Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズSpecial, Great Fray Smash Brothers Special) is the sixth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series and it was released for Nintendo Switch consoles on December 7, 2018.

Characters
The game currently consists of all 78 characters. Seven characters,, , , , , , and are not given their own numbers among the roster due to being Echo Fighters; they instead have the number of the fighter they are based off of along with an epsilon symbol (ε) or apostrophe ('). The counts as three characters, but only occupies one roster spot, with the selection of the starting Pokémon coming later. Additionally, this game will have 6 DLC characters, the first DLC character being, and the second DLC character being , who is the protagonist of Persona 5.

Every fighter from the previous four games returned for this installment. In turn, the development team stated that there would not be many newcomers. There are eleven newcomers, with five of them being Echo Fighters.

The starting roster consists of the original 8 characters from Super Smash Bros. with the rest of the characters being unlockable.


 * Number indicates the order of appearance in the series.
 * ε or ' indicates Echo Fighters, fighters that share the same movesets and traits as another.

Stages
All stages have a Battlefield form and Omega form. There are 103 stages and all stages are available from the start. Additionally, this game will have 5 DLC stages.

Assist Trophies
59 Assist Trophies are featured in the game.

New

 * Akira Yuki
 * Alucard
 * Arcade Bunny
 * Black Knight
 * Bomberman
 * Burrowing Snagret
 * Chef Kawasaki
 * Flies & Hand
 * Guile
 * Kapp'n
 * Klaptrap
 * Knuckles
 * Krystal
 * Moon
 * Nikki
 * Rathalos
 * Rodin
 * Shovel Knight
 * Spring Man
 * Squid Sisters
 * Sukapon
 * Thwomp
 * Tiki
 * Vince
 * Wily Capsule
 * Yuri Kozukata
 * Zero

Returning

 * Andross
 * Ashley
 * Chain Chomp
 * Color TV-Game 15
 * Devil
 * Dillon
 * Dr. Kawashima
 * Dr. Wright
 * Ghirahim
 * Ghosts
 * Gray Fox
 * Hammer Bro.
 * Isaac
 * Jeff
 * Knuckle Joe
 * Lyn
 * Metroid
 * Midna
 * Mother Brain
 * Nightmare
 * Nintendogs (Poodle)
 * Phosphora
 * Prince of Sablé
 * Riki
 * Samurai Goroh
 * Shadow
 * Sheriff
 * Skull Kid
 * Starfy
 * Starman
 * Takamaru
 * Waluigi

New

 * Banana Gun
 * Beastball
 * Black Hole
 * Bomber
 * Death's Scythe
 * Fake Smash Ball
 * Healing Field
 * Healing Sprout
 * Killing Edge
 * Launch Star
 * Ramblin' Evil Mushroom
 * Rage Blaster
 * Staff

Returning

 * Assist Trophy
 * Back Shield
 * Banana Peel
 * Barrel
 * Beam Sword
 * Beehive
 * Beetle
 * Blast Box
 * Bob-omb
 * Bombchu
 * Boomerang
 * Boss Galaga
 * Bullet Bill
 * Bumper
 * Bunny Hood
 * Capsule
 * Crate
 * Cucco
 * Daybreak
 * Dragoon
 * Deku Nut
 * Drill Arm
 * Fairy Bottle
 * Fire Bar
 * Fire Flower
 * Food
 * Franklin Badge
 * Freezie
 * Golden Hammer
 * Gooey Bomb
 * Grass
 * Green Shell
 * Gust Bellows
 * Hammer
 * Heart Container
 * Hocotate Bomb
 * Home-Run Bat
 * Hothead
 * Killer Eye
 * Lightning Bolt
 * Lip's Stick
 * Master Ball
 * Maxim Tomato
 * Metal Box
 * Motion-Sensor Bomb
 * Mr. Saturn
 * Ore Club
 * Party Ball
 * Pitfall
 * Poison Mushroom
 * Poké Ball
 * POW Block
 * Ray Gun
 * Rocket Belt
 * Rolling Crate
 * Sandbag
 * Screw Attack
 * Smart Bomb
 * Smash Ball
 * Smoke Ball
 * Soccer Ball
 * Special Flag
 * Spiny Shell
 * Star Rod
 * Steel Diver
 * Super Leaf
 * Super Mushroom
 * Super Scope
 * Super Star
 * Superspicy Curry
 * Timer
 * Unira
 * Warp Star
 * X Bomb

