6/5/2025 | Entertainment | AU
The gaming industry has always thrived on exclusives, but few marketing tricks are as effective as the limited-time freebie. Epic Games knows this all too well, and now, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, they're pulling out one of their oldest tricks in the book. Give players something shiny, flashy, and utterly exclusive—but only if they log in fast enough. The Wishing Star Emote, a cute little animation where your character catches and tosses back a shooting star, is free for all Switch 2 Fortnite players… but only until March 31, 2026.
Now, on the surface, this seems like a harmless celebration. The Switch 2 promises better graphics, smoother gameplay, and a generally upgraded Fortnite experience compared to its predecessor. Epic Games is sweetening the deal by tossing in a free digital goodie, complete with a wink to Nintendo fans (that Kirby Air Riders reference isn’t accidental). Yet, scratch just beneath the surface, and this feels less like a gift and more like a psychological nudge—one designed to trigger that all-too-familiar fear of missing out.
Because here's the thing: once this promotion ends, the Wishing Star Emote will likely hit the Item Shop with a price tag. That means anyone who doesn’t grab it now gets to watch as others flaunt it in-game, forever reminded they *could* have had it free… if only they’d bought their Switch 2 sooner. This isn’t new, of course. Fortnite, like most live-service games, runs on FOMO. Limited-time events, rotating item shops, battle passes that vanish if you don’t grind hard enough—it’s all part of the system. But it’s fascinating to see how seamlessly these mechanics integrate into console launches.
The Switch 2 is a big moment for Nintendo. After years of speculation, leaks, and sky-high expectations, they need strong early adoption numbers. And what better way to ensure that than by partnering with one of the biggest games in the world? Parents looking to upgrade their kids’ consoles now have an extra incentive—“Look, honey, if we buy it now, you get a free emote!” Meanwhile, collectors and completionists will feel that familiar itch to grab anything labeled “exclusive” before it slips away. And just like that, Epic Games and Nintendo have turned a simple cosmetic item into a console-selling strategy.
Is this manipulative? Sure, in the same way that seasonal sales, pre-order bonuses, and celebrity endorsements are. But that doesn’t make it any less effective. What’s more interesting is how normalized these tactics have become. Gamers barely bat an eye at time-limited rewards anymore because, well, that’s just how things work now. The gaming industry figured out long ago that artificial scarcity breeds engagement—and engagement drives revenue.
So, should you rush to claim the Wishing Star Emote? If you’re planning to play Fortnite on the Switch 2 anyway, why not? It’s cute, it’s free (for now), and hey, maybe it’ll feel extra special knowing someday it’ll cost V-Bucks. But if you skip it? Well, don’t say we didn’t warn you when you see it in someone else’s locker later.
Legal Disclaimer: This opinion piece is a creative commentary based on publicly available news reports and events. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified experts regarding your specific circumstances.
By Homer Keaton , this article was inspired by this source.