How do you play local multiplayer on Diablo 2 Switch?
As a passionate Diablo fan excited to slay demons on my Switch, I dove in expecting to group up with friends on the couch for local 4-player action. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that Diablo 2 Resurrected does not actually support ANY form of local wireless or split-screen multiplayer gameplay.
The Co-Op Demon Slayer – Strictly Online
Let‘s establish this clearly first. Unlike many Nintendo Switch titles, there is zero way to play Diablo 2 Resurrected co-op using:
- Single console split-screen
- Multiple Switch consoles connected locally
- LAN connections in handheld or TV mode
The Switch port focuses strictly around online multiplayer through Battle.net connections. Up to 8 players can join the same game this way. But no couch or local wireless options exist.
For context, this aligns with the original Diablo 2 experience from 2000. Local multiplayer has never been a priority. Instead, it thrived then and now as an online co-op hack ‘n slash looter experience.
To this day, over 100k players log in monthly two decades later! The community and economy drive the enduring gameplay loop of slaying demons then trading rare gear for shiny new weapons.
Why No Split-Screen on Switch Resurrected?
Naturally this leads to questions around why Blizzard didn‘t add local play for the Switch release. Speculation points to a few technical and philosophical factors:
- Preserve Original Design: Staying true to Diablo 2‘s essence means retaining its online focus.
- Development Priorities: Other features took precedence over new local co-op given limited dev resources.
- Performance Concerns: Supporting 2-4 player split-screen could hurt graphics and frame rate.
Many fans respect Blizzard keeping Resurrected a faithful recreation, without compromising the formula that made Diablo 2 special. But others reasonably hoped couch play would round out the Switch experience.
Online Multiplayer – Up to 4 Players on One Switch
While you can‘t play local wireless sessions, the Switch version does enable multiple people to play online from a single console:
| Console Mode | Max Online Players |
|---|---|
| Handheld | 4 |
| Docked / TV | 2-4 |
Blizzard recommends capping at 4 players in handheld mode for the most optimal gameplay performance. Screen clutter and action can intensify at 8 players so smaller groups make sense on the Switch‘s compact display.
Frame rate also takes a noticeable hit at max capacity in my experience. But getting a full party of demon hunters together via online play remains completely viable.
The Joy of Diablo 2 Online in 2024
While couch co-op would‘ve been a nice addition, restricting Resurrected‘s Switch release to online play makes total sense for capturing Diablo 2‘s essence. Trading legendary loot by day then fending off hordes of hellspawn at night never gets old!
The community continues thriving thanks to ongoing support and seasons adding new challenges. Cross-progression also means I can transfer my heroes across PC and Switch.
For the best Diablo 2 experience now and 20 years ago, gathering allies online is the way to go. The absence of local multiplayer on Switch Resurrected won‘t stop me from adventuring on into the abyss!
