All Minecraft Editions for PC and Consoles
Minecraft comes in two editions: Java Edition (PC only) and Bedrock Edition (consoles, phones, tablets and Windows PC). Both show the same block world with the same mobs, biomes and updates – but they differ in who your child can play with, how mods work and which parental controls are available. Here you’ll find every version at a glance, prices, a comparison table and a recommendation for which edition suits your family.
Current state (October 2026): The latest game drop is called “Wilderness Bound” and came out on September 15, 2026 – as Java Edition 26.3 and Bedrock Edition 26.50 (followed shortly by hotfix 26.51). Among other things, it adds the autumn “Dappled Forest” biome with poplar trees, abandoned camps, straw beds and cushions. Since 2026, Mojang numbers updates as year.drop – so “26.3” means 2026, third drop. Older versions were called 1.20, 1.21 and so on. Every new feature in detail: Minecraft 26.3 “Wilderness Bound”.
Java and Bedrock compared
| Java Edition | Bedrock Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Android, iPhone/iPad, Chromebook |
| Purchase | only in the PC bundle “Java & Bedrock” | per platform; included in the same bundle on PC |
| Crossplay | only with other Java players | with all Bedrock devices |
| Mods | free community mods (Fabric, NeoForge, Forge) | add-ons, mainly via the Marketplace |
| Marketplace (skins, worlds, add-ons) | no | yes, with Minecoins (PlayStation: separate tokens) |
| Realms | Java Realms | Realms and Realms Plus |
| Split screen | no | yes, up to four players on consoles |
| Parental controls via Microsoft account | limited | yes, including chat and purchase controls |
| Hardware | needs a more powerful PC | runs smoothly on simpler devices too |
These details come from the official edition comparison on minecraft.net. For a more detailed head-to-head with our opinion, see Minecraft Bedrock vs Java.
Which version is available for which device?
Every console, phone and tablet always runs Bedrock Edition. Only on PC do you get a choice – and you get both.
For Nintendo Switch
The Switch version is Bedrock and plays together with Xbox, PlayStation, mobile and PC via crossplay. Mojang has announced a dedicated version for Nintendo Switch 2 for October 27, 2026; according to Nintendo Life, owners of the digital Switch version can claim the Standard Edition for free until January 31, 2027. Online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. What the Switch 2 version costs and what changes for Minecoins is explained in Minecraft on Switch 2.
For PlayStation
PS4 and PS5 also run Bedrock, including crossplay. One quirk: in the PlayStation store you don’t pay with Minecoins but with separate tokens that only work on PlayStation. Online multiplayer and Realms require PlayStation Plus.
For Xbox
The Xbox version (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) is Bedrock. For online multiplayer and Realms on console, Microsoft requires a Game Pass subscription (Essential, Premium or Ultimate).
For PC
Since June 7, 2022, the only PC version is “Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC”: one purchase, both editions, launched from the Minecraft Launcher. Java runs on Windows, macOS and Linux; Bedrock runs on Windows only.
A word of warning for older PCs: for the current Java Edition, Mojang’s minimum requirements include a graphics card with Vulkan 1.3 support and 2 GB of video memory, plus 8 GB of RAM. Bedrock is far less demanding (from 4 GB of RAM).
Android Smartphone/Tablet
On Android and Chromebooks, Bedrock is available as an app on Google Play – buy it once, crossplay included.
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=minecraft&c=apps
iOS iPhone/iPad
iPhone and iPad also run Bedrock, bought once in the App Store.
https://apps.apple.com/app/minecraft/id479516143
Crossplay: who can play with whom?
- Bedrock with Bedrock: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, phone, tablet and Windows PC all play together – in a world, on a Realm or on Bedrock servers. Everyone needs a Microsoft account for this.
- Java with Java: Java players meet on Java servers, in Java Realms or over LAN, whether on Windows, Mac or Linux.
- Java with Bedrock: not officially supported. Many big Java servers, however, use the free Geyser project, which sits between Bedrock players and the Java server as a “translator”. Your child can then join the same server from a console as a friend on Java.
