Fortnite launched on the Nintendo Switch today, and that version of the game can play against folks on iOS, Mac, Windows PC and Xbox One. The problem is that using a Fortnite account that has been used on the PlayStation 4 will keep you from using that account on the Switch, and an account that has been used on the Switch can’t be played on the PS4.
If you’ve played on PS4, the Switch version will give you the following error message: “This Fortnite account is associated with a platform which does not allow it to operate on Switch.”
If you’ve played on Switch, the PS4 version will give you this error message: “The Epic Account you tried to link can not play on this platform.”
This is an unprecedented limitation in an industry that’s only becoming more open, and a decision that’s actively hostile to players.
This is the error message we received when we tried to connect an Epic Games account to the Switch that has also been played on the PS4:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11524543/Pac_Man_Screen_Shot_6_12_18__1.14_PM.png)
“This Fortnite account is associated with a platform which does not allow it to operate on Switch,” the error message states. “Neither the Fortnite website nor Epic Customer Service are able to change this. To play Fortnite on Switch, please create a new account.”
A similar issue popped up when we used a brand-new account that has been played on the PC and Switch, and tried to play on the PS4. The account was similarly locked out:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11524689/Pac_Man_Screen_Shot_6_12_18__2.03_PM.png)
“The Epic account you tried to link can not play on the platform,” the error message states. “Please try a different Epic account, or visit our help website for more information.”
Creating a new account is a trivial thing, but it’s ridiculous to be forced to lose your progress and access to the Battle Pass you’ve already paid for. Not to mention the fact that this means progress on the Switch won’t be carried over to your actual account. Progress matters a great deal while playing Fortnite, and players are already furious about being locked out of the Switch version of the game after playing on the PlayStation 4.
You can't log into Fortnite on Switch if your Epic account is linked to a PSN account, that's fucking dumb Sony sucks for this.
— Jose (@MetalGearFlex) June 12, 2018
FUCK. YOU. SONY.
— Justin McDaniel ️ (@JUSTINtime4aLAF) June 12, 2018
So because I DARED to play Fortnite on the PS4 at one point, I'm not ALLOWED to use my account (that I've already spent money on) to play on the Switch. Why?! Because SONY is blocking it because they refuse to have cross-platform.
FUCK. YOU. SONY.
Sony need a kick up the backside to be more consumer friendly
— RODEO THE MONONOFU (@socialanigirl) June 12, 2018
I can’t use my Epic account with Fortnite on Switch, because I have a PSN account linked
Unlinking it won’t fix it, I’ll need a new account.
Losing all progress
Because Sony lock this option out pic.twitter.com/0SJ10EPm7w
Very disappointed in Sony holding PS4 #Fortnite players' Epic Games accounts hostage from playing on the Nintendo Switch. I understand not wanting to cross play with Xbox, but the Switch is a fundamentally different console.
— Justin (@YourMindAches) June 12, 2018
We’ve contacted both Epic Games and Sony for comment, and have yet to hear back at the time of publication. For now, be very careful about which consoles you use to play using your Fortnite account if you hope to play with that account on the Nintendo Switch or PS4.
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