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 overhauls the way the game looks, adding in new visual effects to make the experience even more appealing.
Given that Microsoft tied this particular announcement to the confirmation of its Xbox One X console - which arrives later this year - many assumed the pack would be exclusive to that machine. However, speaking to Kotaku, rendering lead Cameron Egbert explained that it's actually going to hit all systems which are part of the "Better Together" update:
It will be anywhere that you can play Minecraft in the new version. It will improve any screen on which you play, but the best experience will be on Xbox One X.
That's great news for Switch owners, and means that the Nintendo version will be getting a handsome visual update this year.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments 64
Nice
Only ever had Minecraft on PC, but I'm seriously considering getting it on Switch now...
I wasn't too bothered either way as I'm fine with how the game looks as it is, but that's pretty cool that it's coming nonetheless.
You're welcome
I will definitely buy Minecraft on Switch now, though still waiting for that physical release.
Super Duper HD Blocky, eh ?
Hm... I prefer Portal Knights for Cartoonish looking characters and gorgeous environments (grass, flowers, plants, trees, water, snowy area, etc)
Absolutely cannot wait for it! (if only Sony would join the initiative. Always gotta have an extra piece of cake, doncha Sony?)
Oh, guess what ?
There is no ps4 server founded due to.... you know what I mean.
"but the best experience will be on Xbox One X."
Of course it is MS.
I find it hilarious that Xbox One X abbreviated is XBOX.
Oh you clever people, shame it's a terrible name.
I mean Xbox One X really, at least Scorpio had some sting in it's name.
Anyway, I m glad the Super Duper Switch is getting the Super Duper pack.
Oh wait, the Super Duper Nintendo,
Now there's a name.
Looks great. The old graphics look awful in comparison. Looking forward to getting a physical copy sometime.
@Freek They always could have named it XBox U
@mateq
Ewwww!
Ha, ha, too true.
@Freek Xbox One X = X O X
It's only good for playing Tic Tac Toe.
Imagine playing Tic Tac Toe in 4K and 60 fps... Wow! or Xox!
@mateq
Psst... Xbox One X could be simplified as Triple X. LOL
XboX one X. See ?
@Freek But Xbox is one word, so surely its XOX?
Super stoked about this! Cannot wait for this update!
I'm looking forward to this update and will probably get back into minecraft for a short time just to enjoy the new looks. Not sure I'll do it on Switch but it's tempting.
This might get me to play again. I just couldn't stand the visuals while playing on my Mac, and installing mods wasn't an option for me. This is the way Mincecraft should look in my eyes.
@Nintendian @Anti-Matter @chiptoon @Freek I have nothing against XBox and I think the new hardware is actually really impressive engineering and well-priced, but... for all you XBox name haters, here's a post I made elsewhere when I heard the new name for XBox One X:
"XBox One X. Too tempting to go for triple X I guess? Can't think of another reason for the name. I mean... It's an X type of Box and it's not just an X type it's the X type that is also X. And it's a box. Oh and it's just one box. One. It's the 4th one, but the second one with the word one in it. But you can tell because of the X... the SECOND X I mean... well, it's the second X standing alone. The middle x is just part of the box.
The whole thing is a box, mind you. It always has been, all 3 — 4 — versions. The first one, not the "one" was just one X, well two if you count the x in box, and the second had THREE because the x in sixty, but that's okay because the second also had the number 3 in 360. It was a complete circle all the way back to the original XBox which isn't the one.
No, the one which is the 3rd — and the 4th — is the "One". The XBox One ... and then also the XBox One with the X after it. The XBox One X is the latest. Not the XBox One. The XBox One X. I think the next "one" should be SMH Box."
@aaronsullivan
I was joking about xbox one x name.
I found something funny from that name.
Sorry, didn't mean to bully xbox one x name.
@Anti-Matter I understand that. I don't think anyone is piling on the XBox itself here, I just put that there so no one would think that I was mocking the machine.
@aaronsullivan I'm no hater! I think the name is just fine - I just wish people would abbreviate it to XOX, which I think is adorable.
I've also never wanted an Xbox as much as the XOX. Its a lot of pay cheques away, but I'm really keen to build a 4K home theater system and the XOX goes right along with that.
I have to get this version now...
@chiptoon Haha. I can see I got into trouble with the "name hater" label. Sorry, everyone. I just enjoy the absurdity of their naming over the years. So adamant not to use meaningful numbers or names that the progression is now inscrutable.
Not to mention that the original name meant nothing related to what it is. It sounds like a patent on a way to construct cardboard boxes.
Nintendo has the foundation of Entertainment System or Family Computer or GameBoy or Dual Screen. PlayStation makes sense, as well, and probably has the best name. Wii wasn't a very good name, but at least it suggested playing as a group and inclusion if you said it out loud (but they made the huge mistake of separating it from the Nintendo name). XBox glommed on to a generation label and put them in a box; no suggestion of fun or interactivity, just limitations. Very Microsoft of that age. Microsoft has come a long way but they just can't solve the name issue; they can't seem to think outside the ... box.
Hopefully we get a release date for the physical version soon. My kids adore Minecraft on the ps4 and really want it on the switch!
