View source for Software:Super Smash Bros.

{{Short description|Series of crossover fighting games}}
{{Pp-semi|small=yes}}

{{Infobox video game series
| title = Super Smash Bros.
| image = Super Smash Bros 2018 logo.svg
| caption = Logo since 2018
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Engineering:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]]|iQue Player|[[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]]|[[Engineering:Wii|Wii]]|{{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}}|[[Engineering:Wii U|Wii U]]|[[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]}}
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Organization:HAL Laboratory|HAL Laboratory]] (1999–2008)|Sora Ltd. (2008–present)|[[Company:Game Arts|Game Arts]] (2008)|[[Company:Bandai Namco Studios|Bandai Namco Studios]] (2014–present)}}
| publisher = [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]
| genre = [[Software:Fighting game|Fighting]]
| spinoffs = 
| creator = Masahiro Sakurai
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = 
| first release version = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]''
| first release date = January 21, 1999
| latest release version = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
| latest release date = December 7, 2018
}}

'''''Super Smash Bros.'''''{{efn|{{Nihongo||大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ|Dai Rantō Sumasshu Burazāzu|lead=yes}}; commonly known as '''''Smash Bros.''''', or '''''Smash''''', and abbreviated as {{Nihongo|'''''SumaBura'''''|スマブラ}}.}} is a crossover [[Software:Platform fighter|platform fighting]] game series published by [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]. The series was created by Masahiro Sakurai, who has directed every game in the series. The series is known for its unique gameplay objective which differs from that of traditional fighters, in that the aim is to increase damage counters and knock opponents off the stage instead of depleting [[Software:Health (gaming)|life bars]].

The original ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' was released in 1999 for the [[Engineering:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]]. The series achieved even greater success with the release of ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Melee|Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', which was released in 2001 for the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] and became the best selling game on that system. A third installment, ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', was released in 2008 for the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]]. Although [[Organization:HAL Laboratory|HAL Laboratory]] had been the developer for the first two games, the third game was developed through the collaboration of several companies. The fourth installment, ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'', was released in 2014 for the {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}} and [[Engineering:Wii U|Wii U]], respectively. The 3DS installment was the first for a [[Handheld game console|handheld platform]]. A fifth installment, ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', was released in 2018 for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]].

The series primarily features characters from various Nintendo franchises, including ''[[Software:Super Mario|Super Mario]]'', ''[[Software:Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Software:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[Software:Metroid|Metroid]]'', ''Yoshi'', ''Kirby'', ''[[Software:Star Fox|Star Fox]]'', and ''Pokémon'', as well as third-party franchises like ''[[Software:Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Software:Street Fighter|Street Fighter]]'', and ''[[Software:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]''. The original ''Super Smash Bros.'' had only 12 playable characters, with the roster count rising for each successive game and later including third-party characters, with ''Ultimate'' containing every character playable in the previous games. In ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Ultimate'', some characters are able to transform into different forms that have different styles of play and sets of moves. Every game in the series has been well received by critics, with much praise given to their [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] features, spawning a large competitive community that has been featured in several gaming tournaments.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-release screenshot of ''Ultimate'' featuring Ganondorf, Link, Mario and Mega Man battle on the "Great Plateau Tower" stage, based on the location from ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'']]

Gameplay in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series differs from many fighting games.<ref name="Schneider">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/28/super-smash-bros|title=Super Smash Bros. N64 Review|first=Peer|last=Schneider|date=April 27, 1999|website=IGN|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227014836/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/28/super-smash-bros|archive-date=December 27, 2012}}</ref> Instead of winning by depleting an opponent's life bar, players seek to launch their opponents off the stage and out of bounds. Characters have a damage total which rises as they take damage, represented by a percentage value that measures up to 999%. As a character's percentage rises, they suffer stronger knockback from enemy attacks.<ref name="Melee manual"/> To knock out an opponent, the player must knock that character outside the stage's boundaries in any direction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/howto/basic/basic01.html|title=The Basic Rules|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|access-date=April 15, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703054337/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/howto/basic/basic01.html|archive-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> When a character is launched off the stage, the character can attempt to "recover" by using jumping moves and abilities to return to the stage.<ref name="Melee manual"/> Some characters have an easier time recovering onto the stage than others due to their moves and abilities. Additionally, some characters vary in weight, with lighter characters being easier to launch than heavy characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/howto/basic/basic03.html|title=You Must Recover!|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|access-date=April 15, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703054342/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/howto/basic/basic03.html|archive-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref>

Controls are greatly simplified in comparison to other fighting games, with one button used for standard attacks and another used for special attacks.<ref name="Schneider"/> Players can perform different types of moves by holding the directional controls up, down, to the side, or in a neutral position while pressing the attack or special button.<ref name="Melee manual">{{cite book|title=Super Smash Bros. Melee Instruction Booklet|year=2001}}</ref> As such, each character has four types of ground attacks, mid-air attacks, and special attacks that can be performed.<ref name="Melee manual"/> Quickly pressing or tapping a directional input and the attack button together while on the ground allows players to perform a chargeable "Smash Attack", which is generally more powerful than other attacks.<ref name="Melee manual"/> When characters are hit by attacks, they receive a hitstun that temporarily disallows any attacks to be made. This allows [[Software:Combo (video gaming)|combos]] to be performed. A shield button allows players to put up a defensive shield which weakens with repeated use and will leave the player unable to move if broken. Combining the shield button with directional inputs and attack buttons allows the player to also perform dodges, rolls, grabs, and throws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/160/160494p1.html|title=Super Smash Bros. review|first=Peer|last=Schneider|publisher=IGN|date=April 27, 1999|access-date=April 16, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512050121/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/160/160494p1.html|archive-date=May 12, 2008}}</ref> The three basic actions in ''Super Smash Bros.'', attacking, grabbing, and shielding, are often described using a [[Rock–paper–scissors|rock–paper–scissors]] analogy: attacking beats grabbing, grabbing beats shielding, and shielding beats attacking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/what-pros-have-to-think-about-in-every-smash-bros-matc-1674150302|title=What Pros Have To Think About In Every Smash Bros. Match|first=Yannick|last=LeJacq|date=December 22, 2015|website=Kotaku|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131032324/http://kotaku.com/what-pros-have-to-think-about-in-every-smash-bros-matc-1674150302|archive-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref> When a player knocks another player off of the main platform, they may perform an action called edge-guarding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/22/smash-bros-will-change-the-way-edge-guarding-works|title=Smash Bros. Will Change The Way Edge-Guarding Works|first=Jose|last=Otero|date=January 22, 2014|website=IGN|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131032151/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/22/smash-bros-will-change-the-way-edge-guarding-works|archive-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref> At the same time the player that has been knocked off will try to recover by jumping back onto the stage and avoiding the other players' edge-guarding.<ref name="Melee manual"/>

Another element in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is battle items, the abundance of which players can adjust before matches. There are conventional "battering items", with which a player may hit an opponent, such as a home-run bat or a [[Engineering:Sword|beam sword]]; throwing items, including Bob-ombs and Koopa shells; and shooting items, either single-shot guns or rapid-fire blasters. Recovery items allow the user to reduce their damage percentage by varying amounts. Poké Balls are special items that release a random Pokémon onto the battlefield to temporarily assist the user. ''Brawl'' introduced the Assist Trophy item which serves a similar purpose; instead of releasing Pokémon, it summons a character from another series.<ref name="Brawl manual">{{cite book|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl Instruction Booklet|publisher=Nintendo|year=2008|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Super_Smash_Brawl.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915163726/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Super_Smash_Brawl.pdf|archive-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> ''Brawl'' also introduces the Smash Ball, which when broken allows the fighter to perform a character-specific super attack known as a "Final Smash".<ref name="Brawl manual"/>

The rules that can be used in a match vary depending on the game, but the two most commonly used settings across all games are Time and Stock. Time mode uses a point-based system in which fighters earn points for knocking out their opponents and lose points for being knocked out or self-destructing (i.e. falling out of the stage by themselves). The player with the highest score at the end of the set time limit wins the match. Stock mode, also known as Survival, uses a life-based system in which players are given a set number of lives, known as stock, with each fighter losing a life whenever they are knocked out, becoming eliminated if they run out of lives. The winner is the last fighter standing once all other fighters are eliminated or, if a time limit is applied to the match, the fighter with the most lives remaining once time runs out. In the event of a tie, a Sudden Death match takes place. Here, each of the tied fighters are given a starting damage percentage of 300%, making them easier to launch off the stage, and the last fighter standing will be declared as the winner. In some games this process is repeated if the match ends in another tie.

