Is Minecraft Bedrock on Wii U? A Deep Dive into Minecraft on Nintendo’s Console
The definitive answer is no, Minecraft Bedrock is not on Wii U. The Wii U had its own dedicated version of Minecraft called Minecraft: Wii U Edition, which was developed by 4J Studios and Mojang Studios. However, this edition is now discontinued and no longer receives updates. Instead, the Nintendo Switch version now serves as the primary Minecraft version for Nintendo consoles, and it runs the Bedrock Edition of the game.
The Legacy of Minecraft: Wii U Edition
What Made It Special?
Minecraft: Wii U Edition was more than just a port; it was a tailored experience. It boasted features like:
- Split-screen play for up to four players: A perfect option for local multiplayer fun.
- The Mario Mash-Up Pack: A Nintendo-exclusive content pack filled with characters, textures, and music from the Super Mario universe.
- Console-only competitive modes and mini-games: Unique gameplay experiences designed specifically for console play.
- Physical and Digital Availability: Convenient purchase options via a physical disc or digital download from the Nintendo eShop.
The End of an Era
Unfortunately, Minecraft: Wii U Edition reached its end of life. After “The Update Aquatic”, Mojang ceased development for the Wii U version to focus efforts on the more powerful and versatile Nintendo Switch. Players were, and still are, able to transfer their old Wii U worlds to their new Nintendo Switch version of the game, and the Wii U version ceased to be updated after The Update Aquatic, and the Nintendo Switch version received the Bedrock Update. This move allowed for cross-platform play and access to the full Bedrock feature set on Nintendo’s current console.
Minecraft Bedrock on Nintendo Switch: The New Standard
The Bedrock Edition on the Nintendo Switch offers a vastly different experience compared to the Wii U version. Its key improvements include:
- Cross-Platform Play: Connect and play with friends on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, mobile, and other Switch players.
- The Marketplace: Access to a vast library of community-created content, including skins, texture packs, worlds, and more.
- Continuous Updates: Regular updates that bring new features, content, and bug fixes, ensuring a constantly evolving gameplay experience.
- Better Performance: Improved performance and stability compared to the Wii U edition.
Understanding Minecraft Editions: Java vs. Bedrock
It’s important to differentiate between the two main versions of Minecraft:
- Java Edition: The original version, primarily for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s known for its modding community and highly customizable gameplay.
- Bedrock Edition: A multi-platform version available on Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and more. Bedrock is designed for cross-platform play and features a streamlined codebase for consistent performance across devices.
Why Bedrock Isn’t Backwards Compatible With Wii U
The Wii U’s hardware limitations prevent it from running the Bedrock Edition. Bedrock relies on a newer, more efficient codebase that the Wii U simply cannot support. To fully understand why Bedrock is an excellent tool for learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still play Minecraft on my Wii U?
Yes, you can still play Minecraft: Wii U Edition, provided you already own the game. However, it’s important to remember that this version is no longer updated, so you’ll miss out on the latest content and features.
2. Can I upgrade my Wii U version of Minecraft to the Bedrock Edition?
No, there is no direct upgrade path from Minecraft: Wii U Edition to the Bedrock Edition. You will need to purchase the Bedrock Edition separately on a supported platform like Nintendo Switch. However, you can transfer old Wii U worlds to your new Nintendo Switch version of the game.
3. Will Minecraft Wii U work on Wii?
No. The Wii U is significantly more powerful than the Wii and it loads games differently. Wii games are playable on the Wii U because the Wii U is essentially a very beefy Wii (which was a very beefy GameCube), Wii U games are not playable on the Wii for the same reason.
4. What version of Minecraft does Wii U use?
The retail version of Minecraft: Wii U Edition was released on June 17, 2016. The game was released at version 1.6. 4.
5. Can Minecraft Wii U be updated?
No, this edition is no longer updated or available. Minecraft: Wii U Edition was the edition of Minecraft developed by 4J Studios and Mojang Studios for the Wii U.
6. Do I own Minecraft Bedrock?
If you are on a PC and hit the Windows Key (⊞) then search the word “Minecraft” If “Minecraft Launcher” comes up => You have Minecraft Java. If it just says “Minecraft” => You have Minecraft Bedrock.
7. Is Bedrock regular Minecraft?
The two major versions of Minecraft are: Bedrock Edition and Java Edition. On the surface they may seem very similar, but under the hood it’s a completely different story. Each version’s code base creates distinct development environments content creators should be aware of.
8. What game version is bedrock?
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (only Minecraft on most platforms and in-game) refers to the multi-platform versions of Minecraft developed by Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and SkyBox Labs and based on the Bedrock codebase.
9. Is Minecraft Bedrock free?
If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft on your Xbox One, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free.
10. Is Minecraft Bedrock infinite?
Technically, Minecraft worlds are not infinite, but you won’t run out of space to build and explore any time soon.
11. Is Bedrock cross platform?
Cross-platform play is available for the Bedrock edition of Minecraft on PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and mobile devices. However, it is not available for the Java edition of Minecraft on PC.
12. Can I buy Bedrock without Java?
According to a Minecraft article, starting June 7, 2022, all players that have either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition will receive the edition they do not currently own for free, right in the Minecraft Launcher. So if you own Java, you’ll get Bedrock – and vice versa.
13. Why can’t I play Java if I have Bedrock?
All versions of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition are cross-compatible, and players can enjoy the game with one another through servers, LAN, and Realms. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition servers, Realms, and worlds are incompatible with Minecraft: Java Edition.
14. Do Wii U games get updates?
If connected online, the Wii U automatically checks for updates to your software. Any available updates will be downloaded and installed in the background. However, Minecraft Wii U no longer receives updates.
15. What is the last version of Minecraft Wii U?
NOTE: Wii U Edition Patch 42 is the final update for the Wii U Edition and there will be no more Minecraft updates for the Wii U gaming console. See the Nintendo Switch Edition as the currently supported version of Minecraft for Nintendo gaming consoles.