Has no one ever Tried King Arthur's Gold?
Finally, Microsoft decides to make Minecraft look (almost) as bad as the myriad of clones!
Was glad to hear about this. Very cool.
@Jacob1092
If you have paid for the PC version, you can get a code for the Windows 10 version through your Mojang account. If you activate that and wait until the update, you'll essentially be able to get the Switch version for free.
@redd214
You can just download it onto the Switch. It would be easier than waiting for a physical release, due to it always being on the system, without your kids having to switch out the games.
@twadezelda3dsxl of course I know I can download it. I would prefer a cartridge for this game. Not worried about them changing games as they take great care of things
@twadezelda3dsxl ...Wait, come again? By "essentially get the Switch version for free" do you mean it'll be exactly the same game, but just on my PC or do you mean I'll have a version on my Switch? And if so, how does that even work? Or have I got this very wrong?
Have never played minecraft .. think I will take the plunge and download in the near future .
@aaronsullivan My problem with the X1X name is a little more practical.
How many thousands of conversations will there be like this holiday in TRU, Walmart, Gamestop and Target?
CSR - Can I help you?
Parent - I'd like to buy an Xbox for my kid for Christmas.
CSR - Which one?
P - Yes the Xbox 1, that's the one.
CSR- No, no, which 1 would you like, the Xbox 1S or the Xbox 1X?
P- Yes OK that one.
CSR- Yes to which 1?
P- The Xbox 1.
CSR-No wait, you don't understand, the Xbox 1 "S" or the Xbox 1 "X"?
P-You just said the same thing twice.
CSR-No, there are 2 different Xbox 1, the 1S and the 1X.
P-They made an X-rated Xbox? Well we have kids so give us the other one.
CSR-The Xbox 1S?
P-No, the PS4 other one.
CSR-The Pro or the Slim?
P-WHAT?!?! Forget it, just give us a Switch.
CSR-Great choice. We should have some in stock in February or March.
And another low blow to PS4 owners. Now they know how Nintendo fans feel when they miss out on DLC, including if they are free.
@aaronsullivan (reads comment #19)
Aaannd.... now I have a headache...
already sunk sooooooooo many hours on my switch on this & still I try & swim in the lava
@redd214
I didn't mean that they might damage it, more that it's just more convenient for them and you. Either way, I hope they enjoy the Switch version.
@Jacob1092
With the updated version, all purchases are accessible on each device, so if you activate the Windows 10 version, you'll get the update activated when that goes live. Then you can just use that version as the activated version on your Switch. At least it should do, unless it's only DLC that's accessible with only one purchase.
@rjejr That sounds a hell of a lot like "Hu's on first" the fake Bush vs Rice conversation...
@rjejr lol brilliant
@aaronsullivan While it's an incredibly dated reference, the XBox was originally the DirectXBox, and was shortened before release. Although naming it after a generation would be hilarious.
@twadezelda3dsxl Thanks for clearing that up! Sounds awesome
Hopefully you can toggle the enhanced graphics stuff on and off--because I don't actually like some of it.
This is fantastic news. I don't actually like Minecraft. I don't actually even understand what you're supposed to be DOING in Minecraft, it seems tedious and the crafting system seems massively overcomplicated, and I just don't understand how children are the main group playing this thing at all!? And yet, as a Minecraft for Swtich owner, I'm giddy, since the Super Dooper Graphics pack was, IMO the best announcement for X1X at the MS show. Seeing it come to Switch means I'll probably fire up the game again to take another look at the pack....maybe with cleaner textures I'll be able to understand what I should be doing more, somehow.
@aaronsullivan That was beautiful. Don't forget that the XBox One X (Can't go with XXX, Senran Kagura is a Nintendo exclusive), runs Windows 10, which is the successor of Windows 8.1 which is actually a different OS than Windows 8 which is 3 versions after Windows 2000, but it's great to know that the XBox One X (not XBox One S) which is really XBox 3.75, is running Windows 10, because you could wrongly assume XBox One S is running Windows 10 S. While XBox One S is in fact better than XBox One (which is XBox 3), but worse than XBox One X, Windows 10 S is in fact considerably worse than Windows 10.
I've found life to be much simpler to just recognize it as the XBox One U. It's a name that makes a lot more sense and is much more memorable. And people gave Iwata a hard time about bad naming.....
@rjejr I'll admit, I laughed
@rjejr truly great
@NEStalgia
Oh, yeah! How did they let the S name happen on both products? That is a terrible mixup.
@link3710
Good point. I may have known that once. What does the X in DirectX mean?
@rjejr LOL and probably not far from reality.
oh wow - graphics.
@sp_initiate-001 why exactly is it a low blow?
@aaronsullivan
I think the next one should be -xxXXboxXXxx-
I love how a lot of the comments here are about the Xbox's naming convention. Hilarious. I bet the Xbox One X will run a new version of Mac OS X, or better yet, Windows 10 S X. ...Wait... S...X...
...IT'S THE SA-X!
KILL IT! KILL IT! KILL IT! KILL IT!
cocks rawket lawnchair
explosion
...Ahhh...
