14 DAY TRIAL // Mojang, 4J Studios, and Microsoft have confirmed that Minecraft Xbox One Edition will be released this week, on September 5, alongside an upgrade offer for existing owners of the game on Xbox 360.
Minecraft appeared a few years ago as an ambitious PC-only alpha experience that quickly managed to develop a cult-like following thanks to its open world, the freedom given to players, and the complex things you were able to do in its environments.
The game quickly spread to more platforms, from mobile smartphones and tablets, to consoles like PS3 or Xbox 360, thanks to developer 4J Studios.
Now, after a lengthy wait, 4J has finally confirmed, alongside Minecraft creator Mojang and Microsoft, that Minecraft for the Xbox One is coming this week, on September 5, worldwide.
The announcement, made on the Xbox Wire, confirms the many different features added to the regular Minecraft experience on the Xbox One, from larger worlds, to all the DLC that's already available on the Xbox 360.
"With worlds up to 36 times larger than on Xbox 360, now there’s an even bigger canvas to create on. Transfer your favorite Xbox 360 worlds and content to the Xbox One Edition so you won’t lose your creations. Join a community of 13-million-plus Minecraft fans on Xbox Live that are continually laying down imaginative creations," the companies revealed.
"And, with the widest range of downloadable content on console, you’ll never run out of new worlds to explore with four player split-screen on one console or up to eight players over Xbox Live."
Minecraft for the Xbox One will be available as a digital download from the Xbox Games Store for 20 USD/EUR. Those who already own Minecraft on the Xbox 360 can upgrade their version to the Xbox One edition for just 5 USD/EUR. All the DLC they already bought on the old console can be re-downloaded at no charge for the Xbox One.
"Xbox is about giving players a choice - even in how you buy your game. Starting Friday, players can purchase and download the Minecraft: Xbox One Edition upgrade or full game from the Xbox Store with either a credit card or an Xbox Gift Card purchased at retail," the announcement explained.
"Later this month, select retailers will sell the full game Digital Download Code and the full game packaged disc will be on retail store shelves globally this holiday, just in time for gift giving."
As of yet, Minecraft for the PS4 or PS Vita hasn't received a release date, as the versions are still in the certification process with Sony.
Until then, check out a set of great screenshots from Minecraft Xbox One edition below.
