Minecraft on Nintendo Switch costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase

You buy Minecraft once on the Nintendo eShop and own it permanently on that Switch console. There is no monthly subscription required to play the base game, though Nintendo Switch Online (a separate subscription for online multiplayer) costs extra if you want to play with others online.

The price has stayed at $26.99 for several years. You cannot rent it or borrow it through a subscription service like Game Pass on Switch — you either buy the full game or you do not own it.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft costs $26.99 on the Nintendo eShop and is a permanent purchase, not a subscription.
  • You need a Nintendo Switch Online membership (separate cost) to play multiplayer with other people online, but single-player mode works without it.
  • The game is the same price whether you buy it digitally through the eShop or as a physical cartridge in a store.
  • Once you buy Minecraft on one Switch console, you own it only on that console — it does not transfer to a different Switch.

Where to buy Minecraft for Switch

You can buy Minecraft three ways: directly from the Nintendo eShop on your Switch console, from the Nintendo eShop website on a computer, or as a physical cartridge from a retailer like Target, Walmart, GameStop, or Best Buy. All three routes cost $26.99.

The eShop is the fastest option — you read it when ready and start playing within minutes. Physical cartridges take a day or two to arrive if you order online, or you can pick one up the same day at a store near you. Some people prefer physical copies because they can resell or trade them later, though the resale value is usually $15 to $20.

What Nintendo Switch Online adds and costs

Nintendo Switch Online is a separate subscription that lets you play online multiplayer games with other people. Minecraft's multiplayer features — Realms (a private server you rent) and online multiplayer — both require an active Switch Online membership.

Nintendo Switch Online comes in two tiers. The basic plan costs $20 per year or $4.99 per month and covers online play. The Expansion Pack costs $50 per year or $9.99 per month and adds access to older Nintendo games (NES and SNES titles) and cloud saves. For Minecraft alone, the basic plan is all you need.

Single-player mode in Minecraft works without Switch Online. You can build, explore, and survive on your own console without paying anything beyond the $26.99 game purchase.

Minecraft Realms and what it costs separately

Realms is a private multiplayer server that you rent directly from Minecraft. It costs $8 per month and lets up to 10 people play together on the same world at the same time. You still need Nintendo Switch Online to use Realms, so the total cost is $8 for Realms plus $4.99 per month for Switch Online (or $20 per year if you buy annual).

Realms is optional. You can play multiplayer with friends for free using local split-screen on one console, or you can use the free online multiplayer mode if you have Switch Online. Realms is only necessary if you want a persistent world that stays online even when you are not playing, or if you want to invite people who are not in the same room.

Regional price differences and sales

The $26.99 price is standard in the United States. In other countries, the price converts to the local currency — for example, it is £19.99 in the United Kingdom and €24.99 in the European Union. The price does not change based on which region your Switch is set to.

Nintendo rarely discounts Minecraft on the eShop. The game goes on sale a few times per year, usually during major shopping events like Black Friday or around the holiday season, but the discount is typically only $2 to $5 off. Physical cartridges sometimes drop to $20 to $23 at retailers, especially used copies, but the digital version stays at full price most of the time.

Ownership and what happens if you delete the game

When you buy Minecraft on the eShop, you own a license to play it on that specific Switch console. If you delete the game to free up storage space, you can read it again for free anytime — you do not have to buy it twice. Your worlds and progress stay saved on the console even after you delete the game file.

If you sell or give away your Switch, the new owner cannot play Minecraft unless they buy their own copy. The game is tied to the console, not to your account, so it does not follow you to a different Switch.

Storage space Minecraft needs

Minecraft takes up about 2 GB of storage space on your Switch. If you have a Switch with 32 GB of built-in storage, Minecraft will take up roughly 6 percent of that space. Most people have room for it without needing an SD card, but if you plan to buy many other games, a microSD card (which costs $10 to $30) gives you more room.

Worlds you create add extra storage over time, especially if you play for hundreds of hours. A single world can grow to several hundred MB, but most players do not notice the difference unless they have dozens of worlds saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on Switch without paying for Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes. Single-player mode works without any subscription. You only need Switch Online if you want to play online multiplayer with other people or use Realms. Local split-screen multiplayer on one console also works without Switch Online.

Is Minecraft cheaper on Switch than on other platforms?

Minecraft costs $26.99 on Switch, $19.99 on PC (Java Edition) or $19.99 on Windows 10/11 (Bedrock Edition), and $6.99 on mobile. The Switch version is the most expensive, though all versions include the same core gameplay.

What if I buy Minecraft and then want a refund?

Nintendo's refund policy for eShop games is strict. You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you have not downloaded or played the game much, but refunds are not may provide. Once you have played significantly, Nintendo usually denies refund requests. Physical copies can be returned to the retailer within their return window, usually 14 to 30 days.

Do I need to buy Minecraft again if I get a new Switch?

Yes. Your purchase is tied to the console you bought it on. If you get a new Switch, you will need to buy Minecraft again on that console. There is no way to transfer a game license between Switch consoles.

Can multiple people on the same Switch play Minecraft together?

Yes, using local split-screen multiplayer. Up to four players can play on one console at the same time without needing Switch Online or Realms. Each player needs their own controller.