Minecraft Launcher vs Nexon Launcher
Minecraft Launcher
minecraft.netNexon Launcher
nexon.comSide by side
| Figure | Minecraft Launcher | Nexon Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 9.1 (#7) | 7.5 (#39) |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.5 (#5) | 7.4 (#18) |
| Account requirement | Installing the Launcher from Minecraft.net on Windows still requires signing into the Microsoft Store with the account intended for the Launcher. | To download a game through the Launcher, Nexon support instructs users to sign in to a Nexon account. |
| Purpose | The Launcher is a PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading game versions, accessing multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support. | Nexon describes the Launcher as a unified application for downloading and playing Nexon games. |
| Support | The Launcher page links to Minecraft Help Center articles for installation, Quick Play, sign-in connection errors, and Launcher crashes. | Nexon support provides technical support tickets and asks users reporting Launcher antivirus issues to include the antivirus name, troubleshooting summary, and an error screenshot. |
Plans
In their own words
Minecraft Launcher
Minecraft Launcher is a free PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading versions, reaching multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support. It brings Java and Bedrock editions together on PC, though the games can also be launched without it. Players can use the latest versions and try snapshots, create one-click Quick Play shortcuts to favorite worlds, manage Java skins, and access account information. Settings include language and accessibility options, and the Launcher also shows Minecraft news and promotions. Installation is available through the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft download page. On Windows, installing from Minecraft.net still requires signing into the Microsoft Store with the account intended for the Launcher. A Microsoft account is required to play all Minecraft versions. The free Java and Bedrock trial includes the core Survival experience and about 100 minutes of in-game play, with duration varying slightly by device. It supports offline play and LAN multiplayer, but online multiplayer servers are disabled. Java Edition cross-play is limited to Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Bedrock supports cross-play across Windows, consoles, and mobile.
Nexon Launcher
Nexon Launcher is a free desktop application for downloading and playing Nexon games. It brings Nexon games together in one global launcher and is available for Windows and macOS. Users must sign in to a Nexon account to download a game. Nexon’s Windows guide directs users to download and run NexonLauncherSetup.exe; its macOS instructions say MapleStory.pkg installs the Launcher. Game clients can update in the background and patch to the latest version when needed. A Repair Installation option checks game files and downloads or updates missing or damaged files. Players can link Steam and Nexon accounts so a Steam launch automatically signs in to the linked Nexon account. Nexon support addresses antivirus false positives involving the Launcher or Nexon Game Security, including exclusion and firewall guidance. Support tickets about these issues should include the antivirus name, troubleshooting summary and an error screenshot. Nexon was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in El Segundo, California, United States.