Gameplay using competitive ''Super Smash Bros.'' rules is usually played in Stock mode with a timer.<ref name="EVO Rules">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-melee/EVO_2013_Rules|title=EVO 2013 Rules|website=IGN|date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150201113044/http://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-melee/EVO_2013_Rules|archive-date=February 1, 2015}}</ref> Items are turned off, and the only tournament-legal stages are those that do not feature hazards and other disruptive elements.<ref name="How to competitive">{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds/feature/how-get-competitive-super-smash-bros|title=How to get into Competitive Super Smash Bros.|first=Bryan|last=Dawson|website=Prima Games|date=September 11, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150131133043/http://www.primagames.com/games/super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds/feature/how-get-competitive-super-smash-bros|archive-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref>

=== Characters ===
Each game in the series has a number of playable characters (referred in the games as "fighters") taken from various gaming franchises, with over 80 in total across the series. Starting with ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', characters from non-Nintendo franchises began to make playable appearances. In ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U'', players were able to customize existing fighters with altered movesets and abilities, as well as making their own Mii fighters that can be given three different fighting styles. There are also other [[Software:Non-player character|non-playable characters]] that take the form of enemies, [[Software:Boss (video gaming)|bosses]], and summonable [[Software:Power-up|power-up]] items.

===Music===
''Super Smash Bros.'' features music from some of Nintendo's popular gaming franchises. While many are newly arranged for the game, some songs are taken directly from their sources. The music for the Nintendo 64 game was composed by Hirokazu Ando, who later returned as sound and music director in ''Melee''. ''Melee'' also features tracks composed by Tadashi Ikegami, Shougo Sakai, and Takuto Kitsuta.<ref name="Music discussion">{{cite web |date=January 18, 2002 |title=Discussions music staff |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0118/index.html |access-date=January 10, 2008 |publisher=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] |language=ja |archive-date=January 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105005755/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0118/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Brawl'' featured the collaboration of 38 contracted composers,<ref>{{cite web |date=May 22, 2007 |title=The Musicians |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/music/music01.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706222000/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/music/music01.html |archive-date=July 6, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=Smash Bros Dojo!!}}</ref> including ''[[Software:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'' series composer Nobuo Uematsu, who composed the main theme.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 7, 2007 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Main Theme |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/music/music10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808070301/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/music/music10.html |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=Smash Bros Dojo!!}}</ref> Like in ''Brawl'', ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'' featured many original and re-arranged tracks from various different gaming franchises from a variety of different composers and arrangers. Both versions have multiple musical tracks that can be selected and listened to using the returning "My Music" feature, including pieces taken directly from earlier ''Super Smash Bros.'' games. The 3DS and Switch games allow players to listen to their music from the sound menu while the system is in sleep/handheld mode.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 22, 2014 |title=Super Smash Bros. For 3DS Lets You Listen To Music In Sleep Mode |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/22/super-smash-bros-3ds-lets-listen-music-sleep-mode/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120424/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/22/super-smash-bros-3ds-lets-listen-music-sleep-mode/ |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera}}</ref><ref name="UltimateMusic">{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1=Tamoor |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Soundtrack Has Over 800 Songs |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-soundtrack-has-over-800-/1100-6461025/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808182144/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-soundtrack-has-over-800-/1100-6461025/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Ultimate'' continued the trend of multiple composers and arrangers working on remixed tracks, having over 800 in total.<ref name="UltimateMusic" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Music |url=https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/sound/index.html |access-date=June 12, 2020 |website=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612175059/https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/sound/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Three soundtrack albums for the series have been released. An album with the original music for ''Super Smash Bros.'' was released in Japan by Teichiku Records in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 17, 2002 |title=Nintendo All-Star! Dairanto Smash Brothers Original Soundtrack |url=http://www.soundtrackcentral.com/cds/supersmashbrothers_ost.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011102047/http://soundtrackcentral.com/cds/supersmashbrothers_ost.htm |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Soundtrack Central}}</ref> In 2003, Nintendo released ''Smashing...Live!'', a live orchestrated performance of various pieces featured in ''Melee'' by the [[Social:New Japan Philharmonic|New Japan Philharmonic]].<ref name="Orchestra">{{cite web |last=Wachman |first=Dylan |date=August 21, 2005 |title=Smashing...Live! Review |url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?albumid=3288 |access-date=March 15, 2008 |publisher=Sputnik Music}}</ref> A two-disc promotional soundtrack titled ''A Smashing Soundtrack'' was available for Club Nintendo members who registered both the ''3DS'' and ''Wii U'' games between November 21, 2014, and January 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Super Smash Bros. Soundtrack Offer |url=http://club2.nintendo.com/smash-promo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012015859/http://club2.nintendo.com/smash-promo/ |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |access-date=October 12, 2014 |publisher=Club Nintendo}}</ref>

==Development==
{{Timeline of release years
| summary = A timeline of releases in the Super Smash Bros. game series, from the first in 1999 to present.
| range1       = 1999 – 2018
| range1_color = #000000 #b3b3b3
| 1999 = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]''
| 2001 = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]]''
| 2008 = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]''
| 2014 = ''for 3DS and Wii U''
| 2018 = ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Ultimate]]''
}}

=== 1998–1999: ''Super Smash Bros.'' ===

''Super Smash Bros.'' was introduced in 1999 for the [[Engineering:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]]. It was released worldwide after selling over a million copies in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/29/smashing-success-2|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501122854/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/29/smashing-success-2|title = Smashing Success: Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. continues to top the charts in Japan|website = IGN|date = October 28, 1999|archive-date = May 1, 2018|access-date = August 5, 2007|url-status = live}}</ref> It featured eight characters from the start (Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, [[Social:Yoshi|Yoshi]], Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu), with four unlockable characters (Luigi, [[Social:Captain Falcon|Captain Falcon]], Ness, and Jigglypuff), all of them created by Nintendo or one of its [[Software:Video game developer#Second-party developer|second-party developers]].

In ''Super Smash Bros.'', up to four players can play in [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] (Versus) mode, with the specific rules of each match being predetermined by the players. There are two match types that can be chosen: Time, where the person with the most KOs at the end of the set time wins; and stock, where each player has a set number of lives and are eliminated from play when their lives are depleted.

This game's primary [[Software:Single-player video game|single-player]] mode, named "Classic Mode" in later series entries, features a series of predetermined opponents the player must defeat. Other single-player modes exist such as Training and several [[Software:Minigame|minigame]]s, including "Break the Targets" and "Board the Platforms". All of these were included in the [[Software:Super Smash Bros. Melee|sequel]], with the exception of "Board the Platforms".

