You won't be needing a Switch Online membership to play Fortnite

Nintendo has clarified some of its subscription terms in the Switch Online service FAQ on their website. As it turns out, you won’t need to be a member of the service to play Fortnite or possibly other free-to-download games that may find their home on the Switch.

The language on the FAQ mentions that membership is required to access online multiplayer for “many first and third-party Nintendo Switch games”. That includes popular multiplayer titles like Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

However, Nintendo adds, “Some games, such as Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch membership.” There’s no other specific criteria for games that won’t require a Switch online membership, though Fortnite players at the very least should be pleased by the news.

The Nintendo Switch Online service launches on September 18. A yearly subscription will cost approximately £17.99. The service will give you access to cloud saves and classic Nintendo games on top of the online multiplayer functionality. We’ve learned a good deal more about the service during last week’s Nintendo Direct.