How to Get Xbox and Switch Players on Your Java Server

For years, the Minecraft community has been divided by a digital Great Wall. On one side stands Java Edition—the original, moddable, and technically superior version used by the best Minecraft servers. On the other side is Bedrock Edition, the platform that powers consoles like the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

If you wanted to start a Minecraft server, you usually had to pick a side. But in 2026, that wall has crumbled. Thanks to revolutionary middleware, you can now host a public Minecraft server that allows a Java player on a high-end PC to build alongside a friend playing on a Nintendo Switch in their bed.

This is not just “cross-play”—it is a total unification of the player base. This guide will walk you through the technical requirements, the essential plugins, and the console-specific workarounds to make your server the ultimate cross-platform destination.

The Secret Sauce: GeyserMC and Floodgate

To bridge the gap between Java’s “TCP” protocol and Bedrock’s “UDP” protocol, we use two industry-standard tools: GeyserMC and Floodgate.

What is GeyserMC?

GeyserMC is a “translator.” It sits between your server and the Bedrock client. When a Switch player breaks a block, Geyser translates that Bedrock action into a language the Java server understands. It handles everything from block placement and entity movement to complex UI elements like resource packs and custom menus.

What is Floodgate?

Normally, a Java server requires players to have a paid Java Edition account to log in. Floodgate removes this barrier. It allows Bedrock players to join using their Xbox Live accounts without needing to purchase the Java version of the game. This is essential if you want to attract a wide audience to your low lag Minecraft server.

Step 1: Preparing Your Server Environment

Before you can invite console players, your Minecraft server hosting must be compatible.

The Platform: You must use a “Bukkit-based” server JAR like Paper, Purpur, or Spigot. While Geyser has versions for Fabric and Velocity, Paper/Purpur is recommended for the best performance.
The Java Version: As of 2026, you should be running Java 21 or higher.
Network Access: You need access to open an additional port. While Java uses 25565 (TCP), Bedrock typically uses 19132 (UDP).

Software	Required Version	Role
Java	21+	The engine running the server.
Paper/Purpur	Latest (1.21.x)	The server software that supports plugins.
Geyser-Spigot	Latest	The translation layer.
Floodgate-Spigot	Latest	The authentication bypass.

Step 2: Installation and Configuration

Installing these is as simple as adding any other Minecraft server plugins, but the configuration requires attention to detail.

Download the Jars: Get the latest versions from the GeyserMC Download Page.
Upload to Plugins: Place both Geyser-Spigot.jar and Floodgate-Spigot.jar into your /plugins folder.
Restart the Server: This generates the configuration files.
Edit Geyser Config: Navigate to /plugins/Geyser-Spigot/config.yml.
- Change auth-type: online to auth-type: floodgate.
- Ensure the bedrock: port matches your host’s open UDP port (usually 19132).
Restart Again: Your server is now technically ready for Bedrock players.

For a deeper look at managing your server’s backend, see [The Ultimate Linux Command Cheat Sheet for Minecraft Admins].

Step 3: Getting Console Players Connected

This is the hardest part. Unlike PC or Mobile players, Xbox and Switch users cannot naturally add “Custom Servers.” They are locked into a list of “Featured Servers” (like Hive or Mineplex). To bypass this, your players must use one of two methods.

Method A: The DNS Workaround (Recommended)

This is the cleanest way for a console player to join a public Minecraft server. By changing their console’s DNS settings, they can “trick” the Featured Server list into opening a custom server browser.

Primary DNS: 104.238.130.180 (BedrockConnect)
Secondary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google)

Once configured, the player clicks any Featured Server, and instead of joining that server, they are greeted with a menu to enter your server’s IP and Port.

Method B: The Bedrock Together App

If a player doesn’t want to mess with DNS settings, they can download the Bedrock Together app on their phone.

Enter your server IP and Port into the app on the phone.
Watch a short ad to start the “broadcast.”
On the Xbox/Switch, your server will appear under the “Friends” tab as a “LAN Game.”

Pros and Cons of Cross-Platform Hosting

Pros

Massive Growth: You instantly double or triple your potential player base.
Community Unity: No more “I can’t play, I’m on Switch” excuses.
Plugin Support: Geyser is so advanced that Bedrock players can even see custom items from plugins like Oraxen or ItemsAdder.

Cons

Combat Imbalance: Java players have different combat cooldowns and reach than Bedrock players. You may need a plugin like OldCombatMechanics to level the playing field.
Technical Overhead: Bedrock players use more data per second; you need a high-quality minecraft server hosting provider with solid bandwidth.
Visual Differences: Shaders and some custom entity models may not look identical for console players.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Experience

Use ViaVersion: Console players update their games automatically. If your server is on 1.21 but a player’s Switch updates to 1.21.1, they might be blocked. Install the ViaVersion plugin to allow newer clients to join older servers.
Skin Support: Use the SkinRestorer plugin. Without it, many Bedrock players will appear as Steves or Alexes to Java players.
Lower the MTU: If console players are getting disconnected with “Unable to connect to world,” try lowering the mtu setting in your Geyser config.yml from 1500 to 1400. This helps with the strict network firewalls on consoles.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can PlayStation players join too?

Yes, but PlayStation is notoriously difficult. The DNS method rarely works on PS5. PS players should use the Bedrock Together app or a local proxy like Phantom running on a home PC.

Do Bedrock players need a Java account?

No. If you use Floodgate as described above, they only need their standard Microsoft/Xbox account.

Will plugins like WorldEdit or Essentials work for them?

Yes. To the Java server, the Bedrock player looks just like any other player. All commands, permissions (via LuckPerms), and features will work perfectly.

Is it laggy for console players?

If you have a low lag Minecraft server with a high-performance CPU, the translation is nearly instant. The most common cause of lag for console players is their own Wi-Fi connection, not the Geyser translation.

Conclusion: One World, All Platforms

The era of choosing between Java and Bedrock is over. By implementing GeyserMC and Floodgate, you transform your project from a niche community into a global network. Whether your players are sitting at a $3,000 gaming rig or holding a Nintendo Switch on a bus, they can now share the same sunset.

Ready to open your doors to the world? Start by selecting a host that supports UDP port forwarding and get your Geyser instance running today.

What is your next step in server development?