There are nine playable stages in Versus mode, eight based on each of the starting characters (such as Princess Peach's Castle for Mario, Zebes for Samus, and Sector Z for Fox) and the unlockable Mushroom Kingdom, based around motifs from the original ''[[Software:Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario Bros.]]'', even containing original sprites and the original version of the Overworld theme from that game.

=== 2000–2004: ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' ===

A followup for the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]], ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', released in Japan and North America in late 2001, and in Europe and Australia in May 2002. It had a larger budget and development team than ''Super Smash Bros.'' did<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=120|title=Super Smash Bros. Melee|access-date=April 21, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123153857/http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=120|archive-date=January 23, 2008}}</ref> and was released to much greater praise and acclaim among critics and consumers. Since its release, ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' has sold more than 7 million copies and was the best selling game on the GameCube.<ref name="Best selling"/> ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' features 26 characters, of which 15<!--
Yes 26, Sheik is a full character according to the official site: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0222/character.html--> are available initially, more than doubling the number of characters in its predecessor. There are also 29 stages.

It introduced two new single-player modes alongside the Classic mode: Adventure mode and All-Star mode. Adventure mode has platforming segments similar to the original's "Race to the Finish" mini-game, and All-Star is a fight against every playable character in the game, allows the player only one life in which damage is accumulated over each battle and a limited number of healing items in between battles. Also in ''Melee'' is the Home-Run Contest minigame, which replaced Board the Platforms in the original game. Here, fighters will have to send Sandbag out of the stage to get the best distance with a baseball bat while damaging it for ten seconds.

There are also significantly more multiplayer modes and a tournament mode allowing for 64 different competitors whom can all be controlled by human players, although only up to four players can participate at the same time. Additionally, the game featured alternative battle modes, called "Special Melee", which allows players to make many different alterations to the battle, along with alternative ways to judge a victory, such as through collecting coins throughout the match.<ref name="Melee manual"/>

In place of ''Super Smash Bros.''{{'}} character profiles, ''Melee'' introduced trophies (called "figures" in the Japanese version). The 293 trophies include three different profiles for each playable character, one unlocked in each single-player mode. In addition, unlike its predecessor, ''Melee'' contains profiles for many Nintendo characters who are either non-playable or do not appear in the game, as well as Nintendo items, stages, enemies, and elements.

HAL Laboratory developed ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', with Masahiro Sakurai as the head of production. The game was one of the first games released on the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] and highlighted the advancement in graphics from the [[Engineering:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]]. The developers wanted to pay homage to the debut of the GameCube by making an opening [[Software:Full motion video|full motion video]] sequence that would attract people's attention to the graphics.<ref name="FMV opening">{{cite web |date=August 31, 2001 |title=Smash Bros. FMV Explained |url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/097/097950p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207184903/http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/097/097950p1.html |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> ''HAL'' worked with three separate graphic houses in Tokyo to make the opening sequence. On their official website, the developers posted screenshots and information highlighting and explaining the attention to [[Physics:Physics|physics]] and detail in the game, with references to changes from its predecessor.<ref name="Changes">{{cite web |date=September 7, 2001 |title=A Detailed Melee |url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/098/098158p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328131143/http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/098/098158p1.html |archive-date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The ''Super Smash Bros.'' logo, consisting of two lines of different weight crossing within a circle, represented the idea of a franchise crossover, according to Sakurai, naturally dividing the circle into four sections to represent the four-player fighting mode.<ref>{{cite web |last=Santangelo |first=Nick |date=December 14, 2018 |title=Masahiro Sakurai Explains What The Super Smash Bros. Logo Symbolizes |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/14/masahiro-sakurai-explains-what-the-super-smash-bros-logo-symbolizes |access-date=December 14, 2018 |work=IGN |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214221045/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/14/masahiro-sakurai-explains-what-the-super-smash-bros-logo-symbolizes |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2005–2010: ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' ===

At a pre-E3 2005 press conference, president of Nintendo at the time Satoru Iwata announced the next installment of ''Super Smash Bros.'' was not only already in development for their next gaming console, but hoped it would be a launch game with Wi–Fi compatibility for online play.<ref name="E3 2005">{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=May 17, 2005 |title=E3 2005: ''Smash Bros.'' For Revolution |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/670/670552p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615230201/http://wii.ign.com/articles/670/670552p1.html |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The announcement was unexpected to the creator of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Masahiro Sakurai. Back in 2003, he had left HAL Laboratory, the company that was in charge with the franchises' development and was never informed of this announcement despite the fact shortly after resigning from the company, Iwata said if a new game was to be made, he would be in charge. It was not until after the conference Sakurai was called to Satoru Iwata's room on the top floor of a Los Angeles hotel, where he was told by Iwata "We'd like you to be involved in the production of the new ''Smash Bros.'', if possible near the level of director".<ref name="director">{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=November 16, 2005 |title=''Smash Bros. Revolution'' Director Revealed |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/667/667525p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820224938/http://cube.ign.com/articles/667/667525p1.html |archive-date=August 20, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Although Iwata had said he was hoping for it to be a launch game, Sakurai stated: "I decided to become director. And as of May 2005, I was the only member of the new Smash Bros. development team." Development of the game never actually started until October 2005,<ref name="oldDojo">{{cite web |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |author-link=Masahiro Sakurai |title=Foreword |url=http://www.smashbros.com/en/main.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116232400/http://www.smashbros.com/en/main.html |archive-date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2007 |publisher=Smashbros.com}}</ref> when Nintendo opened a new office in Tokyo just for its production. Nintendo also enlisted outside help from various developer studios, mainly [[Company:Game Arts|Game Arts]]. Sakurai also stated that these people had spent excessive amounts of time playing ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. This team was given access to all the original material and tools from the development of ''Melee'', courtesy of HAL Laboratory. Also, several ''Smash Bros.'' staff members that reside around the area of the new office joined the project's development.<ref name="devteam">{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=December 5, 2005 |title=Sakurai Elaborates on ''Smash Bros. Revolution'' |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/673/673532p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704014628/http://wii.ign.com/articles/673/673532p1.html |archive-date=July 4, 2007 |access-date=June 21, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref name="famitsu">{{cite magazine |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |author-link=Masahiro Sakurai |title=Masahiro Sakurai's Thoughts About Games |url=http://www.smashbros.com/en/story/page_3.html |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Smashbros.com |pages=1, 3, 4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717223706/http://www.smashbros.com/en/story/page_3.html |archive-date=July 17, 2006 |access-date=September 12, 2007}}</ref>

On the game's official Japanese website, the developers explain reasons for making particular characters playable and explain why some characters were not available as playable characters upon release. Initially, the development team wanted to replace Ness with Lucas, the main character of ''[[Software:Mother 3|Mother 3]]'' for the Game Boy Advance, but they retained Ness in consideration of delays.<ref name="Ness and Lucas">{{cite web |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |date=July 17, 2001 |title=Super Smash Bros. Melee |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0717/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818021911/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/0717/index.html |archive-date=August 18, 2014 |access-date=November 24, 2007}}</ref> The game's creators have included Lucas in the game's sequel, ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.<ref name="Lucas!!">{{cite web |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |author-link=Masahiro Sakurai |date=October 1, 2007 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl—Lucas |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/lucas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705015103/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/lucas.html |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |access-date=November 24, 2007}}</ref><ref name="snake">{{cite web |last=Sakurai |first=Masahiro |author-link=Masahiro Sakurai |date=September 21, 2001 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl—Snake |url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/snake.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705015355/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/snake.html |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |access-date=November 24, 2007}}</ref> Video game developer Hideo Kojima originally requested Solid Snake, the protagonist of the ''Metal Gear'' series, to be a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', but the game was too far in development for him to be included. As with Lucas, development time allowed for his inclusion in ''Brawl''. Roy and Marth were initially intended to be playable exclusively in the Japanese version of ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. However, they received favorable attention during the game's North American localization, leading to the decision for the developers to include them in the Western version. Comparisons have been formed by the developers between characters which have very similar moves to each other on the website. Such characters were referred to as "clones" in the media.

