What Minecraft Version is Xbox?

Since its release in 2011, Minecraft has gained massive popularity and is currently one of the most played games in the world. 

Although it was originally available for PC only, its developers have made a version of Minecraft for every platform. 

But what Minecraft version is Xbox, and what is the difference between the Java and Bedrock edition? 

Let’s find out.

What Minecraft Version Is Xbox?

With more than 3.3 million daily active players, the game wouldn’t be where it is now if it didn’t create different Minecraft versions for different platforms and different Xbox consoles.

The company currently has three different versions of Minecraft for Xbox, two of which are no longer updated (because the Minecraft: Xbox One Edition is now part of Minecraft Bedrock Edition).

• Minecraft for Xbox: This edition of Minecraft is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox One X|S, and Xbox Series X|S. Players can buy it for $19.99 from the Microsoft store or the Xbox store. The best part about this version is that it allows for cross-play with all Bedrock versions (including Nintendo Switch). 

• Minecraft: Xbox One Edition: The Minecraft edition for Xbox One works on Xbox OneXbox Store, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X but it is no longer purchasable. Minecraft stopped updating the Minecraft Xbox One version since it added the Xbox One Minecraft Edition to the Bedrock edition.

• Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition: The Xbox 360 edition is only compatible with Xbox 360 consoles, and although it no longer receives updates since the final Minecraft Xbox update (the Aquatic Update) in July 2018, players can purchase it from the Xbox store for $19.99.

What Is the Latest Update For Minecraft XBOX One?

The most recent Minecraft Xbox One Edition update was the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.18.30, which wasn’t specific to Xbox players. 

The update is built on top of the Caves and Cliffs update that was introduced in 2021 and boasts a plethora of improvements, including 64-bit world seeds, a redesigned ‘Create New World’ screen, a number of vanilla parity improvements, and improvements to hunger and damage calculations. 

The company later issued a minor update (1.18.31) on April 27, 2022, to fix some of the issues that came with the Minecraft Bedrock Xbox One 1.18.30 update.

The Difference Between Minecraft Java and Bedrock

What is Minecraft Java edition?

Minecraft Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft which was developed and sold by Mojang Studio. This version was created for Windows, macOS and Linux and it only runs on PC.

What is the Minecraft Bedrock edition?

In 2017 Mojang Studio, Xbox Game Studio and Sky created the Minecraft Bedrock Edition, based on the Bedrock codebase which was written in the  C++ programming language. The Bedrock edition is available on multiple platforms such as gaming consoles, mobile devices and Windows 10.

Essentially, both the Java and Bedrock Edition are Minecraft versions and though they are quite similar, there are some key differences that players should familiarise themselves with to choose the best version of Minecraft for them.

• Platform: The Bedrock Edition allows you to play on multiple platforms, while Java Edition only runs on PC.

• Crossplay: You can cross-platform play with other friends on different consoles and mobile devices with the Bedrock Edition. If you get Java, you can only play with other Java users on a PC.

• Multiplayer servers: Java has massive multiplayer servers, which is not the case with the Bedrock edition.

• Hardcore and Spectator modes: The hardcore mode (which doesn’t allow you to respawn when you die) and the spectator mode (which lets you fly around) are only available with Java.

• Collection of mods: Although Bedrock has some modding tools, you’ll have to pay to use them, while Java has an enormous collection of mods and nearly all of them are free. 

• Back-end performance: In terms of performance, Bedrock runs more consistently with faster load times than Java. (See how your broadband speed compares to the average here)

• Controls: With the Bedrock Edition, you’ll have the option to switch to different controllers for movement or touch control if you’re on your mobile. 

Bottom Line

Minecraft is a sandbox game that offers an excellent environment for improving creativity, ‘out of the box’ thinking and learning the fundamentals of programming skills. The game regularly introduces new updates, including for Xbox, whose players have plenty of options now that the consoles are compatible with the Bedrock edition.