You cannot play Fortnite on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, and gamers are furious
- The world's most popular video game, "Fortnite: Battle Royale," is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch, with cross-platform play with players using iOS, Mac, Windows PC and Xbox One.
- PlayStation 4 owners, however, will not be able to play online with Switch players, and are restricted from bringing their Fortnite progress and Battle Passes between the two consoles.
Nintendo announced at E3 on Tuesday that the world's favorite video game, "Fortnite: Battle Royale" will finally be available on the Nintendo Switch starting today. However, there are a few setbacks for the game's cross-console compatibility, particularly with the PlayStation 4, that have already inspired backlash from many gamers.
First, the Switch version of the game will support cross-platform play with players using iOS, Mac, Windows PC and Xbox One, but not PlayStation 4, meaning a Switch user will not be able to play Fortnite online with a Play Station 4 user. Although, this is what we've come to expect from Sony, who hasn't allowed any cross-play with the PlayStation 4 in the past.
The larger issue is that Fortnite players are unable to log in to their Epic Games accounts--which you need to play Fortnite--on both a Switch and the PlayStation 4.
Specifically, those who have used a PlayStation 4 to play Fortnite by linking their Epic Games account with the PlayStation Network, will not be able to use that Epic Games account on a Nintendo Switch.
And those who have just today logged in to their Epic Games account on a Nintendo Switch first will find that they are now unable to play with the same account on a PlayStation 4.
Players in both scenarios will be met with an error message upon trying to log in on the opposite device, and required to create a separate Epic Games account in order to play on the opposite console.
This means that if you've been collecting V-bucks, rare skins and emotes on an Epic Games account linked to either your PS4 or Switch, you will not be able to bring that progress to the opposite console.
Many PS4 and Switch owners are already expressing frustration on social media, but this lack of compatibility is particularly unfavorable for players who have purchased a $10 Battle Pass through their Epic Games accounts, which now cannot be accessed on both consoles. A Battle Pass unlocks exclusive challenges and in-game rewards.
Video game commentator and prominent YouTube personality Greg Miller shared a screenshot of the error message he received while trying to log in to his Fortnite account on a Switch:
Here are a few more of the many player reactions from Twitter:
Sony, Nintendo and Epic Games were not immediately available for comment.
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