Minecraft announces Switch 2 release with Vibrant Visuals and time-limited upgrade offers

Upgrade offers for Switch owners

Minecraft says its upgrade offers run from Oct. 27, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT through Jan. 31, 2027, at 9 a.m. PT. Owners of a digital Switch copy can get the digital Switch 2 Standard Edition free through Nintendo eShop in most regions, or buy the Deluxe or Ultimate Collection at a discount. The announced terms price the Standard upgrade at 100 JPY in Japan, 30 NTD in Taiwan and 25 THB in Thailand.

Minecraft does not include physical Switch owners in that free Standard offer. It says all Switch owners, including those with physical copies, can launch their Switch game on Switch 2 during the offer period to receive an in-game invitation to buy the digital Ultimate Collection at a discount through the message’s link. Minecraft also says players can carry over their Switch worlds.

Nintendo Life’s assessment

Nintendo Life’s review calls the port a solid upgrade and describes loading and chunk generation as significantly faster than on Switch. The review says the game targets 60 frames per second, though frames sometimes drop depending on what is onscreen; higher graphical settings can bring the frame rate closer to 30 fps. Touchscreen controls are included, but the review says there is currently no motion control or mouse mode. Its verdict is “satisfying, though slightly underwhelming”: prettier and faster, but not without compromises.