Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 is out now on the Nintendo eShop, and the big change is Vibrant Visuals, the graphics upgrade that adds directional lighting, shadows, fog and reflective water as the default look. It also comes with the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, and your old Switch worlds carry over so you don’t have to start fresh.
What the Switch 2 version adds
This is a native Switch 2 version, not just the old one running on new hardware. Vibrant Visuals is on by default, so sunrises look warmer, forests get real shade, and light plays across lakes and rivers. It does switch off in a few cases, including split-screen and some Marketplace worlds.
The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is included and has been updated for Vibrant Visuals. It’s a Mario-themed world with places like Peach’s Castle and Delfino Plaza, plus 15 music tracks and 40 skins.
Saves, multiplayer and cross-play
Switch worlds carry over to the new version, so existing builds come along for the ride. Up to four people can play split-screen on one system, up to eight on local wireless, and online play supports cross-platform matches with friends on other devices. Online needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and cross-play needs a Microsoft Account.
Like other versions, it has the Minecraft Marketplace, where add-ons, worlds and cosmetics are optional purchases.
Price and the free upgrade
On the US eShop, the Standard edition is $29.99, the Deluxe Collection is $39.99 and the Ultimate Collection is $49.99. If you already own Minecraft digitally on the original Switch, you can grab the Switch 2 Standard Edition for free through the eShop until January 31, 2027, or get the Deluxe or Ultimate Collection at a discount. Mojang hasn’t published those discounted upgrade prices. We covered the upgrade details when preorders opened.
If you’ve got a long-running Switch world, tonight is a good time to load it up and see how it looks with the new lighting. Claim the free upgrade before the January deadline if it applies to you.