The Nintendo Switch has been off to a start so strong it took even Nintendo by surprise. As devices still flying off the shelves, game developers are preparing new titles to appeal to the Switch’s buyers. From today, Minecraft has been added to the growing catalogue of available games, giving the console extra appeal to Minecraft’s extensive audience of younger players.
Minecraft Nintendo Switch Edition has been developed to take full advantage of the Switch’s convertible form factor. It works when the Switch is docked and when it’s mobile and supports the console’s Joy-Con and Pro controllers. Irrespective of the mode used, the game will render at 60fps, albeit only in 720p resolution. This limitation will frustrate gamers looking for a Full HD experience.
If you’re a multiplayer gamer, Mojang has included support for eight-player worlds online and between local devices. If you’d rather play together from one console, there’s a split-screen mode for up to four players when the Switch is connected to a TV. The options should let you play together whether you’re in the same room, same house or scattered across the world.
The popular Minecraft mini games present on other console versions of the title have been included with the Switch edition. Battle and Tumble let you partake in competitive action within the world of Minecraft, extending the game’s core elements with additional options aimed primarily at multiplayer games.
The Switch version of Minecraft will also support skin packs, add-on worlds and texture packs too, letting you customise your in-game experience. Each purchase will come with a selection of free add-ons including the Chinese Mythology, Greek Mythology, Halloween, Festive and Redstone Specialists packs already popular with Minecraft fans using other platforms.
Nintendo customers will get an extra freebie too that pays homage to the company’s iconic Mario franchise. The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack will be exclusive to the Switch edition and includes a Mario-themed texture pack, a selection of customised options, over 40 Mario skins and the soundtrack from Super Mario 64.
The Nintendo Switch is the latest platform Microsoft has launched Minecraft on since acquiring its creator Mojang close to three years ago. In that time, Microsoft has focused on expanding Minecraft’s cross-device presence, emphasising the mobile editions of the game at the expense of the classic desktop edition.
The launch of the Switch version brings Minecraft to another set of players while also debuting a new way of experiencing the game. According to early reviews, the Switch’s transformable form factor lends itself well to Minecraft’s style of play.
Minecraft Nintendo Switch Edition is available now for digital download from the Nintendo Store in North America. It will roll out in Europe and Japan tomorrow, followed by a physical version in stores later this year.