At the Nintendo Media Conference at E3 2007, it was announced by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé that ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' would be released on December 3, 2007, in the Americas. However, just 2 months before its anticipated December release, the development team asked for more time to work on the game. During the Nintendo Conference on October 10, 2007, Nintendo Co., Ltd. president Iwata announced the delay.

On October 11, 2007, George Harrison of Nintendo of America announced that ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' would be released on February 10, 2008, in North America.<ref>{{cite web |title=Smash Release Date Confirmed |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/826/826579p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012233954/http://wii.ign.com/articles/826/826579p1.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=October 14, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On January 15, 2008, the game's release was pushed back one week in Japan to January 31 and nearly a month in the Americas to March 9.<ref>{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=January 14, 2008 |title=Breaking: Smash Bros. Delayed |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/845/845530p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118204150/http://wii.ign.com/articles/845/845530p1.html |archive-date=January 18, 2008 |access-date=January 20, 2008 |publisher=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On April 24, 2008, it was confirmed by Nintendo of Europe that ''Brawl'' will be released in Europe on June 27.<ref name="brawl-EU">{{cite web |date=April 24, 2008 |title=Nintendo announces Q2 release schedule |url=http://nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2008/nintendo_announces_q2_release_schedule_7920.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530115128/http://nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2008/nintendo_announces_q2_release_schedule_7920.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=April 24, 2008 |publisher=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]}}</ref>

Although a third ''Super Smash Bros.'' game had been announced long before E3 2006, Nintendo unveiled its first information in the form of a trailer in 2006, and the game was named ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and released worldwide in 2008. The game featured a set of third-party characters, Solid Snake of [[Company:Konami|Konami]]'s ''[[Software:Metal Gear|Metal Gear]]'' series, and longtime Mario rival Sonic the Hedgehog from [[Company:Sega|Sega]]'s [[Software:Sonic the Hedgehog|series of the same name]]. ''Brawl'' was also the first game in the franchise to support online play, via the [[Software:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/wi-fi/wi-fi01.html| title=Wi-Fi Play| access-date=September 18, 2007| date=September 18, 2007| work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!| publisher=Smashbros.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811141727/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/wi-fi/wi-fi01.html| archive-date=August 11, 2013| df=mdy-all}}</ref> and to offer the ability for players to construct their own original stages.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various10.html| title=Stage Builder| access-date=February 27, 2008| date=February 27, 2008| work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!| publisher=Smashbros.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705085447/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various10.html| archive-date=July 5, 2013| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game features a total of 39 playable characters and 41 stages.

''Brawl'' also features compatibility with four kinds of controllers (the [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] on its side, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination, the Classic Controller, and the [[Engineering:GameCube controller|GameCube controller]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various01.html|title=Four Kinds of Control|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|access-date=April 15, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705015152/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various01.html|archive-date=July 5, 2013}}</ref> while its predecessors only used the one controller designed for that system. The player also has the ability to change the configuration of controls and the controller type.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various02.html|title=Names|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705091511/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/various/various02.html|archive-date=July 5, 2013}}</ref>

''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' features a single-player mode known as ''The Subspace Emissary''. This mode features unique character storylines along with numerous [[Software:Side-scrolling|side-scrolling]] levels and multiple [[Software:Boss (video games)|bosses]] to fight, as well as [[Computer graphics|CG]] cut scenes explaining the storyline. ''The Subspace Emissary'' features a new group of antagonists called the Subspace Army, who are led by the Ancient Minister. Some of these enemy characters appeared in previous Nintendo video games, such as Petey Piranha from the ''[[Software:Super Mario|Super Mario]]'' series and a squadron of R.O.B.s based on classic Nintendo hardware. ''The Subspace Emissary'' also boasts a number of original enemies, such as the Roader, a robotic unicycle; the Bytan, a one-eyed ball-like creature which can replicate itself if left alone; and the Primid, enemies that come in many variations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea06.html|title=The Enemies From Subspace|access-date=September 19, 2007|date=September 19, 2007|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019081357/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea06.html|archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> Though primarily a single-player mode, ''The Subspace Emissary'' allows for cooperative multiplayer. There are five difficulty levels for each stage, and there is a method of increasing characters' powers during the game.<ref name="team">{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea07.html|title=Team|access-date=October 5, 2007|date=October 5, 2007|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019080706/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea07.html|archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> This is done by placing collected stickers onto the bottom of a character's trophy between stages to improve various aspects of a fighter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea12.html|title=Sticker Power-ups|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|access-date=January 18, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019080803/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea12.html|archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref>

=== 2011–2014: ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'' ===

Director Masahiro Sakurai first announced that a new ''Super Smash Bros.'' game was planned for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U at E3 2011 in June 2011, but development only officially began following the completion of Sakurai's other project, ''[[Software:Kid Icarus: Uprising|Kid Icarus]]'', in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Sakurai: No Progress on New Smash Bros. Until Kid Icarus is Complete |url=http://andriasang.com/comya5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110923161526/http://andriasang.com/comya5/ |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=September 22, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=June 8, 2012 |title=Smash Bros. U & 3DS development appears to be very early |url=http://andriasang.com/comw79/smash_bros_development/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025034546/http://andriasang.com/comw79/smash_bros_development/ |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=June 9, 2012 |publisher=Andriasang}}</ref> The game was later revealed to be a joint-project between Sora Ltd. and [[Software:Bandai Namco Games|Bandai Namco Games]], with various staff members from Bandai Namco's ''Soulcalibur'' and ''[[Software:Tekken|Tekken]]'' series assisting Sakurai in development.<ref name="ProjectSora">{{cite web |author=O'Brien, Lucy |date=July 10, 2012 |title=Kid Icarus: Uprising Developer Closes |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/11/kid-icarus-uprising-developer-closes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715042032/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/11/kid-icarus-uprising-developer-closes |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnett |first1=Patrick |title=Sakurai and Kobayashi Release Messages Regarding Smash Bros. |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30817/sakurai-and-kobayashi-release-messages-regarding-smash-bros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728012338/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30817/sakurai-and-kobayashi-release-messages-regarding-smash-bros |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2014 |website=nintendoworldreport.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Drake, Audrey |date=June 21, 2012 |title=Namco Bandai Developing Next Smash Bros. |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/namco-bandai-developing-next-smash-bros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625055103/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/namco-bandai-developing-next-smash-bros |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=June 21, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Sakurai, who was previously the sole person responsible for balance in the series' multiple fighters, has involved more staff to further improve the game's competitive balance.<ref>{{cite web |author=George, Richard |date=June 8, 2011 |title=E3 2011: Early Super Smash Bros Details Revealed |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/08/e3-2011-early-super-smash-bros-details-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917025009/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/06/08/e3-2011-early-super-smash-bros-details-revealed |archive-date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The game was officially revealed at E3 2013 on June 11, 2013, during a Nintendo Direct presentation.<ref>{{cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=June 11, 2013 |title=E3 2013: Mega Man Joins Super Smash Bros |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-mega-man-joins-super-smash-bros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615073751/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-mega-man-joins-super-smash-bros |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Along with screenshots being posted each weekday on the game's official website and Miiverse community,<ref>{{cite web |title=Miiverse &#124; Nintendo |url=https://miiverse.nintendo.net/users/SakuraiMasahiroA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403085413/https://miiverse.nintendo.net/users/SakuraiMasahiroA |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=April 9, 2014 |publisher=Miiverse.nintendo.net}}</ref> various cinematic trailers were released, introducing each of the brand new fighters. Sakurai chose to use these trailers, which benefit from Internet sharing, as opposed to including a story campaign similar to the Subspace Emissary mode featured in ''Brawl'', as he believed the impact of seeing the mode's cinematic cutscenes for the first time was ruined by people uploading said scenes to video sharing websites.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 14, 2013 |title=New Super Smash Bros. removes tripping; game speed between Brawl and Melee |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/14/4429220/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-nintendo-3ds-removes-tripping |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719143856/http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/14/4429220/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-nintendo-3ds-removes-tripping |archive-date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 25, 2013 |title=The Next Super Smash Bros. Won't Have a Story Mode and Cutscenes |url=http://kotaku.com/the-next-super-smash-bros-wont-have-a-story-mode-or-c-906856304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725161928/http://kotaku.com/the-next-super-smash-bros-wont-have-a-story-mode-or-c-906856304 |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |publisher=Kotaku.com}}</ref>

