I am not the one who can give an honest review, but my children can. They love everything Minecraft. They are obsessed with this game and take it very seriously. As a parent, I have to say I approve. My children have learned a lot. It forced my youngest to read because she had to read the words on the screen to get her supplies together. So her reading skills grew drastically from there. My oldest son uses math skills while playing and is in the 5th grade and they are putting him in a 6th grade math class. I hate playing that game with a passion, but it really benefits kids! It is costing me money though!

This game is a win on so many levels for young kids and families! It fosters creativity, problem solving, spatial orientation, planning and preparation and even simple math and reading. We have 4 sons ages 2-13. The toddler isn't quite old enough yet but still likes to see what his big brothers build. The older ones play in creative mode to experiment with various builds, as well as survival mode which challenges them to use resources to overcome obstacles. Mom and Dad even get in on the action as the screen can be split with multiple players, and Dad at our house is an IT professional who set up a private server that allows us to play across platforms via emulators. We use Minecraft as a reward for chores and good behavior and do a lot of family "missions" and ... MoreThis game is a win on so many levels for young kids and families! It fosters creativity, problem solving, spatial orientation, planning and preparation and even simple math and reading. We have 4 sons ages 2-13. The toddler isn't quite old enough yet but still likes to see what his big brothers build. The older ones play in creative mode to experiment with various builds, as well as survival mode which challenges them to use resources to overcome obstacles. Mom and Dad even get in on the action as the screen can be split with multiple players, and Dad at our house is an IT professional who set up a private server that allows us to play across platforms via emulators. We use Minecraft as a reward for chores and good behavior and do a lot of family "missions" and crafting time after dinner. Of course, kids are going to love the March that comes with the fandom (t-shirts, toys, Lego sets) but it's a unique and creative fandom, so we grownups don't mind. The updates released periodically always have something new to look forward to. I could take off half a star maybe for the periodic glitches associated with them, but these issues are relatively minor and to be expected with any similar product. This game is totally worth the investment if you're looking for family-friendly fun, or a digital creative outlet full of challenges and go-at-your-own-pace feel.

Excellent for Minecrafters!!

We decided to purchase this Minecraft game on the Switch format as we're going to move from a tablet. Excellent! Delivery was quick, careful and I was updated along the way. I also purchased the Nintendo Switch along with the game and cannot wait to gift this at Christmas and have a go myself when the kids are in bed. Delighted John Lewis stocked Nintendo as I prefer to buy electrical and technology here with an excellent customer support should anything go wrong. Also in stock in our preferred colour and at a competitive price. Thanks John Lewis!!

Fun for the Novelty

I bought this just for the novelty of having Minecraft on my New Nintendo 3DS. The game plays well, and is fun. Crafting and inventory management make good use of the touch screen. The graphics look good, but draw distance is short. Unfortunately, it does NOT support the 3D feature of the 3DS, so I docked a star for that. It's very out of date, and no longer getting updates. It's fun for experiencing Minecraft in a different way. But if you want the true Minecraft experience, look to current gen consoles, PC, or mobile releases.

Game can use some improvements!

I had a good experience buying this game! The case was without dents, scratching, etc, and the game card was good as new! The customer service was also kind and helpful. The game however does has its downsides: - The controls on the switch do take a while to get used to ( as they are more simple on pc), but once you do, it's a nice experience if you have Nintendo Switch Online! ( you cannot go into servers unless you have the subscription). My younger sibling took a day or two to enjoy the gameplay with no trouble with the controls ( before this game she had no prior knowledge of the controls) - You cannot upload skins or make your own; you have several options from the Mario Bros skins that they offer. If you do plan to use them in other servers, the skin will not ... MoreI had a good experience buying this game! The case was without dents, scratching, etc, and the game card was good as new! The customer service was also kind and helpful. The game however does has its downsides: - The controls on the switch do take a while to get used to ( as they are more simple on pc), but once you do, it's a nice experience if you have Nintendo Switch Online! ( you cannot go into servers unless you have the subscription). My younger sibling took a day or two to enjoy the gameplay with no trouble with the controls ( before this game she had no prior knowledge of the controls) - You cannot upload skins or make your own; you have several options from the Mario Bros skins that they offer. If you do plan to use them in other servers, the skin will not be visible to other players but yourself. ( Meaning that they will see the default skin) This does state on the game itself, but it's easy to miss this fact. Overall, the graphics are nice and the gameplay is smooth except for the small things I have mentioned above!

Not the best version of Minecraft, but not bad.

