The Wii U also gets into the action and there's plenty of DLC doing the...
May2017
News Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Gets Another Welcome Patch
Adventure Time Mash-up pack and Glide both arrive!
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition has got off to a great start so far, and the lovely folks over at 4J Studios are committed to updating the Switch edition to keep it in line with other versions of Minecraft, which in our eyes makes it one of the best versions available courtesy of the console's...
Feature Nintendo Life eShop Selects - May 2017
Games you might want to download...
The eShop is now onto a new generation of hardware with the Nintendo Switch, and as a little extra bit of goodness to accompany our reviews of the most intriguing releases our video man Alex is kicking off a new series. It's Nintendo Life eShop Selects, and assuming Nintendo doesn't complain that we've used the...
News An Adventure Time Mashup Pack is Coming to Minecraft
Well, why not?
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is just the latest edition of the phenomenally successful franchise. The Mojang-developed and Microsoft-owned IP has progressed from a scruffy but clever PC sandbox game to being dominant in the industry, proving successful on any platform it calls home. Part of its ongoing success is due to...
News 4J Studios Exploring a 1080p Update for Minecraft on Switch, As Screenshot Bug Fix is Released
Digital Foundry also assesses the blocky release
We've been impressed by Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, describing it as a standout version of the game in our review. It offers larger worlds to work with than the Wii U equivalent, and delivers the strongest portable version of the game currently on the market. It seems, too, that it can...
News Nintendo is Working on a Fix for the 'Sentient Switch' Screenshot Issue
Minecraft developer shares the news
Earlier this week we wondered whether a 'stability' Nintendo Switch update fixed an issue seemingly triggered by installing Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition. Users with the game found that it prompted the system to automatically take screenshots, for example, without any prompts or button presses. The...
News Has the New System Update Fixed the Screenshot Switch Glitch?
It seems not...
Update: Our colleague who has been encountering this screenshot issue since downloading Minecraft has been able to recreate it after applying the system update. Though Minecraft seems to be a trigger, it's not the only app that causes the problem - with Breath of the Wild running in the background and accessing 'All Software' the...
News Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Is Off to a Roaring Start on the eShop Charts
Block buster
As we went over in our review, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is certainly worth your time; the hybrid nature of the Switch makes this a version truly unlike any other, and it feels right at home on the platform. Given how well Minecraft tends to do on literally every platform it’s ever released for, it stood to reason that...
News Minecraft Plays a Prominent Role in New Japanese Commercial for Nintendo Switch
Fun with friends
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition recently landed on the Switch and we had a great time with it in our review. This is truly a game which benefits from the portability that the Switch offers, making it perhaps the ultimate version of Minecraft to play on-the-go. Minecraft on Wii U was a big hit in Japan, with many Japanese gamers...
News Minecraft Running At 720p Docked Isn't Due To A Lack Of Switch Power, Says Microsoft
Could a patch bring 1080p when docked?
Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch is amazing, as you'll know if you've consulted our review. However, you may have noticed that when running the game docked there's no visual boost over the handheld mode; both run at 720p. While some have guessed this is down to a lack of processing muscle on the part of the...
Nintendo Download 11th May (Europe)
Minecraft: Switch Edition! Dark Witch Music Episode! Eliot Quest! More!
The Nintendo Download Update is here, once again, and it's a busy line-up in Europe. We have four titles on the Switch eShop (though one actually arrived on 9th May), along with a whole lot of DLC. There are also varied options across 3DS and Wii U including a lot of...
Nintendo Download 11th May (North America)
Minecraft: Switch Edition! Garou! Elliot Quest! Erm, that's it!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week includes the arrival of one of the world's most popular games on Switch, along with another ACA Neo Geo treat; the 3DS gets its own version of a rather good Wii U eShop game, too. Let's get to...
Deals Get Ready For Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition With This Lovely Merch
Eat, sleep, mine, merchandise
The time has finally come, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is on the eShop for $29.99. You can explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles. Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in Survival Mode,...
News Minecraft Won't Take Up As Many Blocks On Your Switch As You Might Think
Neat and tidy
Minecraft launches on the Nintendo Switch tomorrow, giving us all another reason to lose months of our lives building worlds, fighting enemies and meeting up with friends. If you're currently on the fence about purchasing this title then perhaps knowing the file size will be enough to convince you to change your stance; according to...
April2017
Video Developers Show Gameplay Footage of Minecraft: Switch Edition
Yep, it's Minecraft
Minecraft is one of those games that seems like it'll never go away; a new port is made for essentially every platform that can feasibly run it. Still, even if it's expected to be more of the same, Minecraft: Switch Edition is a hotly anticipated release for Nintendo's new platform, and for good reason. The Joy-Con will allow for...
News Minecraft On Switch Compares Well To Other Versions, Wii U World Transfers Being Worked On
60fps world-building
Thanks to a recent Microsoft livestream we've now got a few details on how the upcoming Switch version of Minecraft compares to other versions on the market, and the good news is that it will comfortably outshine the Wii U edition. First up, the devs behind the port have revealed that Nintendo's console is very easy to work...
News Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Lands On 11th May
Build anything anywhere
Today's Nintendo Direct presentation included plenty of details, including the release date of Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition. Releasing digitally on 11th May, a physical version will be released at a later date. The game will include an exclusive Nintendo texture-pack which was included in the Wii U version of the...
February2017
Random Someone Has Made An Entire Pokémon Adventure Inside Minecraft
Complete with 136 'mon to catch
One of the most amazing things about Minecraft is that you can build almost anything - and that includes 80-hour adventures based around the world-famous Pokémon franchise. Pokémon Cobalt and Amethyst has a full storyline, a training and battle system, plenty of dialogue and 136 monsters to catch - which is done by...
