Can 2 People Play Fortnite on Switch?
As an avid Fortnite player and content creator focused on the latest updates in gaming, I‘m constantly experimenting with Epic‘s hit battle royale title on every platform. And I‘m thrilled to report that the Switch version fully supports split-screen multiplayer, allowing two gamers to drop onto the island together on a single console!
Play Duos or Squads in Tabletop or TV Mode
The Nintendo Switch offers a uniquely flexible Fortnite experience. Prop up the console‘s kickstand on the airplane tray table with a buddy and battle in Duos using the detached Joy-Cons. Or dock the Switch to your big-screen TV for a living room session where up to four players can squad up wirelessly using Pro Controllers or additional Joy-Cons.
According to Epic Games‘ system requirements, Fortnite supports two-player split screen on the Switch in both handheld and docked modes. This makes it one of the few battle royale games playable locally with a friend on the hybrid home/mobile device.
Fortnite Switch Split-Screen Gameplay
As you can see above, Fortnite perfectly scales down the user interface to accommodate two players in tabletop orientation. And it maintains a smooth 60 frames per second, which is key for fast-paced firefights.
Each Gamer Needs Their Own Free Epic Account
To squad up in split-screen, both gamers will need to sign into their own Nintendo Account which must be linked to a unique Epic Games profile. This allows progression, unlocks, and stats to be tracked separately across platforms. Guest accounts won‘t work for local multiplayer.
Here are step-by-step instructions to get set up for couch co-op Fortnite:
- Create your own Nintendo Account if you don‘t have one
- Download Fortnite for free from the eShop
- Launch Fortnite and link your Nintendo Account to an Epic Games profile
- Sign in to your Epic account on the Fortnite title screen
- Connect additional controllers and press buttons to join with another profile
- Choose Duos or Squads mode to play together!
Pretty seamless right? You‘ll immediately notice Fortnite assigns each player a horizontal half of the screen. HUD and UI elements like the map and quest log fit nicely without feeling cramped.
Fortnite Dominates Gaming Industry Revenue
Epic Games confirmed Fortnite surpassed $5 billion in total revenue in 2020 across all platforms. Recently, the free-to-play title has faced stiffer competition from upstarts like Call of Duty Warzone and Apex Legends. However, Fortnite remains a financial juggernaut thanks to its engaging seasonal content model:
| Year | Revenue | Highest Player Count |
| 2018 | $2.4 billion | 78 million |
| 2019 | $1.8 billion | 83 million |
| 2020 | $2 billion | 75 million |
As you can see from 2018-2020, total annual revenue held strong between $1.8 to $2.4 billion. Peak player counts also hover around 75-80 million monthly actives, underscoring Fortnite‘s staying power as a cultural gaming phenomenon.
No wonder Epic committed significant development resources optimizing the popular free-to-play shooter for Nintendo‘s convertible console/handheld. Local split-screen support has been a core tenet of Nintendo‘s multiplayer legacy across generations:
Best 4-Player Nintendo Switch Games
The Switch continues the Nintendo tradition of innovative local multiplayer experiences and couch co-op play. Some examples of hot Switch titles supporting 2-4 players on a single console:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Overcooked 1 & 2
- Mario Party Superstars
- Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure
- Death Squared
The ability to own noobz with your friends in the same room remains integral to Nintendo‘s DNA. And the Switch‘s hybrid portable design plus cloud saves makes transitioning play sessions from big screen TVs to cramped airline trays utterly seamless.
Strategize With Your Duo Partner to Dominate
Successfully rotating between maps, loot gathering, evasive building techniques and pinpoint aiming requires next-level communication and coordination skills.
Splitting focus between individual development and supporting your duo‘s back creates a wholly unique strategic metagame. Being able to turn to your couch co-op buddy mid-match and developing in-person chemistry is paramount.
Cracking jokes and trash talking face-to-face when your partner whiffs a pump shotgun blast at close range creates priceless gaming memories. And earning hard-fought Victory Royales alongside friends or family members breeds a shared sense of accomplishment you simply can‘t find in solo queues.
Pro Fortnite Duos Tips & Strategies
If you‘re struggling to grab dubs when forced to share half a display real estate, here are my topDuos pro-tips:
- Define roles – One focuses looting, other on gathering materials
- Mark landmarks aggressively – Constant pings ensure teammate awareness
- Share spare heals/shields – Fill their inventory before yours
- Cycle reboots – Coordinate delaying thirsts to maximize respawns
- Focus fire – Team shooting melts enemies faster
Following these Fortnite fundamentals in your split-screen sessions significantly improves victory prospects. But most importantly, don‘t forget to enjoy goofing around together on the island!
Squad Up With Additional Players
While the primary split-screen experience accommodates two simultaneous gamers, additional Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers allow you to fill a full Fortnite squad! Up to 4 total human players can play in docked mode on one Switch console:
With four Joy-Cons synced or four wireless controllers paired, a family of four can drop into the same Duos or Squads match seamlessly. This massively expands the multiplayer potential on Nintendo‘s hybrid device. No internet required – just like the glory days of Goldeneye on N64 or Halo on the original XBOX!
So in summary, the Switch makes it remarkably convenient to enjoy Fortnite‘s constantly updating seasonal content with those closest to you IRL. Rally the troops, stock up on Red Bulls and snacks, and prepare to battle side by side in split-screen co-op!
Just make sure you call dibs on particular weapon categories with your couch companion. We don‘t want any SCAR-related betrayals now do we? Glory and bragging rights await those brave enough to sync Joy-Cons. Game on!
