Epic Games has announced that Fortnite is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, bringing significantly improved performance and visual fidelity to Nintendo's newest console. The battle royale phenomenon will run at 60 FPS with higher resolution, enhanced graphics, and several Switch 2-exclusive features that weren't possible on the original Nintendo Switch.
Fortnite's Switch 2 Version Delivers Major Technical Improvements
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Fortnite represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, featuring 60 FPS gameplay and higher resolution (2176x1224 when docked and 1600x900 in handheld mode). Players will also enjoy greater view distances, higher-quality textures, improved shadow rendering, and more realistic water effects.
Technical enhancements extend to previously unavailable features on Nintendo hardware, including clothing physics and the Replay system for Battle Royale matches. The Switch 2 version utilizes what Epic calls the full "desktop" renderer with high-detail geometry, distance field ambient occlusion in docked mode, shadow casting point lights, and high-quality visual effects.
Exclusive Features and Controls
Beyond graphical improvements, Fortnite on Switch 2 introduces several platform-specific features. Players can capture video clips using the console's Capture button and stream gameplay with up to three friends through the GameChat feature. Notably, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 31, 2026.
Perhaps most exciting for competitive players, mouse controls will be supported with Joy-Con 2 controllers starting June 7, 2025. This feature allows players to aim using one or both Joy-Con 2 controllers as a mouse while also navigating the UI with a visible cursor. The feature will work across all Battle Royale game modes including standard Battle Royale, Zero Build, Team Rumble, Reload, and Fortnite OG.
How Will Mouse Controls Work?
When enabled, mouse controls will disable the right analog stick, allowing character rotation through Joy-Con 2 movement. Players can enable this feature through the Settings menu by navigating to the Mouse tab and selecting Right, Left, or Both under "Mouse Controls." Epic recommends that left-handed players also enable the Swap Movement Thumbstick setting for smoother gameplay.
Exclusive Rewards for Early Adopters
Players who log into Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 before March 31, 2026, will receive the exclusive Wishing Star Emote. This cosmetic allows players to "grab a shooting star, make a wish, and throw it back," according to Epic. The company notes that the emote may become available for purchase in the Fortnite Shop after the promotion ends.
Game Mode Availability
All Fortnite game modes except Save the World will be available on Nintendo Switch 2. Players who performed a System Transfer from the original Switch to Switch 2 will need to delete "Fortnite for Nintendo Switch" and download the new version from the Nintendo eShop. Previously connected Nintendo and Epic accounts will remain linked when playing on the new console.
The game launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, with mouse control functionality arriving two days later on June 7 with patch 36.00.