In 2021 this version probably isnt worth it if you want it as your main version of Minecraft, but its interesting to have in your collection if you get a good deal. This version came out before the Better Together update was released and is not supported anymore for updates. The controls are better than I thought though, and its still fun even if its limited by the graphical and technical capabilities of the N3ds. If you want the latest version of Minecraft though, I would definitely get it on mobile if you are looking for an accessibility way to play. About the game itself, the draw distance is very low which can make it feel a little claustrophobic and makes it difficult to see over a distance. Also there are no infinite worlds. The amount of mobs you can spawn at ... MoreIn 2021 this version probably isnt worth it if you want it as your main version of Minecraft, but its interesting to have in your collection if you get a good deal. This version came out before the Better Together update was released and is not supported anymore for updates. The controls are better than I thought though, and its still fun even if its limited by the graphical and technical capabilities of the N3ds. If you want the latest version of Minecraft though, I would definitely get it on mobile if you are looking for an accessibility way to play. About the game itself, the draw distance is very low which can make it feel a little claustrophobic and makes it difficult to see over a distance. Also there are no infinite worlds. The amount of mobs you can spawn at a time is also limited. Its still a fun way to play if you want to play an older and unique version of Minecraft, so I rate it 4 stars. You can find a more detailed review if you look this version up online.

Piece of Mine-crap

Low frame rate and a high amount of pop-in for Minecraft? That's unacceptable, but also, the menus take a long time to load and certain U/I elements just do not work in this port. You need a Microsoft account to be able to play this game, I hate Microsoft, (I say, typing this on a Windows computer.) The advertised Super Mario Pack included was made for the Wii U version of Minecraft and hasn't been updated, and there's so many noticeable issues while playing, I just returned this game. Just get the mobile or PC versions of Minecraft, they're so much better (and cheaper), I have no idea what the heck happened here.Props to the homies at Walmart who let me ship this back for a refund.I'm going to play Super Smash Bros so I can beat up Steve from Minecraft.

Run Far Away from This Option

Worst experience ever. Microsoft forces you through a million hoops to get the installer downloaded by making you open Xbox Live accounts and verifying Microsoft accounts until the cows come home. Once the installer if FINALLY downloaded, you have to pay another $30 to buy the game. The access code from Walmart is only to gain access to the installer, not the actual game. When I tried going back to the beginning to try again, it said the code was already redeemed and closed the windows, losing everything. Better off buying the physical game for specific console vs trying to make your kids happy by downloading on their PCs.

Unplayable about 80% of the time

Used to be great. But neglect of the servers it so heavily relies on have destroyed it. For about the past 6 months, I try to open it up and it sits on the home screen for 30 or so seconds (if I click on anything it freezes up) and eventually an error pops up that a communication error has occured. From here I can either play single player on a world already saved on my switch, signed out of both my Nintendo and Microsoft accounts. Absolutely no online play, custom skins, nothing. Or I can close out the game, restart it and let it sit on the home screen again. Usually will not actually get connected until my 10th to 15th attempt. After I finally get on the game connected to the internet it usually doesn't last more than 30 to 60 minutes, I'll get said communication ... MoreUsed to be great. But neglect of the servers it so heavily relies on have destroyed it. For about the past 6 months, I try to open it up and it sits on the home screen for 30 or so seconds (if I click on anything it freezes up) and eventually an error pops up that a communication error has occured. From here I can either play single player on a world already saved on my switch, signed out of both my Nintendo and Microsoft accounts. Absolutely no online play, custom skins, nothing. Or I can close out the game, restart it and let it sit on the home screen again. Usually will not actually get connected until my 10th to 15th attempt. After I finally get on the game connected to the internet it usually doesn't last more than 30 to 60 minutes, I'll get said communication error again and have to restart the whole process. As far as my internet I have spectrum 400 Mbps and have been getting these errors while my roommates are playing much more intense games online such as call of duty and Fortnite or streaming videos. None of the other games on my switch ever have issues either. Literally just this game. Used to be great, until all the online features went to trash. Now it hardly works at all.

