Fall Guys does not run on Nintendo Switch

Fall Guys is a battle royale game made by Mediatonic and published by Epic Games. It runs on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. However, the Switch version was discontinued in December 2023, and the game is no longer downloadable or playable on that console.

If you own a physical or digital copy of Fall Guys on Switch, the game will no longer launch. The servers that supported the Switch version shut down at the same time the game was removed from the Nintendo eShop. This means you cannot play it even if you already purchased it.

The reason for the removal was performance. Fall Guys requires consistent frame rates and low latency to play fairly in competitive matches. The Switch's hardware could not maintain the performance standards Epic Games set for the game, especially as new seasons and features were added.

Key Takeaways

  • Fall Guys was removed from Nintendo Switch in December 2023 and cannot be downloaded or played on that console anymore.
  • The game still runs on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but not on Switch.
  • If you already own Fall Guys on Switch, you cannot play it because the servers were shut down along with the removal.
  • The Switch version was discontinued because the console's hardware could not maintain the performance standards the game requires.

Where you can play Fall Guys instead

If you want to play Fall Guys, you will need a different console or a PC. The game is free to read and play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S through their respective digital stores. On PC, you can read it from Steam or the Epic Games Store at no cost.

The PlayStation and Xbox versions run the same game with the same seasons, cosmetics, and battle pass as the PC version. Cross-platform play is supported, so you can compete against players on other systems. Your account and progress carry over if you play on multiple platforms.

If you own a Switch but want to play Fall Guys, an Xbox Series S is the least expensive console option that supports the game. It costs less than a PlayStation 5 and runs the game at 60 frames per second, which is the standard for competitive play.

What happened to the Switch version

Fall Guys launched on Nintendo Switch in June 2022, about two years after it first came out on PlayStation and PC. The Switch version was playable from launch until December 6, 2023, when Epic Games removed it from the eShop and shut down the servers.

Epic Games announced the discontinuation in advance, giving players time to know the game would no longer be available. The company stated that maintaining the Switch version while adding new content was not sustainable. The game's performance on Switch fell behind the other platforms, and the gap widened with each new season.

Players who had purchased cosmetics or battle passes on Switch lost access to those purchases when the servers shut down. Epic Games did not offer refunds or transfers to other platforms, though some players who contacted support received compensation on a case-by-case basis.

Why the Switch could not keep up

Fall Guys is a fast-paced game where 60 players compete in obstacle courses and mini-games simultaneously. The game needs to render all 60 players, the environment, and the obstacles without dropping frames. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at 60 frames per second consistently. On Switch, maintaining that frame rate was not possible.

The Switch's processor and graphics chip are significantly less powerful than those in current-generation consoles. As Epic Games added new seasons with more detailed maps, more cosmetics, and more visual effects, the Switch version fell further behind. The developers had to choose between keeping the Switch version running at lower quality or removing it entirely.

This is a common problem with the Switch. Games that launch on multiple platforms sometimes cannot keep pace with updates on newer hardware. Developers have to decide whether to maintain a lower-quality version or discontinue support.

If you already bought Fall Guys on Switch

If you purchased Fall Guys or cosmetics on Nintendo Switch before the game was removed, you no longer have access to them. The game will not launch, and the eShop listing is gone. You cannot transfer your progress or purchases to another platform.

Nintendo's refund policy for digital games is strict. Refunds are normally not given for games that have been downloaded and played, even if the game is later removed from the store. However, you can contact Nintendo Support and explain your situation. Some players have reported receiving refunds or eShop credit, though this is not may provide.

If you want to play Fall Guys on a different platform, you will need to start a new account or link an existing Epic Games account. Your cosmetics and progress from Switch will not carry over because the servers are offline.

Other battle royale games on Switch

If you want a similar experience on Nintendo Switch, several other battle royale games are still available. Fortnite runs on Switch and is free to read. It has the same type of gameplay as Fall Guys — 100 players compete on a shrinking map — though the style is different. Fortnite is a shooting game, while Fall Guys is an obstacle course game.

Apex Legends is also available on Switch as a free read. It is a team-based battle royale with smaller player counts and a focus on gunplay and character abilities. The Switch version runs at lower resolution and frame rate than other platforms, but it is playable.

If you prefer obstacle course games without the battle royale format, Mario Party Superstars and Nintendo Switch Sports offer competitive mini-games, though they are not free and do not have the same scale as Fall Guys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still play Fall Guys on my Switch if I downloaded it before December 2023?

No. Even if you downloaded the game before the removal, it will not launch anymore because the servers are offline. The game requires an internet connection to run, and without active servers, it cannot start.

Will Fall Guys come back to Nintendo Switch?

Epic Games has not announced any plans to bring Fall Guys back to Switch. The company stated that the Switch version was not sustainable to maintain, and there is no indication that will change. If you want to play Fall Guys, you will need to use a different platform.

Can I get a refund for Fall Guys on Switch?

Nintendo's standard policy does not cover refunds for downloaded games, but you can contact Nintendo Support and request one. Explain that the game is no longer playable because the servers were shut down. Some players have received refunds or eShop credit, though results vary.

Is Fortnite on Switch a good replacement for Fall Guys?

Fortnite is free and still supported on Switch, but it is a different type of game. Fortnite is a shooting game with building mechanics, while Fall Guys is an obstacle course game. If you liked the obstacle course format, Fortnite may not feel like a direct replacement, but it is the closest free battle royale option on Switch.

Do I lose my cosmetics if I move to another platform?

Your cosmetics from Switch are lost because that version is offline. However, if you play Fall Guys on another platform with the same Epic Games account, any cosmetics you purchase or earn on that platform will be available across all your devices.