Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition now available on XBLA

Minecraft has finally arrived on Xbox 360 today.  From the creative minds at 4J Studios and Mojang, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time allowing you to create worlds from the comfort of your sofa.

Once a PC-only game, Minecraft is branching out with the XBLA version featuring an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full Tutorial mode to teach the basics, and for the first time ever in Minecraft, split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.

"I know a lot of you people have been waiting for this moment, and so have I," Mojang's Daniel Kaplan wrote on the company blog. "Really proud of what we have been doing and looking forward to the future updates that we have planned for the Xbox."

The console version does have its limitations however.  For instance Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition doesn't include Creative mode, instead focusing on the Adventure or Survival mode.  It's also a bit behind the PC version.  Minecraft on Xbox 360 is currently running the Beta 1.6.6 patch, whereas the PC version is currently running the 1.8.1 patch.  That means no Enderman, blocking with your weapon, or enchanting various items.

Still, fans of Minecraft will enjoy playing the game with a controller, and it's especially fun when playing with friends locally via split-screen.

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition can be downloaded from Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1600 Microsoft Points, or $20.