Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOn 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 |
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Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | 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.
#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.
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