Fortnite players gearing up to transition to the Switch 2 recently learned that the original Switch version of the popular battle royale has compatibility issues with Nintendo's latest console. Nintendo recently also disclosed that, in addition to Fortnite, several prominent third-party titles have either start-up or in-game compatibility problems on the new hardware. Fortnite, in particular, is reportedly facing some start-up problems.
However, before anxiety sets in among fans concerned about upgrading to Switch 2 and losing their precious skins or battle pass rewards, there's a crucial reason why Fortnite's compatibility issue isn't the disaster it appears to be. Compatibility concerns naturally arise whenever a new console hits the market, especially one boasting backward compatibility as extensively as the Switch 2, and, according to Epic Games, a solution is imminent.
Fortnite Start-up Problem Would Be Solved at Switch 2 Launch
While the Switch 1 version of Fortnite struggles to run effectively on the newer hardware, Epic Games has been actively working on a dedicated Switch 2 version. This new and optimized version will be available right at the Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025, and this means that players won't face any downtime in their gaming experience.
Whenever there’s a hardware update on the horizon, especially one that is not backward-compatible with the prior version of the console, studios are usually already operating on their toes. The same appears to have worked out for Epic Games as the team was unfazed by this news and immediately reassured the Fortnite game community that the problems being reported are non-issues.
Other Games Face Greater Challenges
It's worth noting how much more serious Switch 2 compatibility issues are for other third-party games. Nintendo confirmed 141 titles with start-up issues, including major hits like Doom: Eternal, Dead by Daylight, and Rocket League. Unlike Fortnite, many of these games lack immediate alternative versions tailored specifically to the Switch 2, leaving their communities uncertain about when, or if, these games will run smoothly again.
Anticipating the Console Hardware Shift Positions Epic Games at an Advantage
Epic Games’ proactive approach to the Switch 2's launch places it firmly ahead of other developers. By swiftly preparing a dedicated Fortnite version for the new hardware, Epic is positioned to maximize the benefits of new digital game accessibility options, including GameChat and GameShare features. These advancements will allow Epic Games to fully leverage in-game incentivization strategies and help drive stronger player engagement right from launch.
Plus, having Fortnite's optimized version ready at release ensures the uninterrupted continuation of events, competitive matches, and seasonal updates. Players will seamlessly be able to maintain their ongoing progress in the battle pass, engage actively in community-driven events, and utilize the improved social features provided by Switch 2. In comparison, dozens of other titles face more serious issues on Nintendo's new console, which impressively supports over 15,000 third-party games alongside 122 first-party titles.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- September 26, 2017
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Epic Games
- Publisher(s)
- Epic Games
WHERE TO PLAY
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- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms (except iOS/Mac)
- Cross Save
- Via Epic Account
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- PC Release Date
- September 26, 2017
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- November 10, 2020
- PS5 Release Date
- November 12, 2020
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- June 12, 2018
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 players (certain modes)
- X|S Optimized
- YES
