Fortniteplayers 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 toFortnite, 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 whyFortnite’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 theSwitch 1 version ofFortnitestruggles 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 July 29, 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 theFortnitegame communitythat the problems being reported are non-issues.
Other Games Face Greater Challenges
It’s worth noting how much more seriousSwitch 2 compatibility issuesare for other third-party games. Nintendo confirmed 141 titles with start-up issues, including major hits likeDoom: Eternal,Dead by Daylight, andRocket League. UnlikeFortnite, 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 theSwitch 2’s launchplaces it firmly ahead of other developers. By swiftly preparing a dedicatedFortniteversion 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 improvedsocial 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.
Fortnite
WHERE TO PLAY
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that’s right for you and your friends.Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same. Team up with friends by sprinting, climbing and smashing your way to earn your Victory Royale, whether you choose to build up in Fortnite Battle Royale or go no-builds in Fortnite Zero Build.Discover even more ways to play across thousands of creator-made game genres: adventure, roleplay, survival and more. Or, band together with up to three friends to fend off hordes of monsters in Save the World.
