Minecraft is available on most platforms including PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Pocket Edition (PE), Java Edition (PC/Mac), Windows 10, Wii U, Nintendo Switch and Education Edition. Minecraft continues to release updates that add new blocks, items and mobs to the game. Find out what's new in your version of Minecraft.
Here is the version history for Minecraft on some of the more popular platforms.
Platform Version Status
Welcome to the Community Hub! Get support, connect with our community, and learn what's possible with Minecraft in the classroom. Best Minecraft Survival Servers List. Minecraft survival servers are arguably the most popular type of Minecraft servers! Also often called SMP (Survival Multi Player), these minecraft servers stay true to many aspects of the original game's survival single player game mode - you can loose health & die by receiving fall damage, being attacked (by players & mobs) or drowning. Remote Learning with Minecraft Explore resources for distance learning with Minecraft: Education Edition to help educators and students stay connected to the classroom, including lessons, STEM curriculum and creative project-based challenges.
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Platform
The PC/Mac platform (later renamed to the Java Edition in 1.12.2) was the first released by Mojang for the Personal Computer (PC) and Mac. It has the most complete list of features which includes game commands and cheats that are not available on other platforms. It was the first version that allowed you to program command blocks to build intricate structures or perform complex tasks. The Java Edition typically receives new features before other platforms.
This version is designed to use the new Nintendo Switch Controllers. The blocks, items and mobs available in this version of Minecraft are comparable to those in the other console editions such as PS, Xbox and Wii U. Education Edition. In 2016, an educational version of Minecraft was released called Minecraft Education Edition. Make 'unsecure' minecraft version warnings more subtle In my opinion the unsecure warning is too annoying and needs to be more hidden or have an option to hide it from insecure version, as someone who mods the game and plays older versions this is annoying to deal with because I have to select the option to not warn me again on every version.
Lets play family feud game. This edition is designed to be controlled primarily by keyboard and mouse.
Xbox 360 vs Xbox One Platform
Minecraft for the Xbox 360 was released in 2012 and was the first console version of the game. Due to the hardware limitations of the Xbox 360, worlds were restricted in size. The Xbox One platform was later released in 2014. The improved hardware of the Xbox One allowed worlds to be much larger in size.
The Xbox 360 and Xbox One console editions have been designed to use the standard Xbox controllers rather than keyboard and mouse.
The available blocks, items and mobs within both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
PS3 vs PS4 Platform
In 2013, Minecraft was released on the PS3 and was the second console version of the game. Due to the hardware limitations of the PS3, worlds were restricted in size. The PS4 platform was later released in 2014. The improved hardware of the PS4 allowed worlds to be much larger in size.
The PS3 and PS4 console editions have been designed to use the standard PS controllers.
The available blocks, items and mobs within both the PS3 and PS4 have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
Pocket Edition
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) version was the first version to be released for mobile devices. It was designed to take advantage of the touch interface on mobile devices. Initially, features were very limited. As new updates are released, additional items, blocks and mobs have been added.
Windows 10 Platform
The Windows 10 edition of Minecraft was released in 2015 and is now compatible with Pocket Edition and Xbox One allowing users to cross platform play.
Originally, Minecraft for Windows 10 had fewer features than the Java Edition as it had to remain compatible with the Windows 10 mobile devices. It is now basically caught up to the Java Edition version.
Wii U Edition
In 2015, Minecraft was released on the Wii U. This version is designed to use the Wii U Gamepad and the Pro Controllers, however, with the Patch 4 release you could now play with the Wii Classic Controllers.
The available blocks, items and mobs have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
Nintendo Switch Edition
On May 11, 2017, Minecraft was released on the Nintendo Switch. This version is designed to use the new Nintendo Switch Controllers.
The blocks, items and mobs available in this version of Minecraft are comparable to those in the other console editions such as PS, Xbox and Wii U.
Education Edition
In 2016, an educational version of Minecraft was released called Minecraft Education Edition. It is available to teachers and students for classroom use.
