How to Use Split Screen in Minecraft

Do you remember the good old days when you used to play console games with your friends on a split screen? Now you can reminisce about those memories and create fantastic new ones using Minecraft split-screen. Unfortunately, this option is only available on consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox).

Ton console or TV screen must support at least 720p resolution. The PlayStation Vita does not support split screen as it is qHD (1/4 of 1080p). The WiiU also doesn't support split screen as it's only 480p. For eligible devices, you will need to connect them to a TV screen using an HDMI or RGB component cable.

Read on for more information and detailed steps on split screen in Minecraft.

System Requirements For Minecraft Split Screen

As briefly mentioned, you will need a console and a TV screen with 720p or higher. Also, you need to set the video resolution of your console to match that of the TV. This process is relatively easy to do; go to your console settings and go to display options. PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Switch generally set the resolution automatically when using HDMI, although previous manual settings may cause an issue requiring manual reconfiguration.

You can split screen in Minecraft locally or online. Local split-screen can accommodate up to four players at a time. If you have a big TV screen, playing with friends or family will be a lot of fun. Let's start with tips for local split screen, and later online split screen will be explained as well.

How to Split Screen Locally in Minecraft

Local split screen refers to gaming on a single console, not to be confused with LAN (local area network) playback. Up to four players can join on any given console. Instructions for playing Minecraft in split-screen mode vary slightly for each game console, but the instructions below will cover them all. Here's how to set up a "local" split screen in Minecraft:

1. Connect the console to the TV with an HDMI or component cable, then launch minecraft.
   
2. Select "Create a new" if you want to start fresh, or load a previous world from the list of games.
   
3. In the "Multiplayer" settings, drag "Multiplayer game" to the stop position.
   
4. Adjust the difficulty and other game options to your liking.
   
5. To choose "Create" or " To play " to start the game.
   
6. Use another controller to activate the second player on the console, then select the correct button(s) to add them to Minecraft. For example, the PS4 uses the " " button to activate a user and the "Options" (tap twice) to add the second player to Minecraft.
   
7. Select the other player's account (if not already selected). XBOX 360 and PS3 use Minecraft Legacy console edition, so you first press " Start " on the second controller to enter the game, it will prompt the user to login to the console.

How to split screen online in Minecraft

You can play Minecraft in split screen with your friends even online. Here's how:

1. Sign in to your console with your Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus account. For XBOX 360 and XBOX One, Silver and local accounts will not be able to join. The PS3 does not require PlayStation Plus, but the PS4 does.
2. For Minecraft Legacy editions, open on your console and choose "Play Game", then "Load" or "Create". For Bedrock Editions, select "Create New" or select a game from your list.
3. Adjust your game options to your liking and launch your game. On Bedrock, go to the “Multiplayer” menu and make sure “Multiplayer Game” is enabled before starting the game.
4. Other "remote" players select your invite (required) to join your hosted game. The split-screen feature only works on a per-console basis with a maximum of 4 people, but they play online with others.

Minecraft is an interesting, fun and creative game. Like any other game, it's best when you play with your friends. Now you can split screen and play Minecraft, just like playing those old console games with other players.

PC users may feel left out, which is understandable. If you have a big screen, it's a shame you can't split it up and do the same thing as on the console. There are third-party screen splitting tools online that you can check out, but they are unofficial.