The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft is set to be released on May 11, expanding the number of platforms where the popular block building game is playable.
Minecraft's launch to the Nintendo Switch is largely expected to draw the same success as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Both games were released for the Nintendo Wii U, which was considered a failure compared to its predecessor, the Nintendo Wii.
'Minecraft' For Nintendo Switch: Better Than The Nintendo Wii U Version
Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch does not add any new features, but it does include the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack that was released as DLC for the Nintendo Wii U version. This is similar to what was done for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which was released for the Nintendo Switch with all the unlockables unlocked except for Gold Mario.
The package contains content inspired by games such as Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario World. This includes 40 skins such as Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach; Super Mario textures; Super Mario World for exploration; and Super Mario 64 music.
The free inclusion of the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is not the only thing that sets the Nintendo Switch version apart from the Nintendo Wii U version though. The updated game will be running at 60 frames per second, and will feature a much bigger world compared to what can be found in its previous iteration. For the Nintendo Wii U, the maximum size of worlds was only 864 x 864 blocks, but for the Nintendo Switch, the maximum size has been increased to 3,072 x 3,072 blocks. This is 13 times larger, but still smaller than the massive worlds of 5,120 x 5,120 blocks that can be created on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions of Minecraft.
Players who purchased Minecraft for the Nintendo Wii U will eventually be able to transfer their creations to the Nintendo Switch version. The feature is not yet available, but developer Mojang promised that it is on its way.
The Nintendo Switch version also offers a multiplayer experience of up to four players on a single screen locally and up to eight players through an online server. The game, however, requires each player to have a pair of Joy-Cons, so a good number of extra controllers will be needed to maximize the multiplayer experience.
The game, however, comes with a certain limitation. There is currently no voice chat support for the Nintendo Switch, which means that multiplayer session on Minecraft will need a separate app for communication among friends.
Nintendo Switch 'Minecraft' Release Date
Minecraft will be released on the Nintendo Switch's eShop on May 11 with a price tag of $29.99.
The game will initially only be available as a download, but there will also be a physical release in the near future. However, there is no specified date yet for that version.
Minecraft fans who own the Nintendo Switch, however, should definitely give this version a look as it offers a powerful portable experience for the block building game. Super Mario fans, meanwhile, can also look forward to the upcoming bizarre crossover RPG with Ubisoft's Rabbids franchise.