At E3 2013, Sakurai stated that the tripping mechanic introduced in ''Brawl'' was removed, with him also stating that the gameplay was between the fast-paced and competitive style of ''Melee'' and the slower and more casual style of ''Brawl''.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 31, 2013 |title=E3 2013: No Plans for Smash Bros. DLC, Tripping Removed |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/13/e3-2013-no-plans-for-smash-bros-dlc-tripping-removed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613194002/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/13/e3-2013-no-plans-for-smash-bros-dlc-tripping-removed |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> While the games didn't feature cross-platform play between the Wii U and 3DS, due to each version featuring certain exclusive stages and gamemodes, there is an option to transfer customized characters and items between the two versions.<ref name="Joystiq-CPP">{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Richard |date=June 13, 2013 |title=No cross-platform play for Smash Bros on 3DS and Wii U |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/wii-u-and-3ds-smash-bros-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-wil/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616113914/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/wii-u-and-3ds-smash-bros-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-wil/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |work=Joystiq.com |publisher=AOL Tech}}</ref> The game builds upon the previous game's third-party involvement with the addition of third-party characters such as [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]]'s Mega Man and Bandai Namco's Pac-Man, as well as the return of [[Company:Sega|Sega]]'s Sonic the Hedgehog. This involvement expands beyond playable characters, as other third-party characters, such as [[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]]'s Rayman, are also included in the game as trophies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miiverse - Sakurai's post - Nintendo |url=https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKl3TMQjFQ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011183600/https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKl3TMQjFQ |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2014 |work=Miiverse - Nintendo}}</ref> The addition of Mii characters was made in response to the growing number of requests from fans to have their dream characters included in the game. To prevent potential bullying, as well as to maintain game balance online, Mii Fighters cannot be used in online matches against strangers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=June 19, 2014 |title=Mii Fighters were added to Super Smash Bros due to growing presence and fan requests |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/19/5824064/mii-fighters-super-smash-bros-brawl-sakurai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621012729/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/19/5824064/mii-fighters-super-smash-bros-brawl-sakurai |archive-date=June 21, 2014 |access-date=June 19, 2014 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref> The decision to release the Wii U version at a later date from the 3DS version was made to allow each version to receive a dedicated debugging period.<ref name="Why Wii U Owners Have to Wait">{{cite web |author=Nakamura, Toshi |date=August 21, 2014 |title=Smash Bros. Creator Explains Why Wii U Owners Have to Wait |url=http://kotaku.com/smash-bros-creator-explains-why-wii-u-users-will-have-1624879347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821234459/http://kotaku.com/smash-bros-creator-explains-why-wii-u-users-will-have-1624879347 |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> Hardware limitations on the Nintendo 3DS led to various design choices, such as the removal of mid-match transformations, the absence of the [[Software:Ice Climber#Super Smash Bros.|Ice Climbers]], and the lack of Circle Pad Pro support.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2014 |title=Why Zelda and Sheik Are Different Characters In Super Smash Bros. For 3DS |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/01/zelda-sheik-different-characters-super-smash-bros-3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008211421/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/01/zelda-sheik-different-characters-super-smash-bros-3ds/ |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=Siliconera}}</ref>

At E3 2011, it was confirmed that a fourth ''Super Smash Bros.'' game would be coming to the {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}} and [[Engineering:Wii U|Wii U]], with the two games being cross-compatible with each other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/an-in-depth-chat-with-the-genius-behind-super-smash-bro-530744390|title=An In-Depth Chat With The Genius Behind Super Smash Bros.|last1=Schreier|first1=Jason|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Kotaku|date=June 21, 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427051730/http://kotaku.com/an-in-depth-chat-with-the-genius-behind-super-smash-bro-530744390|archive-date=April 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tanner|first=Nicole|title=E3 2011: Smash Bros. Coming to 3DS and Wii U|date=June 7, 2011|url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/117/1173531p1.html|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610182029/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/117/1173531p1.html|archive-date=June 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoryuken.com/2011/06/09/smash-brothers-next-and-guest-characters/|title=Smash Brothers Next and Guest Characters|first=Adam|last=Heart|date=June 9, 2011|work=Shoryuken|access-date=June 10, 2011|quote=This game will be for both the Wii U and the 3DS, and will have some connectivity between the two versions.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612033903/http://shoryuken.com/2011/06/09/smash-brothers-next-and-guest-characters/|archive-date=June 12, 2011}}</ref> Sakurai stated that the announcement was made public in order to attract developers needed for the games, as development for the games did not start until May 2012 due to production on ''[[Software:Kid Icarus: Uprising|Kid Icarus]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|title=Cold Water Thrown on Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS|date=June 8, 2011 |url=http://kotaku.com/5809850/cold-water-thrown-on-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds|publisher=Kotaku|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611041213/http://kotaku.com/5809850/cold-water-thrown-on-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds|archive-date=June 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=160176|title=Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS very early in development, said it shouldn't have been announced|publisher=GoNintendo|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611021542/http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=160176|archive-date=June 11, 2011}}</ref> On June 21, 2012, Nintendo announced that the creation of the games would be a co-production between Sakurai's Sora Ltd. and [[Company:Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Drake|first=Audrey|title=Namco Bandai Developing Next Smash Bros.|date=June 22, 2012 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/namco-bandai-developing-next-smash-bros|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517173954/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/namco-bandai-developing-next-smash-bros|archive-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> The games were officially revealed at E3 2013, with new information being released via trailers, Nintendo Direct presentations, and developer posts on Miiverse.<ref name="January">{{cite web|author=Goldfarb, Andrew|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/smash-bros-mario-mario-kart-confirmed-for-e3-2013?abthid=50fff28302d45ac22f000067|title=Smash Bros, Mario, Mario Kart Confirmed for E3 2013|publisher=IGN|date=January 23, 2013|access-date=January 23, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311213822/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/smash-bros-mario-mario-kart-confirmed-for-e3-2013?abthid=50fff28302d45ac22f000067|archive-date=March 11, 2013}}</ref> The game features 58 characters,<ref name="character-count">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1JERhUoQoU&feature&t=30m50s|title=Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U - Final Video Presentation|publisher=Nintendo|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110133830/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1JERhUoQoU&feature&t=30m50s|archive-date=January 10, 2016}}</ref> 19 of whom are new, and 7 of whom are downloadable. The game was released for Nintendo 3DS in Japan in September 2014, and in North America, Europe, and Australia the following month. The Wii U version was released in North America, Europe, and Australia in November 2014, and in Japan the following month.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Karmali|first1=Luke|title=Super Smash Bros. on Wii U Gets Release Date|date=October 7, 2014 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/07/super-smash-bros-on-wii-u-gets-european-release-date|publisher=IGN|access-date=October 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008122313/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/07/super-smash-bros-on-wii-u-gets-european-release-date|archive-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name="japan-release-date">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201406/11054894.html|title=『大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ』"Miiファイター"参戦決定、『for Nintendo 3DS』発売日も決定！【E3 2014】|publisher=Famitsu|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=June 11, 2014|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614135841/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201406/11054894.html|archive-date=June 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name="release-date">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/10/e3-2014-super-smash-bros-for-3ds-delayed|title=E3 2014: Super Smash Bros. for 3DS Delayed|last=Dyer|first=Mitch|publisher=IGN|date=June 10, 2014|access-date=June 10, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613005902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/10/e3-2014-super-smash-bros-for-3ds-delayed|archive-date=June 13, 2014}}</ref>

