On Nintendo Switch, “local online multiplayer” can mean two different things: local wireless connects separate consoles nearby, while online multiplayer connects players over the internet. If everyone is sharing one Switch, use split-screen couch co-op instead. Here’s how to choose and set up each mode in Minecraft for Nintendo Switch.
Choose the right multiplayer mode
| Mode | Systems and location | Connection | Capacity listed by Nintendo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couch co-op | One Switch shared by players together | One system; docked to a TV or monitor for split-screen | 1–4 players |
| Local wireless | Separate Switch systems in the same vicinity | Local wireless network | 2–8 players |
| Online multiplayer | Separate systems; players can be in different places | Internet | 2–8 players |
These capacities are from Nintendo’s Minecraft for Nintendo Switch listing. Local wireless is not the same as internet play, and couch co-op does not require a separate Switch for each player.
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| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Play over local wireless with nearby Switch systems
For a LAN world, all players need a current, compatible version of Minecraft and devices that support LAN play. Minecraft Help says the devices must be on the same network. The host makes the world visible; other players select it from their Worlds list.
- On the host Switch, launch Minecraft and select Play.
- Select the pencil or edit control beside the world you want to host.
- Open Multiplayer and enable Multiplayer game and Visible to LAN Players.
- Select Play to start the world.
- On each joining Switch, connect to the same local network, open Play, then Worlds, and select the host world marked LAN.
These are Minecraft Help’s general Bedrock instructions; menu wording or layout can vary on Switch. A LAN network can operate without internet, but console subscription requirements may depend on the mode being used. If Minecraft instead offers a direct join to a friend who is online, that connection is over the internet, not LAN. Read Minecraft Help’s LAN guide.
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#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
Join a friend over the internet
Internet multiplayer on Switch requires Nintendo Switch Online and a Nintendo Account. Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements also include a Microsoft account for console and mobile players, compatible Bedrock editions, current game versions, and a stable internet connection. To join a friend’s world, the host must be online, multiplayer must be enabled for the world, and you must be Minecraft friends.
- Sign in to a Microsoft account in Minecraft on Switch. Choose Sign in with a Microsoft Account, then open the Remote Connection page on a phone or computer.
- Enter the code shown in Minecraft on the Switch, sign in, and confirm the account.
- In Minecraft, select Play, then Friends.
- Under Joinable Friends, select the friend’s gamertag.
Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements and Nintendo Switch Microsoft-account sign-in guide cover the account and joining flows. Nintendo says Switch players can play with people on other platforms when everyone is using Bedrock Edition; Java Edition is not part of that cross-play compatibility.
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
Use split-screen for players sharing one Switch
Minecraft’s Switch split-screen mode is for players on the same console, not local wireless between separate consoles. The Switch must be docked and connected to a TV or monitor. Each player needs a controller; an individual Joy-Con can function as a controller. The host signs in to a Microsoft account. Nintendo Switch Online is required for players unless multiplayer is turned off for the world. See Minecraft Help’s split-screen requirements.
Quick Recap
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
Troubleshoot connection and joining problems
- World or player does not appear: Check that everyone is running the same current Bedrock release. Version mismatches can block joining.
- LAN world is missing: Confirm all devices are on the same local network and the host enabled both Multiplayer game and Visible to LAN Players.
- Online friend cannot join: Verify the host is online, multiplayer is enabled in the world, and both players are Minecraft friends. Check that Nintendo Switch Online and required account permissions are active.
- Child account cannot use multiplayer: The account may need multiplayer permissions enabled.
- You received an invite: Supported games commonly handle invites in-game. Nintendo also says you can check received invites from the Switch HOME Menu profile under Online Play Invites. See Nintendo Support’s invitation guidance.
- The menus do not match: Check the game title. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is a separate earlier release; current Bedrock instructions may not match its interface. Nintendo lists the newer Minecraft for Nintendo Switch as released June 20, 2018. See the earlier-edition listing.
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.
