Minecraft on the New Nintendo 3DS: Bedrock or Not?
The short answer is no, Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is not Bedrock. It’s a unique, heavily modified port based on an extremely outdated version of Minecraft: Pocket Edition Alpha 0.15, which predates the unification of the Bedrock codebase. This distinction is crucial for understanding its limitations and capabilities.
Digging Deeper: Understanding the 3DS Edition
The Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition was specifically designed for the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 2DS systems. It leveraged the improved processing power of these handhelds compared to the original models. However, this came at the cost of adhering to the growing Bedrock ecosystem. Instead, developers Other Ocean Interactive and Mojang Studios opted for a tailored experience using an older, mobile-centric base.
This means the 3DS edition is functionally a separate entity. It lacks the cross-platform play, feature parity, and continuous updates that define the Bedrock experience. Think of it as a charming, isolated time capsule of Minecraft’s past, optimized for a specific piece of hardware.
Key Differences: 3DS vs. Bedrock
Several key differences highlight the disparity between the two versions:
- Codebase: The 3DS edition is based on the Pocket Edition Alpha 0.15, while Bedrock uses a continually evolving, unified codebase.
- Cross-Platform Play: The 3DS edition lacks cross-platform multiplayer compatibility with Bedrock or any other Minecraft version.
- Updates: The 3DS edition received limited updates and is no longer actively supported, while Bedrock receives regular updates with new features and bug fixes.
- World Size: The 3DS edition has significantly smaller world sizes compared to Bedrock. World sizes range from small (672×672), medium (1344×1344), and large (2016×2016), with a height limit of 128. The size of the world cannot be changed once it is created.
- Multiplayer: The 3DS edition only supports local multiplayer, without any option for online play.
- Features: The 3DS edition has missing features and blocks compared to Bedrock due to its older code base.
- Availability: The 3DS Edition is only available on New Nintendo 3DS/2DS systems.
- Performance: The 3DS edition is optimized for the New Nintendo 3DS hardware, but it can still experience performance limitations.
The Appeal of the 3DS Edition
Despite its limitations, the Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition has its own unique appeal. Its portability and dedicated hardware offer a distinct experience for players who enjoyed Minecraft in its earlier, simpler forms. While it might not be the version for those seeking the latest features and cross-platform play, it remains a nostalgic and self-contained experience.
Minecraft and Education: A Connection Worth Exploring
The world of Minecraft extends far beyond simple entertainment. It provides a fantastic platform for learning across different age groups and skill levels. The creative aspects of Minecraft can encourage problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and collaborative teamwork. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition, offering additional context and clarifying common points of confusion:
1. What version of Minecraft is the 3DS Edition based on?
The Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is based on Minecraft: Pocket Edition Alpha 0.15.
2. Can I play with friends on other platforms with the 3DS Edition?
No, the 3DS Edition does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with other players who own the 3DS Edition on New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 2DS systems via local multiplayer.
3. Is the 3DS Edition still being updated?
No, the Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is no longer actively updated.
4. What are the world size limitations in the 3DS Edition?
The 3DS Edition has smaller world sizes compared to other versions of Minecraft, with a height limit of 128. World sizes range from small (672×672), medium (1344×1344), and large (2016×2016). The size of the world cannot be changed once it is created.
5. Can I transfer my worlds from other versions of Minecraft to the 3DS Edition?
No, world transfers between different Minecraft editions (including Bedrock and Java) and the 3DS Edition are not supported.
6. Does the 3DS Edition have all the features of the Bedrock Edition?
No, the 3DS Edition lacks many of the features found in the Bedrock Edition due to its older codebase and limited updates.
7. Can I play the 3DS Edition on the original Nintendo 3DS?
No, the Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is only compatible with the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 2DS systems.
8. How do I get the End in Minecraft 3DS?
The End is accessible in Minecraft 3DS through an end portal. Make sure the game is updated to at least version 1.9.19 and then construct the 5×5 square.
9. Why is my 3DS banned?
Using a hacked 3DS to play online multiplayer can get your Nintendo account banned.
10. Is the 3DS still supported by Nintendo?
While the hardware was discontinued in 2020, online services remain active in some regions. The Nintendo eShop shut down on March 27, 2023. In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication ended for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.
11. What does 3DS stand for?
The DS stands for “dual screens”. The 3DS was an attempt to emphasize the 3D effect of the dual screen system.
12. Can I still buy Minecraft on 3DS?
Yes, Minecraft is playable only on a New Nintendo 3DS.
13. Is Minecraft Java Edition free if I have Bedrock?
If you registered your Minecraft: Java Edition account with a Microsoft account, you also own Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition only runs on a Windows 10/11+ device.
14. Can I convert Bedrock to Java?
Yes, a website called Chunker allows you to upload worlds and convert them to alternate versions.
15. Is Minecraft a beneficial game for children?
Yes, Minecraft is a sandbox game that can encourage problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and teamwork. The Games Learning Society is an amazing resource that dives into the specifics of this topic.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Niche
While the Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition might not be the flagship version of Minecraft that many players are familiar with today, it holds a special place in the game’s history. It represents a specific moment in time, a tailored experience for a particular piece of hardware. Understanding its limitations and appreciating its unique charm allows us to see it for what it is: a pocket-sized piece of Minecraft nostalgia.