Legacy Console Edition

Console Edition refers to the console versions of Minecraft developed by 4J Studios. It is available on:
 * Xbox 360
 * Xbox One
 * PlayStation 3
 * PlayStation 4
 * PlayStation Vita
 * Wii U.

The Console Edition introduces new features such as a simpler crafting system, in-game tutorials, and split-screen multiplayer (excluding Vita), as well as online multiplayer for up to eight players over PlayStation Network, which requires a PlayStation Plus subscription (PS4 only), Xbox LIVE (requires Xbox Live Gold subscription), or Nintendo Network. As with all versions, updates are free of charge.

Gameplay
The objective of the game remains the same as its original computer and Pocket Edition counterparts, where players can build virtual realities in a sandbox-like environment. There is no preset goal; the player may choose to set their own goals.

For the most part, the Console Edition of the game is almost identical to the PC edition but with few apparent differences, but was released with Xbox 360 Edition in an earlier version equivalent to the PC version Beta 1.6.6, than the current PC version at the time of release, 1.2.5.

Differences from the PC edition
Differences from PC version 1.8 include:


 * The game features splitscreen functionality, however an HDTV with a Component or HDMI cable is required for split-screen play. Split-screen functionality works with a VGA connection to a PC monitor as well as HDMI-to-DVI cables to a PC monitor. Up to 4 players can play in split screen*, as well as the possibility to play 8-person online multiplayer game modes in split-screen. The "PlayStation Vita Edition" only supports up to 2-4 players online and Ad-Hoc support.
 * The game includes an automatic crafting system where you do not have to place the blocks in the grid. However, there is an option to use the PC crafting.
 * The Console Edition includes a tutorial mode not included in the PC version of the game. This tutorial leads the player through the basics of digging and placing blocks, crafting, as well as building their first house to survive the night, fishing, enchanting, brewing, and more.
 * Most blocks/items use outdated sounds.
 * The Player always begins a new world with a map.
 * Each world is limited to 864×864 blocks. Because the outer-most block is unusable on each side of the map, it is effectively 862×862 blocks that can be used. The Xbox One Edition and PlayStation 4 Edition's worlds can be up to 2500×2500. It is expected, but unknown if the world size will be increased along with the updates that will bring the Console Edition up to date with the PC version. The PC uses virtual memory which allows to swap chunks in and out of memory, drastically increasing the size of the map. Since not all Xbox 360s and PS3s (some PAL region PS3s shipped with only 12GBs of internal flash memory) ship with hard drives, these two consoles support limited worlds only.
 * The Nether is limited in size and because of this the movement distance in the Nether vs. the Overworld is 1:3 versus 1:8 in the PC version. Consequently the Nether is limited to about 288×288. The End also uses the aforementioned size.
 * Skins can only be chosen from those available as default or from downloadable content.
 * Breeding and utility mob spawning works the same as the PC version with the exception of limiting tamed wolf and snow golem populations to 16. If the player attempts to tame or breed a 17th wolf, it will be killed by other wolves, and if a player attempts to build a 17th snow golem, upon placing the pumpkin all three blocks will break, dropping one pumpkin and eight snowballs. Also, wolf pups are born with full health and reach adulthood without player input.
 * The edge of the world cannot be mined and is completely sea. The edge of the map is a strip of water surrounding the map followed by an invisible barrier in which all players cannot gain access to. This can cause problems as sometimes chests in abandoned mine shafts generate at the edge of the map, causing the player to make and place a new chest next to said chest in order to access all the previously inaccessible items.
 * Creative mode flying does not conserve momentum, meaning if you sprint and stop quickly, you will not drift to another block.
 * The ender dragon has a different fighting style and when at low health will hover above the ground spewing out acid.
 * Two ender crystals in the End are protected by iron bars.
 * When building a portal to the Nether in a superflat world, the Nether will also be flat.
 * Nether wart randomly spawns on soul sand in the Nether, while in the PC version, nether wart can only spawn in nether fortresses.
 * The edge of the Nether is made of bedrock.
 * The PlayStation Vita Edition has Ad-Hoc support like an offline multiplayer service. It can be toggled on or off (Online or Ad-Hoc), and is also similar to LAN servers but without internet connection.

Trivia

 * 4J Studios, the company making the Minecraft port for consoles, also made several other video game ports, namely Banjo Kazooie, Banjo Tooie, and Perfect Dark for XBLA as well as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for PS3.
 * Notch stated that the Xbox 360 would be the sole console provider of Minecraft. However, Sony later annnounced that there would be versions for the PS3, PS4, and Vita released. Mojang would later announce a Wii U edition.
 * There is no way to modify Console Edition legitimately, but it can be cracked to do so. Notice that there is a chance for you to get banned when using mods.
 * You can grab edge blocks with sticky pistons. However, it's impossible to push blocks into the edge.
 * Spiders can climb the edge of the world, as it's classed as a block.