"Minecraft" offers cross-platform play for both versions of the game — Bedrock and Java — but you can only play with users who own the same version.

Java is present on all three desktop operating systems, while Bedrock can run on almost any electronic device. Since Bedrock is playable on Xbox and PlayStation, many play it with a controller.

First launched for PC, Minecraft is technically at its most pure on the PC. If you’re keen to use the best Minecraft mods, the best Minecraft texture packs, or the best Minecraft shaders, you’ll need ...