This edition is designed to be controlled primarily by keyboard and mouse.
As of February 1, 2017, the official 1.0 version of Minecraft Education was released which comes with a full complement of blocks, items, mobs and game commands.
Final Thoughts
Platform Version Status
Welcome to the Community Hub! Get support, connect with our community, and learn what's possible with Minecraft in the classroom. Best Minecraft Survival Servers List. Minecraft survival servers are arguably the most popular type of Minecraft servers! Also often called SMP (Survival Multi Player), these minecraft servers stay true to many aspects of the original game's survival single player game mode - you can loose health & die by receiving fall damage, being attacked (by players & mobs) or drowning. Remote Learning with Minecraft Explore resources for distance learning with Minecraft: Education Edition to help educators and students stay connected to the classroom, including lessons, STEM curriculum and creative project-based challenges.
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Platform
The PC/Mac platform (later renamed to the Java Edition in 1.12.2) was the first released by Mojang for the Personal Computer (PC) and Mac. It has the most complete list of features which includes game commands and cheats that are not available on other platforms. It was the first version that allowed you to program command blocks to build intricate structures or perform complex tasks. The Java Edition typically receives new features before other platforms.
This version is designed to use the new Nintendo Switch Controllers. The blocks, items and mobs available in this version of Minecraft are comparable to those in the other console editions such as PS, Xbox and Wii U. Education Edition. In 2016, an educational version of Minecraft was released called Minecraft Education Edition. Make 'unsecure' minecraft version warnings more subtle In my opinion the unsecure warning is too annoying and needs to be more hidden or have an option to hide it from insecure version, as someone who mods the game and plays older versions this is annoying to deal with because I have to select the option to not warn me again on every version.
Lets play family feud game. This edition is designed to be controlled primarily by keyboard and mouse.
Xbox 360 vs Xbox One Platform
Minecraft for the Xbox 360 was released in 2012 and was the first console version of the game. Due to the hardware limitations of the Xbox 360, worlds were restricted in size. The Xbox One platform was later released in 2014. The improved hardware of the Xbox One allowed worlds to be much larger in size.
The Xbox 360 and Xbox One console editions have been designed to use the standard Xbox controllers rather than keyboard and mouse.
The available blocks, items and mobs within both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
PS3 vs PS4 Platform
In 2013, Minecraft was released on the PS3 and was the second console version of the game. Due to the hardware limitations of the PS3, worlds were restricted in size. The PS4 platform was later released in 2014. The improved hardware of the PS4 allowed worlds to be much larger in size.
The PS3 and PS4 console editions have been designed to use the standard PS controllers.
The available blocks, items and mobs within both the PS3 and PS4 have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
Pocket Edition
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) version was the first version to be released for mobile devices. It was designed to take advantage of the touch interface on mobile devices. Initially, features were very limited. As new updates are released, additional items, blocks and mobs have been added.
Windows 10 Platform
The Windows 10 edition of Minecraft was released in 2015 and is now compatible with Pocket Edition and Xbox One allowing users to cross platform play.
Originally, Minecraft for Windows 10 had fewer features than the Java Edition as it had to remain compatible with the Windows 10 mobile devices. It is now basically caught up to the Java Edition version.
Wii U Edition
In 2015, Minecraft was released on the Wii U. This version is designed to use the Wii U Gamepad and the Pro Controllers, however, with the Patch 4 release you could now play with the Wii Classic Controllers.
The available blocks, items and mobs have basically caught up now to the Java Edition version.
Nintendo Switch Edition
On May 11, 2017, Minecraft was released on the Nintendo Switch. This version is designed to use the new Nintendo Switch Controllers.
The blocks, items and mobs available in this version of Minecraft are comparable to those in the other console editions such as PS, Xbox and Wii U.
Education Edition
In 2016, an educational version of Minecraft was released called Minecraft Education Edition. It is available to teachers and students for classroom use.
This edition is designed to be controlled primarily by keyboard and mouse.