For your family, this means: if your child’s friends play on Switch or a tablet, Bedrock is the obvious choice.
Mods, add-ons and the Marketplace
- Java: This is home to the huge world of free community mods – from small quality-of-life helpers to complete modpacks. They’re installed with mod loaders such as Fabric, NeoForge or Forge. We explain how in How to install Minecraft mods. Mods are made by fans, so only download them from reputable sources.
- Bedrock: Instead of mods, there are add-ons, skin packs, textures and worlds in the Minecraft Marketplace. You pay with Minecoins (tokens on PlayStation), which are bought with real money. The Marketplace Pass is a monthly subscription with a rotating catalog of content.
- For parents: The Marketplace is where kids can spend money in Minecraft. In the Microsoft account you can require your approval before every purchase.
Realms: the private server for friends
Realms are servers that Mojang runs for you – no technical knowledge needed, and only invited friends can get in. According to minecraft.net, they cost (as of October 2026):
| Subscription | Edition | Price | Playing at the same time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realms | Bedrock | $3.99/month | you and two others |
| Realms Plus | Bedrock | $7.99/month | you and ten others, plus the Marketplace Pass catalog |
| Java Realms | Java | $7.99/month | up to 10 players |
New subscribers can try Realms for one month. Only the Realm owner pays; invited friends play for free. Java and Bedrock Realms are separate.
Differences in gameplay
Day to day, Minecraft plays very similarly on both editions: the same world, the same mobs, the same game drops on the same day. The differences mostly matter to advanced players:
- Redstone: Circuits sometimes behave differently. Many technical builds from YouTube videos only work in the edition they were built for.
- Graphics: Bedrock has the optional “Vibrant Visuals” graphics mode built in, with lighting, shadows and reflections. It has been announced for Java but hasn’t arrived yet. On Java PCs, shader mods do the job instead.
- Controls: Bedrock supports controllers and touch; Java is designed for mouse and keyboard.
- Servers: Many big servers and YouTube projects – such as the German creator project Craft Attack – run on Java.
Recommendation for parents
| Situation | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Child under 10, mostly plays alone or with siblings | Bedrock on console or tablet, split screen on console |
| Friends play on Switch, phone or PlayStation | Bedrock, because of crossplay |
| Child wants mods, modpacks or specific Java servers | PC bundle Java & Bedrock |
| You want to manage chat, purchases and multiplayer in one place | Bedrock with a child account in a Microsoft family group |
| Family with a mix of devices | Bedrock, possibly plus a Realm |
To find out from what age Minecraft makes sense and how to set up family settings, read our parenting guide What Age Should My Child Be Allowed to Play Minecraft?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Minecraft Java and Bedrock?
Java Edition is the original PC version for Windows, macOS and Linux and the home of free community mods. Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones, tablets and Windows, offers crossplay between all of those devices, the Marketplace and parental controls through the Microsoft account. The world, mobs and updates are largely the same.
Do I get Java and Bedrock together when I buy Minecraft for PC?
Yes. Since June 7, 2022, the only PC version on sale is the bundle “Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC”. One purchase gets you both editions, and you launch them from the Minecraft Launcher.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not officially: Java only plays with Java, Bedrock only with Bedrock. However, some Java servers run the free Geyser project, which lets Bedrock players on consoles and phones join too. Servers that support it usually say so on their website.
What is the latest version of Minecraft?
As of October 2026, it’s the “Wilderness Bound” game drop from September 15, 2026: Java Edition 26.3 and Bedrock Edition 26.50 (hotfix 26.51). Since 2026, Mojang numbers versions as year.drop.
Which Minecraft edition is best for kids?
For most kids, Bedrock is the easier choice: it runs on consoles, tablets and PC, friends on other devices can join, and parents manage chat, multiplayer and purchases through Microsoft family settings. Java is worth it if your child wants mods or specific Java servers on PC. On PC you get both anyway.
