The much delayed Minecraft Better Together upgrade for the Nintendo Switch finally has a release date. The upgrade will arrive on 21 June 2018 on the Nintendo Switch eShop. It will also be available as a physical release at retail.

Players who have owned Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition can also qualify for a free download of the upgrade on the Nintendo Switch eShop when it launches. Rest assured, your existing worlds can be transferred to the new game.

Minecraft is bigger, better and more beautiful–with new ways to play and share! Share the adventure with friends across different platforms when @Minecraft and the Better Together update comes to #NintendoSwitch 6/21! https://t.co/UVaJwZb9IF pic.twitter.com/ffjcF7zupW

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 10, 2018

The launch of Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition last year was a big moment for us, and now it’s time to take the next step in the evolution of this beloved franchise. We’re happy to announce that the Bedrock version of Minecraft will launch June 21 for the Nintendo Switch system, both digitally on Nintendo eShop and as a physical release at retail. As with our recent Better Together update for Xbox One, players who already own Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition will be able to digitally upgrade to Minecraft for free.

Minecraft will be the first game on Nintendo Switch to feature cross-play support across Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs, Android devices, iOS phones and tablets, and VR platforms will all be able to play together for the first time ever. Whether they’re working together to build the home of their dreams or standing shoulder-to-shoulder as they enter the End to take down the Enderdragon, there will always be something for friends to do together, regardless of platform.

“Bringing the definitive version of Minecraft to Nintendo Switch is a huge step forward in our journey to unite Minecraft players across any device,” said Phil Spencer, head of gaming for Microsoft. “We’ve worked closely with Nintendo to bring an amazing experience to the Nintendo Switch system’s dynamic and rapidly-growing ecosystem and couldn’t be more excited to deliver what Minecraft players have been asking for.”

As is the case with Minecraft on any Bedrock platform, Minecraft on Nintendo Switch will now also support achievements and Gamerscore, reflecting players’ activities and experiences within the game and allowing them to compare stats with friends.

Minecraft also lets players on the Nintendo Switch system access the Minecraft Marketplace for the first time, allowing them to explore a constantly-growing community marketplace. They can purchase unique maps, skins, and texture packs from favorite creators within the massive Minecraft community. Players will be able to make purchases safely and securely with Minecoins, and all purchases can be enjoyed across every platform on which the Minecraft Marketplace is available.

“This new version of Minecraft offers players even more options to play anytime and anywhere on Nintendo Switch,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “With previously released content like the Super Mario Mash-Up included, players everywhere can experience what it’s like when Minecraft meets the Mushroom Kingdom!”

Nintendo’s email PR

Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, selling more than 144 million worldwide across all platforms, including Nintendo Switch.

While the Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition game is currently available on the Nintendo Switch system, this June will see the universal Minecraft Bedrock Engine come to the platform, along with a new physical version coming to stores at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

This Bedrock version of the game contains all the great previously released content, including the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack exclusive to Nintendo systems and all DLC, but now allows players to connect with friends on non-Nintendo systems like Xbox One and Android mobile phones via cross-platform play. In addition, Minecraft will support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership when it launches in September, as well as Xbox Live achievements and Gamerscore.

A new in-game store in this version of Minecraft called the Minecraft Marketplace will let players obtain community-created content like skins, worlds and textures for their Minecraft World using MINECOINS, a new virtual in-game currency. Players will also gain access to new mini-games and game modes through online community-run servers.

Players who already own the Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition game will be able to download this definitive version free of charge so they can easily upgrade and enjoy all the added features. Visit Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop for details.

With Minecraft on Nintendo Switch, players can take the newest version of the massively popular game wherever they go.