Minecraft on Switch 2 is out, and digital Switch owners get it free
The native Switch 2 version adds Vibrant Visuals and a Mario pack. Here is how the free upgrade works.
A native Nintendo Switch 2 version of Minecraft came out on October 27, and if your family already owns the digital Switch version, the upgrade costs nothing.
How the free upgrade works
Anyone who owns the digital Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft can get the digital Standard Edition for Switch 2 for free through the Nintendo eShop until the end of January 2027. It's a limited-time offer, and it covers most territories (Japan and Taiwan have a small fee). If you want more, digital owners can upgrade to the Deluxe or Ultimate Collection at a discount instead.
Physical Switch 1 copies aren't part of the free upgrade so far. If you don't qualify, the Standard Edition costs $29.99, with the bigger Deluxe and Ultimate Collections priced higher. There's also a physical Switch 2 version in stores, sold as a Game-Key Card.
What's new
The Switch 2 version supports Vibrant Visuals, Minecraft's graphics upgrade with better lighting and shadows, though it doesn't work in split-screen and some Marketplace worlds. Every version includes the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack. The Deluxe and Ultimate Collections add add-ons, character creator items and Minecoins, which only work inside Nintendo's ecosystem.
The Radazoid take
This is one of those rare times a game company gives you something for free and means it. If your kids already have Minecraft on a digital Switch, there's no reason not to claim it, just don't wait until February and find out you missed the window.
Fair warning: better lighting means your kids will want to show you every single house they build, at night, from every angle. Smile and nod. We made our parents watch us play Duck Hunt for an hour, so this is karma.
🛒 Printable 80s trivia, bingo & party games → Radazoid Shop
🖨️ Printable party games & trivia at Printable Barn →
Was this worth your time?
Where this came from
This story was compiled from the reporting below, then checked against it.
Sound off
Disagree all you want, swear if you have to (we'll #@$%! it out). No harassment, slurs, threats, spam or links. Comments are screened before they appear, and you'll get a daily heads-up when the conversation picks up. Your email is never shown.