Save file · Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
First release on record 07 Dec 2018 · platform fighter, crossover fiction
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover platform fighter in the Super Smash Bros. series. Nintendo, Sora Ltd., and BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc. developed it, and Nintendo published it for Nintendo Switch on December 7, 2018. The same software is supported on Nintendo Switch 2, with behavior described as consistent with Nintendo Switch. The US Nintendo eShop lists the digital edition at $59.99, with no sale shown on 2026-10-30. One console can host 1-8 players; local wireless covers 2-8 systems; online battles are 2-4 players and need a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account. Paid fighter DLC is extra: Fighters Pass at $24.99 and Fighters Pass Vol. 2 at $29.99. ESRB rates it Everyone 10+; PEGI rates it 12 for frequent mild violence. It suits players who want a large Nintendo-exclusive brawler for local or online play on Switch family hardware.
Researched from the official pages · Updated
| First release | December 7, 2018, Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch; supported on Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Developer | Nintendo / Sora Ltd. / BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc. |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Price | $59.99 digital on the US Nintendo eShop, no sale shown · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
| Modes | 1-8 on one console; local wireless 2-8; online 2-4 |
| Age rating | ESRB E10+; PEGI 12 |
| Download size | 17.3 GB on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Latest update | Ver. 13.0.5, September 1, 2026 |
Which systems can I play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on?
It is a Nintendo Switch game that Nintendo released on December 7, 2018 in the US and the UK. Nintendo's US store lists Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility as supported, with game behavior consistent with Nintendo Switch, so the same digital copy is the version to run on Switch 2 rather than a separate SKU. There is no PC, PlayStation, or Xbox listing on the official pages used for this report. The US digital store and the UK catalogue both give a 17.3 GB download size; the US page repeats 17.3 GB for Nintendo Switch 2. TV, tabletop, and handheld modes are supported. Nintendo notes that software compatibility and play experience may differ on Nintendo Switch Lite, and extra accessories may be required. The US digital page also marks the title as Nintendo Switch Game Voucher eligible and lists Nintendo Account family-group lending as supported.
How many people can play, and do I need Nintendo Switch Online?
On one console, Smash supports 1-8 players. Local wireless is listed as 2-8 consoles on both the US digital store and the UK catalogue. Online battles are 2-4 players. Online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership, sold separately, and a Nintendo Account; the official site adds that this is not available in all countries and that internet access is required for online features. Nintendo's support article for this game says online play is 1-2 players per console, with Solo or Co-op in Quickplay, so two people can share one system while matching others. Local Smash on one console does not use that membership. Support also states that all players must use the same software version, and that the latest listed version is Ver. 13.0.5 from September 1, 2026. Extra controllers are sold separately; the UK page says multiplayer needs one compatible controller per player.
What does it cost, and which fighter DLC is sold separately?
The US Nintendo eShop lists the digital game at $59.99, with no sale end date shown on 2026-10-30. Fighter DLC is sold separately and needs the full game. Fighters Pass, dated December 7, 2018, is $24.99 and includes Challenger Packs 1-5: Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and Byleth, plus a bonus Rex Mii Swordfighter outfit. Fighters Pass Vol. 2, dated January 28, 2020, is $29.99 and includes Challenger Packs 6-11: Min Min, Steve & Alex, Sephiroth, Pyra/Mythra, Kazuya Mishima, and Sora. Nintendo UK states the two passes do not overlap, and that Piranha Plant is in neither bundle. Each Challenger Pack is $5.99 on its own. Piranha Plant is a standalone fighter at $4.99, dated February 1, 2019, without a stage or music pack. Selected Mii Fighter costumes are listed at $0.75 each. The last Challenger Pack on the US DLC list is Challenger Pack 11, dated October 18, 2021.
What age rating does Super Smash Bros. Ultimate carry?
