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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To play Call of Duty: Black Ops II split screen, connect a second compatible controller, choose Multiplayer or Zombies, then use the second-player join prompt shown in that lobby. The exact button and local player limit depend on your platform and edition, so follow the game’s on-screen instructions rather than relying on a universal button combination.
Set up split screen
- Connect or pair two controllers compatible with your console and copy of Black Ops II.
- Start the game and choose Multiplayer for local competitive matches or Zombies for cooperative or competitive Zombies modes.
- Enter the relevant local or private lobby.
- At the on-screen prompt, have the second player join using the second controller. Depending on the edition, the game may also require a separate player profile or account.
The official Wii U manual confirms local Multiplayer and describes Zombies as playable alone, cooperatively, or competitively. It does not establish a single join-button sequence that applies to every version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $25.03 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II, XBox 360 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Call Of Duty 9 Black Ops II Game Classics (Xbox 360) (Renewed) | $34.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $19.13 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops Combo Pack - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $36.82 | Buy on Amazon |
Which modes support local play?
Multiplayer
Choose Multiplayer for local matches against or alongside other players. Activision’s Wii U manual explicitly describes Multiplayer as playable online and locally. The Campaign is described as single-player, so it is not the mode to choose for split-screen play.
Zombies
Choose Zombies to play its cooperative or competitive modes locally. Player counts vary by edition and mode. The Wii U manual’s “1–8 players” figure describes Zombies overall; it does not confirm that all eight players can play locally on one screen.
#1 Best Overall
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Platform and player-count differences
Black Ops II originally released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and Wii U on November 13, 2012, according to Activision’s game page. Later console listings may refer to different editions, so the original release details do not establish identical controls or player limits on every platform.
| Version or platform | What the official listing establishes |
|---|---|
| Wii U | The official Wii U manual confirms local Multiplayer and describes Zombies as solo, cooperative, or competitive. Its 1–8 figure is for Zombies overall, not a local split-screen cap. |
| PS4/PS5 product listed in the US PlayStation Store | The store page lists 1–2 players and PS4/PS5 cross-generation multiplayer. It does not establish a local player cap for every mode or platform. |
| Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S | Microsoft lists the Xbox 360 game as playable on these consoles through backwards compatibility; see the Xbox listing. The listing does not specify a universal local split-screen limit. |
| PS3, Xbox 360, and PC | These were original release platforms. The official sources cited here do not give one verified local player limit or join-button sequence that covers all of them. |
If the second player cannot join
- Check that the second controller is paired to the console, powered on, and recognized by the system.
- Make sure you are in Multiplayer or Zombies rather than Campaign.
- Read the lobby prompt carefully and confirm whether that edition requires a separate profile or account.
- Check that the specific mode and edition support local play; controls and lobby prompts can differ.
- For connection or performance errors, Activision maintains Black Ops II support pages. A local join problem does not by itself prove that online service is required.
Does split screen require online play?
Not necessarily: the Wii U manual confirms local Multiplayer, so local play is distinct from online play. Requirements for online features are platform-specific. For example, the US PS4/PS5 PlayStation Store listing says PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer; it does not establish a subscription requirement for local play or for other editions.
Rank #2
- Strike Force Levels: New to the Call of Duty Franchise, strike force levels provide sandbox style game play experiences, allowing players to take command of any element of their squad at any time
- Branching Story lines: Choices the player makes could mean the difference between life and death for some characters and there exists an even greater opportunity for multiple endings
- Single Player Character Customization: Choose from a variety of weapons and load outs providing multiple choices for how you approach single player missions
The PS3 manual also contains a historical notice that Activision does not guarantee online-play availability and may change or discontinue online service. That notice is not proof that the service is currently unavailable. Check the relevant platform and Activision support information for current service issues.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cinematic single player campaign
- Signature multiplayer
- Zombies
- DLC 1 First Strike
Rank #4
- -Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- -This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Rank #3
- Futuristic missions give you new weapons and scenarios to get to grips with The CLAW is a Cognitive Land Assault
- Weapon that can be utilised as an in-game vehicle Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a new story with elements and characters from previous games
- The non-linear storyline will see you battling during a futuristic Cold War, as well as tackling flashbacks from historical missions and playing as various members of the Mason family. Every decision you make during this story will affect future consequences, giving you a different experience every time you play
- Alongside the epic Campaign and branching story is the all-new Multiplayer mode. New maps, new game-styles and new perks make this the most engaging Multiplayer yet
- Zombies Mode also makes a comeback with a series of challenging maps and missions that enable you to fight off the dead in even more ways.
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.
