Do You Have to Buy Minecraft Bedrock for Every Console?
The short and direct answer is yes, you generally have to buy Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for each console you wish to play it on. While this might seem frustrating, the licensing for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is specific to each platform, meaning that a purchase on one console does not automatically grant you access on another. This is a common practice across many games and digital marketplaces, but it’s understandable why this can be confusing for players, especially since Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is now bundled together on PC.
Understanding Minecraft Licensing
Minecraft has two primary editions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition is typically associated with PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), while Bedrock Edition is designed for cross-platform play, encompassing a wide range of devices including Windows 10/11, Xbox consoles, PlayStation consoles, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and more. The key difference in licensing lies in the platform-specific marketplaces. Each console, whether it’s an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, has its own digital store and licensing agreements. When you purchase Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on the Xbox Store, for example, you’re buying a license specifically for the Xbox ecosystem. This license doesn’t automatically transfer to the PlayStation Store or the Nintendo eShop.
Why Can’t I Use My Single Minecraft Bedrock License Everywhere?
The reason for this system boils down to the structure of these digital marketplaces and their relationships with publishers. Each platform holder, such as Microsoft (for Xbox), Sony (for PlayStation), and Nintendo, requires game purchases to occur through their respective storefronts. They manage their own licensing, payment processing, and distribution. This is why a game purchased on the Xbox ecosystem cannot simply be “transferred” to a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. This system allows each company to control its platform’s digital sales and maintain its user base.
The Exception: Xbox Game Pass
An exception exists for Xbox and PC players: If you have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass for PC subscription, you can access Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition on PC as part of your subscription. However, this doesn’t extend to consoles outside of the Xbox ecosystem. If you want to play on a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, you’ll still need to purchase a separate copy of the game.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition – A Single Purchase Per Ecosystem
In summary, you will need a separate purchase of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for each console you own (e.g., one for Xbox, one for PlayStation, one for Nintendo Switch). Although inconvenient, this is standard practice within the gaming industry. The licenses are tied to the specific console’s digital marketplace, ensuring each platform holder maintains its control over sales and distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the complexities surrounding Minecraft: Bedrock Edition purchases across different platforms, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need to buy Minecraft again if I switch devices?
It depends. If you switch between devices within the same ecosystem (e.g., Xbox One to Xbox Series X) for Bedrock Edition, you don’t need to rebuy. However, switching between ecosystems (e.g., Xbox to PlayStation or Switch) requires a new purchase. Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition purchased for PC is usable on any PC you log in to.
2. If I buy Minecraft Bedrock on my phone, can I play it on my Xbox?
Unfortunately, no. Mobile purchases are licensed separately from console purchases. You would need to buy Minecraft: Bedrock Edition again for your Xbox. Each platform has its own marketplace and licensing.
3. I have Minecraft on my Xbox. Do I get it free on my PC?
If you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC subscription, you can access Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition on PC. But, without an active subscription, you would need to purchase it. Previously, if you owned Java you got Bedrock and vice-versa, but that was a limited time offer.
4. Why does Minecraft cost more on Switch?
Switch games are often more expensive due to the cost of manufacturing cartridges. The price of physical cartridges is higher than digital licenses, and the cost is often passed on to the consumer.
5. Do I need a Microsoft account for Minecraft Bedrock?
Yes, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, along with Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Realms require a Microsoft account, even if you’re not playing on an Xbox or another Microsoft platform. This helps facilitate cross-platform play and allows for account management.
6. Can I play Minecraft on multiple devices at the same time?
You can use your Minecraft account on multiple devices. However, you can only play multiplayer at the same time if each device is using a separate account and the devices are on the same edition of the game (all Bedrock or all Java). You cannot use the same account for simultaneous multiplayer sessions.
7. Can I share my Minecraft game with my family on a Switch?
Yes, digitally purchased Switch games can be shared with other Switch consoles under the same family Nintendo account, if they are not Switch Lite consoles. However, this method allows only one player to use the game at any given time, unless a separate digital copy is purchased. To play on two consoles simultaneously, you would need to buy a second copy, either physical or digital.
8. Should I buy Java or Bedrock?
It depends on your needs. Bedrock Edition is ideal for cross-platform play and is available on consoles, mobile, and PC. Java Edition is more customizable but limited to PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) and it has some advanced features not available on Bedrock. Now when you buy Minecraft for PC, you get both.
9. Is Minecraft Bedrock edition infinite?
Technically, Minecraft worlds are not infinite, but they are extremely large. You won’t reach the edge of the map anytime soon. It’s effectively infinite for normal gameplay.
10. What’s the difference between Java and Bedrock?
Java Edition is available only on PC and has more customization options, including custom fonts and GLSL shaders. Bedrock Edition is available on multiple platforms, supports cross-play, and features custom particles and fogs. Now you can get them both on PC, simplifying things.
11. Is Minecraft Realms free?
No, Minecraft Realms are not free. They are a subscription service that allows you to host multiplayer servers for both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. You must pay to use a Realm.
12. What is too expensive in Minecraft Bedrock?
In Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, if the cost of your anvil combination exceeds 40 levels, the game will display “Too Expensive,” preventing you from performing the repair or enchantment. This is to balance the game’s mechanics.
13. If I have Minecraft Java, do I get Bedrock for free?
Yes, if you purchased Minecraft: Java Edition and linked it to a Microsoft account, you were able to obtain Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for free, and vice-versa. If you purchase the game now, you receive both on PC.
14. Why do I have to buy Minecraft again in 2023?
You might need to buy Minecraft again if you’re using a different account, attempting to use a different edition than purchased, or if there’s been a problem with your original purchase license, or if you want to play on another platform.
15. Can I use the same account to play Bedrock on Xbox and PC?
Yes, you can use the same Microsoft account to play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on both Xbox and PC. However, you cannot play on both devices simultaneously in multiplayer using the same account. You can log in on either one, but if you try to join a world while logged in on another, one will be kicked.
Hopefully, these FAQs have addressed some of your concerns about purchasing Minecraft: Bedrock Edition across different consoles. While the need to purchase the game separately can be frustrating, it’s a common practice due to licensing agreements with platform holders. Understanding these nuances can make your Minecraft experience more enjoyable and less confusing.