Minecraft is arriving on Switch 2, and even the Creepers are looking better.

      Nintendo's Switch 2 is about to welcome one of the most significant video games ever.

      Minecraft has demonstrated over the years that its block-based gameplay can run on nearly any device with a screen. On October 27, it will finally be released in a version tailored for the Nintendo Switch 2. Mojang has announced that the native version of Minecraft for the Switch 2 will come with Vibrant Visuals enabled by default, taking advantage of the console's enhanced capabilities to enhance its well-known square Overworld. Owners of the existing Nintendo Switch will also be offered a digital upgrade option, though Mojang has indicated that pricing and further details will be shared later.

      These blocks have been featured in lighting tutorials.

      Mojang

      Vibrant Visuals provides enhanced directional lighting, improved shadows, and various graphical enhancements, all while maintaining the game's classic blocky aesthetic. This feature first became available on supported Bedrock Edition platforms in 2025 and represents the most substantial visual update for Minecraft to this point.

      Nintendo’s exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up pack will also receive these enhancements. The Mario-themed skins, music, and world—including recognizable sites such as Peach’s Castle and Delfino Plaza—will be updated to utilize the new graphical mode. However, a few things should be noted before the launch: Vibrant Visuals will not be available during split-screen multiplayer and may be disabled in certain Marketplace worlds and other content.

      The Joy-Con mouse feature remains unconfirmed.

      Mojang has not confirmed whether Minecraft will incorporate the Joy-Con 2 controllers’ mouse mode. This addition would be beneficial for a game focused on the precise placement and removal of blocks, particularly for constructing intricate designs.

      The studio has also kept a number of details confidential, including the target resolution and frame rates. Existing Switch cartridges will still be playable on the Switch 2 through backward compatibility, meaning the native version will mainly attract players seeking improved graphics and optimizations suited for the newer hardware. The release date of October 27 gives Mojang additional time to address these questions. In the meantime, Switch 2 owners can start getting ready to build their most visually appealing square homes with enhanced lighting.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on…

      Xbox is celebrating 25 years by giving your console a nostalgic makeover.

      Xbox’s 25th anniversary freebies are truly worth logging in for.

      Xbox is approaching its quarter-century mark, filled with oversized controllers, achievement hunting, and memorable Halo nights. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Microsoft is allowing players to unwrap some birthday gifts early. The company has released a complimentary collection of gamer pictures, profile backgrounds, themes, and a dynamic Xbox console background created by community artists Klobrille and Ben Kenobi. This artwork is currently available, in anticipation of the original Xbox’s 25th anniversary on November 15. Microsoft is also offering players a special 25th anniversary profile badge. All you need to do to receive it is sign in to your Xbox account via a console, PC, or the Xbox mobile app by the end of 2026.

      The next Xbox might be backward compatible with every previous Xbox generation, if publishers agree.

      A leaked memo indicates that Microsoft’s upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, may be capable of playing games from all Xbox generations ever released. If this is accurate, it would provide the largest library of games available on any console, particularly as it is also rumored to support PC games.

      Backward compatibility spanning four console generations is planned.

      Xbox might have an unexpectedly clever strategy to preserve physical games.

      Xbox’s leaked roadmap could save your old games from becoming obsolete.

      The outlook for physical game discs appears grim, as an all-digital library seems increasingly unavoidable. However, Microsoft might provide Xbox owners with a way to keep their collections of physical games relevant. A leaked Microsoft roadmap sent to game publishers outlines the intended implementation of Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital program alongside a larger push for backward compatibility. The document reportedly aims for a general rollout in August, full integration of original Xbox games on PC by October, and a gradual rollout for Xbox 360 support beginning in 2027.