Can You Play Split-Screen on Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on Switch?
The short and direct answer is: Yes, you can play split-screen on Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on the Nintendo Switch, but with some important caveats. While the game supports local multiplayer, the experience differs from other consoles, particularly in how it’s initiated. Unlike the PS4 and Xbox One versions, where split-screen is a straightforward option, the Nintendo Switch requires a bit of a workaround, focusing on using multiple accounts rather than true split-screen. This means you’ll need to understand the process thoroughly before diving in with a friend. Let’s delve into the specifics and address common questions.
How to Play Local Multiplayer on Nintendo Switch
While not a traditional split-screen in the way we might think of it, you can play with a second person on a single Nintendo Switch console. Here’s how you get a two player co-op session started:
Getting Started with a Second Player
- Primary Account: Begin with the Nintendo Switch profile that purchased Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. This is essential for the process to work.
- Secondary Controller & Account: Power on a second controller and have the second player select a different Nintendo account profile. This cannot be a guest account. It must be a full account with its own user data.
- Initiate “Split-Screen”: On the second controller, press the “X” button (as noted in some sources) or equivalent button. It should be a button prompt that allows joining a game. This action links the second player to the game, utilizing a second character on the same screen.
- Enjoy Cooperative Play: You’re now set up to play local “split-screen”, playing all the available modes together. You can explore Giddy Park, take on quests, and dive into multiplayer madness in Turf Takeover or other modes as a team.
Limitations to be Aware Of
- No True Split-Screen: It’s not the classic split-screen where each player has their own portion of the screen in a traditional manner. Instead, both players share the screen and it dynamically adjusts as needed.
- Account Requirement: The secondary player cannot be a guest. They must have their own profile and will use their own character progression.
- Maximum of Two Players: Battle for Neighborville on Switch only supports a maximum of two players on a single console. This differs from other platforms where a team of four can ride in certain vehicles. If you want to play with more than one other person, you’ll need additional consoles.
Why Is There a Difference from other Consoles?
The Nintendo Switch version of Battle for Neighborville has some technical differences compared to its PS4 and Xbox One counterparts. This affects not only the graphical capabilities but also how multiplayer is implemented. On PS4 and Xbox One, the game was designed to handle true split-screen more smoothly. However, the Nintendo Switch version had to make adjustments for the hardware, which led to the requirement of separate accounts and less traditional split-screen implementation.
Gameplay Features
While the split-screen setup is unique, it doesn’t diminish the fun you can have playing with a friend on a single console. Here are some highlights of the game’s offerings:
- Giddy Park: Explore the social hub and engage in a variety of activities together.
- Turf Takeover: Battle in the 8v8 multiplayer mode, strategizing as a team.
- Free-roam Regions: Explore the expansive maps and uncover secrets offline.
- Customization: Unlock a wide array of customizations for your characters.
- Motion Controls: Use the Switch’s motion controls for aiming and unique gameplay experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing split-screen and co-op in Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on the Nintendo Switch to help address any queries you might have:
1. Is true split-screen available on the Nintendo Switch version of Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville?
No, the Nintendo Switch version doesn’t have a traditional split-screen mode like the PS4 and Xbox One. Instead, it requires a second player to log in using their own user account on the console and then join the same game.
2. Can a guest account be used for local multiplayer on the Switch?
No, guest accounts cannot be used for local multiplayer. A full Nintendo Switch user account is required for each player, in order to save the secondary player’s progress.
3. How many players can play on one Nintendo Switch console?
Only two players can play on a single Nintendo Switch console using local co-op.
4. Can you play 3 or 4 players on one Switch?
No, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on the Nintendo Switch only supports a maximum of two players per console. If you want to play with more friends, you’ll need multiple consoles.
5. Do both players need to own a copy of the game to play locally?
No, only the primary Nintendo Switch account that is starting the game needs to own Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. The second player can use their own Nintendo account on the same console to join.
6. Do both players have to have a Nintendo Switch online membership?
Only the primary account that is starting the game would require Nintendo Switch online to utilize online functions such as the online multiplayer. However to play locally online multiplayer is not needed.
7. Can you play all modes in split-screen on the Switch?
Yes, you can play all game modes in local two-player co-op. This includes Giddy Park, Turf Takeover, and free-roam regions.
8. How do you initiate local “split-screen”?
After starting the game with the primary account, the second player needs to press the prompted button (often “X”) on their controller to join with a secondary account.
9. Can the split-screen be adjusted to be a vertical split?
No, the screen dynamically adjusts to both players, but is not designed for traditional split-screen with side by side view.
10. What happens if one player leaves the game?
The game will likely revert to single-player mode for the remaining player.
11. Is it possible to play split-screen with AI opponents only?
Yes, you can play in local co-op against AI opponents as you explore the game.
12. Does the game have cross-play capabilities?
No, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville does not offer cross-play functionality.
13. Can the second player use different character customizations?
Yes, the second player uses their own account data and can use their own unlocked characters, abilities, and customizations.
14. Is the Nintendo Switch version of Battle for Neighborville the same as other console versions?
The game is very similar, but with some differences due to the Switch’s hardware. The most significant difference for multiplayer lies in the local co-op setup.
15. Are there any unique features specific to the Nintendo Switch version?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch version has motion control aiming as a unique feature which can enhance gameplay.
Conclusion
While Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on the Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer traditional split-screen, it still provides a way for two players to enjoy the game locally. By using two separate accounts and connecting a second controller, you can play together across all modes. While the experience might differ from other consoles, it still delivers a fun and engaging co-op experience for friends and families. Understanding the requirements, especially regarding separate accounts, will ensure smooth gameplay and maximum enjoyment of this chaotic and colorful game.