Stockholm, Sweden – In a surprising crossover between gaming and tech, Mojang has unveiled its latest innovation for die-hard Minecraft fans: the Minecraft Phone, officially named the BlockBerry. Combining the aesthetics of Minecraft with the functionality of a modern smartphone, the BlockBerry promises to deliver a pixel-perfect experience that’s sure to get fans of all ages digging for their wallets.
“It’s a Phone… but More Blocky”
“Why should a phone be sleek and smooth when it can be chunky and square?” said Jens ‘Jeb’ Bergensten, Minecraft’s lead designer, at the launch event. “We wanted to create a device that embodies everything Minecraft is about: creativity, exploration, and yes, a little bit of frustration.”
The BlockBerry is a phone made entirely out of virtual blocks. With a design that looks like it was built using Minecraft’s creative mode, it’s a throwback to the days when phones were bricks—and we mean literal bricks. Weighing in at nearly half a kilogram, the BlockBerry isn’t designed to fit comfortably in your pocket, but Mojang insists that’s just part of the charm.
Features to Make You Feel Like You’re Playing Minecraft IRL
Unlike other smartphones, the BlockBerry doesn’t just look like it’s from the Minecraft universe—it feels like it too. Some of its quirky features include:
- Blocky Interface: The BlockBerry runs on a custom operating system called MineOS, which features pixelated icons, a crafting menu-style app store, and an inventory-style task manager. Every app, from WhatsApp to TikTok, has been reimagined in 8-bit form.
- In-Game Style Camera: The phone’s camera comes with built-in Minecraft filters, turning every photo into a pixelated masterpiece. You can also add in-game items, like diamond swords or enchanted bows, to your selfies.
- Texting With a Twist: Instead of a smooth touchscreen keyboard, the BlockBerry’s texting feature makes users “mine” the letters one by one. Each time you type, a little Steve avatar appears to chop at the keyboard. According to Mojang, this feature alone is expected to add 15 minutes to typing a short message, giving new meaning to the phrase “texting patience.”
- Creeper Call Alerts: Every time you receive a call, the phone emits a “ssssssss” sound, followed by a small explosion animation if you don’t pick up in time. Choose your ringtones wisely—no one wants to accidentally trigger a Creeper in the middle of the office.
For Hardcore Gamers and Casual Crafters Alike
The BlockBerry is more than just a gimmick. Mojang has incorporated gameplay elements into the phone’s interface. Want to change the wallpaper? You’ll need to “mine” new blocks using a custom Minecraft app. Setting up your calendar? Expect to plant and grow virtual crops before unlocking the scheduling tool.
Even mundane actions, like swiping to unlock the phone, have a Minecraft twist. To open the device, users must punch a virtual tree down to craft an “unlock stick,” making the process both infuriating and strangely satisfying.
But Mojang hasn’t skimped on modern tech features. The BlockBerry comes with a surprisingly good battery life of 10 hours and a resolution that is somehow both pixel-perfect and HD at the same time. It’s also surprisingly durable. Built with “ObsidianGlass” technology, it can withstand drops, water, and, yes, even a Creeper or two.
Customization Galore
True to the Minecraft spirit, the BlockBerry offers extensive customization options. The phone’s exterior is a blank slate, allowing users to attach interchangeable “block cases” made from plastic, wood, or even “diamond” designs. Mojang has also hinted that a Redstone Expansion Pack will be available soon, allowing users to program complex circuits and booby traps into their phone’s interface.
One optional feature is the “Night Mode”, which automatically changes the screen’s background to a dark cave, complete with torchlight and random zombie noises. It’s a perfect way to keep those late-night texts thrilling—or terrifying.
Not Just a Phone, It’s a Minecraft World in Your Pocket
The BlockBerry isn’t just a phone—it’s a pocket-sized Minecraft world. Built-in apps let users recreate their favorite biomes, build castles with a tap, and even explore tiny generated worlds on their screen. But be careful: the phone’s unique “Adventure Mode” will disable calling and messaging whenever your character falls into lava.
Critics Are Divided
The BlockBerry has received mixed reviews from tech enthusiasts. Some praise it as a genius fusion of gaming and tech, while others have called it “the most impractical phone since the rotary dial.”
“I’ve been trying to send a text for the last 45 minutes,” complained one reviewer. “But I got distracted building a Nether Portal, and now I’m stuck in the End fighting the Ender Dragon. It’s a cool feature, but I really just wanted to order a pizza.”
However, die-hard Minecraft fans are already raving about the phone. “I’m sold,” said one gamer. “If it makes everyday tasks feel like I’m playing Minecraft, then who cares if I can’t check my emails efficiently?”
Limited Availability
The BlockBerry will be available in three “skins” at launch—Classic Cobblestone, Netherbrick Red, and Creeper Green—and comes with a pre-installed copy of Minecraft for both mobile and PC, accessible via cross-play.
Early buyers will also receive a free “Steve” or “Alex” plushie, along with a carrying case shaped like a crafting table. The device is set to launch worldwide next month, just in time for the holidays, with a starting price of £599.
Will the BlockBerry be a hit, or just another block in the wall of quirky tech fails? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the phone industry just got a whole lot more… blocky.
