Minecraft Monthly Brings New Animal Variants and Features to Nintendo Switch and Beyond

Minecraft Monthly Debuts With Exciting New Animal Variants and Features for Nintendo Switch and Other Platforms Minecraft, the landmark sandbox game from Mojang Studios, continues to evolve as it strides into its sixteenth year.

Following the global 15th anniversary festivities in 2024, Mojang has introduced 'Minecraft Monthly,' a recurring broadcast that delivers the freshest game updates, development highlights, and community news directly to players.

The debut episode, streamed in late January 2025, brings a host of creative additions across all platforms—including the popular Nintendo Switch, Java Edition, and Bedrock Edition. Expanding the Overworld: New Animal Mob Variants One of the standout announcements in the first 'Minecraft Monthly' was the introduction of new pig and cow mob variants, expanding the fauna that populate the blocky world.

For the first time, players will encounter biome-specific pigs: the 'cold pig,' covered in dense fur and suited to icy temperatures, and the 'warm pig,' with a distinct rust-brown hue, inhabiting sandy and warm biomes. According to Mojang, "Pigs have been a familiar sight in the Overworld for 15 years, and now they’re set to diversify.

Two new pig variations will make their debut: one adapts to chillier climates with a thick coat, while the other is tailored for the heat of sandy dunes." Similarly, cows will also see new biome-themed variants, underpinning Mojang’s ongoing commitment to environmental immersion and animal diversity.

As outlined in the broadcast, this update aligns with an overarching theme of expanding natural ecosystems within the game. Immersive Overworld Updates: Leaf Litter, Wildflowers, and Ambient Effects Beyond new mobs, Minecraft players can look forward to enhanced environmental details.

Leaf particles now cascade realistically from trees, matching tree colors and accumulating as "leaf litter" on the ground.

This new block can be collected for furnace fuel or decorative purposes.

Traversing through leaf litter will trigger a unique rustle sound, deepening the sensorial gameplay experience. Exploring biomes such as meadows, birch forests, and old-growth birch forests, players will discover new wildflower types.

These yellow and white flowers have four growth stages, can be accelerated with bonemeal, and offer additional decorative and dye-crafting possibilities.

Mojang notes, "Placing wildflowers at varying angles lets players create blooming designs and varied landscapes, enhancing the creative possibilities for builders." Additionally, a firefly bush has been introduced, releasing ambient firefly particles for a vibrant nighttime look.

These features are available for community testing via snapshots in Minecraft: Java Edition or by enabling the preview/beta phase in the Bedrock Edition, including on the Nintendo Switch.

A full rollout is planned for all platforms after testing concludes successfully. Exclusive DLC: Hello Kitty Joins Minecraft In a delightful crossover, Minecraft now offers a Hello Kitty and Friends DLC, introducing beloved Sanrio characters such as Cinnamoroll and Kuromi to the game.

This downloadable content is available now and continues Minecraft’s tradition of partnering with iconic franchises for themed experiences. Continuing Its Legacy on Nintendo Platforms Minecraft’s presence on Nintendo Switch remains strong, with continual updates ensuring parity with other leading platforms and full access to the latest features via the Nintendo eShop.

Mojang’s steady innovation and community focus help cement Minecraft’s role as a mainstay for both veteran players and newcomers alike. All new content featured in 'Minecraft Monthly' is available for immediate preview, either in the dedicated Java Edition snapshots or in the Bedrock Edition beta, with a larger public update on the horizon.

Keep an eye on upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and Mojang’s official channels for further updates as Minecraft’s creative universe continues to expand.

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