New

 * Abra
 * Alolan Exeggutor
 * Bewear
 * Ditto
 * Lunala
 * Marshadow
 * Mimikyu
 * Pyukumuku
 * Alolan Raichu
 * Solgaleo
 * Tapu Koko
 * Togedemaru
 * Vulpix
 * Alolan Vulpix

Returning

 * Abomasnow
 * Arceus
 * Bellossom
 * Chespin
 * Darkrai
 * Dedenne
 * Deoxys
 * Eevee
 * Electrode
 * Entei
 * Fennekin
 * Fletchling
 * Gardevoir
 * Genesect
 * Giratina
 * Gogoat
 * Goldeen
 * Inkay
 * Keldeo
 * Kyogre
 * Kyurem
 * Latias and Latios
 * Lugia
 * Meloetta
 * Meowth
 * Metagross
 * Mew
 * Moltres
 * Oshawott
 * Palkia
 * Scizor
 * Snivy
 * Snorlax
 * Spewpa
 * Staryu
 * Suicune
 * Swirlix
 * Togepi
 * Victini
 * Xerneas
 * Zoroark

Gameplay changes

 * The stage selection screen is shown first before the character selection screen. This is to prevent unfair stage advantages.
 * Stage hazards can be toggled off.
 * Custom Moves have been removed. Any previous Smash Bros. amiibo with custom moves will now revert to the normal moves in Ultimate. Due to the absence of custom-move fighters, Equipment has been removed too.
 * Sudden Death now has a new format. Instead of raining Bob-ombs, the camera zooms into the center while the blast zones gradually decrease until a very small portion of the stage remains. In addition, Super Sudden Death has been separated from Special Smash.
 * Stamina Mode is now a separate game mode and can be used for Adventure Mode, Online Mode, etc. It also has an option to have stocks.
 * Grabs can now clash with each other if they connect on the same frame.
 * Damage percentages can now contain decimal numbers (in tenths) (35.7%, 102.3%, etc.).
 * Smash attacks can be held longer.
 * During timed matches, the fighter in the lead will sometimes flash brightly.
 * Most of the Assist Trophies can now be knocked out, earning the player points.
 * More than one Assist Trophy can be on the screen and can attack each other if they are summoned by two different players/teams.
 * Dark Pit and Lucina, who were previously considered clone characters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, are now considered Echo Fighters. In addition, Chrom, Daisy, Dark Samus, Richter, and Ken appear as Echo Fighters of Roy, Peach, Samus, Simon, and Ryu respectively.
 * A small map is shown on the screen when a character is knocked out of the field of view. Its size can be adjusted or completely removed.
 * There is a damage increase in 1-on-1 matches as opposed to matches with more characters to ensure fast matches.
 * Mobility during air dodge has improved, functioning similarly to Super Smash Bros. Melee, being only able to be used once before landing but doesn't make the user helpless. In addition, excessive dodging will increase dodge lag the more it is done (similar to Stale-Move Negation).
 * A specific command input for short hop attacks has been added, making it easier to perform attacks during short hops.
 * Perfect Shields happens when the player releases the shield at the same time an attack connects to the character's hitbox. This technique now comes with an increased risk.
 * Final Smashes are "straight to the punch" i.e. each Final Smash is quick. Transformation Final Smashes have been removed and have been replaced with different types of Final Smashes.
 * Dramatic slow-motion effects occur when strong attacks connect with other fighters during 1-on-1 fights, such as Captain Falcon's Falcon Punch. There are some exceptions, such as the Klaptraps in Jungle Japes.
 * The last potential KO also has a dramatic slow-motion zooming effect.
 * The animation for Star KOs is different than previous games and Screen KOs are much shorter than they were in the previous game. This is to prevent slower KOs from giving a doomed player extra time that could give them an advantage; especially if at the end of a Time game or if the other player is about to get KO'd as well.
 * A traditional fighting game meter gaining-based mechanic known as the Smash Gauge has been added. This allows the obtaining of Final Smashes to be fairer.
 * Wily Castle now includes all stage hazards from both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS version of Super Smash Bros.
 * While Classic Mode will feature the usual 6-7 fights before a showdown with a final boss, each character has their own “route” meaning that each character will face a different set of opponents that all fit under one theme. For example, Jigglypuff’s route is called “64 All-Stars”, and will involve characters from the original Smash Bros.
 * Master Hand and Crazy Hand will only be the final bosses for certain fighters in Classic Mode. Some fighters will have other final bosses such as Galleom and Giga Bowser.
 * Some bosses can get "knocked out", similarly to fighters getting stunned.
 * Collectible trophies (and to a lesser extent equipment) have been replaced with "spirits", which can be applied to fighters to make them stronger or give passive abilities.

