Why did Minecraft cost money?

• Aug. 2, 2017 /
• 1 min read

Minecraft has become a sensation, with well over 100 million copies sold for all platforms. And it’s not just kids who play the game; adults like it, too. The game started out for the PC, but has expanded to include versions for major gaming consoles and mobile devices.

The price for Minecraft varies, depending on where you buy it. If you buy it for a PC from the Minecraft.net website, expect to pay around $27 as of July 2017. You can also buy gift cards at the website. If you want to download Minecraft to your favorite console, expect to pay $20 to $30 for the base game, and about $30 or more on the Wii U if you opt to buy the Favorites Pack. Minecraft: Pocket Edition allows you to play the game on a variety of mobile devices and costs about $7 for the app.

Skins and texture packs cost extra

You also have the option of downloading character skins and texture packs, which change the look of your game play. On the PC, these modifications are free at Planetminecraft.com. On the Xbox, PlayStation and Wii U consoles, you pay a small fee to download skins or texture packs, though occasionally they are offered for free. The cost for skin packs hovers around $2, while texture packs cost closer to $6. Skin packs for Minecraft: Pocket Edition for mobile devices cost around $2 each, with texture packs running $1 to $2, or free in some cases. Both skin and texture packs are in-app purchases.

Choose the right version of Minecraft

When buying Minecraft, you first need to decide which version you want. The PC version of Minecraft, which was the first, features the game in its latest updated form. Console versions are usually behind in some aspects due to the approvals required from companies such as Microsoft and Sony. Minecraft: Pocket Edition lacks some of the features of the console and PC versions of the game.

When buying Minecraft, make sure the version you get is compatible with the system you own, whether it’s for the PC, a gaming console or your smartphone or tablet.

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Compared to most modern games, Minecraft's journey has been quite unique. While the game did come out 13 years ago, it is still being overhauled to this day. In fact, Mojang just released a major update several weeks ago, further emphasizing the game's longevity.

It's unique in a lot of ways, but one that most Minecraft players probably appreciate is the difference in pricing. Most new games on every platform come at a minimum price of $59.99 USD. That's the lower end of the spectrum, as alternate editions of new games can cost up to $100 USD or more.

Gaming is quite costly these days, but Minecraft remains relatively cheap. Here's how expensive it is on every platform, along with how one can make the purchase.

Minecraft pricing and download guide

There are two versions of Minecraft: Bedrock and Java Edition. The two platforms vary, with Java being exclusive to PC and Bedrock being available on everything else.

Here's what Mojang said about Java Edition:

"You can buy Minecraft: Java Edition from minecraft.net for $26.95 USD or local currency equivalent. This is a one-time purchase."

Java is available on Mac, Linux and Windows.

Minecraft for Windows is another Bedrock iteration that is supported on Windows. It comes in two versions, with each one bearing different features and unique gameplay. For Bedrock, players will have to cough up $29.99 USD.

Meanwhile, Pocket Edition remains the cheapest version of the game. It's available for just $6.99 USD. The following platforms are supported:

• iOS devices
• Android devices
• Amazon devices

The Xbox version, supported on Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X is just $19.99. For comparison, Forza Horizon 4 came out for Xbox in 2018 and costs over $60 USD to download.

For those who are still using their Xbox 360, that version also costs $19.99. The PlayStation version, compatible with both 4 and 5, costs the same as the Xbox version.

On the Nintendo Switch, the price jumps a little. It costs $29.99 USD there, but it does come with console exclusive skins such as Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad.

Despite the Switch being five years old, some gamers use the Wii U, its predecessor. The latter console's version will cost $19.99, with Nintendo 3DS claiming the same price.

Meanwhile, Education Edition costs $5-12 a year and is on the following consoles:

To download these games, there are a couple of options. Most retail stores such as Target, Walmart or Best Buy will have copies of the game. They can be purchased in physical form.

However, other stores like GameStop can have discounts on used titles. Hence, players can save money by not going for a new copy.

Digital downloads are quite common these days. Bearing the same price, the games can be found in the device's shop (Nintendo eShop, Xbox Store, PlayStation Store).

For detailed guides, walkthroughs, tips & more, check out SK Minecraft Wiki

Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul

I have the full version but whenever I invite my friends, they just say: Too expensive!
So I wonder why something virtual would cost $28.

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06/04/2012 5:22 pm

Level 40 : Master Goblin

Looks like someone has a bunch of cheapskate friends.

06/04/2012 5:16 pm

Level 45 : Master Mountaineer

It's relatively cheap, considering most new console and PC games cost $50+ dollars when released. Besides, just because it's virtual doesn't mean it has to cost less money than a tangible item. People spend hundreds of dollars a year playing MMO's. I know I have.

06/04/2012 5:15 pm

Level 44 : Master Sweetheart

"Why something virtual would cost $28" Many things "Virtual" Cost much more then $28. When you buy minecraft, you get all future updates included.

Minecraft is a very powerful and fun game. $28 isn't that expensive.

06/04/2012 5:13 pm

Level 26 : Expert Geek

Y does xbox games 50 dollars

Y didnt they buy it earlier

06/04/2012 5:13 pm

Level 21 : Expert Network

Why would you take your time to make a beautiful game and not sell it? The game is worth the money. If you're asking why something virtual is so much money, why did you buy it in the first place? And the game cost less when the beta version was out. They could've bought it then.