As of February 1, 2017, the official 1.0 version of Minecraft Education was released which comes with a full complement of blocks, items, mobs and game commands.
Final Thoughts
With each release, Minecraft is bringing all of the platforms to the same feature-set. If there isn't a block, item or mob in your version of Minecraft yet, chances are, it will be added very soon.
Minecraft is the PC hit sandbox title built from the ground up by indie developers at Mojang. In 2014, the studio was acquired by Microsoft. Since then, the game has added plenty of editions and versions for the gamer to divulge in. Minecraft expanded its reach from PC gamers to targeting a broader audience between young to the young only at heart. From your home to your phone to your child's school to virtual reality and even beyond, Minecraft has become almost hard to avoid in any app store and retailer.
While we all love choices, an oversaturation of Minecraft editions begets the ultimate question: What version is right for me?
Mostly, it boils down to which gaming device you have the most time with. If you're always busy at home but need something to do on your mobile phone, then Pocket Edition would be perfect for you. On the contrary, you people that are so busy that you never have time to sit down until you're on the desktop, then you might want to consider the PC or Windows 10 editions. And, of course, those like me that have way too much time on your hands, deciding on which device to purchase Minecraft can become quite the conundrum that can only come by weighing out a meticulous list of pros and cons. But who has time for that? So I did it for you!
Minecraft PC Edition (a.k.a. 'the Java version')
This is the fully fledged, born from the original, no holds barred version of Minecraft. The Java edition is the most open sourced option for users that prefer desktop gaming. Many of its players have been around since Alpha/Beta through the good times and the bad. I.e. the phases where each update wiped our entire save files and community server maps. Good times – not!
But even as we cursed the powers-that-be for their developing flaws, Minecraft for PC has built the largest community around it. Early adopters bought into the early access for half of the asking price for the full version, and they aren't shy to remind the newer players that they've been here from the start. Web sites with thousands of users built around creating mods, developing resources, building up servers, creating mini-games, and congregating to make Minecraft unique.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Established Community – Third-Party Mods – Third Party Resources/Textures/Skins – Third-Party Servers – Feature Complete – Access to pre-release Snapshots – Available to Windows, Linux, and Mac | – Overwhelming for New Players – Potential Threats from Third-Party Resources/Mods – No Parental Control – Access to pre-release Snapshots |
Minecraft PC Edition is available solely through Minecraft.net or retailer gift cards, typically running for 26.95.
Minecraft for Windows 10 (a.k.a. 'the Microsoft version')
Practically everyone knew that when Microsoft bought Mojang, there were changes sure to come. Undoubtedly, many were concerned that Minecraft would be monetized, focused as a Windows/Xbox game, and changed beyond repair. We were almost right but in a good way, mostly. As grateful that we were that Microsoft let Mojang stay focused on developing more for the Java version of Minecraft, we were also excited to see its growth into the Windows Store.
The original Minecraft wasn't meant to be converted from Java. So when Windows 10 Edition first launched publicly, this version was lacking a lot of features and content. Nonetheless, the audience reach began to pour in new players that preferred the smoother gameplay and graphics. Not to mention the introduction of Minecraft Realms, the controlled gaming server for friends and family hosted by Mojang. But more on that later.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Better Performance and Graphics – Touchscreen Support – Controller Support – Xbox Live / Microsoft Account Log-In – Minecraft Realms – Interacts with Pocket Edition – In-App Purchase for Official DLC/Textures/Resources – Easier Parental Control – Multiplayer is Invite-Only | – Cannot Connect to Third-Party Servers – Cannot Use Third-Party Resources/Mods/Textures – Only Available on Windows (obviously) – Multiplayer is Invite-Only |
It wasn't until recently did Minecraft Windows 10 Edition came out of Beta with the Ender Update 1.0, ultimately bringing it the closest in features to the original Java version. People that own its predecessor can still claim their Windows 10 Edition for free through their Mojang account. Otherwise, it is on sale for $9.99 USD on the Windows Store.
