Minecraft Hits Next-Gen Consoles in August

"Minecraft" has set its sights on two new targets in its relentless campaign to become the most ubiquitous video game in the world. This August, both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 will play host to the ultra-popular world-builder, offering cheap upgrades for those who already own the game.

The information comes from a blog post at developer Mojang's website. "Minecraft: Xbox One Edition" and "Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition" will hit Xbox Live and PSN, respectively, this August and retail for $20 apiece. Users who already own "Minecraft" on an Xbox 360 or PS3 will be able to pay a $5 upgrade fee instead (provided they go from Xbox 360 to Xbox One or PS3 to PS4). The reduced upgrade fee will be in effect until August 2015.

MORE: Best PS4 Games 2014

"Minecraft" is hardly the most graphically demanding game, but even so, the current-gen consoles can leverage system processing power in a way that last-gen consoles could not. The current-gen versions of "Minecraft" promise improved draw distances and bigger worlds.

Fans who have already constructed massive block kingdoms need not worry about lost progress, either. Users will be able to transfer their files to the new versions of the game, as well as most of their downloaded skins, texture packs and DLC. However, saved files cannot go backward, so once you start playing on your Xbox One or PS4, don't expect to go back and resume progress on your 360 or PS3.

At this time, Mojang has no plans for disc-based releases of "Minecraft" on either of the current-gen systems. "Minecraft" on the PS3 will receive Cross-Buy functionality, however, meaning that users who purchased it on the PS3 can play on the Vita at no extra charge, and vice versa. "Minecraft" will first reach the Vita in August, like its console brethren.

Chances are, you've already played "Minecraft" on some system or other, but either way, you'll be able to check out the blocky simulator on just about any platform you wish come August.

Follow Marshall Honorof @marshallhonorofand on Google+. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.

Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi. 

Latest in Gaming
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 screenshot with a Tom's Guide deal tag
PlayStation just beat Amazon with its epic Spring Sale — here’s 15 PS5 deals I’d buy from $5
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Wednesday, March 26 (#654)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — industry insider just tipped release month and launch plans
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #388 (Wednesday, March 26 2025)
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Amazon is giving away a ton of free games for its Big Spring Sale — here’s how to claim yours
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
Latest in News
AI Mode of google search
Google’s making it easier to start new AI Mode searches — here’s how
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google Gemini Gems now available to all users without a subscription
DeepSeek login in page displayed on smartphone
DeepSeek R1 just got even smarter with a new upgrade — here's what's changed
Galaxy S25 Ultra from the back
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leak claims a massive upgrade is coming to all three cameras
CAD renders of the Google Pixel 10
Pixel 10 could include a repurposed ‘Pixie’ assistant — but what actually happened?
Galaxy S25 Edge dummy unit from side angle
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge design just shown off on video from every angle with seemingly accurate dummies
  • dstarr3
    Bet it'll still be 720p@30fps.
    Reply
  • fimbulvinter
    Man on next gen hardware you can really push the graphical limits on this gorgeous gam....ahahahahahaha sorry I couldn't finish that.
    Reply
  • ocilfa
    Can we drop the "Next Gen" moniker? Isn't it kinda "Current Gen" now?
    Reply
  • eklipz330
    Man on next gen hardware you can really push the graphical limits on this gorgeous gam....ahahahahahaha sorry I couldn't finish that.
    wow,you forgot the e, hilarious.

    anyway, excellent game, especially for kids who still have their creativity
    Reply