Minecraft is scheduled to release natively for Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, according to Mojang and reporting from multiple outlets. While the game is already playable on Switch 2 through backwards compatibility, the Switch 2 release is designed to take advantage of the newer hardware. Mojang describes the visual upgrade as “Vibrant Visuals,” which adds improved lighting and shadows and is presented as a standard feature of the Switch 2 version.
Mojang also says that not all gameplay modes or content will include the enhanced visuals. Certain experiences—such as split-screen—and some worlds or marketplace content do not support “Vibrant Visuals.” One exception highlighted by Mojang is the Super Mario Mash-Up pack, which is exclusive to the Nintendo versions of Minecraft and is updated to support the improved graphics when the Switch 2 version launches.
For players who own Minecraft on the original Switch, Mojang confirms there is an upgrade path to the Switch 2 version. The details on whether that upgrade is free or paid are not specified yet, with Mojang stating more information will follow. Mojang previously confirmed that save data carries over from Switch to Switch 2.