Skip to main content
All CollectionsGame RulesSuper Smash Bros.™ Ultimate
What is Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate game? 
What is Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate game? 

What coaches, parents, and players need to know about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Updated yesterday

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the latest Super Smash Bros. game, released in 2018 by Nintendo.

Game Details

What's the game objective of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

The game is all about attacking your opponent and launching them off the stage. There are several types of attacks, each resulting in varying levels of damage (shown as a percentage, %) next to the character’s portrait. The more damage a player has received or the higher their damage percent number is, the farther they fly when being attacked.

A player is knocked out (KO’d) when they fly off and cannot return to the stage. Knocking out a player means they will lose that “Stock” and reset on the stage. Whoever is knocked out three times loses, and the remaining player wins.

Which fighters and stages can I choose from?

The initial game offers 69 characters known as “Fighters”. If teams use DLC*, over 80 playable characters are in the roster, from classics like Mario and Yoshi to third-party favorites like Pac-Man, Ryu, and Banjo & Kazooie. Each fighter has a unique set of attacks and a specific fighting style that helps them excel. Check out the fighters here!

While there are many stages, each with its own variations, only a select few are available for competition each season. Refer to the current season’s rulebook for a list of Competition-Eligible stages to battle on.

*Full version of the game required to use DLC. Sold separately.

Game Setup

What platform will the game be played on?

  • Nintendo Switch™

What hardware or software will be required to play for PlayVS matches?

  • The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game (physical or digital version)

  • Nintendo Switch system

  • Nintendo Switch Joy-Con™ controllers

    • Other Nintendo Switch system compatible controllers without the use of Turbo Mode are optional

  • USB to Ethernet Adapter (needed to obtain a hardwired connection)

  • An active Nintendo Account (required for Nintendo Switch Online membership**)

**Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. Nintendo.com/switch-online

How do I get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

You can get or acquire the game in two ways:

  • Physical Version

    • Purchased at My Nintendo Store or at participating retailers.

  • Digital Version

    • Purchased at My Nintendo Store, Nintendo eShop, or participating retailers.

    • Purchasing digital versions at participating retailers or My Nintendo Store provides a 16-character code that can be redeemed on Nintendo eShop. Steps for redeeming a digital code can be found via Nintendo Support.

Competition/Match Information

What's the match format?

There are two types of match formats. Standard and Solos Format.

Standard Format

Teams of three players*** will compete in a series of 1v1s to determine the overall winner of a match. The match is a Best-of-5 series, each with Best-of-3 (Bo3) games.

Each team will select one of their three players to compete in the first series. These two players will face off one versus one in their Bo3 series. The first player to record two game wins will be awarded the win for the series.

Teams will then select their next player to compete and continue the match. The first team to record three series wins will be awarded the win for the match. Each game lasts about 5-6 minutes on average.

***Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.

Solos Format

Certain leagues may offer the ability for players to compete individually on their own unique team assigned by the coach. Each match will consist of a series of 1v1 games to determine the overall winner of the match.

What days will PlayVS matches be played on for this game?

The game’s official match days will be on Wednesdays.

Additional Resources

Where can I find resources to improve my play?

  • For more information, read the following Nintendo articles:

  • You can record and review your team’s matches to help them overcome their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.

Did this answer your question?