Minecraft

Official Site

Release Date	2011-11-18
Developer	Mojang
Publisher	Mojang, Microsoft Studios
Engine	Custom

Minecraft is a sandbox video game originally created by Swedish programmer Markus "Notch" Persson and later developed and published by Mojang. The creative and building aspects of Minecraft enable players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, crafting, and combat. Multiple gameplay modes are available, including survival mode where the player must acquire resources to build the world and maintain health, a creative mode where players have unlimited resources to build with and the ability to fly, an adventure mode where players play custom maps created by other players, and a spectator mode where players can fly around and clip through blocks, but cannot place or destroy any. The PC version of the game is renowned for its third-party mods, which add various new items, characters, worlds, and quests to the game.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Genre

Action, Adventure, Building, Sandbox, Survival

Characteristics

1st Person, 3D, Automation, Breeding, Building, Co-Op, Crafting, Creative, Cross-platform Multiplayer, Customizable Player Character, DRM: Account Required, Decoration, Destructible Environment, Exploration, Fantasy Setting, Farming, Horror, Hunting, Level Editor Included, Light & Dark Mechanics, Loot, Mining, Moddable, Modelling, Mounts, Non-Linear Editing, Online Multiplayer, Open World, Open-Ended, Procedurally-Generated, PvE, PvP, Relaxing, Retro, Single-Player, Stylized, Voxel, Weather, Zombies

Specs for Minimal levels of performance in Minecraft

Most software developers publish system requirements, and while they're accurate, they can be difficult to interpret; not everyone's comfortable with the jargon employed and older components are often referred to long after they've left the market.

Here are current specs for pre-built machines capable of handling Minecraft.

Sadly, there are also no predefined standards for performance; some developers have very high standards while others can be a bit optimistic so your mileage may vary.

Ready-to-Order Systems Meeting these Specs Prices range from ∼ US$190 to US$589, accessories included.

The following Systems meet the minimal system requirements set by Minecraft's developers. So it should run the game, but you might need to lower visual quality for an enjoyable experience.

Each product below was checked recently for rebates and availability from retailers located in Canada or which at least makes importing easy.

• 

  HP Pavilion 590 Desktop PC from US$23046%, Best price yet!
  ~$589 with accessories

  With a large hard drive, this computer is a good fit for the collector of photos, music, videos and any file you'd prefer not to store in the cloud.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Minecraft

  2/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$226.45

  • US$226.45 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:36, EDT
  • US$416.59 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:01, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Apple iPad 9.7 (early 2018) from US$270;
  ~$440 with accessories

  The 2018 version of the iPad is almost identical to its predecessor but features slightly improved performance and now support the Apple Stylus, if desired.

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  performance in Minecraft

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Apple A10

  Graphics: Apple A10 Graphics

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 9.7"

  Screen Resolution: 2048×1536

  Dimensions: 24.00 x 16.95 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.470 kg

  detailed info

  from US$265.08

  • US$265.08 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 13:00:42, EDT
  • US$265.1 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:59:01, EDT
  • US$287.82 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:58:30, EDT
  • US$309.79 from WestWorld Computers (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:31:15, EDT
  • US$324.94 from Apple (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:56:49, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$200;
  ~$354 with accessories

  A good android tablet if you're not looking for something especially powerful, but want a big screen and good battery autonomy.

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Minecraft

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 7870

  Graphics: Samsung Mali T830

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 25.40 x 15.53 x 0.82 cm

  Weight: 0.530 kg

  detailed info

  US$199.97 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2019-10-13 04:34:04, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Visions Electronics site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Nintendo Switch Lite from US$200;
  ~$350 with accessories

  This smaller version of the Nintendo Switch is dedicated to mobile gaming. So you do lose the option to connect this version of the console to the TV or to deta... Read More about the HDH-001

  • the Mobile Gamer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in Minecraft

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Nvidia Tegra X1

  Graphics: Nvidia Maxwell 256

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.5"

  Screen Resolution: 1280×720

  Dimensions: 9.14 x 20.83 x 1.40 cm

  Weight: 0.277 kg

  detailed info

  from US$196.91

  • US$196.91 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:41:24, EDT
  • US$196.93 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:29:54, EDT
  • US$196.93 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:31:39, EDT
  • US$196.93 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:33:55, EDT
  • US$196.93 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:36:45, EDT
  • US$196.93 from EB Games (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 13:03:37, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet from US$12025% cheaper than usual
  ~$240 with accessories

