Star Wars Racer Multiplayer Party Size & Split Screen
Star Wars: Racer (the 1999 arcade-style podracing game, also known as Star Wars Episode I: Racer) supports up to 4 players in multiplayer, and split screen is limited to 2 players on a single screen. This applies to the original Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and most modern re-releases; the PC version has no local split screen at all.
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
The multiplayer options differ significantly depending on which version you own. Here is the exact breakdown:
- Nintendo 64: 2-player split screen only. The N64 version has no 4-player mode because the game’s engine and the console’s hardware couldn’t render four simultaneous podracers without dropping the frame rate below playable levels.
- Dreamcast: 2-player split screen, but also supports up to 4 players via a system link (connecting two Dreamcast consoles with a LAN cable). This is the only way to get 4 players on the original console releases.
- PC (original 1999 release): No split screen. Multiplayer is only possible over a LAN or online with up to 8 players, depending on the third-party service used at the time. The modern GOG and Steam re-releases removed online multiplayer entirely, leaving only single-player.
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One (2020 re-release): 2-player split screen only. The re-release is based on the Dreamcast version but drops the system link feature, so 4-player is not possible.
How Split Screen Works in Star Wars Racer
In 2-player split screen, the screen is divided vertically (left and right) or horizontally (top and bottom), depending on the aspect ratio and console. Each player sees their own podracer’s view, with a small HUD showing speed, boost, and lap count. The game does not offer a “same screen� mode where both players share a single view—it is always a strict split.
On the N64, the split screen runs at a lower resolution and frame rate than single-player. The game targets 30 frames per second in single-player but can dip below that in split screen, especially on tracks with lots of geometry or when both players use boost simultaneously.
Why 4-Player Was Rare on Consoles
Podracing is a high-speed game with detailed track environments, and the original hardware had limited memory and processing power. Rendering four separate viewpoints at once would have required the game to draw the entire track four times per frame, which was too much for the N64’s 4 MB of RAM (expandable to 8 MB with the Expansion Pak, but Racer did not require it). The Dreamcast had more power but still struggled with 4-player split screen, so the developers chose system link instead.
System link required two consoles, two copies of the game, and a network cable. It was a niche feature that few players used, which is why it was not included in the 2020 re-release.
Modern Re-Release Limitations
When Aspyr Media brought Star Wars: Racer to modern platforms in 2020, they kept the 2-player split screen but removed the LAN and online features. This means on Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, you can only play with one friend locally. The PC re-release has no multiplayer at all—it is strictly single-player.
If you want 4-player on a modern system, your only option is to use an emulator with the original Dreamcast version and a system link setup, or play the original PC version with a community patch that restores LAN play. Neither is officially supported.
Common Problems and Workarounds
Players often report the following issues with multiplayer:
- Split screen is too small: On modern widescreen TVs, the vertical split makes each view very narrow. Try switching your TV’s aspect ratio to 4:3 or using a CRT for a better experience.
- Frame rate drops: In split screen, the game may slow down. This is normal on original hardware. On emulators, you can overclock the CPU or use a high-resolution texture pack to improve performance.
- No 4-player option: Many players assume the N64 version has 4-player because the box art shows four racers. It does not. The only 4-player console option is the Dreamcast system link.
- Modern re-release lacks online: If you bought the game on Steam, you cannot play with friends over the internet. The only workaround is to use Parsec or Steam Remote Play Together, which streams the 2-player split screen to another player over the internet.
Comparing to Other Racing Games of the Era
Star Wars: Racer’s multiplayer was limited compared to other N64 racing games. For example, Mario Kart 64 supported 4-player split screen, and Diddy Kong Racing also had 4-player. However, those games had simpler graphics and smaller tracks. Racer’s tracks are long, winding canyons with lots of detail, which made 4-player rendering impractical.
On the Dreamcast, games like Daytona USA 2001 supported 4-player split screen, but that game had a lower polygon count per vehicle. Racer’s podracers are highly detailed, and the sense of speed is a core feature, so the developers prioritized frame rate over player count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play 4-player split screen on the Switch version?
No. The Switch version only supports 2-player split screen. There is no option for 3 or 4 players on a single console.
Does the PC version have split screen?
No. The PC version (both original and re-release) has no local multiplayer. You can use third-party tools like Nucleus Co-op to force split screen, but it is not officially supported and may have bugs.
How do I set up system link on the Dreamcast?
You need two Dreamcast consoles, two copies of the game, and a crossover Ethernet cable (or a hub). Connect the consoles, then in the game’s multiplayer menu select “System Link� and follow the on-screen prompts. This is the only way to get 4 players on original hardware.
Is there a way to play 4-player on an emulator?
Yes, but it is complicated. You can run two instances of an emulator (like Dolphin for GameCube, but Racer is not on GameCube; use Redream or Flycast for Dreamcast) and connect them via virtual LAN. This requires a PC powerful enough to run two instances at full speed.
Why does my split screen look stretched on a widescreen TV?
The game was designed for 4:3 aspect ratio. On a 16:9 TV, the game stretches to fill the screen, making everything look wider. Set your TV to 4:3 or use the emulator’s aspect ratio correction to fix it.
Can I play online with friends on the 2020 re-release?
No. The re-release has no online multiplayer. Your only option is to use Steam Remote Play Together (if you own the PC version) or Parsec to share the 2-player split screen over the internet.
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