=== 2015–2021: ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' ===

In April 2014, Bandai Namco Entertainment posted a recruitment advertisement on a Japanese career job opportunity website. The recruitment page consisted of a listing for programmers for "''Smash Bros. 6''", which was expected to be released in 2015 for both the [[Engineering:Wii U|Wii U]] and {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}}. The page noted there were 120 game developers working on the project at the time, and that Bandai Namco expected that number to increase to 200. However, shortly after its publication, the page was taken down.<ref>{{cite web|title=Report: Bandai Namco Recruiting For A Smash Bros. Game Coming In 2015|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/07/report-bandai-namco-recruiting-smash-bros-game-coming-2015/|website=Siliconera|publisher=[[Unsolved:Curse|Curse]]|access-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713051026/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/07/report-bandai-namco-recruiting-smash-bros-game-coming-2015|archive-date=July 13, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In a January 2015 column in ''Weekly Famitsu'', Sakurai alluded to the possibility of retirement, expressing doubt that he would be able to continue making games if his career continued to be as stressful as it was.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/smash-bros-could-be-its-creators-last-game-1682483142|title=Smash Bros. Could be its Creator's Last Game|website=Kotaku|first=Toshi|last=Nakamura|date=January 29, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130085205/http://kotaku.com/smash-bros-could-be-its-creators-last-game-1682483142|archive-date=January 30, 2015}}</ref> In December 2015, Sakurai once again stated that he was not sure if there would be another game in the ''Smash Bros.'' series.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS DLC Ending Soon Director Says|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds-dlc-ending-soon-director/1100-6433073/|website=GameSpot|access-date=December 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216173945/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds-dlc-ending-soon-director/1100-6433073/|archive-date=December 16, 2015}}</ref>

On March 8, 2018, a teaser for the game was shown during a Nintendo Direct.<ref name="SSB_Switch_announced">{{cite web|url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-03-08-super-smash-bros-announced-for-nintendo-switch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501122525/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-03-08-super-smash-bros-announced-for-nintendo-switch|title = Super Smash Bros. announced for Nintendo Switch|website=Eurogamer|date = March 8, 2018|access-date = May 1, 2018|archive-date = May 1, 2018|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="SSB_Switch_announced2">{{cite web|last1 = McWhertor|first1 = Michael|title = Super Smash Bros. is coming to Nintendo Switch|url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/8/17097680/smash-bros-switch-release-date|website = Polygon|access-date = March 8, 2018|date = March 8, 2018|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180309160350/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/8/17097680/smash-bros-switch-release-date|archive-date = March 9, 2018|df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="SSB_Switch_announced3">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/the-super-smash-bros-series-heads-to-nintendo-switch-in-2018|title=The Super Smash Bros. series heads to Nintendo Switch in 2018|date=March 8, 2018|publisher=Nintendo.com|access-date=March 8, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309054636/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/the-super-smash-bros-series-heads-to-nintendo-switch-in-2018|archive-date=March 9, 2018}}</ref> Sakurai later confirmed that he had worked on the game "in silence, day after day."<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/9/17101344/super-smash-bros-switch-masahiro-sakurai|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501115326/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/9/17101344/super-smash-bros-switch-masahiro-sakurai|title = Super Smash Bros. director says he's returning for Switch sequel|website = Polygon|date = March 9, 2018|access-date = May 1, 2018|archive-date = May 1, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/09/series-creator-masahiro-sakurai-confirmed-working-super-smash-bros-switch|archive-date=May 1, 2018|title=Series Creator Mashiro Sakurai Confirmed To Be Working On Super Smash Bros. For Switch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501115413/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/09/series-creator-masahiro-sakurai-confirmed-working-super-smash-bros-switch|url-status=live|date = March 9, 2018|publisher = Siliconera|access-date=March 9, 2018}}</ref> On March 22, 2018, Nintendo announced that they would host another ''Super Smash Bros.'' Invitational tournament, in which a selected group of players would get to play the game for the first time and compete in a series of matches before a winner is chosen. The tournament took place alongside the ''[[Software:Splatoon 2|Splatoon 2]]'' World Championship at E3 2018 and was held on June 11–12. Both events were live streamed on Nintendo's official [[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] and [[Company:Twitch (service)|Twitch]] channels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150044/smash-bros-invitational-splatoon-2-world-championship-e3-2018-nintendo-switch|title=Official Super Smash Bros. for Switch, Splatoon 2 tournaments coming to E3|last=Stark|first=Chelsea|date=March 22, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=March 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030450/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150044/smash-bros-invitational-splatoon-2-world-championship-e3-2018-nintendo-switch|archive-date=March 23, 2018}}</ref> The title was confirmed as ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' at E3 2018, where it was also announced that it would contain all playable characters from every previous game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tran |first1=Edmond |title=E3 2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate For Switch Will Have Every Previous Fighter |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-for-switch-will-/1100-6459707/ |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=GameSpot |date=June 12, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612190117/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-for-switch-will-/1100-6459707/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The game was released worldwide on December 7, 2018; according to the review aggregator platform Metacritic, it received "universal critical acclaim" from critics and scored 93 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-ultimate/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=December 8, 2018|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109041136/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/super-smash-bros-ultimate|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to all returning characters, the base game release adds 11 newcomers. Thirteen additional new characters are also available via downloadable content.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/sakurai_reminds_us_theres_only_one_dlc_fighter_left_for_smash_ultimate_again | title = Sakurai Reminds Us There's Only One DLC Fighter Left For Smash Ultimate (Again) | first = Ryan | last = Craddock | date = July 8, 2021 | access-date = September 6, 2021 | work = Nintendo Life | archive-date = September 6, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210906210328/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/sakurai_reminds_us_theres_only_one_dlc_fighter_left_for_smash_ultimate_again | url-status = live }}</ref>

Like ''Brawl'', ''Ultimate'' features a story mode, known as ''World of Light''. The plot revolves around the destruction of the ''Smash Bros.'' world at the hands of original villain Galeem. Initially only able to play as Kirby, who survived the attack, the player travels across the wasteland to rescue the other playable fighters, gathering "Spirits" (the remnants of the world's non-playable characters who aid the player in battle) along the way.