Character-specific changes

 * Pokémon Trainer can now change between Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard freely during battle. Stamina has been removed entirely; allowing players to not be forced to be dependent on other Pokémon.
 * Pokémon Change is faster, can be used mid-air, and can be used to dodge attacks.
 * Marth's Dancing Blade is now faster. This also applies to Roy and Lucina.
 * Sonic's, Pac-Man's, and Pikachu's Final Smashes are now faster.
 * Fox, Falco, and Wolf no longer use Landmaster as their Final Smash. Instead, they call upon the Star Fox team (Star Wolf team for Wolf) to unleash a barrage of Arwing (or Wolfen) lasers.
 * Wolf's moves have received a major overhaul.
 * In 1-on-1 fights, Ryu will always face the opposing fighter, unless he's running or in mid-air. This allows him to input commands more effectively.
 * Robin's tomes and sword now have a usage meter that appears near his/her character icon.
 * Cloud's Limit Charge now shows the amount of charge on his character icon.
 * Any item that Villager Pockets now appears next to their character icon.
 * Charging moves, such as Samus' Charge Shot can now be charged in midair. Canceling it in midair will leave the user vulnerable.
 * Giga Bowser is no longer a controllable transformation. Instead, Giga Bowser will appear in the background of the stage and attack using his fist, which causes instant screen KOs or major damage if the victims have low damage.
 * Shulk's Monado Arts can now be easily selected by holding down the B (special attack) button and selecting which art to use with the control stick.
 * Ganondorf's smash attacks now uses his sword. His Final Smash was also changed, in which he now transforms into Ganon, the Demon King.
 * Pit's Final Smash, The Lightning Chariot, has replaced Three Sacred Treasures.
 * Zero Suit Samus' Final Smash has changed to her firing a powerful beam in her power suit on her gunship from the background.
 * Wario's Final Smash, Wario-Man, has been overhauled. He no longer uses regular attacks, but instead unleashes a flurry of comical punches, finishing with the Wario Waft.
 * Donkey Kong no longer uses his drums as a Final Smash, but instead uses rapid-fire punches, ending with a strong uppercut.
 * Little Mac's Final Smash still transforms him into Giga Mac, but he now unleashes a devastating combination of punches.
 * Palutena's side special has been changed to Explosive Flame. Her down special cycles as a counter and as a reflector.
 * Mr. Game & Watch's final smash no longer causes damage on contact; instead, his tentacles will pick up fighters and carry them off the stage.
 * Lucario's final smash has been reverted to Aura Storm, but still transforming into Mega Lucario.
 * Yoshi's final smash has been changed completely; anyone who is hit by his final smash will teleport to an area where a stampede of Yoshis charge and run over the opponents, which is a reference to the Super Smash Bros. Melee intro.
 * Diddy Kong's Final Smash now has him flying with his rocket barrels at high speed, hitting any opponent in his way crashing into the player that was hit most at the end.
 * Dr. Mario's down air attack is now a meteor smash and has a new animation. His back throw and side special also have new animations.
 * Kirby can inhale projectiles for healing a bit of damage. Moreover, he can also spit the projectile or item as a star to cause a bit of damage to an opponent.
 * King Dedede can also inhale projectiles for healing a bit of damage but, he will spit the projectile or item as it is.

Aesthetic changes

 * The game now has more dynamic shadows i.e. platforms and uneven stage structures will have shadows too. The same also applies to all items, assist trophies and Pokémon.
 * All attack effects are cel-shaded to make the game look more cartoonish.
 * All explosions now look more cartoonish than realistic.
 * All knockback effects are now present as smoke trails.
 * A lot of stages have been retextured. While the stages from Super Smash Bros. keep their classic models, the graphics have been updated.
 * Some characters have more expressive facial animations, more so than any other installment.
 * Mario's hat can turn into Cappy from his Super Mario Odyssey in his up special. He also appears as his new side taunt.
 * Marth is now fully voiced in English. This also applies to Roy, as he had an English voice in Fire Emblem: Heroes.
 * Ike’s voice tone will be different depending on which costumes he is in between both of his younger Path of Radiance and older Radiant Dawn incarnations. He also has a new voice actor.
 * A female Pokémon Trainer has been added.
 * Mr. Game & Watch's move-set closely resembles his original appearances from the Game and Watch series.
 * Fox, Falco and Wolf's designs are based on Star Fox Zero.
 * Kirby has a new appearance during his Stone, which resembles a Sheikah treasure chest from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
 * Shulk's Final Smash now includes Fiora.
 * Ganondorf's design is based on his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
 * Mii Fighters now have their proportions adjusted. In addition, there are now several voice options to choose from.
 * When damaged, Olimar's helmet cracks, but repairs itself shortly afterward.
 * Ness' Final Smash now calls upon the help of Paula and Poo. Likewise, Lucas' now calls upon the help of Kumatora and Boney for his Final Smash.
 * Wii Fit Trainer's face has received a cosmetic update.
 * Mega Man's Final Smash now includes Proto Man and Bass.
 * R.O.B. has a new gauge on his chassis which shows how much fuel he has left for his hover ability.
 * Link's design is based on his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
 * Zelda's design is based on her appearance in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. This is due to Zelda being more interested in research than fighting in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
 * Sheik's design is based on the Sheikah armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
 * A timer bar will appear while targeting with Dragoon to show its time limit.

