Do You Need an HDTV for Minecraft Split-Screen? No.

No. Split-screen is a game/console feature, not a TV requirement. Minecraft renders two viewports internally and outputs a single signal—any display (SD, HD, 4K) works.

What Actually Matters

• Console capability: Xbox 360/One/Series, PS3/4/5, Switch all support split-screen (player count varies by hardware).
• Resolution: Higher-res screens make each player's view sharper, but SD works fine.
• Screen size: Larger screens reduce eye strain when the image is halved.

So dust off that old 720p set—or even a CRT via component—split-screen will work perfectly.