=== Future ===
In November 2021, Sakurai stated that the future of ''Super Smash Bros.'' is uncertain, and that there were no current plans for a ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' sequel.<ref name="TB Netflix">{{cite web|last=|first=|url=https://www.thegamer.com/masahiro-sakurai-undecided-smash-sequel/amp/|title=Masahiro Sakurai Is Undecided On Whether He Should Make Another Smash Game|website=TheGamer|date=November 2, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2021|archive-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124210220/https://www.thegamer.com/masahiro-sakurai-undecided-smash-sequel/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| updated = September 17, 2022
| sales = yes
| sales_title = Sales<br />{{Small|(in millions)}}
| mc =yes
| mc_title = Metacritic<br />{{Small|(out of 100)}}

| game1 = [[Software:Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]
| year1 = 1999
| sales1 = 5.55<ref name="smash64sales">{{cite web|last1=Hansen|first1=Steven|title=More like Mario Kart 8 million: Here are the Wii U and 3DS best-sellers|url=https://www.destructoid.com/more-like-mario-kart-8-million-here-are-the-wii-u-and-3ds-best-sellers-395819.phtml|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=Destructoid|date=October 26, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425031222/https://www.destructoid.com/more-like-mario-kart-8-million-here-are-the-wii-u-and-3ds-best-sellers-395819.phtml|archive-date=April 25, 2017}}</ref>
| mc1 = 79<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros.">{{cite web|title=Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 64 Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712061235/http://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-64/super-smash-bros|archive-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref>

| game2 = [[Software:Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]]
| year2 = 2001
| sales2 = 7.09<ref name="Best selling">{{cite web|date=March 10, 2008|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/1u0FthaPxTSSeJelWm4Jt8TI0VJlTt5j|title=At Long Last, Nintendo Proclaims: Let the Brawls Begin on Wii!|publisher=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]|access-date=March 15, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513182616/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/1u0FthaPxTSSeJelWm4Jt8TI0VJlTt5j|archive-date=May 13, 2008}}</ref>
| mc2 = 92<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. Melee">{{cite web|title=Super Smash Bros. Melee for GameCube Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-melee/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926054520/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/super-smash-bros-melee|archive-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref>

| game3 = [[Software:Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]
| year3 = 2008
| sales3 = 13.32<ref name="WiiSales">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html|title=Top Selling Software Sales Units|access-date=April 26, 2018|date=March 31, 2018|website=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219181140/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html|archive-date=December 19, 2017}}</ref>
| mc3 = 93<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. Brawl">{{cite web|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-brawl/critic-reviews/?platform=wii|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819074907/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/super-smash-bros-brawl|archive-date=August 19, 2010}}</ref>

| game4 = for Nintendo 3DS
| year4 = 2014
| sales4= 9.63<ref name="3DSSales">{{cite web|title=Top Selling Title Sales Units (Nintendo 3DS)|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|website=Nintendo|publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.|access-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031005714/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|archive-date=October 31, 2017}}</ref>
| mc4   = 85<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds-wii-u/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS for 3DS Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=October 2, 2014 |access-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128125858/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds |archive-date=November 28, 2015 }}</ref>

| game5 = for Wii U
| year5 = 2014
| sales5= 5.38<ref name="WiiUSales">{{cite web|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|website=Nintendo|publisher=Nintendo, Co. Ltd.|access-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031003753/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|archive-date=October 31, 2017}}</ref>
| mc5   = 92<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. for Wii U">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds-wii-u/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U for Wii U Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110052613/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u|archive-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>

| game6 = [[Software:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Ultimate]]
| year6 = 2018
| sales6= 28.82<ref name="switchsales"/>
| mc6   = 93<ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-ultimate/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Switch Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109041136/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/super-smash-bros-ultimate|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

Reviews for the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series are usually positive. The multiplayer mode in every game is usually highly praised; however, single-player modes have not always been viewed as highly.

''Super Smash Bros.'' received praise for its multiplayer mode. Nintendo Power listed the series as being one of the greatest multiplayer experiences in Nintendo history, describing it as infinitely replayable due to its special moves and close-quarters combat.<ref>{{cite book |title=Nintendo Power 250th issue! |year=2010 |publisher=Future US |location=South San Francisco, California |page= 47 }}</ref> There were criticisms, however, such as the game's scoring being difficult to follow.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamecritics.com/review/smashbros/main.php|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120225111748/http://www.gamecritics.com/review/smashbros/main.php|archive-date= February 25, 2012 |title=Game Critics Review|publisher=gamecritics.com}}</ref> In addition, the single-player mode was criticized for its perceived difficulty and lack of features.

''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' generally received a positive reception from reviewers, most of whom credited ''Melee''{{'s}} expansion of gameplay features from ''Super Smash Bros''. Focusing on the additional features, GameSpy commented that "Melee really scores big in the 'we've added tons of great extra stuff' department." Reviewers compared the game favorably to ''Super Smash Bros.''—IGN's Fran Mirabella III stated that it was "in an entirely different league than the N64 version"; GameSpot's Miguel Lopez praised the game for offering an advanced "classic-mode" compared to its predecessor, while detailing the Adventure Mode as "really a hit-or-miss experience." Despite a mixed response to the single-player modes, most reviewers expressed the game's multiplayer mode as a strong component of the game. In their review of the game, GameSpy stated that "you'll have a pretty hard time finding a more enjoyable multiplayer experience on any other console."

''Brawl'' received a perfect score from the Japanese magazine ''Famitsu''. The reviewers praised the variety and depth of the single-player content,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/845/845816p1.html | title=Perfect Score for Smash Bros. | access-date=January 29, 2008 | date=January 16, 2008 | publisher=IGN | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119132348/http://wii.ign.com/articles/845/845816p1.html | archive-date=January 19, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> the unpredictability of Final Smashes, and the dynamic fighting styles of the characters. Thunderbolt Games gave the game 10 out of 10, calling it "a vastly improved entry into the venerable series". Chris Slate of ''Nintendo Power'' also awarded ''Brawl'' a perfect score in its March 2008 issue, calling it "one of the very best games that Nintendo has ever produced". IGN critic Matt Casamassina, in his February 11 ''Wii-k in Review'' [[Podcast|podcast]], noted that although ''Brawl'' is a "solid fighter", it does have "some issues that need to be acknowledged", including "long loading times" and repetition in ''The Subspace Emissary''.

''Super Smash Bros. for 3DS'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' both garnered critical praise and were commercially successful, holding ratings of 85/100 and 92/100 on Metacritic and 86.10% and 92.39% on GameRankings.<ref name="smash3dsgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/632937-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/index.html|title=Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS for 3DS|website=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115075216/http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/632937-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/index.html|archive-date=November 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Metacritic - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS" /><ref name="gamerankings.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/index.html|title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U for Wii U|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102070610/http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/index.html|archive-date=November 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="metacritic.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds-wii-u/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U for Wii U Reviews|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110052613/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u|archive-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Reviewers have particularly noted the large, diverse character roster, the improvements to game mechanics, and the variety of multiplayer options. Some criticisms in the 3DS version include a lack of single-player modes and issues concerning the 3DS hardware, such as the size of characters on the smaller screen when zoomed out and latency issues during both local and online multiplayer.<ref name="3dsgradar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-3ds-review/|title=Super Smash Bros. 3DS review|work=GamesRadar|access-date=September 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927052556/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-3ds-review/|archive-date=September 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-3ds-review/|title=Super Smash Bros. for 3DS review (JP version)|date=September 17, 2014|access-date=September 19, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913023911/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-3ds-review/|archive-date=September 13, 2014}}</ref> There were also reports of players damaging their 3DS Circle Pads while playing the game excessively.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hernandez|first1=Patricia|title=24 Hours in, Playing Smash Bros. on My 3DS is Wrecking My Circlepad|date=October 9, 2014 |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/10/09/24-hours-playing-smash-bros-3ds-wrecking-circlepad|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=October 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151713/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/10/09/24-hours-playing-smash-bros-3ds-wrecking-circlepad|archive-date=October 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Super Smash Bros. is Wrecking Some People's 3DS Handhelds|url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/09/14/super-smash-bros-wrecking-peoples-3ds-handhelds|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=October 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012045517/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/09/14/super-smash-bros-wrecking-peoples-3ds-handhelds|archive-date=October 12, 2014}}</ref> The Wii U version's online play quality was mildly criticized for some inconsistency, but has overall been critically acclaimed. Daniel Dischoff of Game Revolution stated "It's true that ''Super Smash Bros.'' evolves every time with regard to new features, items, and characters to choose from. While your favorite character may not return or a few annoying pickups may force you to turn off items altogether, this represents the biggest leap forward Smashers have seen yet." Daniel Starky at GameSpot criticized the inconsistent online performance in the game, but still called it an "incredible game", noting "With the Wii U release, ''Smash Bros.'' has fully realized its goals." Jose Otero from IGN, praising the replayability of the game, states "Nearly every aspect of ''Smash Wii U'' seems fine-tuned not only to appeal to the nostalgia of long-time Nintendo fans, but also to be accessible to new players."

