Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition Preview
Are you or your kids addicted to Minecraft? The game has been nothing short of a cultural phenomenon over the years, having appeared on pretty much every device known to man. Now, for the first time ever, you’ll be able have Minecraft with you on your portable and on your TV anytime you like with Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition.
Just like other versions of the game, you’ll be able to create your own worlds by placing various blocks and building whatever your heart desires. It’s not just about the creation aspect though, there’s plenty of adventure to be found inside Minecraft. In fact, you can connect with up to 8 other players online or locally via wireless connection. Of course the game also supports four player split-screen on the TV, and apparently even in Tabletop Mode, but we fail to see how that would be fun with such a small screen split four ways.
The game will support the Pro Controller for full camera control. Just like previous Minecraft console editions, this one will have a bunch of mini-games to play with friends as well. You will be able to play Battle, Tumble, and Glide (Glide will be available post-launch via a game update) modes where you fight for survival and high scores.
In addition to six content packs included for free, the Switch version also includes the Super Mario Mash Up pack, which has a ton of content exclusive to Nintendo:
- Super Mario‐themed skins including Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, as well as troublemakers like Bowser, Wario and all seven Koopalings
- Super Mario World itself! Professional Minecraft builders have remade the likeness of the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, with Mario‐themed versions of the Overworld, The Nether and The End for you to explore.
- So many Mario‐inspired surprises to discover, from islands shaped like Warp Pipes to towering sculptures of Nintendo’s iconic characters. We’ve recreated villainous hideouts, too: like Bowser’s Castle, Bowser’s ship, and Boo’s House.
- Super Mario‐style textures, numerous Mario‐thtemed puzzles, dozens of character skins and music from Super Mario 64 to enjoy
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition launches on May 11, 2017 in North America. It will be made available through the Nintendo eShop as a digital game purchase. It will come out later as a physical release, but no release date announcements have been made as of yet.
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