  Here's an affordable tablet which doesn't compromise on software updates and long-term security. It's not the perfect product, but it's a great option as a port... Read More about the B07G3WWRQQ

  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  performance in Minecraft

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: MediaTek MT8173

  Graphics: ARM PowerVR GX6250

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 26.20 x 15.90 x 0.98 cm

  Weight: 0.500 kg

  detailed info

  from US$113.61

  • US$113.61 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 13:00:58, EDT
  • US$151.48 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:21:59, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$220;
  ~$370 with accessories

  Straddling the line between Affordable and Capable, this tablet does not have all the bells and whistles, but it makes for a compelling source of portable enter... Read More about the SM-T510NZKAXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Minecraft

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 7904

  Graphics: ARM Mali-G71

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 24.52 x 14.94 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.469 kg

  detailed info

  from US$212.08

  • US$212.08 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:18:17, EDT
  • US$214.39 from eBay (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:27:42, EDT
  • US$226.45 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:46:54, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:13:12, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:03:41, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:16:04, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:10:21, EDT
  • US$227.23 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:08:31, EDT
  • US$227.23 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:57:40, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:36:02, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Costco (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:08:41, EDT
  • US$262.07 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:54:34, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7" from US$270;
  ~$440 with accessories

  Very thin, light and capable. The Galaxy Tab S2 makes a great tablet featuring one of the best screen around. If you'd want your iPad to run android instead, th... Read More about the SM-T813NZDEXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  performance in Minecraft

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 5433

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 420

  Memory: 3.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 9.7"

  Screen Resolution: 2048×1536

  Dimensions: 23.73 x 16.90 x 0.56 cm

  Weight: 0.390 kg

  detailed info

  US$265.1 from The Source (New) as of 2019-10-14 12:03:05, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the The Source site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Apple iPod touch (7th Generation) from US$190;
  ~$364 with accessories

  This updated version of iPod touch acts as a pocket-sized iPad; a valid option for entertainment on the go if you do not already have a smartphone to play that... Read More about the MVHW2VC/A

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  performance in Minecraft

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Apple A10 (ipod touch edition)

  Graphics: Apple A10 Graphics (iPod Touch Edition)

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 4"

  Screen Resolution: 1136×640

  Dimensions: 12.34 x 5.86 x 0.61 cm

  Weight: 0.088 kg

  detailed info

  from US$188.6

  • US$188.6 from Apple (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:06:51, EDT
  • US$189.35 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:51:12, EDT
  • US$189.35 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:49:34, EDT
  • US$189.35 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:41:31, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Amazon Fire HD 8 from US$80;
  ~$190 with accessories

  A compelling option if you're looking for a no-frills tablet to play video, music and even some games... Read More about the B0794PD8NS

  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  performance in Minecraft

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: ARM MT8163

  Graphics: ARM Mali T730MP3

  Memory: 1.50 GB

  Storage: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 8"

  Screen Resolution: 1280×800

  Dimensions: 21.40 x 12.80 x 0.97 cm

  Weight: 0.370 kg

  detailed info

  from US$75.74

  • US$75.74 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:24:05, EDT
  • US$75.74 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:32:38, EDT
  • US$98.46 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-12 08:04:27, EDT
  • US$104.51 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:36:52, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Were you looking for a laptop instead? You can focus your search on a specific kind of device with the options below:

• Laptops
  (66 results, starting at $690)
• Tablets
  (29 results, starting at $350)
• Stationary Computers
  (34 results, starting at $900)
• Smartphones
  (15 results, starting at $610)
• Laptops: Netbooks
  (4 results, starting at $500)
• Stationary Computers: Tower Computers
  (22 results, starting at $999)
• Stationary Computers: Compact Towers
  (8 results, starting at $900)
• Stationary Computers: All-in-Ones
  (4 results, starting at $1400)
• Smartphones: One-Handed Smartphones
  (8 results, starting at $600)
• Smartphones: Large Smartphones and Phablets
  (7 results, starting at $816)
• Laptops: Portable Laptops
  (56 results, starting at $700)
• Laptops: Large Laptops
  (7 results, starting at $1802)
• Tablets: Small Tablets
  (6 results, starting at $180)
• Tablets: Large Tablets
  (23 results, starting at $450)
• Consoles
  (6 results, starting at $370)

Looking for a different performance level?

The systems above meet Minecraft's minimum requirements. It might run a little slow in some areas, and you might need to disable or lower some options for an enjoyable experience.

You can look for something with more oomph by picking another performance level below: