Cheat code: Fortnite players found a dirty workaround for the Note 9 exclusive skin

Samsung landed a great deal when it got Fortnite on Android to come exclusively to the new Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung devices in beta. And, it drew on the player base's furor for skins by offering a free, exclusive skin for anyone who played on a Note 9 or Galaxy Tab S4. The catch: some players realized they didn't have to buy the devices to play for that skin, Polygon has reported.

Some gamers have tried getting the Fortnite Galaxy skin by going to stores that had the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4 on display, and used those devices to unlock the skins. All they needed to do was get Fortnite installed on the device and play three matches using their Fortnite account. They also had to hope no one had already beat them to it.

It's a bold move, and one Samsung has tried preventing. The Verge spotted a tweeted sign from Samsung indicating that the demo phones wouldn't download Fortnite or the games skin. So, it would seem Samsung got wise to the scheme.

While it seems likely it will only get harder for gamers to try this sneaky technique to get the exclusive Galaxy skin, the alternative is paying hundreds of dollars to get a Samsung device. And, anyone who just wants a cool skin may simply keep looking for another clever workaround.

TOPICS
Mark Knapp

Over the last several years, Mark has been tasked as a writer, an editor, and a manager, interacting with published content from all angles. He is intimately familiar with the editorial process from the inception of an article idea, through the iterative process, past publishing, and down the road into performance analysis.

Latest in Phones
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
The home screen on an iPhone 16e smartphone
I think the iPhone 16e is too expensive – and as it turns out, so does nearly everybody else
Apple iPhone 16 on orange background with big savings text overlay
You can get a free iPhone 16 Pro Max without a trade at Verizon right now - with one minor catch
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Paris in front of the Louvre pyramid
5 things I want from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)