Minecraft is coming to New 3DS systems, Nintendo confirmed during its Direct presentation Wednesday, Sept. 13. In fact, it's already out. Gamers don't have to wait: those who have a New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL can play it now.
This version of Minecraft includes both survival and creative modes. The game also bundles five skin packs and two texture packs, Nintendo said. There are traditional and touchscreen controls for inventory, map, crafting, and navigation. Use the touchscreen or buttons to travel Minecraft's blocky world.
Minecraft For 3DS Is Out Now, Physical Release Soon
Only the digital version has been available, but Nintendo will also launch a physical version at an unspecified date. Back in May, Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, released a version for the Nintendo Switch. It marked the first time the game was released on a portable Nintendo handheld console. Those who don't have a Switch but do have newer models of the 3DS can try this version out now. Meanwhile, owners of the original 2DS, 3DS, and 3DS XL are out of luck.
Minecraft
One of the most popular and successful games of all time, Minecraft launched in 2009 as an early access title. There are plenty of reasons why Minecraft is so popular, but no one has managed to explain it elaborately yet. Perhaps it's the do-what-you-want vibe of the game that ultimately gives gamers a sense of freedom.
Microsoft later acquired Minecraft in 2014 for a staggering $2.5 billion, but it remained available on a variety of consoles and platforms. Presently, Minecraft is still hugely popular in the gaming community, especially children. This isn't surprising: the sandbox game has this inherent "let's build" aspect that can hone one's imagination.
Minecraft has gone on to sell over 100 million copies across multiple platforms, including smartphones and tablets.
Make sure to watch the rest of Nintendo Direct for the latest 3DS and Switch announcements. There were quite a few more surprises. For one, Doom and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus are coming to the Switch. Nintendo has also confirmed that Skyrim for Switch will launch on Nov. 17, nearly a month after Super Mario Odyssey's Oct. 27 release. The Direct also includes plenty of new gameplay footage for the upcoming Mario game, in addition to previously unannounced in-game kingdoms.
Thoughts on Minecraft for 3DS? Do you think Nintendo should've released it for older 3DS systems as well? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
