Super Smash Bros. Ultimaterecently got its final DLC character in the form of Sora fromKingdom Hearts. With the end of the stream of new fighters, it’s generally accepted the game has reached a static place in its life cycle, evenseemingly getting no new spirit events.
Of course, the end of new content does not mean the end ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateby a long shot. Hailed as the best in the series since the unique hit that isSuper Smash Bros. Melee,Ultimateis a popular party game and has a developing and healthy competitive scene. That scene may soon get a great big boost from an unexpected source.
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This news of official support from Nintendo is hailed as a good thing by some, includingMeleesuper star Hungrybox, but not everyone is so optimistic. A few point out that this news comes on the same day as the reveal of Warner Bros.‘MetaVersus, just like Sora was revealed on the day ofNickelodeon All-Star’s release. These statements are mostly jokes, but more serious are the statements of continued discontent with Nintendo overBig House’s cancellation almost exactly one year prior. The hashtag FreeMelee became a rallying flag for those angry at Nintendo for restricting the competitiveSmashcommunity, and many of them are not quick to forgive the company.
Many players activelyprotested the Big House shutdown, and it could be argued that perhaps these protests contributed in part to Nintendo’s reversed stance onSmashtournaments. More likely is the idea that Nintendo wants more control overSmash’s competitive scene, something that some players will resent after its lack of support for so long.
Whether or not this will be the only officially licensedSmashtournament, at least in North America, remains to be seen, and how much will change under Nintendo’s hand is also worth questioning. WithSakurai himself uncertain if the series will continue, this could become the new status quo for competitiveSmash. Whether that’s good or bad, only time will tell.
