Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to enjoy local multiplayer gaming with friends and family on the same screen.
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Setting Up Split Screen on Console Versions
Split screen Minecraft works differently depending on your platform. On Xbox One, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.
First, make sure you have multiple controllers connected to your console. Each player needs their own controller to join the split screen session. Start Minecraft and load into any world – either create a new one or open an existing save.
Once you’re in the game world, have the second player press any button on their controller. The game will prompt them to sign in with their profile. On Xbox, this means signing into their Microsoft account. On PlayStation, they’ll use their PSN account. Nintendo Switch players can use local profiles.
Console-Specific Requirements
Different consoles have varying limitations for split screen play:
- Xbox One/Series: Supports up to 4 players in split screen
- PlayStation 4/5: Also supports up to 4 players
- Nintendo Switch: Limited to 2 players in handheld mode, up to 4 in docked mode
The screen will automatically divide when additional players join. Two players get a vertical split, while three or four players create a quad-split layout.
PC Split Screen Solutions
Minecraft Java Edition doesn’t natively support split screen, but you can achieve it through third-party tools. Universal Split Screen is a popular option that creates multiple game instances on one computer.
This method requires a powerful PC since you’re essentially running multiple copies of Minecraft simultaneously. Each instance needs its own Minecraft account, and you’ll need multiple input devices like keyboards, mice, or controllers.
Alternative PC Methods
Some players use virtual machine software to run separate Minecraft instances, though this is more complex and resource-intensive. Another approach involves using multiple monitors with different user accounts, but this isn’t true split screen.
Bedrock Edition LAN Play
If split screen isn’t working for your setup, local area network (LAN) play offers another multiplayer option. One player hosts a world and enables LAN sharing in the game settings. Other players on the same network can then join through the “Friends” tab.
This method works across different devices – you could have one player on Xbox, another on mobile, and a third on PC, all playing together locally. Each player needs their own device and copy of Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If split screen isn’t working, check these common problems:
- Ensure all controllers are properly connected and recognized by the console
- Verify that each player has a valid user profile signed in
- Check that you’re using Minecraft Bedrock Edition, not Java Edition on PC
- Make sure your console has enough processing power – older systems might struggle with 4-player split screen
Some worlds with heavy modifications or large builds might cause performance issues in split screen mode. Try testing with a fresh, simple world first.
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TL;DR
Split screen Minecraft works on consoles by connecting multiple controllers and having each player sign in with their profile. PC requires third-party tools since Java Edition lacks native split screen support.