ESRB rates Super Smash Bros. Ultimate E10+ (Everyone 10+) for Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, and Suggestive Themes, and also flags Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. The ESRB summary describes cartoon brawls in which players punch, kick, and use super attacks to knock opponents off platforms, with some fighters using swords, blasters, mallets, and firearms, plus unlockable 2D art of female characters in revealing outfits. PEGI rates the game 12 for frequent mild violence and says it is not suitable for persons under 12. PEGI describes a 2D arcade-style fighter whose violence is kicks, punches, and some weapons, with no blood or visible injury and with exaggerated flashes and smoke on impact. Nintendo UK also prints PEGI 12 with Violence and In-game purchases next to the listing.
What is in the base game besides a standard versus match?
The official site's fighter count for the base roster is 74 fighters plus DLC, with Pokémon Trainer counted as one and Echo Fighters included. Stages are listed as more than 100, each with Battlefield and Final Destination versions, and the soundtrack as more than 800 tracks; the US store body copy instead says 900 music compositions. Smash mode lets a group set stages and rules for up to eight players. Squad Strike uses a team of 3 or 5 fighters in a one-by-one series. Tourney supports a 32-player tournament with a choice of brackets. Games & More includes Classic Mode, Training, Mob Smash, Challenger's Approach for unlocking fighters, and Home-Run Contest, where two players can work together and up to four can take turns. Adventure Mode is a single-player campaign to save fighters and spirits from Galeem. Spirits can be equipped as one primary spirit plus support spirits to change stats and skills. VR Mode with Nintendo Labo Toy-Con VR Goggles is single-player only.
What should I know about updates and Switch 2 play before buying?
Nintendo's US support article lists Ver. 13.0.5, released September 1, 2026, as the latest update. That patch fixes behavior when invalid data is sent or received in online battles. The update must be applied to use internet features, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership is still required for online play. Replays from Ver. 9.0.0 to 13.0.4 may have compatibility issues after this update; replays from Ver. 8.1.0 and earlier are not compatible, so Nintendo tells players to convert replays to video in Vault before installing. Ver. 13.0.4, released June 24, 2025, includes a fix for a match that could end immediately when a Nintendo Switch 2 player and a Nintendo Switch player were matched online while someone used a Mii Fighter, which is Nintendo documenting those two systems meeting in this game's online play. Save data remains usable after the update.
Release dates by platform
| Platform | Date | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 07 Dec 2018 | US | Released |
| Nintendo Switch | 07 Dec 2018 | UK | Released |
Prices and editions
| Store | Edition | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo eShop (US) | Digital | $59.99 | 30 Oct 2026 |
Prices change often; each is the store's own price on the day shown.
Modes and features
| Feature | On record | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| single-player | Yes: Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, Training, Mob Smash, Challenger's Approach, and VR Mode (VR is single-player only) | Nintendo Switch |
| online multiplayer (max players) | 2-4 players; 1-2 players per console; Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required | Nintendo Switch |
| local or split-screen | 1-8 players on one console; local wireless 2-8 consoles | Nintendo Switch |
| crossplay | No PlayStation, Xbox, or PC play listed. Nintendo documents Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players matching in online play | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| cross-progression | Save Data Cloud listed as a Nintendo Switch Online feature on the US store page | Nintendo Switch |
| controller support | Joy-Con, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and GameCube Controller; wired GameCube needs a GameCube Controller Adapter | Nintendo Switch |
| cloud saves | Save Data Cloud, via Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch |
| supported languages | 14 language options on the US digital store | Nintendo Switch |
| amiibo | Supported; Super Smash Bros. series amiibo can appear as Figure Players | Nintendo Switch |
DLC and expansions
| Name | Released | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fighters Pass (Challenger Packs 1-5) | 07 Dec 2018 | $24.99 · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
| Fighters Pass Vol. 2 (Challenger Packs 6-11) | 28 Jan 2020 | $29.99 · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
| Piranha Plant Standalone Fighter | 01 Feb 2019 | $4.99 · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
| Individual Challenger Pack (each) | — | $5.99 · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
| Mii Fighter costume (each, selected listings) | — | $0.75 · checked 30 Oct 2026 |
Age ratings
| Board | Rating | Content descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| ESRB | E10+ | Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Suggestive Themes, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases |
| PEGI | PEGI 12 | Violence |
FAQ
Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate sold on Steam or other PC stores?
