Samsung announces timed Fortnite exclusivity for Android beta

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 9 today, although most of the details about the device were already known due to a series of extensive leaks and even “accidentally” released promotional videos. One of the more interesting rumors had to do with gaming, however: Samsung was rumored to have a timed exclusive on the Android version of Fortnite.

The rumors were partially true. Tim Sweeney came onstage during the event to awkwardly announced that players with select Samsung devices can begin playing the beta as of today. Galaxy owners will also get an exclusive skin, shown above.

The Verge has the full list of compatible devices:

But it’s not just the new Note 9 and Tab S4 getting Fortnite; owners of a range of recent Samsung devices — the S9 / S9 Plus, Note 8, Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Tab S3 — can all start playing the beta today. You’ll be able to install Fortnite from Samsung’s Game Launcher app.

We don’t know when other players will be given access to the beta — but it was discussed as being “in the next few days” — or which Android devices specifically are powerful enough to run the game. But this is great news for any Samsung fans out there who already have a device and are ready to play.

Anyone interesting in buying a Galaxy Note 9 will also get a whole lot of virtual currency. “There’s a special offer available for consumers who pre-order Galaxy Note 9 between Aug. 10 and Aug. 23, 2018,” Samsung announced. “Consumers can choose either 15,000 V-bucks with the Fortnite Galaxy skin or a pair of AKG noise-cancelling headphones — or get both for just $99.”

We’ll be sure to post hands-on thoughts once we’re able to play this version of the game ourselves.