There is nothing quite like sitting on the couch with a friend, grabbing two controllers, and trash-talking each other over a tight game of baseball. If you are wondering how to get some local multiplayer action going in MLB The Show 26, you are in the right place.
Yes, MLB The Show 26 fully supports local multiplayer and couch co-op for up to two players on a single console. One quick thing to clarify right off the bat: while you share the same TV, the game does not actually use a traditional, split-screen layout. Instead, both players share the same dynamic broadcast and gameplay camera views, keeping the screen clean and easy to follow.
This FAQ covers everything you need to know to get your offline multiplayer games up and running.
General Setup and Controller Configuration
To play with a friend sitting next to you, you just need to make sure your console recognizes both of you before you jump into a game mode. Here is the quick step-by-step to get connected:
Step 1: Turn on both of your controllers. Step 2: Assign each controller to a separate console profile. This can be your main account and a friend's profile, or just a temporary guest account. Step 3: Launch MLB The Show 26. Step 4: Head over to a compatible game mode, like Play Now / Exhibition. Step 5: When you reach the team selection screen, simply slide Controller 1 to your favorite team, and have your friend slide Controller 2 to either the opposing side if you want to play against each other, or the same side if you want to play together.
Supported Local Game Modes
You can dive into local multiplayer across a few different areas of the game:
Play Now / Exhibition: This is the fastest way to jump into a standard, one-off game using live, up-to-date rosters.
Franchise Mode (Couch Co-op): If you want something long-term, you can actually play through a full season or handle a fantasy draft right alongside a friend on the same team.
Home Run Derby: Perfect for quick sessions where you just want to see who can blast the most balls over the fence.
Retro Mode: If you want a bit of a throwback, this mode offers a simplified, nostalgic gameplay style with classic top-down camera views.
How Local Couch Co-op Works
If you choose to play on the same team in a mode like Franchise or Exhibition, the game does a great job of dynamically alternating control so everyone stays involved:
Batting: The game automatically swaps control between you and your teammate with every new batter who steps up to the plate.
Pitching and Catching: One player will take charge of the pitching and catching mechanics, like locating pitches and blocking balls in the dirt.
Fielding: While one player pitches, the other player takes control of the infield and outfield to track down fly balls and throw out runners.
Inning Swaps: To keep things fair, your roles automatically swap at the start of the next half-inning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MLB The Show 26 have actual split-screen? No. The game uses a single, shared-screen camera system rather than cutting your television screen in half horizontally or vertically. Both players see the exact same batter-pitcher presentation and fielding angles, just like you would see on a real baseball broadcast.
Can we play local co-op online against other people? No, you cannot. Local couch co-op is strictly meant for offline play, such as local Exhibition games or an offline Franchise. If you want to jump into online co-op modes like Diamond Dynasty 2v2 or 3v3, every player will need their own separate console, an online subscription, and their own copy of the game.
Why isn't the second controller working on the team select screen? If you are stuck on the team select screen and the second controller won't move, it is almost always a console profile issue. Make sure the second controller is actively logged into its own separate profile or registered as a guest on your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch system before you start up the game mode.
