Minecraft costs $26.99 on the Nintendo Switch eShop

The standard edition of Minecraft for Nintendo Switch is a one-time purchase of $26.99. You buy it once through the Nintendo eShop on your Switch console, and then you own it — there are no monthly fees or subscriptions required to play the base game.

This price is the same whether you buy it on a physical cartridge from a retailer or download it digitally from the eShop. The digital version downloads directly to your console, while the physical cartridge arrives in the mail or you pick it up in a store. Both give you the same game.

The price has remained stable for several years, though Nintendo occasionally runs sales during major shopping events like Black Friday or the holiday season. If you want to check for current discounts, search the eShop for "Minecraft" and look at the price listed on the game's page — any active sale will show there.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft on Switch costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase with no recurring fees.
  • You can buy the game digitally through the eShop or as a physical cartridge from retailers.
  • Nintendo occasionally discounts the game during seasonal sales, so checking the eShop price before buying can save you money.
  • Once you own Minecraft, you can play it on any Switch console using your Nintendo account.
  • Cosmetic add-ons like skins and texture packs cost extra, but the base game includes everything needed to play.

What's included in the $26.99 purchase

When you buy Minecraft for Switch, you get the full game with all the core features: Creative Mode (where you build without limits), Survival Mode (where you gather resources and manage hunger), and Multiplayer (up to four players on one console or online with others). You also get access to the Marketplace, where you can browse and purchase optional cosmetic items.

The base game does not include cosmetic add-ons like character skins, texture packs, or world templates. These are sold separately through the Marketplace using in-game currency called Minecoins. A skin might cost 300 Minecoins (roughly $3), while a texture pack could be 500 Minecoins (roughly $5). You do not have to buy any of these to play — they are purely visual and optional.

How to buy Minecraft on your Switch

To buy digitally: Open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, search for "Minecraft," select the game, and choose "Purchase." You will need a Nintendo account and a payment method on file (credit card, debit card, or Nintendo eShop gift card). The download begins immediately after purchase, and you can start playing once it finishes.

To buy a physical cartridge: Visit any retailer that sells Switch games — Target, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, or online retailers like Amazon. The cartridge costs the same $26.99. You insert it into your Switch and play without needing to download anything, though the console may download a small update the first time you launch the game.

Physical cartridges take up shelf space and can be lost or damaged, but they do not use your console's storage. Digital copies download to your Switch's internal storage or a microSD card, which means you always have the game available on that console, but you cannot lend or resell it.

Playing Minecraft across multiple Switch consoles

If you buy Minecraft digitally, you can play it on any Switch console where you sign in with your Nintendo account. This means if you own two Switch consoles, you only need to buy the game once — download it on both consoles using the same account, and you can play on either one.

If you buy a physical cartridge, you can play it on any Switch console by inserting the cartridge, but only one person can play at a time (unless you have multiple cartridges). The cartridge itself is not tied to your account, so anyone with access to the cartridge can play.

Optional cosmetic purchases and Minecoins

After you own Minecraft, the Marketplace offers cosmetic items for purchase using Minecoins. These include character skins (different appearances for your player), texture packs (visual themes that change how the world looks), and world templates (pre-built worlds you can explore). None of these affect gameplay — they are purely how things look.

Minecoins are purchased separately using real money. A small bundle might cost $2.99 for 300 Minecoins, while larger bundles go up to $19.99 for 1,720 Minecoins. Individual cosmetic items typically cost between 300 and 1,000 Minecoins. You do not need to buy any of these to enjoy the full game.

Comparing Switch Minecraft to other platforms

Minecraft costs $26.99 on Switch, the same price as on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On PC (Java Edition), the game costs $26.99 as well. The mobile version (Minecraft Pocket Edition) on iOS and Android costs $6.99, making it the cheapest way to play, though it has fewer features and smaller world sizes than the console versions.

All versions let you play with friends, but cross-platform play (playing with someone on a different device) only works if everyone is using the Bedrock Edition — which includes the Switch version, Xbox, PlayStation, PC Windows 10/11, and mobile. The Java Edition on PC does not support cross-platform play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minecraft free on Switch?

No, Minecraft costs $26.99 on Switch. There is a free demo available in the eShop that lets you play for a limited time in a small world, but the full game requires purchase.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Minecraft?

You do not need Nintendo Switch Online to play Minecraft in single-player or local multiplayer (playing with others on the same console). You do need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online multiplayer with friends on other consoles.

Can I refund Minecraft if I change my mind?

Nintendo's refund policy for digital games is limited. You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you have not downloaded or played the game. Once you have started playing, refunds are generally not available. Contact Nintendo Support to request a refund.

Will the price of Minecraft on Switch ever go down?

The regular price has stayed at $26.99 for years, but Nintendo does run temporary sales during holidays and special events. Checking the eShop periodically or following Nintendo's announcements is the best way to catch discounts.

What's the difference between the Switch version and other versions of Minecraft?

The Switch version is Bedrock Edition, the same as Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile. It supports cross-platform play with those devices. The main differences are screen size and controls — Switch uses a controller instead of keyboard and mouse, and the world is smaller than Java Edition on PC.