'Fortnite' on Switch Surpasses 2M Downloads on Day 1; Sony Offers Vague Response on Cross-Play Restrictions

Combining the respective hypes around “Fortnite” and the portable console Nintendo Switch, it is almost not surprising that “Fortnite” for the Switch was downloaded by over 2 million players within 24 hours after it was announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2018 this week.

“Fortnite Battle Royale” is easily one of the most successful video games today. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch has also seen massive support from fans since it hit the shelves last year. So the release of “Fortnite” for the Switch was an inevitable occurrence, and now Epic Games and Nintendo are celebrating another milestone for their products right on the first day of the version's release.

The news was confirmed by Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime on Wednesday. “Fortnite’s launch went extremely well — we had more than 2 million downloads in less than 24 hours,” he told Polygon. “I think that speaks to the power of the franchise, the engagement of our players and the resonance of being able to play it anytime, anywhere.”

Like other “Fortnite” versions, the game can be downloaded and played on the Switch for free. This launch also signifies that “Fortnite” is now officially available on all major gaming platforms, including the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Switch, with an Android port coming this summer.

Meanwhile, despite the very foreseeable success of “Fortnite” for the Switch, Sony decided to impose cross-play restrictions again. This meant that “Fortnite” accounts currently linked to a PS4 system cannot be accessed on a Switch console.

After over a day of silence, Sony finally responded regarding the cross-platform play issue; however, its statement might not offer any comfort to “Fortnite” players on the PS4 who are looking to play it on the Switch.

Sony told BBC, “We're always open to hearing what the PlayStation community is interested in to enhance their gaming experience.”

Notably, however, many “Fortnite” players voiced out their disappointment immediately after learning about Sony’s decision to restrict cross-platform play for the Switch. PS4 players are understandably not happy about it, with some threatening to stop using the Sony console for “Fortnite.”

Sony argued that it allows cross-play gaming between the PS4 and “PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.” But when it comes to the pressing issue at hand involving the Switch, the company just said it had “nothing further to add beyond this at this point.”