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You can play Minecraft split-screen locally on a supported console with Bedrock Edition and a controller for each player. This guide covers Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S; it does not apply to Java Edition on PC.
What you need for Minecraft split-screen
- A supported console running Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
- A separate compatible controller for each local player.
- The game updated to a current version. Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements also call for players to use matching editions and current versions: Minecraft multiplayer requirements.
Minecraft Help describes split-screen as local play on one shared console. The host starts a world, and other local players join using their own controllers. The surfaced official requirements do not establish a universal join-button prompt or player limit, so follow the on-screen prompt for your console rather than relying on a button instruction that may not match your setup.
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Check your console’s requirements
| Console | Requirements to check | Online subscription condition |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | The console must be docked and connected to a TV or monitor. Each player needs a controller. Minecraft Help’s surfaced requirements say the host signs into a Microsoft account and guests cannot sign into Microsoft accounts. | Nintendo Switch Online is required when the world’s Multiplayer setting is enabled. |
| PlayStation 4 or 5 | Use Bedrock Edition and sign the host into a Microsoft account. | PlayStation Plus is required when the world’s Multiplayer setting is enabled. |
| Xbox One or Series X|S | Use Bedrock Edition and sign the host into an account. The surfaced requirements say guests may also sign into Microsoft accounts. | Xbox Game Pass Core is required when the world’s Multiplayer setting is enabled. |
These platform-specific account and subscription details come from Minecraft Help’s split-screen requirements page, which is surfaced in Portuguese and marked as AI-translated: Requirements to Play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Split-Screen. Check the current on-console prompts and platform account settings if wording or requirements differ in your region.
Start a local split-screen game
- Connect the controllers. Pair or connect one compatible controller for every person who will play. On Switch, dock the console and connect it to a TV or monitor.
- Open Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Confirm that the console copy is updated. Console versions of Minecraft are Bedrock; Java Edition is listed for Windows, Mac, and Linux. See Minecraft’s edition guide.
- Sign in as required. The host account requirements vary by console. On Switch, the surfaced instructions distinguish the host’s Microsoft account from guests, who cannot sign into Microsoft accounts.
- Open or create a world. Before starting, check the world’s Multiplayer setting. If multiplayer is enabled, the relevant console online subscription may be required even though players are sharing one screen.
- Have the other players join. Use the join prompt shown in the game for your platform and controller. The official requirements available here do not specify one button sequence that applies across consoles.
Why split-screen might not work
The game or edition does not match
Update Minecraft and make sure everyone is using the same edition and a current version. Bedrock and Java players cannot join one another’s multiplayer games; Minecraft lists Bedrock for Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation, and Java for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Check Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements and edition guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
A controller is not connected
Confirm that each controller is paired with the console and that the game recognizes it. Split-screen requires a controller for every local player; a player using a separate device is not joining the same-console session.
Account or multiplayer settings block access
Review the host sign-in requirements for your console and the world’s Multiplayer setting. If multiplayer is enabled, check the console’s required online service and any applicable account permissions.
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
Split-screen and LAN are different
Split-screen means multiple people play on one console and share its display. Bedrock LAN play connects players on separate compatible devices over the same local network; it is not same-console split-screen. Minecraft Help says LAN sessions require the same network, compatible devices and current versions, as well as the host’s world visibility settings. See Minecraft’s Bedrock LAN guide.
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Best Value
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
