Minecraft Confirms Native Switch 2 Release for October 27

Minecraft is officially coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, and Mojang has confirmed a full set of details around the release. Right now, Minecraft only runs on Switch 2 through backward compatibility with the original Switch version, so this native release is what players have actually been waiting for.

Vibrant Visuals as the Default

The headline feature is that Vibrant Visuals, Minecraft's biggest graphics overhaul, ships enabled by default on Switch 2. That means directional lighting, volumetric fog, reflective water, and shadows that move with the sun, all running out of the box rather than as an optional toggle. Vibrant Visuals content from the Marketplace will also work automatically on the new version.

Recent reporting from a closed beta currently running on some players' consoles gives a clearer picture of performance. With Vibrant Visuals on, render distance caps at 16 chunks, and point lights and volumetric block lighting aren't available. Turn it off and render distance jumps to 28 chunks, well above the 12-chunk limit on the original Switch. The target frame rate is 60 FPS on Switch 2, with more stable performance reported when Vibrant Visuals is disabled.

Super Mario Mash-Up Gets Updated

The Nintendo-exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is being updated to take advantage of the new visuals. It brings a Mario-themed world, music, and skins into Minecraft, with locations like Peach's Castle and Delfino Plaza rebuilt to look better under the new lighting system.

Upgrading From the Original Switch

Players who already own Minecraft on the original Switch will get a digital upgrade path to the Switch 2 version, along with the ability to carry over existing save data. Mojang hasn't confirmed whether the upgrade will be free or paid, saying only that more details are coming closer to launch.