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Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is sort of merely the identical sport, however higher. Bless developer and writer Epic Games for making an attempt, however Fortnite on the unique Nintendo Switch is hardly probably the most elegant approach to play and feels such as you’re at a major drawback due to the decreased graphical constancy, framerate, and draw distance. It’s forgivable on handheld, however with TV mode, it appears to be like tough and feels rougher. But I’m glad to say the Nintendo Switch 2 version is a good way to play, regardless of the place you’re.
Review data
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2; Non-Switch 2 model accessible on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC, Android, iOS (in some areas)
Release date: June 5, 2025
I imply, what are you able to even say about Fortnite at this level? Epic Games’ 100-person Battle Royale sport has taken over the world over the past eight years, and it’s solely grown bigger within the time since. In the vein of one thing like Roblox, Fortnite is each a battle royale and a user-generated sport platform the place yow will discover an limitless quantity of customized maps to play with your folks on.
But let’s get into why the Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is such a good way to play.
Chug jug with you
To actually hammer that “you possibly can play Fortnite with out even touching its important mode” level dwelling, I don’t like Battle Royale – the marquee mode – due to the sport’s constructing mechanics. However, in terms of the Zero Build mode, it’s undoubtedly the perfect Battle Royale sport in the marketplace proper now. Over the years, Epic has augmented the core mechanics of the sport with a number of recent motion choices like wall kicking and roll touchdown that preserve issues fluid in what was once the jankiest of motion methods.
Of course, the issue with any ‘evolving game’ is that it’s powerful to provide a evaluate of the primary mode due to the way it modifications. Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 was peak, whereas Chapter 4 and Chapter 5’s third seasons have been two of absolutely the worst seasons of a reside service sport I’ve performed. This means there may very well be three-month stretches the place you simply merely don’t like the sport. And contemplating Epic Games has been experimenting with seasons based mostly round media franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and a rumored upcoming Simpsons season, for those who don’t like these, that’s all you get for months.
Thanks to the usage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s function set and specs, it is the most effective methods to play the sport on console and by far the perfect handheld model.
Outside of that, there are the Epic Games-created modes. There’s Fortnite OG, which brings again the unique Chapter 1 map (which can be performed in Zero Build, fortunately); Reload, which is a faster-paced 40-player battle; and Ballistic, a first-person mode that could be a tackle Counter-Strike. While none of those stand as much as the core mode, they provide alternative ways to tackle the mechanics of Fortnite and are stable video games in their very own proper.
Then there are non-shooting modes just like the Minecraft-inspired Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and the perfect aspect mode, Fortnite Festival, which is a rhythm sport mode and the closest factor we’ll get to a brand new Rock Band sport, contemplating it was developed by Guitar Hero and Rock Band creator Harmonix. This mode will get always up to date with songs and artists, with a brand new singer taking middle stage with a pores and skin and massive music drop each few months or so (with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Metallica, and Hatsune Miku displaying up).
And regardless of having so many choices, the participant base for every important mode is absolutely wholesome, that means you’ll by no means wait too lengthy to discover a sport of something, with some customized video games even having devoted participant bases. Just a few of those Epic-made modes have their very own seasons and battle passes, too, which does add up for those who don’t subscribe to the Fortnite Crew. However, Epic lately modified it so XP earned in any mode goes in direction of each single cross, which is an enormous step up.
Mouse entice
Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is similar sport as it’s all over the place else; there aren’t any unique modes or something of the kind. However, due to the usage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s function set and specs, it is the most effective methods to play the sport on console and by far the perfect handheld model of Fortnite.
Compared to the Nintendo Switch model, which ran at 880p docked and 660p in handheld mode, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at 1224p docked and 900p in handheld, so it nonetheless isn’t 4K / 1080p, however it’s a vital increase. However, the decision isn’t the place the improve issues; the improved textures in addition to a far higher draw distance, which was one of many authentic console’s largest hindrances – particularly with how large the Fortnite map is. Most importantly, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at a stable 60fps versus the 30fps of the Nintendo Switch – which in an internet shooter that has cross-play with extra highly effective platforms – makes a world of distinction.
Gyro aiming returns from the Nintendo Switch version of Fortnite, however new to the Switch 2 model is help for mouse controls through the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Effectively, this lets you use a mouse setup for aiming with the motion capabilities of an analogue stick, and is a superb mixture.
Best bit
As I used to be scripting this evaluate, Epic launched a Hank Hill pores and skin alongside an emote recreating the King of the Hill intro: my greatest bit can solely be that and even the way it regarded on the Switch 2, which was wonderful.
However, the mouse implementation is a contact awkward. Due to the shortage of buttons accessible, you’ll nonetheless have to entry the face buttons in your Joy-Con to leap and reload, which creates some uncomfortable moments as you crane your hand. Plus, the mouse controls must be activated from the in-game menu, versus simply sticking the Joy-Con in mouse place like in different video games. This isn’t the largest ache on the earth, but it surely doesn’t revert again as soon as you employ a controller that doesn’t help mouse controls (resembling attaching your Joy-Con 2 to the Switch 2 itself), which implies you’ll have to get the controller off and undergo the menu with the mouse to deactivate it.
Fortnite is a phenomenon for a purpose; for those who let your self get by the “popular game bad” noise that you simply usually see with this and the likes of Call of Duty, you’ll discover what might be the perfect Battle Royale sport within the style. And even exterior of that, it’s an enormous sport platform that has an limitless provide of no matter you want, from racing, rhythm video games, and even customized Fall Guys video games.
However, the dangers of an ongoing sport persist since you’ll often be hit with a season that makes the sport dangerous for months, and there’s not a lot you are able to do to assist it.
Having mentioned that, Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is definitely one of the best ways to play on the go or on a handheld gadget, and whereas it’s outclassed in energy by the PS5 and Xbox variations in terms of TV mode, it’s nonetheless stable to take a look at, and the mouse controls give it an edge that these consoles don’t have.
Should you play Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
Play it if…
Don’t play it if…
Accessibility
Fortnite has a ton of accessibility choices, together with a number of coloration blindness filters, the flexibility to remap controls nonetheless you want, alongside a number of management choices like gyro aiming and mouse controls.
A standout function is the visible sound results toggle, which shows a hoop round your character to point the supply of sound results and their corresponding representations (footsteps, loot, gunfire, and many others.). This is especially useful for these with listening to difficulties or when enjoying the sport with the sound muted.
How I reviewed Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
I performed round eight hours of Fortnite Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on prime of a great 300-400 hours performed throughout PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch. During my time with the Nintendo Switch 2 version, I examined Zero Build mode, Fortnite Festival and a lot of customized video games.
I performed this in a combination of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on a Samsung Q60D TV and a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar utilizing the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and the Joy-Con 2 controllers when utilizing mouse mode.
First reviewed June 2025