i love mienrcaft

Some people don’t think Minecraft’s much of a game. It’s true, there is no real way to “beat” it, even though the XBLA version doesn’t have the end content developer Mojang added to the PC version. But that isn’t what Minecraft is about anyways. Sure, you can play through the Xbox version and churn out achievements, but the point of playing Minecraft – the very reason it sinks its claws into you and won’t let go – is because it’s just so rewarding to set your imagination free. The secret of Minecraft’s success isn’t any one component of its design, but rather the way every piece of it coalesces to create an experience that’s more liberating and creatively fulfilling than most video games.The 360 version of Minecraft doesn’t coddle you, but it is different from the ... MoreSome people don’t think Minecraft’s much of a game. It’s true, there is no real way to “beat” it, even though the XBLA version doesn’t have the end content developer Mojang added to the PC version. But that isn’t what Minecraft is about anyways. Sure, you can play through the Xbox version and churn out achievements, but the point of playing Minecraft – the very reason it sinks its claws into you and won’t let go – is because it’s just so rewarding to set your imagination free. The secret of Minecraft’s success isn’t any one component of its design, but rather the way every piece of it coalesces to create an experience that’s more liberating and creatively fulfilling than most video games.The 360 version of Minecraft doesn’t coddle you, but it is different from the PC title. Just like the PC version you create a randomly generated world, dropping in and setting to work with nothing at the start. How you proceed is up to you; you set your own goals, working towards building the basics like shelter, fashioning tools and fighting for survival against the monsters that come out at night. You could never settle anywhere permanently, choosing to be a nomad who simply sets sail on the rivers and seas you encounter, or you can tunnel deep into the earth to harvest whatever treasures you find.The 360 version lacks the free-form Creative Mode of the PC, but its Survival Mode is much more user-friendly. On top of a substantial tutorial level, which covers all the basics of Minecraft and then even lets you just keep playing in that world, tooltips regularly pop up. These work great as a primer for new players, giving them the gist of each material’s use. At any time you can also open up your inventory and see a basic description of each item, ensuring you never have to open a wiki to enjoy Minecraft.Alongside these great tips and tutorials, the team behind Minecraft on Xbox has smartly recreated the crafting system. The materials you need for each recipe are faithful to the PC version, and building them is accomplished with a few button presses. The crafting menu separates everything you can make into various categories, allowing you to rapidly tab between them, select the item you wish to make and then do it in a snap. If you don’t have the necessary materials, it clearly shows you, which again makes it so you never have to leave the game to hunt down additional information. And before you say it, no, tracking down information is something longtime fans have grown accustomed to doing, but it isn’t a good feature. The point of Minecraft is to create and have adventures, not to open up web browsers and read forums.Just because the 360 version explains gameplay features, doesn’t mean that you don’t earn everything in Minecraft. Every block of your house, every window you fashion and every door you put up comes from raw materials that you harvest. Finishing a powered rail system or laying the final block of a 12-story tower instills a sense of accomplishment few games can match. Hours spent trudging through caves and battling monsters all seem worth it for the moment you break through a block, place a hand-crafted torch and see the bright colored stones that indicate there are diamonds to mine. You get the thrill of finding treasure, the suspense of venturing into the unknown and the reward of seeing your dreams come to life.The thing some longtime fans might complain about (and rightfully so) is the features the 360 Minecraft is missing. Great tutorials and a streamlined crafting system make it much more user-friendly, but, since this version of the game is adapted from an early PC beta version, many recipes and seemingly minor gameplay mechanics are missing. For instance you can’t sprint and you can’t stack food items. There are no jungle biomes, either, and mods are pretty much never going to happen on the Xbox. The other features and additions don’t detract that much from the experience, but mods have been so great at extending the value and life of the PC version that they’re deeply missed on Xbox. In the end I don’t think most newcomers will care about any of these “missing” features, especially since the core mechanics and crafting recipes are present and more than enough to inspire countless hours of play.The PC version of Minecraft never integrated multiplayer very well, and the barrier to entry was enough that many people probably didn’t bother. The Xbox version alleviates this with great integration of Xbox Live, letting you pop into your friends worlds from the main menu, as well as quickly invite them to yours. You can also play with up to four players in local split-screen co-op, jumping into another player’s game or simply running around as team within your own. It’s a lot of fun creating vast castles, taming the wilds and exploring caves full of monsters, but it’s even better when you can share those times with your friends. Minecraft on Xbox just makes that a lot easier.VerdictMinecraft on Xbox is almost as good as the PC version. It’s still a great way to express yourself, but the lack of some of the PC features like mods and Creative Mode is disappointing. The vastly improved crafting interface and smooth online play make it easier to get into than ever before, which should open up Minecraft to a whole new audience. If you long to be creative and express yourself in a videogame, and don’t mind being dropped into a sandbox that lacks stereotypical game goals, Minecraft is one of the greatest options available.