Mojang has announced that the Bedrock edition of Minecraft will be making its way to the Nintendo Switch in June. This is exciting news but what exactly does it mean?
June 21, 2018: The Bedrock update is here!
If you have been waiting patiently for the Bedrock update, the day is finally here. You can now play Minecraft with your friends on Windows, VR, and mobile devices. The unified world we have all been waiting for is finally here (still looking at you Sony).
Keep in mind, that if you already own Minecraft on Switch, you can update to the Bedrock version absolutely free of charge! Get out there and build something amazing with your friends!
Previously, practically every version of Minecraft on various different platforms was constructed with its own unique codebase. The differences between each version caused a few problems in the world of Minecraft that needed addressing. First of all, varying codebases made it a lot more difficult to push out updates. When every version lives in its own bubble that means that every version needs to get its own update. Second, differing codebases makes it far more complicated to implement cross-play between different platforms.
The Minecraft Bedrock update will unify all versions under one codebase. This means that when developers want to push out an update to Minecraft, it should prove to be much easier to get it out to every platform at pretty much the same time. Most excitingly, the Bedrock update means that you will be able to play Minecraft on your Switch with friends on pretty much any other platform. That being said, it is no surprise that Sony continues to be a snotty brat who refuses to play nice with the other kids on the playground. That means no cross-play with friends playing Minecraft on PlayStation.
In addition, Switch players will gain access to the Minecraft Marketplace where you can pick up user-generated content like textures, skins, and entire worlds. You will also have access to community servers that will offer mini-games to spice up your Minecraft life.
If you are already a proud owner of the Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, you will get to update to the Bedrock Edition totally free of charge. If you have yet to dive into the world on Minecraft on Switch, you can pick up a digital version from the Nintendo shop or you can get an actual physical copy. Both will be available on June 21 for about $30.
This is great news for Switch owning Minecraft players who prefer to share the experience with friends. At last, all the platform tribes will be unified! (sidelong glance in Sony's direction)
Minecraft for Nintendo Switch: The ultimate starter kit
Are you stoked for Bedrock?
Shout out in the comments below!
Updated June 2018: Updated for the release of the Bedrock update!
