Nintendo is promoting the new cross platform update for Minecraft on the Switch by highlighting the Xbox One. It’s one of the few times that you’ll ever see the Japanese console maker put a rival console in the spotlight, but these are perhaps extraordinary circumstances.
Cross platform play is becoming a big deal for online games, and is rapidly becoming a selling point for titles that focus on multiplayer. And Minecraft is becoming only the second game on the Switch to allow its players to interact with those on PC and Xbox (the first being Fortnite). As such, this is the first time that a Nintendo commercial prominently features an Xbox controller.
Hey @Xbox, since we can play together in @Minecraft now, did you want to build something? pic.twitter.com/LIylWy3yXZ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 21, 2018
What is more telling about the commercial is the lack of PlayStation. There is a Minecraft version for the PS4, but it is being prevented from playing with those on other platforms. Leaving those on the console unable to play with their friends who prefer being on PC, Xbox, mobile, or Switch.
Of course, this could just be a matter of Microsoft using its influence to ensure a little extra attention. After all, the company owns Minecraft developer Mojang.
