Legacy Console Edition

Console Edition refers to the console versions of Minecraft. It is available in:
 * Xbox 360 Edition
 * Xbox One Edition
 * PlayStation 3 Edition
 * PlayStation 4 Edition
 * PlayStation Vita Edition

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 PC edition
The Xbox 360 Edition was released based on an earlier version of the PC edition (Beta 1.6.6), and therefore lacked some items and features, such as sprinting. The first major update occurred on June 15, 2012, fixing minor bugs and adding minor features; it does not have a PC equivalent. The second major update occurred on October 16, 2012, adding features from Beta 1.8. Other differences from PC version 1.2.3 include:


 * The Console Edition doesn't make use of the standard crafting interface as in the original version, but still has similarities to the PC's 2×2 and 3×3 crafting grids. The interface doesn't require the Player to place items in the correct place in a crafting menu, but simply shows the blocks required to craft the selected item, and crafts it if the Player has enough blocks.
 * The game features split-screen 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. This does not correspond to PlayStation Vita Edition
 * 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. (video)
 * The world's difficulty cannot be changed while in game. It can however be changed when selecting the world to play in.
 * The player always begin a new world with a map.
 * Unlike the PC version, each world in the Xbox 360 Edition, PlayStation 3 Edition and presumably, PlayStation Vita Edition is currently limited to 864x864 blocks. Because the outer-most block is unusable on each side of the map, it is effectively 862x862 blocks that can be used. The Xbox One Edition and PlayStation 4 Edition will have bigger worlds. 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. It is unknown if consoles has the capability of doing such.
 * 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 288x288. 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 8. If the player attempts to tame or breed a 9th Wolf, it will be killed by other Wolves, and if a player attempts to build a 9th 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.
 * Snow Golems attack Creepers. It is advised to take caution when using Snow Golem sentries near your structures as creepers can do damage to both the Snow Golems and nearby structures when exploded.
 * 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 mineshafts generate at the edge of the map, rendering them inaccessible.
 * In Creative Mode, players can sprint while flying (although this is, to some extent possible in the PC edition—if the player starts sprinting, then flies, he can "sprint-fly").
 * A latch cannot be created by combining two Redstone Repeaters: The second repeater, pointing into the left or right side of the first, does not provide the latch functionality as in the PC version.
 * The Ender Dragon has a different fighting style and when at low health will hover above the ground spewing out acid.
 * Two Ender Cystals in The End are protected by Iron Bars.
 * When building a portal to the Nether in a Super Flat world, the Nether will also be flat.