You can play Minecraft on almost anything, and in most cases you can play with friends on a different device. The edition decides it: Bedrock players play together across PS5, Xbox, Switch, phones and Windows PCs, while Java Edition only connects Windows, macOS and Linux computers. Here is what runs where, what you need to play online on a console and what changes on 27 October 2026, when the native Nintendo Switch 2 version launches. Status as of 19 October 2026, Java 26.3 and Bedrock 26.52.
Where Minecraft runs
| Device | Edition | Who you play with |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Java and Bedrock (one bundle) | depends on the edition you launch |
| Mac, Linux | Java | Java players on Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Xbox | Bedrock | all Bedrock players |
| PlayStation 5 | Bedrock | all Bedrock players |
| Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 | Bedrock | all Bedrock players |
| Android, iOS, Amazon Fire | Bedrock | all Bedrock players |
| Chromebook | Bedrock | all Bedrock players |
PS5 has had a native Bedrock version since 2024. On a Windows PC you have been getting both editions in one bundle, Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, since 2022. For everything else that separates the editions, read our Java vs Bedrock comparison.
Bedrock crossplay
Bedrock has crossplay across every device. A PS5 player can meet a friend on Xbox, Switch, an Android or iOS phone, an Amazon Fire tablet, a Chromebook or a Windows PC. The condition is that everyone plays Bedrock. The game also requires a Microsoft account, and consoles need a platform subscription (more below).
Your Microsoft account also carries your purchases. Marketplace content and Minecoins transfer between Windows, Xbox, mobile and Switch. From 27 October 2026 there is an exception for new Minecoins bought on Nintendo, see the currency section below.
Java crossplay
Java Edition only plays with Java, across Windows, Mac and Linux. You will not meet Bedrock players in Java, because the editions have separate servers and separate Realms. On a Windows PC you simply launch the edition your friends use. The bundle includes both, and so does PC Game Pass on Windows 10 and 11.
Playing online on console: subscriptions
Online multiplayer on a console requires a platform subscription, sold separately. On Xbox that means Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate (the old Xbox Live Gold name no longer applies). On PlayStation you need PlayStation Plus, on Nintendo its online subscription. This applies to Realms on consoles too.
On Xbox, Minecraft is also playable through the cloud with Game Pass.
Split screen
Up to four players can share one screen, but only on consoles running Bedrock. There is no split screen on PC or mobile, so for couch co-op a console is the obvious choice.
Nintendo Switch 2: native version on 27 October 2026
Switch 2 already runs the original Switch version through backward compatibility. The native Switch 2 version launches on 27 October 2026 alongside Bedrock 26.60 and will bring:
- Vibrant Visuals as the default graphics (though not in split screen or in some Marketplace content),
- an updated Super Mario Mash-Up pack, Nintendo only.
Owners of the Switch version will get a digital upgrade, but Mojang has not announced the details yet. The official announcement is on minecraft.net. We will update this guide after launch.
Minecoins and Tokens: what changes on Nintendo
On most platforms the Marketplace runs on Minecoins. On PlayStation you pay with Tokens instead, and they only work on PlayStation.
From 27 October 2026 the rules on Nintendo change:
- Minecoins bought on Nintendo (Switch, Switch 2) can only be spent on Nintendo.
- Minecoins bought elsewhere cannot be spent on Nintendo.
- Minecoins bought before 27 October stay in the so-called Legacy Wallet and keep working across platforms.
New gift cards may not support Nintendo, so check the platforms listed on the card. Details are in Mojang’s announcement.
How to play together: Realms, servers and featured servers
The easiest route is Realms, Mojang’s official private servers that run around the clock. A Bedrock Realm works on every Bedrock device including consoles; Realms for Java only on Windows, Mac and Linux. Prices on minecraft.net (as of 19 October 2026, per month): Realms for Bedrock $3.99 (you plus 2 players at once), Realms Plus for Bedrock $7.99 (you plus 10, with the Marketplace Pass catalogue), Realms for Java $7.99 (you plus 10). The store shows the price in your local currency. New subscribers get the first month free.
Your own Bedrock Dedicated Server accepts players on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, phones, Switch and Switch 2. The catch: on a console you cannot enter a custom server address and port the way you can on PC or mobile. How to set one up and get friends connected is in our server setup guide.
Bedrock also has featured servers, public servers run by partners. Java does not. If a child is playing, go through our parents guide too, because multiplayer is off by default on child accounts.
Join our Discord to find players on PC, console and mobile: GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
Yes, as long as your friend launches Bedrock on PC. Bedrock has crossplay between PS5, Xbox, Switch, phones and Windows. You cannot join Java Edition from a PS5.
No. Java only plays with Java across Windows, Mac and Linux, and Bedrock only with Bedrock. On a Windows PC you have both editions and launch the one your friends use.
Yes. Online multiplayer on a console requires a platform subscription; on Xbox that is Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate. It applies to Realms as well.
The native version launches on 27 October 2026 with Vibrant Visuals as the default graphics. Until then, Switch 2 runs the original Switch version. Mojang has not announced the upgrade details yet.
Minecoins bought before 27 October 2026 stay in the Legacy Wallet and keep working across platforms. Minecoins bought on Nintendo after that date can only be spent on Nintendo.
Information verified on 19 October 2026. If you are not sure yet, our free trial guide shows how to test the game first, and more guides are in our Minecraft section.