Minecraft players on the original Nintendo Switch will be eligible for a free upgrade to the game's upcoming Switch 2 edition, but this benefit is exclusively for those who own the digital version. Players who purchased the game on a physical cartridge will have to buy the Switch 2 edition separately. The new edition, featuring enhanced visuals and the ability to transfer save data, is set to launch on October 27th.
Digital Owners Receive Free Upgrade
Mojang Studios' sandbox title, which originally launched in 2011 and came to the Switch in 2017, has sold millions of copies on Nintendo's hybrid console. The Switch 2 version of Minecraft will cost $29.99, the same price as the original Switch edition. Digital owners must claim their free copy by January 31, 2027.
Physical Owners Left Behind
This decision has reportedly caused frustration among players who own physical copies of Minecraft. They will need to purchase the game again at full price to access the upgraded version. While the exact reasoning behind this distinction has not been officially confirmed, some speculate it may be a measure to prevent exploitation, similar to an issue encountered with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered where physical cartridge owners could obtain a free digital copy, potentially allowing for duplication across multiple Nintendo accounts.