Fortnite Doesn't Require Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

Nintendo is rolling out its paid online service for Switch very soon, and once it's live, you'll need to have a subscription in order to continue playing most Switch games, such as Splatoon 2 and the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, online with others. However, a handful of games will be exempt from this requirement, including Epic's massively popular battle royale game, Fortnite.

Just as on PS4 and Xbox One, you won't be required to have an online membership to play Fortnite online on Switch, even after the system's paid service launches. As Nintendo clarified in an FAQ on its support website, Fortnite is one of the few online multiplayer titles that can be played without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Nintendo didn't specify what other games will be playable without a Nintendo Switch Online membership, although this will presumably extend to other free-to-play titles as well, such as Paladins and the upcoming Warframe. On its website, the company has been adding disclaimers at the bottom of pages for games that require a subscription to help you see if you'll need to pay to continue playing that title online.

If you've yet to pick up a Switch, Nintendo recently announced a new Fortnite: Double Helix Switch bundle. It retails for the same price as standard Switch--$300--and comes with the console, a game download of Fortnite, and a Double Helix Set, which includes a unique outfit, back bling, glider, pickaxe, and 1,000 V-bucks. The bundle goes on sale beginning October 5.

The Nintendo Switch Online service, meanwhile, launches on September 18, following the release of Switch's 6.0 update. On top of the ability to play online, subscribers will get access to a library of NES games and other perks, such as cloud saves and special offers. You can find more information about the service in our roundup of everything we know about Nintendo Switch Online.