Minecraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking Minecraft across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Minecraft reveals Nintendo Switch 2 release date, new details
Minecraft is set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, 2026, featuring enhanced 'Vibrant Visuals' for improved lighting and shadow effects. The Super Mario Mash-Up pack will also receive an update for the new platform. Players who own Minecraft on the current Nintendo Switch will be eligible for a digital upgrade.
Minecraft 24.60 update out now, patch notes
The latest major update for Minecraft, version 24.60, is now available, introducing a variety of bug fixes, gameplay enhancements, and accessibility improvements. Key additions include experimental features like Abandoned Camps and Dappled Forests, along with functional changes such as boats requiring fewer hits to break and the introduction of Cushion blocks and Straw Beds.
Minecraft 26.40 update out now, patch notes
The latest major update for Minecraft, version 26.40, is now available, introducing a variety of bug fixes, gameplay enhancements, and accessibility improvements. Key additions include experimental features like the Dappled Forest and Abandoned Camps, new Wool Stair and Slab blocks, and functional Cushions and Straw Beds. The patch also addresses numerous issues across biomes, blocks, gameplay mechanics, and stability.
Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?
This article analyzes the viability of Starlink satellite internet for online gaming, drawing on over a year of personal experience. While Starlink offers significantly higher download speeds than traditional broadband in some areas, its latency can be a significant issue for competitive titles. The author suggests that Starlink is best suited for slower-paced games and recommends optimizing network settings or considering 5G broadband as an alternative for gamers prioritizing low latency.
A new Minecraft update adds more sturdy ways to brighten up your base
A new Minecraft snapshot introduces more durable building materials, including concrete slabs and stairs, alongside the Dappled Forest biome. The update also enhances abandoned camps by adding Explorer Maps that can lead players to various structures like ancient cities and trial chambers. Player map icons will now indicate facing direction, and cushion interactions have been adjusted.
Minecraft now says Minecraft For Nintendo Switch, suggesting Switch 2 Edition coming soon
A recent change in how Minecraft is listed on the Nintendo Switch, now appearing as 'Minecraft for Nintendo Switch,' suggests a potential upcoming release or update related to the Nintendo Switch 2. This subtle alteration has led fans to speculate about a new edition of the game for the next-generation console.
There's no single-player video games in the top 20 most played PS5 games in July
Live service and sports games continue to dominate the most played lists on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with single-player titles absent from the top 20 in July. Fortnite remains the most popular game, with titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and annual sports sequels filling out the charts. Data from Circana analyst Mat Piscatella indicates a strong preference for ongoing multiplayer experiences over traditional offline games.
PlayStation and Xbox's most played games are, once again, exactly what you expect them to be
Analyst Mat Piscatella revealed that the most played games on PlayStation and Xbox remain dominated by long-running live service titles and annual sports games, with minimal changes year-over-year. Fortnite leads both platforms, followed by a familiar lineup including Roblox, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto 5, with minor variations between the console ecosystems.
Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto 5 Continue to Top PS5, Xbox Series X/S Most-Played Charts in the US
Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto 5 continue to dominate the most-played game charts on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in the US, according to data from Circana's Mat Piscatella. The lists are largely comprised of long-running live-service titles and annual sports games, with only a few new releases like Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Shift at Midnight making brief appearances in the top 20.
One Minecraft modder has casually been besieged by exploding apples
A Minecraft player encountered a bizarre bug where picking apples from a modded tree caused massive explosions. The issue was traced to the SoundBarrier mod, which incorrectly applied its supersonic sound effects to falling apples.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders holds on strong, physical Xenoblade 1 for Nintendo Switch 2 debuts
The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026, shows Splatoon Raiders holding strong at number two. The physical release of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition debuted at number sixteen.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 1, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream still dominating
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for August 1, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, a recent release, has fallen to number 10. The charts detail the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only titles.
Xbox to double down on its 'strongest franchises' as boss sets crazy new goals
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined ambitious goals to reverse the brand's fortunes by fiscal year 2027, focusing on strengthening major franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Halo, and prioritizing 'biggest new ideas'. The plan includes improving profits and player growth, with a long-term ambition to entertain half a billion people daily by 2030. This strategy shift emphasizes console revenue and established IPs, potentially at the expense of newer or less established titles.
Xbox CEO declares priorities after 'reset'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined the platform's priorities for FY27 following recent layoffs and studio divestments. The strategy, based on a 'four C's' framework, emphasizes console gaming, major franchises, transforming Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding transmedia plans across film, television, and consumer products.
Here Is Xbox CEO’s Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a new strategy focused on strengthening the platform, growing games into global franchises, making Minecraft a creator platform, and extending beloved game worlds. Despite a recent revenue decrease, Sharma aims for Xbox to return to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027, with plans for significant expansion in games, film, TV, and consumer products.
"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" – Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new strategy focused on a console-led approach, global franchises, and enhancing Minecraft as a creator platform to drive growth. Despite a significant revenue decline last year, Sharma expressed confidence in returning the platform to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027 by investing in player-valued experiences. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also commented on the need for necessary decisions, including layoffs and studio divestments, to ensure long-term growth.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to top Sony and Nintendo's margins by 2030
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set an ambitious goal for the company to achieve industry-leading operating margins by fiscal year 2030, aiming to significantly surpass current figures and the performance of competitors like Sony and Nintendo. This announcement comes amidst workforce reductions and a stated increased investment in Minecraft.
Famitsu software sales (7/20/26 – 7/26/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of July 20-26, 2026. Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2 debuted at number one with 474,684 units sold. The Nintendo Switch remains the dominant platform, with several titles from its library appearing in the top 30.
Xbox’s growth plan lands after the layoffs — and the clock runs to 2027
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a plan to return the company to player and revenue growth by fiscal year 2027, following recent layoffs and studio spin-offs. The strategy focuses on strengthening the core platform, growing games into global franchises, transforming Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding existing worlds. Sharma aims to double daily active users to over a billion by 2030, with a significant portion of growth expected from mobile titles like Candy Crush and expanded use of Minecraft.
Xbox to invest in Minecraft 'more than ever before'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced in an internal memo that the company plans to invest in Minecraft more than ever before to achieve double-digit player growth and industry-leading margins by fiscal year 2030. This increased investment aims to strengthen existing experiences and expand creation tools, while also exploring expansion into markets like China and other media ventures.
