The base game costs $26.99 and that's the only required purchase

Minecraft on Nintendo Switch costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. You buy it once through the Nintendo eShop and own it permanently on that Switch console. There is no monthly subscription required to play the game itself, though you will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to play multiplayer with other people online.

The $26.99 price has remained stable for years. You can find it listed under "Games" in the Nintendo eShop, searchable by name. The game downloads to your Switch's internal storage or to a microSD card if you have one installed.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft costs $26.99 one time on the Nintendo eShop and never increases in price after purchase.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership is separate from the game cost and required only if you want to play with others online.
  • Optional cosmetic packs and texture packs exist but are never necessary to play the full game.
  • The game works on any Nintendo Switch model — original, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED — with the same price.

What Nintendo Switch Online costs and whether you need it

Nintendo Switch Online is a separate subscription that costs either $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. This membership is required only if you want to play multiplayer games online with other players. Single-player mode works without it.

If you plan to play alone or only with people on the same console in the same room, you do not need Switch Online. If you want to join servers, play with friends remotely, or use online features, you will need the subscription active on your account. The subscription covers all your online games, not just Minecraft.

Optional cosmetic purchases you might see

Once you own Minecraft, the game offers optional cosmetic packs you can purchase separately. These include character skins, texture packs that change how the world looks, and world templates. None of these are necessary to play the game — they are purely visual changes.

Prices for these cosmetics vary. A single skin pack might cost $1.99 to $3.99, while larger texture packs can cost more. The base game contains plenty of free skins and textures built in, so you can play indefinitely without spending extra money on cosmetics.

How to buy Minecraft on your Switch

Open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch by pressing the X button from the home screen. Search for "Minecraft" in the search bar at the top. Select the official Minecraft game (published by Microsoft) and choose "Purchase." You will be prompted to confirm the purchase using your Nintendo account's payment method.

The game begins downloading when ready after purchase. Depending on your internet speed, the full read takes 15 to 45 minutes. You can play while it downloads, though the full game will not be available until the read completes.

Price differences across Switch models

Minecraft costs the same $26.99 on every Nintendo Switch model: the original Switch, the Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED. The game runs on all three, though the Switch OLED has a larger, brighter screen that some players prefer. The price you pay does not change based on which model you own.

Storage space does differ slightly between models. The original Switch and Switch OLED have 32GB of internal storage, while the Switch Lite has 32GB as well. Minecraft takes up roughly 3GB of space, leaving room for other games. A microSD card (sold separately, typically $15 to $30) expands storage if you plan to install many games.

Comparing Minecraft prices across platforms

If you own Minecraft on another platform, you cannot transfer your purchase to Switch — each platform requires its own purchase. The Switch version costs the same as the Windows version ($26.99) but more than the mobile version on phones and tablets (which costs $6.99 to $7.99). PlayStation and Xbox versions also cost around $20 to $27.

Your worlds, skins, and progress do not carry between platforms. If you play Minecraft on a phone and want the same game on Switch, you are buying it twice. However, if you own a Microsoft account and play the Bedrock version of Minecraft (the version on Switch), you can play with friends on other Bedrock platforms like Windows, phones, and tablets in the same world.

What happens if the eShop price changes

Nintendo occasionally runs sales on games, including Minecraft, though these are infrequent. The base game price of $26.99 has not changed in several years. If a sale occurs, it will be advertised on the eShop with a discount percentage and a new lower price.

Once you purchase Minecraft, price changes do not affect you. You own the game at the price you paid. If the price drops later, you do not get a refund for the difference. If the price rises, you already own it and pay nothing more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Minecraft single-player?

No. You can play the entire single-player game without any subscription. Nintendo Switch Online is required only for online multiplayer features. If you want to play alone or with people on the same console, you do not need it.

Can I share Minecraft with another person on the same Switch?

Yes. If another user profile exists on your Switch, they can play Minecraft on that profile as long as the game is installed. However, each person's worlds and progress are separate. If you want them to play online multiplayer, they will need their own Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Is Minecraft free on Switch?

No. The full game costs $26.99. There is a free trial available on the eShop that lets you play for a limited time, but to own the game permanently, you must purchase it.

What if I buy Minecraft and then want a refund?

Nintendo's refund policy for digital games is strict. Refunds are generally not available once you have downloaded and played the game. Before purchasing, make sure your Switch can run it and that you want to keep it. Contact Nintendo Support if you believe there is a technical issue preventing you from playing.

Does the price include any texture packs or skins?

The $26.99 price includes the full game with all standard features, blocks, mobs, and a selection of free skins and textures. Additional cosmetic packs are sold separately. You do not need them to play the complete game.