Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
How to Play Splitscreen in Minecraft
Splitscreen lets up to 4 players share one TV, and it only exists on console versions of Bedrock Edition: Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Connect another controller in a world and press its start button to join. It works in local worlds and Realms but not on featured servers, and there is no splitscreen on PC or phones.
How do you start splitscreen?
- Load a world on your console.
- Turn on and connect a second controller, then press its join button.
- Pick a profile for the new player (it saves their progress) and their settings.
- Up to 4 players can join this way.
For two or three players, choose horizontal or vertical split in the video settings. Each player gets their own HUD with their gamertag in the corner.
What are the limits?
- Consoles only: Windows, Android and iOS have no splitscreen. Java Edition has none.
- Works on local worlds and Realms; not on featured servers; see featured servers.
- With Multiplayer Game on, each profile may need its own Game Pass, PlayStation Plus or Switch Online subscription.
- Vibrant Visuals switches off and graphics drop to Fancy in splitscreen; see Vibrant Visuals.
Can you play splitscreen on PC?
Not in vanilla Minecraft. PC players play together over LAN, Realms or a server instead; see LAN worlds and Realms.
Did old console editions have splitscreen?
Yes: the old Legacy Console Editions (Xbox 360, PS3 and others) had their own splitscreen before Bedrock replaced them on current consoles. See every edition.
How do you play ArtemisPvP with a friend?
Frequently asked questions
Can you play splitscreen Minecraft on PC?
No. Splitscreen is only on console versions of Bedrock Edition.
How many players can play splitscreen?
Up to 4.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.