No. 01Sandbox building and survival
Minecraft: every edition, every kind of kit
The world's favourite block game runs on almost everything, but which edition you buy decides who you can play with.
01 · the kit listWhere Minecraft plays
Runs on nearly every screen in the house. The real decision is the edition: Bedrock plays across consoles, phones and Windows; Java is the PC original with the big mods and servers.
- Desktop PCPlays
One £29.99 purchase gives Windows both Java and Bedrock. Bedrock runs on very modest hardware; Java now asks for a Vulkan 1.3 card with 2 GB.
- Everyday laptopPlays
Bedrock Edition runs on Intel HD 4000-class integrated graphics; Java needs 12 GB of memory on integrated graphics.
- Steam DeckWith caveats · Not on Steam
Not sold on Steam, so there is no Valve rating. Java Edition's official Linux launcher can be installed in desktop mode, unsupported.
- PlayStation 5Plays
Native PS5 version since October 2024, £15.99, with Bedrock crossplay.
- Xbox Series X|SPlays
One version for Xbox One and Series X|S, with Bedrock crossplay.
- Nintendo Switch 2Plays · Switch version
The Switch version plays on Switch 2 today; a native Switch 2 edition launches on 27 October 2026 with an upgrade path for owners.
- Phone & tabletPlays
£6.99 on iPhone, iPad and Android, with Bedrock crossplay.
- MacPlays · Java Edition
Java Edition only (macOS 12 or later); Bedrock is not available on Mac.
- Cloud streamingNot available
No official cloud route: it is not listed on Xbox cloud streaming or PS Plus Premium streaming.
02 · on a PCWhat your PC needs
- System
- Windows 10 (Bedrock) or Windows, macOS 12+ and Linux (Java)
- Processor
- Bedrock: Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100. Java: Core i3-10100 or Ryzen 3 3100
- Memory
- Bedrock 4 GB; Java 8 GB (12 GB on integrated graphics)
- Graphics
- Bedrock: Intel HD 4000 or Radeon R5. Java: Vulkan 1.3 card with 2 GB, such as a GTX 950
- Storage
- Bedrock 4 GB; Java 2 GB
- System
- Windows 10 or 11
- Processor
- Bedrock: Core i7-6500U. Java: Core i5-12400 or Ryzen 5 5600
- Memory
- Bedrock 8 GB; Java 16 GB
- Graphics
- Bedrock: GeForce 940M. Java: RTX 2060 or RX 5600 XT
- Storage
- Bedrock 8 GB; Java 4 GB
Published by Mojang on minecraft.net. Java Edition's requirements rose sharply in 2026 with its move to Vulkan graphics; Bedrock stays light. Official requirements.
03 · the verdictThe blank page that never runs out
Minecraft needs little introduction: a world made of blocks that you can mine, build with and explore, in Survival mode with hunger and monsters or in Creative mode with unlimited materials. It is as much a toy and a social space as a game, and that is why it has lasted.
Mojang now updates it through several smaller game drops a year instead of one big release, adding new creatures, biomes and blocks at a steady pace. The underlying game has never been in better shape.
The one genuinely confusing part is the two editions. Java Edition is the original for Windows, Mac and Linux, home to the biggest mods and community servers. Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones and Windows, and plays across all of them. On PC one purchase now gives you both.
Kit barely matters. Bedrock runs on everyday laptops, every console, phones and tablets; Java runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, though its 2026 move to Vulkan graphics raised its requirements. A native Switch 2 edition arrives on 27 October 2026. Steam Deck owners can install Java from desktop mode, but it is not a Steam game, so there is no Valve rating to lean on.
Start it if…
you want an open-ended game for building and exploring, alone or with friends and family on different devices.
Skip it if…
you need clear goals and a story; Minecraft gives you tools and leaves the rest to you.
04 · the score9.0 out of 10, and why
05 · the billWhat it costs in the UK
| Store | What you get | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store | Java and Bedrock Edition for PC | £29.99 | |
| PlayStation Store | Minecraft (PS5 and PS4) | £15.99 | |
| Xbox Store | Minecraft (Xbox One and Series X|S) | £19.99 | |
| Nintendo eShop | Minecraft (Switch) | £19.99 | |
| App Store and Google Play | Minecraft for phones and tablets | £6.99 | |
| Microsoft Store | Realms for you and two friends | £3.29 a month | Optional |
Online play on consoles
- PlayStation
- PS Plus for online play
- Xbox
- Game Pass Essential or higher for online play
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch Online for online play
What the shop sells
Bedrock has the Marketplace, where Minecoins (Tokens on PlayStation) buy skins, worlds and add-ons, each shown before you buy. Realms subscriptions host private servers. Nothing sold has random contents, though third-party servers run their own shops.
PEGI purchase descriptor: In-game purchases.
Which edition? If friends and family play on consoles or phones, you need Bedrock, which is what every console and phone version is. On PC the £29.99 purchase includes both, so you do not have to choose. Deluxe and Ultimate collections only add Marketplace extras.
06 · starting in 2026Three drops a year, and a Switch 2 edition next
Mojang now releases several game drops a year; the latest, Wilderness Bound, arrived on 15 September 2026. The next kit news is the native Switch 2 edition on 27 October 2026.
Tiny Takeover redesigned baby mobs and moved Java to year-based version numbers. Source.
Chaos Cubed added sulfur caves and a friends list; Java began its move to Vulkan graphics. Source.
Mojang announced Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 for 27 October 2026. Source.
The Wilderness Bound drop added a dappled forest biome and abandoned camps. Source.
Minecraft for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on 27 October 2026; the upgrade price for Switch owners had not been announced.
07 · strengths and catchesWorth knowing
Strengths
- Runs on virtually any kit, including light laptops and phones
- Bedrock Edition plays across consoles, phones and Windows
- Regular free game drops keep it fresh
- Endless community creations, servers and mods on Java
Catches
- Two editions that do not play together, which confuses new buyers
- The Marketplace and Realms subscriptions add optional costs
- Not a Steam game, so no Steam Deck rating
08 · first stepsBefore your first session
- Decide Java or Bedrock by who you want to play with: friends on consoles and phones means Bedrock.
- Your first night comes quickly. Gather wood, make a crafting table and build a simple shelter before dark.
- Creative mode is a great way to learn blocks and recipes without pressure.
- For younger players, set up family settings on the Microsoft account before the first online session.
09 · screenshotsHow it looks
Screenshots: official, © Mojang Studios and Microsoft.
10 · questionsCommon questions
Should I buy Java or Bedrock?
On PC you get both for £29.99. Choose Bedrock to play with friends on consoles and phones, Java for the biggest mods and community servers.
Is Minecraft coming to Switch 2?
Yes. A native Switch 2 edition launches on 27 October 2026, with an upgrade path for Switch owners. The Switch version already plays on Switch 2.
Can I play Minecraft on a Mac?
Yes, Java Edition runs on macOS 12 or later. Bedrock Edition is not available on Mac.
Does Minecraft sell random items?
No. Marketplace items are specific and shown before you buy, though third-party servers run their own shops.