Minecraft also coming to PS4 and Vita in August with Cross Buy (sort of)

The PlayStation 4 and Vita versions of Minecraft will also be coming in August, Mojang announced today.  Both versions will include all of the features from the recent PS3 version, including online play on the Vita, though the PS4 Edition will offer "significantly bigger worlds and a greater draw distance" than the other two versions. Both versions will cost $19.99, though there are some special promotions that will allow you to snag it for cheaper, or possibly free even.

In an even better announcement, Mojang revealed that everyone who has bought Minecraft: PS3 Edition from PSN will get it on Vita for free through Sony's Cross Buy program. It doesn't matter which version you buy first as you'll be getting it for both platforms regardless.

"We are working closely with Sony Computer Entertainment to look into ways to enable upgrade from the Blu-ray disc version of Minecraft: Playstation 3 Edition to Minecraft: Playstation 3 and Vita," Mojang said. "We’ll have more info on this closer to release."

Saves between the PS3 and Vita versions are also transferrable, meaning you'll be able to craft at home on your PS3 and then continue your adventure on-the-go with the Vita. Lastly, all DLC that you've purchased for Minecraft: PS3 Edition will work with the Vita.

Shifting to the PS4, you'll be able to upgrade to this next-gen version for just $4.99 f you've purchased the PS3 Edition from the PlayStation Network. Again, Mojang is working with SCE to look into upgrading from the Blue-ray disc version. There was also no mention of Cross-Buy for the PS4 version. Cross-platform play between the PS3 or Vita Editions and the PS4 Edition is not possible, though players with the PS3 or Vita Editions will be able to import their saves to the PS4. Unfortunately, it won't work the other way around.

"There are technical reasons for this," Mojang explained. "We can make worlds bigger without too much stress, but shrinking them causes all kinds of problems."

And lastly, "many, but not all" of the DLC skins and texture packs that you've purchased fo rhte PS3 Edition will be available for use in the PS4 Edition. "We’d like to say all your DLC would transfer but some of the items are trapped in licensing deals that are too boring to get into here. We’ll have more on this soon," Mojang added.

For those interested in Minecraft: Xbox One Edition, you can read more about that version's release here.