Minecraft Pocket Edition (a.k.a. 'the Mobile version')
Minecraft Us Version Torrent
Ah, what an easy life we live in to carry our favorite addiction in our pocket! Minecraft for mobile phones was probably one of the smartest moves that Mojang could make. Particularly, it built the potential to pique the interest of casual adult gamers hunting for their next time waster.
This compact game has been brought to all the major mobile platforms including Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. (Although the latter will be discontinuing support soon for Windows 8.x and 10 Mobile.) But just because it fits in the palm of your hand doesn't mean that it's only a single player game. On the contrary, Minecraft Pocket Edition added the Minecraft Realms feature from Windows 10, letting users sign in with Xbox Live to join multiplayer servers. If they're invited, that is.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Touchscreen Support – Xbox Live Log-In – Minecraft Realms – Interacts with Windows 10 Edition – In-App Purchase for Official DLC/Textures/Resources – Easier Parental Control – Multiplayer is Invite-Only | – Cannot Connect to Third-Party Servers – Cannot Use Third-Party Resources/Mods/Textures – Only Available on Mobile Devices (obviously) – Multiplayer is Invite-Only |
Minecraft Pocket Edition is essentially the Windows 10 Edition on your phone, just more compact. The two update in unison and can be played together across Minecraft Realms. What truly sets MCPE apart is its support the Samsung Gear VR headset, letting the player step into the world of Minecraft in virtual reality.
It is available from Apple Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store, and Windows Mobile app store for the small price of $6.99 to match its size.
Minecraft Console Edition (a.k.a. 'the Couch version')
Every gamer has their preferences, and none are so vocal about it as those that participate in the PC vs Console war. So naturally, Minecraft needed to pander to both sides of the trenches for maximum exposure. And I do mean maximum! Minecraft is available for almost any console that can support it. PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One all have Minecraft available either by disc or digitally.
Like Windows 10 and Pocket Edition, these console versions are very different than their Java ancestor. Each supports its game system through controllers, gamepads, digital e-stores, and exclusive gaming network sign-ins. Because of their large differences, Mojang and Microsoft contracted 4J Studios to be responsible for the game's various console editions. This also means that all console versions are updated together and maintain a steady feature parity.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Console Exclusive Tutorial/Achievements/Leaderboards – Bluetooth Controller Support (some) – Xbox Live/Nintendo Network/ PSN Log-In – Official DLC/Textures/Resources – Local Multiplayer / Split Screen – Multiplayer is Invite-Only | – Smaller Worlds (not infinite) – Officially Curated Mini-Games Cannot Connect to Third-Party Servers – Cannot Use Third-Party Resources/Mods/Textures – Multiplayer is Limited to Specific Console – Multiplayer is Invite-Only (only available if online) |
Generally, all Minecraft Console Editions have the retail price of $19.99 USD. However, many include bundles with DLCs and consoles that can increase the value depending on the retailer.
And because there weren't enough ways to play already, the most recent addition to the Minecraft home theater is the Apple TV Edition. Minecraft free unblocked 1 14. While it isn't technically a console, the Apple TV Edition is easy to lump in the pile with the other couch entertainment complete with Bluetooth controller support. This version is solely for the Apple TV streaming device that displays to your television.
Because it is maintained a Pocket Edition adaptation by Mojang instead of 4J Studios, it updates separately than console versions. Minecraft Apple TV Edition currently lacks multiplayer features, an issue Mojang has stated they wish to correct in the future.
It can be purchased from the app store for the console price of $19.99, including seven DLC packs to get you started.
As you can see, there are lots of ways to play Minecraft. You don't have to choose just one edition, however, if you don't want to. Unfortunately, many of the versions don't work together except the Pocket Edition and Minecraft Windows 10 Edition. So unless you want to pay a new price, sometimes with different features available, it's always worth weighing your options in advance before making the purchase.
Minecraft Version Download
Already chose an edition or two? Check out How To Get Started in Minecraft!
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