Minecraft Better Together update unites Xbox One, Windows 10 and mobile players, everyone else now officially playing an Edition
Minecraft is changing.
Minecraft's Better Together update has arrived, meaning the Xbox One version has been switched over to the Bedrock build. That's the build pushed to Windows 10, VR, Android and iOS, and on its way to Switch very soon.
This is significant for a couple of reasons. First, players on all Bedrock versions of Minecraft can play together - either joining each others worlds, or piling into servers.
Second, all Bedrock versions of Minecraft are now just called "Minecraft" instead of "Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition" and "Minecraft: Pocket Edition", because they are essentially the same game and will be updated at the same time with the same content.
Non-Bedrock version of Minecraft, on the other hand, are now all Editions. That includes the original mothership Mac and PC build, now officially designated Minecraft: Java Edition.
If you're au fait with the various versions of Minecraft you're probably aware that other platforms have traditionally lagged far behind the Java Edition in terms of content and features. In an FAQ, Mojang said it has hired extra staff and will continue supporting and updating Java Edition as it always has, but that "there will always be small differences".
"Going forward we plan on releasing updates for PC Java and Bedrock in similar timeframes," it added.
So it's not totally clear if the Java Edition will be where Mojang prototypes new features or if Minecraft Bedrock will be the flagship once Mojang finishes adding promised features to the Bedrock build on consoles like custom skins and superflat or amplified worlds.
As for other platforms, well, the old console editions will not be receiving the Better Together update, and PlayStation support is dependent on Sony giving the green light, which it hasn't. We're pretty confident this isn't related to Microsoft owning Mojang since other Minecraft updates are coming to PlayStation consoles and Sony has balked at opening cross-play no matter who has asked for it, including Rocket League and Ark Survival Evolved.
Since Fornite accidentally switched cross-play on last week we know it's not a technical limitation. Sony has said it's a matter of keeping Minecraft players safe, which Microsoft has pooh-poohed.
Anyway, grab the update, use your Xbox ID to log into Minecraft No Longer An Edition on your platform of choice, and play with everyone else doing the same thing.