Minecraft Switch 2 Launch Date, Vibrant Visuals, and Bedrock 26.40: Everything You Need to Know

Vibrant Visuals Enabled by Default

The Switch 2 edition ships with Vibrant Visuals as the default visual experience . This Bedrock rendering overhaul includes:

• Enhanced lighting and directional lighting
• Volumetric fog
• Dynamic moving shadows
• Water reflections
• Richer shadow effects

Vibrant Visuals is not available in split-screen local multiplayer, and some Marketplace worlds or content that hasn't been updated will retain standard visuals . Players who prefer the classic look can switch back in settings .

Digital Upgrade Path for Existing Switch Owners

Mojang confirmed a digital upgrade path for players who already own Minecraft on the original Nintendo Switch . However, Mojang has not yet stated whether the upgrade is free or paid, and has not detailed how physical cartridge owners will verify their entitlement . Save data can be carried over from the original Switch version . Further specifics are expected closer to launch.

Updated Super Mario Mash-Up Pack

The popular Super Mario Mash-Up Pack will receive its own Vibrant Visuals upgrade and launch day-and-date with the Switch 2 native version on October 27 . It will feature enhanced lighting and shadow effects applied to its Mario-themed textures and world .

Bedrock Edition 26.40 (Released August 4, 2026)

The 26.40 update rolled out to all Bedrock platforms on August 4, 2026 . It includes gameplay changes, long-standing bug fixes, and experimental Drop 3 content.

Gameplay Changes and Bug Fixes

• Boat Breaking (Java Parity). Boats and Chest Boats now require fewer hits to break (lose 10 durability per hit instead of 1), and they naturally regenerate damage over time—matching Java Edition behavior .
• Arrow Damage Scales with Velocity. Arrow damage now scales continuously with projectile velocity instead of being fully randomized . Fixes apply to arrows hitting Sulfur Cubes containing blocks (now deflected) and a bug where arrows shot downward would get stuck in the player's own hitbox .
• Minecart Entity Separation Restored. A major fix restores minecart entity separation to how it worked prior to version 1.21.0 . Minecarts no longer push each other apart when placed adjacent, which broke contraptions like automated storage systems and roller-coaster designs. The change had been broken for five updates .
• Medium Sulfur Cube Attraction Range Reduced. Attraction range reduced from 16 blocks to 8 blocks to match Java Edition .
• Arrow of Harming no longer bounces off targets improperly .

Experimental Drop 3: Dappled Forest and New Blocks

A large batch of experimental content is included in Bedrock 26.40, toggleable via the "Drop 3" experimental toggle in world settings . This is the testing phase for the full Drop 3 release expected later in 2026.

• Dappled Forest Biome. A new autumn-themed forest biome that generates near cold biomes. Features fallen leaves (Leaf Litter) on the ground, an autumn color palette, and unique vegetation .
• Poplar Trees. A new tree variety available in Red, Orange, and Yellow leaf colors. The trunk yields a new off-gray Poplar wood set (logs, planks, stairs, slabs, etc.). Fallen Poplar logs also generate naturally .
• Shelf Mushrooms. A new small decorative fungus block that spawns on Poplar Trees and fallen logs in the Dappled Forest. Comes in small and large sizes, and is bouncy .
• Red Shrubs. A new low-growing decorative plant that generates on the forest floor .
• Abandoned Camp Structures. New explorable structures found across many biomes: Meadow, Cherry Grove, Forest, Flower Forest, Taiga, Snowy Taiga, and Dappled Forest. Camps contain loot chests, barrels, and can spawn Straw Beds and Cushions .
• Cushions. New decorative blocks you can sit on. Craftable from 3 Wool Slabs of the same color. Available in 16 color variants .
• Wool Stairs and Wool Slabs. Full sets of stairs and slabs available in all 16 dye colors. Wool stairs and slabs dampen vibrations like regular wool and carpets .
• Straw Beds. A portable, single-use bed item. Sleeping in a Straw Bed passes the night but does not reset your spawn point. Craftable from 3 Hay Bales and found in Abandoned Camps .

What's Still Unknown

Several details remain unconfirmed by Mojang as of August 2026:

• Switch 2 upgrade pricing: Free or paid? Not yet stated .
• Physical cartridge upgrade process: How will physical Switch cart owners access the digital upgrade? TBD .
• Resolution and frame-rate targets for the Switch 2 native version .
• Joy-Con 2 mouse support .
• Closed beta: No official closed beta for the Switch 2 version has been announced .