Development

 * The game was first revealed on March 8, 2018, at the end of a Nintendo Direct with no word from Masahiro Sakurai or anybody else linked to the Super Smash Bros. series.
 * The teaser trailer released during the Nintendo Direct introduced the Inklings and showed Mario and Link's renders in the shadowy flares, along with a group of several other unidentified characters.
 * The most noticeable silhouettes were Yoshi, Pit, Donkey Kong, Peach, Ness, Marth, Pikachu, Kirby, Sheik, Samus, Zelda, Fox, Captain Falcon, Bowser, and Wario.
 * On March 8, 2018, Masahiro Sakurai tweeted that he was working on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate silently every day, and more info would be released soon.
 * On June 12, 2018, during E3, Nintendo had a video presentation that included more information on the game.
 * In addition, a Super Smash Bros. Invitational tournament for this game was held on the same day, following the Splatoon 2 World Championship finals.
 * On August 8, 2018, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct that included more information on the game, as well as more reveals.
 * On September 13, 2018, at the end of a Nintendo Direct, a new character was revealed.
 * On November 1, 2018, Nintendo held the last Nintendo Direct related to the game before its release hosted by Masahiro Sakurai, that included more information as well as the final fighter reveals.
 * Towards the end of November 2018, copies of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate were sold early from a Mexican retailer. People that bought the game began uploading content including music and cutscenes to YouTube. This caused Nintendo to take action by claiming copyrights on all related properties and some YouTubers had their videos taken down and their accounts terminated.
 * On December 7, 2018, the game was released and the second DLC character was revealed.
 * On January 29, 2019, the first DLC character along with many patches were released.

Trivia

 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the second game in the series to not receive any character cuts from a previous installment, with Super Smash Bros. Melee being the first.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the third game in the series to have an Adventure Mode, with Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl being the first two respectively.
 * However, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the first game with an Adventure Mode to have voice-overs for characters in both English and Japanese.
 * Characters previously referred to as clones by fans have received the official title of "Echo Fighters". Dark Pit, Lucina, Daisy, Richter, Chrom, Dark Samus, and Ken are regarded as such.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the largest roster of any game in the series with at least 78 playable characters.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the largest selection of music of any game in the series with roughly 900 tracks which is more than 28 hours worth of music.
 * As Super Smash Bros. Ultimate focuses more on bringing back all fighters from the previous Smash Bros. games, this game will not bring back all of the previous Smash Bros. stages.
 * Even so, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the largest selection of stages of any game in the series with 103 stages.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has 59 assist trophies which outnumber the number of Pokémon.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the first game in the series where all the newcomers are unlockable.
 * On November 23, 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate became the top pre-selling title on the Nintendo Switch as well as the top pre-selling game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise.
 * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has broken many records:
 * Over its three-day launch period in Japan, it became the best selling release in the Super Smash Bros. franchise, the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time, and the first non-Pokémon Nintendo title to ever surpass 1 million units sold at launch.
 * Over its three-day launch period in Europe, it became the fastest-selling game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise and the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time.
 * On December 18, 2018, it became the fastest-selling Nintendo home console game of all time in Europe.
 * On December 18, 2018, it became the fastest-selling game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise and for the Nintendo Switch in America.
 * It became the best performing game in its first month on the market than any other platform exclusive in video game history in America.
 * After 5 weeks, it became the best selling game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise in Japan.
 * In less than 2 months, it became Nintendo's fastest-selling game of all time in America.
 * Decidueye was almost chosen for the new Pokémon spot on the roster.