...
HOLY!
contacts orbital friendship cannon
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
...Ahhh...
...
Why is Minecraft's genre "Education"? What is contained in this game to academically improve?!
xSMHBoxx
@rjejr
lol... that made my day!
(though the end result is pure fantasy, I believe)
@NEStalgia @aaronsullivan
Wait, I am uncertain: Did either one of you with your posts mean to hint on the possibility that the "X" is also a 10? That's actually what I wanted to add... and now I am unsure if you already have.
Background: A German gaming website speculated shortly before the E3 reveal what Project Scorpio would ultimately be called. They wondered about Xbox 10, because of MS's plans to move Xbox and Win10 games closer together (the "Play Anywhere" initiative; though we all know who offers the TRUE Play Anywhere experience...). It made sense to me. Funnily enough after the presentation the same guys didn't even realize that they may have been right on target, because they discussed the "X" branding without ever picking up the inherent "10" again... Didn't they realize this? I thought it strange. They may in fact have been right with their guess. More or less. It might indeed be part of it (the best names have multiple meanings like that).
@Anti-Matter
Portal Knights looks better to me, too, but unfortunately the reviews are not so favorable... There seems to be very little to do. Basic gameplay is apparently okay, but it doesn't have the stamina. I had been looking forward to that, too, now I'm gonna wait for updates (IF they come and flesh out the game). (or go for Minecraft after all).
@Hikingguy
Wonderful story. I can just picture it. Thanks for sharing. Goes to show that not everybody looks at games (in general or specific ones) the same way. And of course that Super Duper Graphics are not all that matter after all, no matter what others say! And right she is!
@gortsi Sony's refusal to allow cross-platform for Minecraft is the reason why this pack is not coming to PS4, hence the use of the term 'low blow'.
@JunkRabbit I don't actually think the X is a reference to 10. Actually I hope it isn't, "The XBox One Ten......." would be an even worse name. "XBox, Xbox 360, XBox One, XBox One S, XBox 110"......that DOES sound horribly consistent for Windows naming schemes
But I don't think they're doing that for two reasons. First the whole symbology of "X=ten=cross" thing that we get as Japanese game fans, just doesn't carry over to American conventions..... The roman numeral X does indeed mean 10, but unless it's used explicitly as a numeric, nobody would think too deeply into the number.
Second, that would actually damage their brand synergy to imply the 1X is the "windows 10" associated one since ALL XBox One's are Windows 10 associated. I don't think they'd actively sabotage the Windows association to the whole product line since Windows 10 is their most precious product.
@sp_initiate-001 yeah, true, but that's not the only reason, the developers explained that a lot of the changes they'll be making are based on the game being a unified platform from now on (single-buy DLC, infinite worlds, etc.) regardless of the device it's played on, so I totally understand why they don't want to bother with the one edition of the game that doesn't want to play ball.
Nani
@JunkRabbit
Something that still on my mind between Minecraft / Growtopia and Basic RPG games. Why kids nowadays don't like to play such a complexful RPG games like we used to play some RPG such as FF VIII or Zelda or FF Tactics ? They tend to like Brainless games like Minecraft. Even Portal Knights still has some very Understanding Quest or Missions to do. And I found something interesting here. Some of my clever students tend to like deep thinking games such as RPG games like Zelda Breath of the Wild / Monster Hunter / any kind of deep thinking games, while for some not so clever students tend to play Brainless games with No Objectives No Direction No Thinking at all. Also, some of kids nowadays tend to give up easily for a bit difficult games, refuse to learn a lot from complex games or games with many challenges like Rhythm games / Platformer games / etc. Very few or rare to see nowadays kids with Strong Will to mastering specific games until they can finished or beat it. Well, how about nowadays kids in your place ? Same worst with my case ?
@Anti-Matter I know you weren't talking to me but I find it interesting that you'd label a game like Minecraft that is often dependent on fertile imagination for people to enjoy it as "brainless". It is a creative tool to some, a light survival game plus open exploration game to others and a place to build complete computer simulations to others. It's sort of like calling LEGO brainless. Or computer programming brainless.
Meanwhile, finding strategies and understanding RPG mechanics in highly limited fashion often takes quite a bit less thought and skill and, in fact, grinding for experience in those types of games makes me feel like a zombie, brainless.
Games aren't necessarily bound to high competition or overcoming super hard challenges. They can also be conduits of rich creativity which, to my mind, is deep thinking as well.
Plenty of people just want a dopamine drip, though. So, rewards for doing nothing are a problem.
@Anti-Matter
What he said. Exactly my thoughts. Couldn't have put it better (probably only worse in fact, less to the point; sorry to everyone having suffered from that lately...). Thanks @aaronsullivan !
@Anti-Matter
Anti-Matter wrote:
But Anti-Matter, have you asked yourself...
The Super Duper Graphics pack reminds me of a special Wii U game called CUBE LIFE: ISLAND SURVIVAL.
Confusing times we're in. A competitor supporting the switch while third parties are messing up when it comes to supporting it, looking at you Capcom (supporting XBO over the switch in their home territory, are they insane?)
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