If you're nostalgic for the days of gathering with friends in front of the TV for cooperative gaming, Minecraft on consoles offers a similar experience. Thanks to its splitscreen feature, you can enjoy the game locally with up to three friends on the same console. Here’s how to set it up and dive into the fun.
Before you begin, keep in mind that splitscreen is exclusively available on consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on PC. Additionally, ensure your TV or monitor supports HD (720p) resolution, as this is required for splitscreen functionality. Most modern consoles automatically adjust the resolution via HDMI, but older connections may require manual adjustments.
Minecraft offers two modes for splitscreen: local multiplayer and online multiplayer. Below, we’ll cover both scenarios.
To enjoy Minecraft splitscreen locally, follow these steps:
Use an HDMI cable to connect your console to the TV. Modern devices typically come equipped with HDMI cables.
Start Minecraft and select either a new game or an existing world. Ensure the multiplayer function is disabled in the settings.
Choose the difficulty, additional settings, and world parameters. Skip this step if you're resuming an existing world.
Once the game loads, press the appropriate button to activate splitscreen for additional players. For PlayStation controllers, press the “Options” button twice. On Xbox controllers, press the “Start” button.
Each player logs into their account and joins the game. Once connected, the screen automatically splits into sections for each player (up to four).
While you can’t splitscreen with remote players, you can combine local and online multiplayer. Here’s how:
In the game settings, enable the multiplayer mode.
Start a new game or resume an existing session.
Send invites to online friends using the in-game interface. They’ll receive a notification and can join the session.
Now you can play with both local and online players simultaneously.
Image Source: ensigame.com
Minecraft’s splitscreen feature allows you to relive the classic gaming experience of gathering with friends in front of the TV. Whether you’re exploring new worlds or building together, it’s a great way to bond over shared adventures. Give it a try and rediscover the joy of cooperative gaming!
Enjoy the game!