No. Nintendo's US and UK pages list Nintendo Switch only, with Switch 2 compatibility for that same Switch software.
Can I use a GameCube controller?
Yes. Nintendo UK lists GameCube Controller among compatible controllers, the US store copy mentions GameCube controllers, and support says a GameCube Controller Adapter is required for wired GameCube pads, with two adapters and a self-powered USB hub allowing up to eight GameCube controllers. The wireless GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch Online members is limited to Nintendo Switch 2.
Does the $59.99 base game include every fighter?
No. The official site lists 74 fighters plus DLC in the base count. Fighters Pass, Fighters Pass Vol. 2, individual Challenger Packs, and the $4.99 Piranha Plant fighter are sold separately and need the full game.
How many languages does the US digital listing name?
Fourteen: Japanese, British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Latin American Spanish, Canadian French, Traditional Chinese, and American English.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online for Save Data Cloud?
The US store lists Save Data Cloud among Nintendo Switch Online features for this game. Online play also requires that paid membership. Local 1-8 player Smash on one console does not.
Our take
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a Nintendo Switch exclusive that also runs on Nintendo Switch 2 as the same 17.3 GB title. Buy the digital copy at $59.99 on the US eShop if you want that one version on both Nintendo systems. Budget extra for Fighters Pass at $24.99, Fighters Pass Vol. 2 at $29.99, and Piranha Plant at $4.99 if the 74-fighter base roster is not enough. Local 1-8 play needs only the game and extra controllers. Online 2-4 play and Save Data Cloud need a Nintendo Switch Online membership, a Nintendo Account, matching Ver. 13.0.5, and internet access. There is no PC store page and no PlayStation or Xbox matchmaking on the official listings.
Best for: Players who want 1-8 person local Smash on one Nintendo Switch; Players who already pay for Nintendo Switch Online and want 2-4 player online battles; Nintendo Switch 2 owners who want this Switch software rather than a separate edition.
Not for: Anyone looking for a PC, PlayStation, or Xbox store version; Players who want every DLC fighter included in the $59.99 price; Players who want online play or Save Data Cloud without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Which version: The US digital Nintendo Switch edition at $59.99, which Nintendo lists as supported on Nintendo Switch 2. Add Fighters Pass ($24.99) and Fighters Pass Vol. 2 ($29.99) for Challenger Packs 1-11, then Piranha Plant ($4.99) if you want that standalone fighter.
Built only from the official facts above. We don't review games we haven't played, and nothing here is paid.
Sources
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- ESRB read 30 Oct 2026
- PEGI read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
- Nintendo read 30 Oct 2026
The record
Every line has its source and the day it was read- Dates on record
- 07 Dec 2018 Wikidata · read 26 Oct 2026
- Developers on record
- Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco StudiosRoles are not on record, so we name no single developer.Wikidata · role not verified
- Publishers on record
- Nintendo Wikidata
- Genres
- platform fighter, crossover fiction Wikidata
- Modes
- multiplayer, single-player, minigame, co-op mode Wikidata
- Age ratings on record
- Wikidata
- Series
- Super Smash Bros. Wikidata
- Platforms on record
- Switch on Wikidata · on Wikidata without a reference. A platform missing here is not proof it is absent.
Facts: Wikidata Q54093632 (CC0), revision 2559194243, read 26 Oct 2026, researched by VGKami Games Research (VGK-WIKIDATA-CENTRE-20261028-V3d). Spotted a wrong fact? Tell us.