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Who this is for: Nintendo Switch owners wanting to play Minecraft locally with friends or family members.
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Setting Up Split Screen Minecraft on Nintendo Switch
Split screen Minecraft on Switch lets you and friends play together on the same console, but the setup requires a few specific steps. Here’s exactly how to get it working.
What You’ll Need
- Nintendo Switch console (docked or handheld mode both work)
- At least two controllers (Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or mix)
- Minecraft Bedrock Edition (not Java Edition)
- All controllers must be paired and recognized by the Switch
Step-by-Step Setup Process
First, make sure all your controllers are properly connected. Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order to verify each controller shows up as a separate player.
Launch Minecraft and create or load a world. The key timing here matters – you need to be inside an active world before adding the second player. You can’t set up split screen from the main menu.
Once you’re in your world, press the + button on the second controller. This should prompt a “Press + to join” message on screen. If nothing happens, try pressing the + button on different controllers until you see the join prompt.
Common Issues and Solutions
If the second controller isn’t responding, exit to the home screen and check that it’s properly synced. Sometimes you need to “forget” and re-pair controllers that aren’t being recognized as separate players.
The split screen view automatically adjusts based on how many players join – two players get a vertical split, three or four players get quadrants. The screen can feel cramped with more than two players, especially in handheld mode.
Make sure you’re using Minecraft Bedrock Edition, as this is the only version that supports local split screen on Switch. The game will display “Minecraft” on the title screen, not “Minecraft: Java Edition.”
Optimizing Your Split Screen Experience
For the best experience, play in docked mode on a larger TV. Handheld split screen works but can strain your eyes with the smaller individual play areas.
Consider adjusting the render distance in video settings to improve performance when multiple players are active. Lower render distances help maintain smooth framerates during split screen play.
Each player can access their own inventory and crafting menus independently, making cooperative building and exploration much more enjoyable than taking turns on a single screen. If you’re looking to explore more gaming options with friends, you might enjoy checking out other multiplayer experiences available.
TL;DR
Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition, enter a world, then press + on additional controllers to join split screen. All controllers must be properly paired first.
