What happened to Minecraft Pocket Edition game?

Who this is for: Mobile Minecraft players wondering about the Pocket Edition name change and anyone curious about the game’s platform evolution.


Ready to jump in? Play minecraft games and discover new block-building adventures right in your browser.

Play free games on Playgama.com

Minecraft Pocket Edition Evolved Into Bedrock Edition

Minecraft Pocket Edition didn’t disappear—it transformed into something bigger. In 2017, Mojang rebranded Pocket Edition as “Minecraft: Bedrock Edition” to unify the mobile experience with other platforms like Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10.

Why the Name Change Happened

The shift made perfect sense from a development standpoint. Mojang wanted all non-Java versions of Minecraft to share the same codebase, enabling cross-platform play and consistent updates. By dropping the “Pocket Edition” label, they signaled that mobile Minecraft was no longer a separate, limited version.

What Changed for Players

Functionally, your mobile Minecraft experience got better, not worse. Here’s what the transition brought:

  • Cross-platform multiplayer: Play with friends on Xbox, Switch, or PC
  • Unified marketplace: Access the same skins, texture packs, and worlds across devices
  • Simultaneous updates: Mobile players get new features at the same time as other platforms
  • Better performance: Optimized code runs smoother on modern devices

Finding Minecraft on Mobile Today

If you’re looking for Minecraft on your phone or tablet, search for “Minecraft” in your app store—not “Pocket Edition.” The core gameplay remains identical, but you’ll enjoy expanded features and connectivity that the old Pocket Edition couldn’t offer.

The evolution from Pocket Edition to Bedrock Edition represents Minecraft’s commitment to breaking down barriers between platforms, ensuring that mobile players aren’t left behind in the game’s ongoing development. For those seeking similar block-building adventures, exploring other creative sandbox experiences can provide fresh perspectives on the genre.

TL;DR

Minecraft Pocket Edition was rebranded as Bedrock Edition in 2017 to enable cross-platform play and unified updates across mobile, console, and PC versions.

Author avatar

Joyst1ck

Gaming Writer & HTML5 Developer

Answering gaming questions—from Roblox and Minecraft to the latest indie hits. I write developer‑focused HTML5 articles and share practical tips on game design, monetisation, and scripting.

  • #GamingFAQ
  • #GameDev
  • #HTML5
  • #GameDesign
All posts by Joyst1ck →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Games categories