===Sales===
''Super Smash Bros.'' sold 1.4 million copies in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|title=Japan Platinum Game Chart|publisher=MagicBox.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213230402/http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|archive-date=December 13, 2007}}</ref> and 2.3 million in the U.S.,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Game Chart |publisher=MagicBox.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007 }}</ref> with a total of 5.55 million units worldwide.<ref name="smash64sales"/> ''Melee'' sold over 7 million units worldwide, becoming the best-selling GameCube game.<ref name="Best selling"/>
''Brawl'' sold 1.524 million units in Japan {{as of|2008|03|30|lc=y|df=US}},<ref name="japansales">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/375738/simple-2000-the-japanese-software-chart |publisher=Kotaku |title=Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=April 4, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406160143/http://kotaku.com/375738/simple-2000-the-japanese-software-chart |archive-date=April 6, 2008 }}</ref> and sold 1.4 million units in its first week in the United States, becoming Nintendo of America's fastest selling game.<ref name="americasales">{{cite press release |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/AU8xLess7wISKbSMpYCj_HThii8UiBzG |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl Smashes Nintendo Sales Records |publisher=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] |date=March 17, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915093943/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/AU8xLess7wISKbSMpYCj_HThii8UiBzG |archive-date=September 15, 2008 }}</ref> The 3DS version sold over a million copies in its first weekend on sale in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2014/09/16/super-smash-bros-3ds-sells-a-million-copies-opening-weekend-in-japan/|title=Super Smash Bros. 3DS Sells A Million Copies Opening Weekend In Japan|work=Forbes|access-date=September 16, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917173001/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2014/09/16/super-smash-bros-3ds-sells-a-million-copies-opening-weekend-in-japan/|archive-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> and has sold more than 9.63 million copies worldwide {{as of|2021|9|lc=y}}.<ref name="3DSSales"/> ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' became the fastest-selling Wii U game to date, selling 3.39 million units worldwide within just two months of availability, beating the record previously held by ''[[Software:Mario Kart 8|Mario Kart 8]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/481700/smash-bros-becomes-fastest-selling-wii-u-game-in-the-us/ |title=Super Smash Bros becomes fastest-selling Wii U game in the US|first=Tom |last=Ivan|work=Computer and Video Games|date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128183304/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/481700/smash-bros-becomes-fastest-selling-wii-u-game-in-the-us/ |archive-date=November 28, 2014}}</ref> As of September 2021, it has sold 5.38 million copies worldwide.<ref name="WiiUSales"/> ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' on [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] has set new record highs for the series and for the system.<ref name="polygon-smash-sales">{{cite news |last1=Kuchera |first1=Ben |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fastest-selling game in the series on the fastest-selling system this generation |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/18/18146266/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-nintendo-switch |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |date=December 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104124001/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/18/18146266/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="variety-smash-sales-fast">{{cite news |last1=Crecente |first1=Brian |title='Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Fastest Selling Nintendo Switch Game |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-1203092096/ |access-date=January 3, 2019 |work=Variety (magazine) |publisher=Penske Business Media, LLC. |date=December 18, 2018 |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218160252/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-1203092096/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It sold an estimate of 5.6 million copies in global sales during its first week of launch, beating out records previously held by games such as ''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'', ''[[Software:Super Mario Odyssey|Super Mario Odyssey]]'', and ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''.<ref name="smash-5m-sales">{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |title=Smash Bros. Ultimate worldwide sales topped 5M in first week |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333375/Smash_Bros_Ultimate_worldwide_sales_topped_5M_in_first_week.php |website=Gamasutra |date=December 20, 2018 |access-date=December 28, 2018 |archive-date=December 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228223153/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333375/Smash_Bros_Ultimate_worldwide_sales_topped_5M_in_first_week.php |url-status=live }}</ref> In {{wipe|Japan}}, ''Ultimate'' outsold the records held by ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' with 2.6 million copies sold in five weeks.<ref name="smash-japan-sales">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/01/smash_bros_ultimate_has_already_outsold_smash_3ds_in_japan_after_just_five_weeks|title=Smash Bros. Ultimate Has Already Outsold Smash 3DS In Japan After Just Five Weeks|last=Ryan|first=Craddock|date=January 14, 2019|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-date=January 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070003/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/01/smash_bros_ultimate_has_already_outsold_smash_3ds_in_japan_after_just_five_weeks|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also the third best-selling game for the Nintendo Switch and the best-selling fighting game of all time, with 32.44 million copies sold worldwide as of September 30, 2023.<ref name="switchsales">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units (Nintendo Switch Software)|date=2022-06-30|access-date=2022-09-17|website=Nintendo|archive-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Legacy ==

=== Esports ===
The ''Super Smash Bros.'' series has been widely played as a competitive video game, with several of the games in the series having been featured in high-profile tournaments, including Major League Gaming (MLG) and [[Company:Evolution Championship Series|Evolution Championship Series]] (EVO), among others.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 10, 2006 |url=http://www.mlgpro.com/content/page/50132/2004-Events |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220144115/http://www.mlgpro.com/content/page/50132/2004-Events |archive-date=February 20, 2009 |title=2004 Events |publisher=Major League Gaming |access-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref> The first publicized professional ''Smash Bros.'' tournaments were held for ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' in early 2002.<ref>''The Smash Brothers''</ref> Current major ''Smash Bros.'' annual tournament series include GENESIS, EVO, Super Smash Con and The Big House. The competitive ''Smash Bros.'' community is well known among the wider [[Social:Fighting game community|fighting game community]] for its decentralized, [[Social:Grassroots|grassroots]] scene, a byproduct of Nintendo's historical reluctance to directly promote the scene.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20421406/no-nintendo-no-problem-how-smash-bros-continues-thrive|title=No Nintendo, no problem -- how Smash Bros. continues to thrive|first=William|last=Cozens|work=ESPN|access-date=December 22, 2021|date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222080909/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20421406/no-nintendo-no-problem-how-smash-bros-continues-thrive|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geek.com/games/how-the-hell-is-smash-bros-melee-still-this-popular-1662268/|title=How the hell is Super Smash Bros. Melee still this popular?|work=geek.com|access-date=July 20, 2016|archive-date=July 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720172251/http://www.geek.com/games/how-the-hell-is-smash-bros-melee-still-this-popular-1662268/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

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