Nintendo eShop Update Further Confirms Fortnite on Switch

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A hacker has found another reference to the ubiquitously popular Fortnite hidden in a new update scheduled for the Nintendo Switch's eShop. The update lists Fortnite within its code, and even has the game's logo present within it, adding to an already long list of rumors and leaks that have suggested a Fortnite port would be coming to the Switch in the near future.

Fortnite is the most popular battle royale game going today, having pushed out PUBG from its seemingly insurmountable spot atop the throne of the genre. The game's cartoon-like graphics, mixture of shooter and Minecraft-like construction, and penchant for delivering flashy, gif-able moments has made it a favorite amongst those in the streaming community. Fortnite's crossover with Infinity War marked a major moment in gaming, and its momentum does not seem to be slowing.

The new leak was revealed by a hacker named SciresM on Twitter, and further cements the likelihood of Fortnite appearing on the Switch. Previously, a leaked photo of potential Nintendo E3 2018 announcements pointed to the possibility of a Fortnite port. Following that, the evidence began to pile up quickly, with a recent rating from the South Korean Game Content Rating Classification Committee on a Switch version of Fortnite providing near-irrefutable proof that the game would arrive on Nintendo's console-and-handheld hybrid device.

At this point, it seems more prudent to discuss what Fortnite coming to the Switch will do for both parties rather than debating over whether it is actually happening. Nintendo stands to gain a major boon to its Switch offerings, which is especially timely given that the company is entering something of a lull after its initial stream of first-party Game of the Year candidates arrived on the device post-launch. For Fortnite and developer Epic Games, its more of the same - a broader demographic and another chance to create the kind of community engagement that could make Fortnite the battle royale game of choice for years to come.

It's also worth considering what the ratings board approval and update code say about Fortnite's potential release date on the Switch. With E3 2018 looming on the horizon, there's a strong chance gamers will get the "surprise" of a readily available Fortnite port on Switch during Nintendo's E3 presentation, or at the very least, before the E3 week is out. While Nintendo might spice up the offering slightly with some platform-exclusive skins or other content, Fortnite is the kind of game that speaks for itself - and, apparently, speaks quite loudly, making it rather difficult to keep it a secret when the time comes to do so.