Super Smash Bros is one of the most popular fighting game franchises in video game history. Nintendo launched the series in 1999, and it has since become a cultural phenomenon. The game brings together characters from dozens of beloved franchises into one chaotic, action-packed arena. Players battle each other using unique attacks, items, and stage hazards. Whether someone is a casual player or a competitive esports enthusiast, Super Smash Bros offers something for everyone. This guide covers everything from the series’ origins to its thriving competitive scene.
Key Takeaways
- Super Smash Bros is a Nintendo fighting game franchise launched in 1999 that brings together characters from dozens of beloved video game series into one arena.
- Unlike traditional fighting games, Super Smash Bros uses a percentage-based damage system where players launch opponents off the stage rather than depleting health bars.
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate (2018) is the best-selling fighting game of all time with over 33 million copies sold and 89 playable characters.
- The roster includes iconic Nintendo characters like Mario and Pikachu alongside third-party favorites such as Sonic, Mega Man, and Sora from Kingdom Hearts.
- Super Smash Bros supports both casual and competitive play, with a thriving esports scene featuring major tournaments like EVO and Genesis.
The Origins and History of Super Smash Bros
The original Super Smash Bros debuted on the Nintendo 64 in January 1999. Game designer Masahiro Sakurai created the concept during his time at HAL Laboratory. He initially developed a prototype called “Dragon King: The Fighting Game” before pitching the idea of using Nintendo characters.
Nintendo executives were skeptical at first. They worried that seeing Mario punch Pikachu might damage brand integrity. But Sakurai convinced them, and Super Smash Bros became a surprise hit. The N64 version sold nearly 5 million copies worldwide.
Super Smash Bros Melee followed in 2001 for the GameCube. It expanded the roster, improved graphics, and added new gameplay mechanics. Melee sold over 7 million copies and remains a fan favorite to this day. Many competitive players still consider it the best entry in the series.
The franchise continued growing with Super Smash Bros Brawl on the Wii in 2008. This version introduced online play and third-party characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. Brawl sold over 13 million copies, making it one of the best-selling fighting games ever.
How Super Smash Bros Gameplay Works
Super Smash Bros plays differently from traditional fighting games. Instead of depleting a health bar, players accumulate damage shown as a percentage. Higher percentages make characters easier to launch off the stage. The goal is to knock opponents beyond the stage boundaries.
Each character has standard attacks, special moves, and a powerful “Final Smash” attack. Players can also grab, shield, and dodge to gain advantages. The controls are simple enough for beginners but offer depth for advanced players.
Stages play a major role in Super Smash Bros matches. Some stages feature hazards like moving platforms, lava, or enemy characters. Others remain flat and neutral for competitive play. Players can choose from dozens of stages based on iconic Nintendo locations.
Items spawn randomly during matches. These include weapons like the Beam Sword, recovery items like the Heart Container, and summons like Poké Balls. Competitive players often disable items to focus on pure skill. Casual players enjoy the chaos items bring to each match.
Super Smash Bros supports up to eight players simultaneously in newer entries. This makes it perfect for parties and local multiplayer sessions. The game also offers single-player modes, including story campaigns and challenges.
Iconic Characters and Crossover Appeal
The character roster defines what makes Super Smash Bros special. The original game featured 12 fighters from Nintendo franchises. Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Samus represented their respective series. Each character brought unique moves based on their home games.
The roster grew dramatically over time. Super Smash Bros Ultimate, released in 2018, features over 80 playable fighters. This includes every character from previous entries plus new additions.
Third-party characters transformed Super Smash Bros into a gaming celebration. Sonic, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Cloud Strife, and Solid Snake all joined the battle. Nintendo even added characters like Steve from Minecraft and Sora from Kingdom Hearts. These crossovers generate massive excitement with each announcement.
Super Smash Bros also introduces lesser-known characters to wider audiences. Fire Emblem protagonists like Marth gained popularity through their Smash appearances. The same happened with characters from EarthBound, Kid Icarus, and Xenoblade Chronicles.
Each fighter feels distinct in Super Smash Bros. Heavy characters like Bowser hit hard but move slowly. Light characters like Kirby recover easily but get launched quickly. This variety ensures players find a main character that suits their playstyle.
Super Smash Bros Games in the Series
The Super Smash Bros franchise includes six main entries:
- Super Smash Bros (1999) – The N64 original with 12 characters
- Super Smash Bros Melee (2001) – GameCube sequel with 25 characters and faster gameplay
- Super Smash Bros Brawl (2008) – Wii entry with story mode and online features
- Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U (2014) – Dual release with portable and console versions
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate (2018) – Switch entry with 80+ fighters and “Everyone is Here” tagline
Super Smash Bros Ultimate stands as the definitive version for most players. It combines characters and stages from every previous game. The game sold over 33 million copies, making it the best-selling fighting game of all time.
Nintendo released DLC fighters for Ultimate through 2021. These additions included Sephiroth, Kazuya, and Sora. The final roster totals 89 playable characters across the base game and expansions.
Competitive Scene and Community
Super Smash Bros has one of the most dedicated competitive communities in gaming. Tournaments attract thousands of participants and viewers worldwide. Major events include EVO, Genesis, and The Big House.
Melee maintains an active competitive scene over two decades after release. Players compete for prize pools and rankings at grassroots events. The game’s technical depth keeps veterans engaged year after year.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate dominates the current competitive landscape. Professional players like MkLeo, Sparg0, and Glutonny compete at the highest level. Streaming platforms like Twitch broadcast major tournaments to hundreds of thousands of viewers.
The community creates content beyond competitions. Players produce tier lists, character guides, and combo videos. Modders add new characters and stages to older entries. Fan communities discuss strategies, share clips, and organize local meetups.
Nintendo’s relationship with the competitive scene has been complicated. The company has supported some official tournaments while restricting others. Even though these challenges, the community continues to grow and thrive independently.
