Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo start split-screen co-op, first confirm that your exact game and mode support local play on your platform. Connect a compatible second controller, choose Player 2’s profile if prompted, then use the join prompt in the game’s lobby or menu. There is no universal button or setup flow: Fortnite joins from its lobby, while Halo: Campaign Evolved has Player 2 join from the main menu.
Before you start, confirm what “local multiplayer” means for your game
Game listings use several terms that can sound interchangeable but describe different setups:
- Split-screen: Two or more players play on one console, with the view divided between them.
- Shared-screen or couch co-op: Players use one device together; the game may keep everyone on one view rather than divide the screen.
- Local wireless: Players use separate devices nearby. This is not the same as playing together on one console.
- Online co-op: Players connect over the internet, often using separate devices. A game can offer online co-op without offering split-screen.
Check the game’s official page or support instructions for the platform and mode you intend to use. The Microsoft Store has an Xbox Shared/split screen category, and Epic recommends looking in Fortnite’s Discover for “Great for Local Multiplayer” or checking a game’s “Local Players” tag in Game Details. Store categories and tags can change, so confirm the details for the specific title.
For each game you are considering, check the platform, whether the desired mode supports same-device play, controller requirements, account or profile rules, and any internet or mode restrictions. “Multiplayer” by itself does not establish that a game has split-screen.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Set up split-screen co-op
- Verify support for the exact game, mode, and platform. Check an official game support page or listing. Support may differ between platforms and between modes within the same game.
- Connect and register a second controller. Sync it before launching if the game or console requires that. Use a controller type supported by the particular title; a controller that works with the console is not automatically supported by every game.
- Select or sign in to Player 2’s profile. Some games require a separate console profile or an additional linked account. Follow the game’s prompts rather than assuming a guest account will work.
- Go to the correct screen and use the join prompt. Depending on the game, Player 2 may join from a lobby, character-select screen, or main menu. Look for an on-screen prompt after the second controller is connected.
- Choose a supported local mode and start the session. If the join option does not appear, check the game’s mode restrictions and account requirements before repeating the setup.
How the setup differs in specific games
Fortnite
Epic describes Local Multiplayer—also called split-screen or couch co-op—for certain Fortnite experiences on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. To join, go to the lobby, connect a second controller, select the second console account, and follow the prompt to link an Epic account. The second player should then appear in the lobby. Epic’s Fortnite split-screen instructions say guest and Quick Play console accounts are not supported for this feature.
Epic lists PC, mobile, and Nintendo Switch as unsupported for Local Multiplayer. It also lists Creative, Limited Time Modes, Save the World, Ranked, and Solos as unavailable for the feature. Both players must use the same language settings, and the session requires a stable internet connection. The session ends if either player disconnects or exits, and the lobby and submenus are not shared.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Support lists two-player split-screen for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Start the game with one or two players signed in, connect the second controller, and have Player 2 press A on Xbox or Cross on PlayStation at the main menu. Sign in if asked. Halo says the Player 2 option will not appear until the second controller is connected. On PlayStation 5, Player 2’s PlayStation Network account must already be linked to a Microsoft account. See Halo’s Campaign Co-Op Guide.
The same guide describes online campaign co-op for up to four players across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. That online offering is separate from the two-player split-screen option; check the guide for the mode and platform you want.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo documents local battles for up to eight players using one console. Its instructions vary by controller type, so register each player’s Joy-Con, Pro Controller, or GameCube controller as described in Nintendo’s multiplayer guide. The guide also covers local wireless and online play; those are different ways to play and should not be mistaken for same-console split-screen co-op.
Split Fiction
PlayStation’s Split Fiction page describes a “Play Local” option on PlayStation 5 that requires two DualSense wireless controllers. It also describes a Friend’s Pass for trying early stages together or joining someone who owns the full game, and cross-play on supported platforms. Check the current game and platform details on that page when choosing how to play.
Rank #4
- RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
- Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
- Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
- Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
- Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
Troubleshoot when Player 2 cannot join
The join prompt is missing
- Confirm the exact platform and mode support local play; a game’s general multiplayer listing is not enough.
- Connect or sync the second controller, then return to the screen where the game expects Player 2 to join.
- Check whether Player 2 needs a separate profile or linked account.
- Look for a mode restriction, such as a solo-only or ranked mode.
An account prompt blocks entry
Follow the title’s account requirements. Fortnite’s Local Multiplayer flow does not accept guest or Quick Play console accounts and can prompt for Epic account linking. Halo: Campaign Evolved requires Player 2’s PlayStation Network account to be linked to a Microsoft account when playing split-screen on PS5.
The session will not start or ends unexpectedly
Check whether the game requires an internet connection even for local play, and whether a player disconnected or exited. Epic says Fortnite Local Multiplayer needs a stable internet connection and ends when a player disconnects or leaves. Those conditions are specific to Fortnite; do not assume another game has the same requirements.
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
The game says multiplayer, but not the kind you want
Recheck whether the listing means same-console play, local wireless, or online co-op. Nintendo separates those options in its Super Smash Bros. Ultimate guide, and Halo lists split-screen and online co-op as separate offerings.
Choosing a game or second controller
If your current game does not support local co-op in the mode and platform you have, look for a title that explicitly lists shared-screen or split-screen play. The Xbox Shared/split screen category can help find candidates, but it is a changing catalog rather than a fixed list of supported games.
Buy or borrow a second controller only after checking that it works with both your platform and the game. Before choosing a game, compare the precise local-play mode, supported platform, number and type of controllers, profile or account requirements, network dependency, and restrictions that affect the mode you want. Setup and availability can change with game updates, so consult the title’s official instructions for the current details.
Quick Recap
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
