E3 2017: Xbox One Getting Cross-Play With Nintendo Switch For Minecraft
Cross-play between Xbox One and Switch is happening.
There will be cross-play between Minecraft's PC, mobile, virtual reality, and even console versions. A Nintendo Switch logo was shown during a Minecraft trailer played during Microsoft's Xbox E3 2017 press briefing, and Mojang confirmed in a blog post that the Better Together Update will make allow for cross-platform with Nintendo Switch.
Going forward, Minecraft is going to essentially become covered by one version of the game, no matter what platform you're on.
"So going forward, the edition you'll find on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile, and VR will simply be known as 'Minecraft,' a separate entity from 'Minecraft: Java Edition,' which is the original PC game (that we'll continue to support, of course)," Mojang said. "This means when you buy 'Minecraft,' you're buying a game that can you can play with friends across devices."
If you own Minecraft for Xbox One or Switch already, you'll get the new version of Minecraft for free. All DLC and existing worlds that you've made will come with you to the new edition. Additionally, all DLC will be shared across platforms at no extra cost.
There was no mention of the PlayStation versions of Minecraft in the announcement today. We'll follow up with Microsoft about that at E3 and will report back with whatever we hear.
Additionally, an update for the game will add player-made skins, maps, textures, and "massive community servers."
Additionally, an update for Minecraft this year will add 4K support and more graphical options. There will be a Super Duper Graphics Pack (real name) that delivers these elements, including what looks like larger worlds and enhanced features like water reflections and shadows.
Microsoft's E3 2017 briefing has ended. If you missed it or want to catch up with all the news, you can check out this roundup of all the major announcements.
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