Minecraft on Nintendo Switch costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase

You buy Minecraft once on the Nintendo eShop and own it permanently on that Switch console. There is no monthly subscription required to play the game itself, though you do need a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to play with other people online.

The price has stayed at $19.99 for years. Nintendo occasionally runs sales during holiday periods or special events, so the price may drop temporarily, but $19.99 is the standard amount you should expect to pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft costs $19.99 to buy once on the Nintendo eShop, and that purchase stays on your console forever.
  • You need a separate Nintendo Switch Online membership to play multiplayer with friends, which costs $20 per year for the basic plan.
  • The game occasionally goes on sale during holidays or special Nintendo events, but these discounts are temporary.
  • Once you own Minecraft, you can play the single-player mode without any additional cost or subscription.

How to buy Minecraft on your Switch

Open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch console. Search for "Minecraft" in the search bar at the top of the screen. Select the official Minecraft listing — it shows the blocky Minecraft logo and is published by Microsoft.

Press the price button (which shows $19.99) and follow the prompts to complete the purchase. The game downloads automatically to your console. You can start playing as soon as the download finishes, which usually takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

The purchase is tied to the Nintendo account you used to buy it. If you have multiple user profiles on the same Switch, only the account that purchased the game can play it unless you set that console as your account's primary Switch — then all users on that console can play.

What you need to play online with others

Playing solo in Minecraft costs nothing beyond the $19.99 purchase. But if you want to join other players' worlds or invite friends to yours, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The basic plan costs $20 per year, and the Expansion Pack costs $50 per year (it includes extra games and features beyond online play).

Without Nintendo Switch Online, you can still play the game — you just cannot access multiplayer features. You can build, explore, and survive in your own world without paying anything extra.

When Minecraft goes on sale

Nintendo does not announce sales in advance, but Minecraft typically discounts during the winter holiday season (November through December) and sometimes during summer sales events. The discount is usually $5 off, bringing the price to $14.99.

To catch a sale, check the Nintendo eShop regularly or follow Nintendo's official social media accounts, which announce promotions. You can also add Minecraft to your wishlist in the eShop, and the system will notify you if the price drops.

Sales are temporary and last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. If you see a discount, buy it then — there is no may provide when the next one will happen.

Minecraft editions and what you get

The Nintendo Switch version is called Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. This is the same version available on Windows, mobile devices, and other consoles. It includes all the standard features: survival mode, creative mode, multiplayer, and access to the Minecraft Marketplace (where you can buy skins, worlds, and texture packs with real money, though these are entirely optional).

There is no separate "lite" or "free" version of Minecraft on Switch. You pay $19.99 for the full game with no limitations based on how long you play or how much you build.

Comparing Switch Minecraft to other platforms

Minecraft costs $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, $19.99 on PlayStation, $19.99 on Xbox, and $26.95 on Windows. On mobile devices (iOS and Android), it costs $6.99. The Switch price is in the middle range — cheaper than Windows but more expensive than mobile.

The gameplay experience is nearly identical across Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. The main difference is that Switch is portable, so you can play in handheld mode or docked to a TV. If you already own a Switch, buying Minecraft there means you can play anywhere.

What happens if you delete the game

If you delete Minecraft from your Switch to free up storage space, you own the game and can download it again for free anytime. You do not have to buy it twice. The purchase is permanent on your account.

Your game saves are stored separately from the game itself. If you delete the game but keep your save data, your worlds and progress stay intact when you reinstall it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on Switch without paying for Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes. You can play the entire game solo without any subscription. Nintendo Switch Online is only required if you want to play multiplayer with other people online. Single-player mode, creative mode, and local split-screen with people in the same room all work without it.

Is there a free version of Minecraft for Switch?

No. Minecraft on Switch costs $19.99. There is no free trial or demo version. Some other games offer free-to-play models, but Minecraft is a one-time purchase.

Do I have to pay for skins and texture packs in Minecraft?

No. The game includes free skins and textures you can use immediately. The Minecraft Marketplace offers additional paid cosmetics, but they are completely optional. You never have to spend money beyond the initial $19.99 to enjoy the full game.

If I buy Minecraft on Switch, can I play it on my phone too?

No. Your Switch purchase only works on that console. If you want to play Minecraft on a phone, you need to buy it separately for iOS or Android ($6.99). Game purchases do not transfer between platforms.

What if the price drops after I buy it?

Nintendo does not refund the difference if a game goes on sale after you purchase it. Once you buy Minecraft at $19.99, that is your final cost, even if it drops to $14.99 a week later.