Building a wall in Minecraft could soon become part of an offensive strategy rather than simply a way to protect yourself. The Minecraft throwing disc introduces a weapon capable of using the surrounding terrain to its advantage. Meanwhile, upcoming changes to Bedrock Edition and Nintendo Switch 2 aim to give players greater freedom over how they interact with their worlds.
Mojang Studios presented its first two additions for 2027 on November 14, 2026, during Tubbo’s Mid-Offs show at TwitchCon San Diego. Beyond expanding the game’s arsenal, these announcements open up some interesting possibilities for survival, multiplayer combat and community-created challenges.
The Minecraft throwing disc turns terrain into a tactical advantage
Positioning already plays an important role when facing hostile creatures. However, Minecraft’s upcoming weapon could encourage players to think differently about their surroundings. Instead of relying exclusively on a direct line of attack, they will be able to use solid surfaces to extend a projectile’s journey.
The disc operates as a medium-range weapon with boomerang-like behavior. It returns to its owner after being launched and can damage several enemies along its trajectory. Furthermore, bouncing it against surfaces compensates for its relatively limited range while creating opportunities for trick shots.
Imagine defending a narrow underground passage against a group of zombies or designing an arena with walls specifically positioned for ricochet attacks. Both situations illustrate how the shape of an environment could influence combat strategies.
Players will have five crafting material options:
- Copper
- Iron
- Gold
- Diamond
- Netherite
Unlike a conventional bow, this returning projectile introduces a different attack pattern. Nevertheless, Mojang has taken existing weapons into consideration when balancing the new addition, rather than designing it as a universal replacement.
Why the Minecraft throwing disc could reinvent multiplayer arenas
Some of the most entertaining Minecraft experiences come from mechanics that players repurpose for something entirely different. Redstone contraptions and Elytra obstacle courses are familiar examples of how a single addition can inspire countless community projects.
Something similar could happen with the throwing disc. Its ability to rebound from surfaces makes it an interesting prospect for custom minigames built around accuracy, timing and creative arena layouts.
Server creators could experiment with ricochet competitions, obstacle-based target practice or team battles where understanding the map becomes as important as aiming. These are potential community applications rather than officially announced game modes.
Consequently, the weapon’s long-term appeal may depend less on its damage statistics and more on what players manage to build around its mechanics.
Bedrock Edition prepares to close a decade-old gameplay gap
Although Java and Bedrock share the same recognizable sandbox experience, several mechanical differences remain. One particularly noticeable example involves the off-hand slot.
Java Edition introduced off-hand functionality in 2016. Bedrock players, by contrast, have been restricted to a limited selection of compatible items. Mojang is now preparing to remove that limitation with full off-hand support.
This change also complements the upcoming disc, which can be launched using either hand. As a result, players could explore equipment combinations without relying as heavily on switching between hotbar slots.
Better still, full off-hand support will become available in the next Bedrock preview build. Mojang has not announced a definitive release date for its first 2027 content drop, although additional information will arrive soon.
Both features have been detailed in Mojang’s official TwitchCon announcement.
Nintendo Switch 2 brings Minecraft closer to PC-style controls
Separate from the TwitchCon announcements, Minecraft is also experimenting with another way to play on Nintendo Switch 2. Its closed beta already includes mouse functionality through either the left or right Joy-Con 2.
Precision can make a considerable difference when constructing detailed buildings, navigating inventories or adjusting the camera. Nintendo’s hardware offers an alternative to traditional analog stick inputs, something other developers are exploring through releases such as Commandos Origins and its mouse-driven tactical controls.
Minecraft’s current beta configuration includes the following inputs:
- ZL: Place blocks.
- ZR: Break and select blocks.
- A: Fly upwards.
- B: Fly downwards.
Additionally, players can remap buttons and adjust cursor and camera sensitivity. That flexibility is particularly welcome as more titles, including Nitrome’s mouse-focused party game Mouse Work, explore the possibilities of Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
There is also an incentive for existing Nintendo players. Digital owners of Minecraft on the original Switch can claim the Switch 2 upgrade at no additional cost until the end of January 2027. Meanwhile, physical edition owners qualify for a discount on the Switch 2 Ultimate Collection upgrade.
Mouse functionality will eventually reach all players, although its public rollout remains undated.
Ultimately, the Minecraft throwing disc represents something more interesting than another piece of equipment. Alongside improved off-hand functionality and alternative control methods, it points towards a sandbox with fewer limitations on player creativity. Will its biggest success come from survival combat or the experimental minigames that communities build around it?
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
