How to Update Fortnite on the Switch

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Updated September 06, 2019

Fortnite follows the "games as a service" production model, which means the game is frequently updated with new gameplay, story, and other content to keep players engaged. These updates regularly roll out to all versions of the video game, including the Nintendo Switch version, and must be installed by players before playing online. That's why it's important to know how to get the latest Fortnite Nintendo Switch Update.

How to Turn on Automatic Fortnite Nintendo Switch Updates

The easiest way to make sure you always have the latest version of Fortnite on Switch is to enable automatic updates.

Once this option is enabled, your Nintendo Switch console will frequently check for game and app updates whenever it’s connected to the internet. When a Fortnite game update is detected, the data will automatically download and install in the background.

It’s a good idea to keep your Nintendo Switch docked or connected to a power source while having automatic updates enabled, as downloading large amounts of data can use up a lot of battery power.

Here's how to enable Fortnite background updates on your Nintendo Switch console.

Turn on your Nintendo Switch console.
Select the System Settings icon from the bottom menu and press A.

The System Settings icon is the grey circle icon that looks like a gear.
Select System from the left menu.
From the right side of the screen, scroll down and highlight Automatic Software Updates.

Automatic updates will not download and install when a Nintendo Switch is turned off. The console must be either turned on or in Sleep Mode for this feature to work.
If the word "Off" is next to it, press A to change it to On. If Automatic Software Updates are already on, you don’t need to do anything.
Press the Home button to exit System Settings and return to the main Nintendo Switch Home screen.

How to Update Fortnite on Switch Manually

While turning on automatic updates usually guarantees you’re running the latest version of Fortnite, you can also manually check for new content.

Manually updating a game can be useful if you’ve had your Switch turned off for an extended amount of time, or when an important new game update is released and you want to play its content as soon as possible.

Turn on your Nintendo Switch console and make sure it’s connected to the internet.
Use the arrow keys or the joysticks to select Fortnite.

You just need to highlight the icon. Don’t open the game.
Press the + or - button on your Nintendo Switch controller or Joy-Con to activate the game-specific options menu.
Highlight Software Update from the left menu.

If you’re using the Nintendo Switch in its handheld mode, you can also tap each menu item with your finger.
Select Via the Internet.
Press A.
If you have the latest version of Fortnite on your Nintendo Switch, you'll be shown a message stating, “You are using the latest version of this software.” If you don’t have the latest version, the update will begin downloading and will install automatically.