Smash Bros. Ultimate Review — Still the Ultimate Fighting Crossover

A Timeless Celebration of Gaming

Even six years after its release, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains one of Nintendo’s most ambitious and beloved titles. Designed as both a competitive fighting game and a celebration of gaming history, Ultimate’s roster of over 80 characters still stands as a remarkable achievement. Every fighter, from Mario and Link to newcomers like Sephiroth and Sora, feels unique, carefully balanced, and true to their original franchises. This diversity continues to draw in players from across the gaming spectrum — casual fans, Nintendo loyalists, and fighting game veterans alike.

The sheer amount of content is staggering. The game features dozens of stages, countless items, assist trophies, and a seemingly endless combination of match settings. Even after hundreds of hours, players still find new ways to enjoy it, whether through chaotic four-player brawls or meticulously competitive one-on-one matches.

The Mechanics That Keep It Fresh

One reason Smash Ultimate endures is its finely tuned mechanics. Nintendo and director Masahiro Sakurai achieved a delicate balance between accessibility and depth. The controls are simple enough for beginners — anyone can jump in, mash some buttons, and have fun — yet the mechanics reward mastery with precision timing, spacing, and prediction. The introduction of features like directional air dodges and faster overall pacing made Ultimate feel more competitive than its predecessor, Smash 4, without alienating newcomers.

Frame data, movement options, and advanced techniques like perfect shielding or combo chaining ensure the game maintains its high skill ceiling. Competitive players continue to dissect matchups and refine tier lists, while casual fans can still enjoy the chaotic energy of items and stage hazards. This dual appeal is rare in modern fighting games and is one reason Ultimate’s community remains active today.

Visuals, Sound, and Presentation

Graphically, Smash Bros. Ultimate pushes the Nintendo Switch to its limits. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, even in the most chaotic battles, and the art direction honors each character’s home franchise. From the dark, industrial stages of Metroid to the bright, nostalgic landscapes of Animal Crossing, the variety is impressive. The soundtrack deserves equal praise — a monumental collection of over 900 tracks spanning decades of gaming history. Each fight feels like a celebration of video game culture itself.

DLC, Legacy, and Community Impact

The two DLC Fighter Passes added memorable characters and stages, including Joker from Persona 5, Steve from Minecraft, and Sora from Kingdom Hearts. These additions not only expanded the roster but also redefined what crossover potential means in gaming. Sakurai’s commitment to fan service, combined with meticulous balancing, ensured that each fighter felt authentic and competitive.

Beyond the roster, Smash Ultimate has cemented its place in esports. Major tournaments like Genesis, EVO, and Super Smash Con still feature Ultimate as a headliner, with thousands of players competing worldwide. The game’s netcode may not be the most advanced, but offline events continue to thrive due to the game’s depth and community passion.

The End of Development, Not the End of Smash

Although active development ended with Version 13.0.4, Nintendo continues to support the title through small patches and performance updates for the Switch 2. The game runs smoother on the new hardware, with reduced loading times and more consistent frame stability. Fans hope these optimizations hint at a future “Ultimate Definitive Edition” or an upgraded port.

Even without new fighters or expansions, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has achieved what few games manage: timeless relevance. It’s a game that feels complete — a culmination of two decades of evolution, a museum of gaming history, and a platform that continues to unite players of all skill levels.

Final Verdict

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn’t just a fighting game — it’s a cultural milestone. Its mechanics, roster, and presentation have aged gracefully, proving that great design and community support can sustain a title far beyond its original release window. Whether you’re returning for a few friendly matches or chasing victory in a major tournament, Ultimate remains exactly what its name promises: the ultimate version of Smash Bros.