Whew: Minecraft Switch Edition has a firm release date, and it’s right around the corner. The Nintendo Switch edition of the biggest indie game ever is coming out on May 11, less than a month from today and just two months after the console launched—that’s a lot faster than Minecraft came out on any other console, including the PS4 and Xbox One ! And, because of the unique nature of the Nintendo Switch, Minecraft Switch Edition is a game-changer— the most exciting version of the game ever released on a console.

Minecraft Switch Edition: Truly Game-Changing

The Wii U version of Minecraft came out years late, towards the end of the system’s lifecycle. And although the game was still a success, it seemed like even then Nintendo was just testing the waters for what was then called the Nintendo NX. That is now clearly true. The groundwork was laid, allowing Mojang to do a quick port for the Nintendo Switch.

It should be pretty obvious why Minecraft on Nintendo Switch is such a big deal. For years, the game has had three basic versions—the flagship PC version, which has the latest updates and newest features; the console versions, which lag behind on updates—sometimes for years—but have local multiplayer and other features that make them ideal for the living room; and the mobile versions—primarily Pocket Edition, but also the Vita Edition—which are severely curtailed in terms of features but offer the Minecraft experience on the go.

With the Nintendo Switch, that all changes. For the first time, you’ll be able to get the real, full console Minecraft experience, both at home and on the go. And you can play in the same world no matter where you are. That’s truly huge: The ability to play in your main Minecraft world wherever you go should make the game a huge hit, even for those of us who already own multiple versions of the game.

Of course, the Minecraft Switch Edition includes some other cool features too—not just battle mode and local and online multiplayer, which you would expect, but also an array of Mario-centric features. Based on Nintendo’s descriptions, these build on and extend the Mario skins in the Wii U version. But since many of us basically skipped the Wii U version anyway, the Switch version will be our first introduction to the Minecraft Super Mario World adventure pack, a fully built-out version of the Mario adventures we know so well in other formats.

Minecraft Switch Edition comes out digitally on May 11, with a physical release to follow. And the portability of the Switch makes it a game-changer. Don’t miss out.