Minecraft comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Mojang and Nintendo announced the date on August 5, and Mojang repeated it at Minecraft Live in September. As of October 1, that August announcement is still the only official word on the Switch 2 version: here is what it confirms, and what it leaves open.
What is confirmed
|
Official answer |
| Release date |
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 |
| Graphics |
Vibrant Visuals, set as the default visual experience |
| Vibrant Visuals limits |
Not in split-screen, nor in some Marketplace worlds and content |
| Super Mario Mash-Up pack |
Updated for Vibrant Visuals; exclusive to Nintendo versions |
| Players who own the Switch version |
"A digital upgrade path will be available"; "more details to follow" |
Vibrant Visuals by default
On Switch 2, Minecraft uses Vibrant Visuals as its default look. Mojang describes it as "enhanced lighting, shadow effects, and more", and says Marketplace content that supports Vibrant Visuals uses it too. A footnote in both announcements sets the limits: Vibrant Visuals is "not available in some gameplay, including split-screen and when using certain Marketplace Worlds and content". Couch co-op on one screen therefore keeps the classic graphics.
The Super Mario Mash-Up pack
The Super Mario Mash-Up pack, which only the Nintendo versions of Minecraft have, is "getting an update to get the most out of those Vibrant Visuals graphics". The pack brings a Mario-themed world, music and skins, with places such as Peach's Castle and Delfino Plaza. Mojang has not said how the pack is sold or bundled on Switch 2.
If you already own Minecraft on Switch
Mojang and Nintendo promise "a digital upgrade path" for players who own Minecraft on the first Nintendo Switch, with "more details to follow". Those details had not been published by October 1: no price, no date for the upgrade, and nothing on how existing worlds move across.
What has not been announced
- The price of the upgrade, and whether it is free.
- The price of Minecraft for Switch 2 for new players, and whether there is a boxed edition.
- How worlds, Marketplace purchases and Realms carry over from the Switch version.
- Resolution and frame rate.
Retail listings and rumours fill some of those gaps; we will add each answer once Mojang or Nintendo gives it.
Everything else Minecraft has planned
Minecraft Live in September also announced the Sift, the first new dimension in years, and the next drop. Everything announced is in our Minecraft Live 2026 article, and the current version, 26.3, in what's new in Minecraft 26.3. Every recipe of the version is in our crafting tool.
