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Planning for the game had begun by December 2015, with full development starting after the completion of ''3DS''/''Wii U''{{'s}} [[downloadable content]] (DLC). Series creator and director [[Masahiro Sakurai]] returned along with Bandai Namco Studios and Sora, the studios that developed ''3DS''/''Wii U,'' with their return speeding up the preparation process. Sakurai's goal with ''Ultimate'' was to include every character from previous games in the series, despite the various development and licensing challenges this would present. Several well-known video game musicians contributed to the soundtrack, with [[Hideki Sakamoto]] writing the main theme "Lifelight".
Nintendo first teased ''Ultimate'' in a [[Nintendo Direct]] in March 2018 and fully revealed it at [[E3 2018]] the following June. It later received two additional Directs prior to its release on December 7, 2018. The game received universal acclaim, with some critics calling it the best game in the series; they praised its large amount of content and fine-tuning of existing ''Smash'' gameplay elements, although its online mode received criticism. ''Ultimate'' is the best-selling fighting game of all time and one of the [[List of best-selling Nintendo Switch video games|best-selling games on the Switch]], having sold over
==Gameplay==
{{Main|Super Smash Bros.#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of ''Super Smash Bros.''}}
[[File:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay.jpg|thumb|Pre-release screenshot of a four-player match on the Great Plateau stage (from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'') between [[Ganondorf]], [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]], [[Mario]] and [[Mega Man (character)|Mega Man]]|alt=|left]]
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' is a [[platform fighter]] for up to eight players in which characters from [[Nintendo]] games and third-party franchises fight to knock each other out of an arena. Each player has a percentage meter
Players
In addition to returning modes such as Classic, Special Smash, and Home-Run Contest, ''Ultimate'' adds new modes. These are Smashdown, where each character can only be played once; Squad Strike, where players battle in teams of multiple characters; and Tourney, a tournament mode that allows up to 32 players to battle in playoff brackets.<ref name="polygon new modes">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17664076/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-gameplay-modes-nintendo-switch | title = Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features some new gameplay modes | first = Petrana | last = Radulovic | date = August 8, 2018 | access-date = August 8, 2018 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809025614/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17664076/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-gameplay-modes-nintendo-switch | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | url-status=live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/06/12/e3-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-switch |title=E3 2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster includes every character from previous games – out December 7 |last=Nunneley |first=Stepheney |date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2018 |website=[[VG247]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614003835/https://www.vg247.com/2018/06/12/e3-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-switch/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 }}</ref>
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=== Spirits ===
[[File:Smash Ultimate spirit.jpg|thumb|A typical Spirit battle. Here, players must fight an [[Incineroar]] meant to represent [[Tom Nook]] from the [[Animal Crossing|''Animal Crossing'' series]].]]
''Ultimate'' introduces the Spirits mechanic, replacing the collectible trophies from previous games. Each of these Spirits, based on characters from represented franchises, can be used to power up a fighter with unique abilities.<ref name="polygon spirits mode" /> Players mainly gain Spirits through pre-made challenges called "Spirit Battles" that represent the character the Spirit depicts, which are embodied by one or more of the game's fighters and other specific level effects. For example, the Spirit battle of Rayquaza, a flying dragon Pokémon, requires players to defeat a large version of Ridley with a similar color palette and wind effects. Players are encouraged to strategically choose Spirits based on the level effects; in the same example, a player would need to equip a Spirit that provides wind resistance or immunity, or one that allows them to deal extra damage to a giant opponent. A separate mode called the Spirit Board presents a rotating set of Spirit battles for players to gain Spirits from. Spirits have a growth and evolution system, in which they can be leveled up to become more powerful or converted into Cores to summon new Spirits.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/19/18096276/super-smash-bros-ultimate-single-player-mode-switch-hands-on | title = Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's single-player mode shines on the Switch | first = Chaim | last = Gartenburg | date = November 19, 2018 | access-date = November 19, 2018 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181120055140/https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/19/18096276/super-smash-bros-ultimate-single-player-mode-switch-hands-on | archive-date = November 20, 2018 | url-status=live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Certain Spirits will also become an "enhanced" form upon reaching max level, but will return to level 1. Nintendo offers limited-timed Spirit events in cross-promotion with other games and franchises, with the Spirits featured only available to collect during the event. Eventually, these Spirits make their way into general rotation and can be found on the Spirit Board.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in.ign.com/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-switch/139840/news/daemon-x-machina-spirit-event-coming-to-super-smash-bros-ultimate|title=Daemon X Machina Spirit Event Coming To Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|date=September 26, 2019|website=IGN India|language=en|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026013450/https://in.ign.com/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-switch/139840/news/daemon-x-machina-spirit-event-coming-to-super-smash-bros-ultimate|url-status=live}}</ref> The local multiplayer mode also allows for the option to use Spirits.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
==== World of Light ====
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===Playable characters===
{{See also|List of Super Smash Bros. series characters|l1=List of ''Super Smash Bros.'' series characters}}
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', like other games in the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series, features a [[Crossover (video games)|crossover]] cast of fighters from several different [[Nintendo franchises]], as well as fighters from series by [[Third-party developer|third-party]] developers such as [[Konami]], [[Sega]], [[Capcom]], [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]], [[Square Enix]], [[
Certain characters whose movesets are directly based on other characters are now classified as "Echo Fighters", possessing similar movesets and proportions to the fighters they are based on, but with unique animations and gameplay differences. On the character selection screen, these characters can either be listed individually or stacked with the fighters they are based on.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-gets-chrom-and-dark-samu/1100-6461022/ | title = Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gets Chrom And Dark Samus As Echo Fighters, Here's How They Work | first = Kevin | last = Knezevic | date = August 8, 2018 | access-date = August 8, 2018 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = August 8, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180808171345/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-gets-chrom-and-dark-samu/1100-6461022/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Kotaku" /> Select characters also have alternative skins featuring different genders or sometimes other characters, such as [[Bowser Jr.]], who has the other [[Koopalings]] as skins, but with identical animations and abilities.<ref name="shacknews everything" /><ref name="verge sakurai">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17453214/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-masahiro-sakurai-e3 |title=Why Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was such a daunting game for its creators to build |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |website=[[The Verge]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211115/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17453214/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-masahiro-sakurai-e3 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/everything-we-know-about-super-smash-bros-ultimate-1826763007 |title=Everything We Know About Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |first=Cecilia |last=D'Anastasio |date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=[[Kotaku]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612170503/https://kotaku.com/everything-we-know-about-super-smash-bros-ultimate-1826763007 |archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> Several returning characters received updates to their appearances, such as [[Mario]] having Cappy from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' accompanying him and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]''<nowiki/>'s incarnation of [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] replacing the one from ''[[Twilight Princess]]''.<ref name="verge sakurai" />
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According to Sakurai, producing a ''Super Smash Bros.'' game for the Switch was the last request that former Nintendo president [[Satoru Iwata]] had given him before his death in 2015, and he wanted to make the game the best possible product he could to respect him.<ref name="vgc jga2019">{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sakurai-acknowledges-iwata-in-japan-game-awards-speech/ | title = Sakurai acknowledges Iwata in Japan Game Awards speech | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = September 13, 2019 | access-date = September 14, 2019 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = October 23, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191023091846/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sakurai-acknowledges-iwata-in-japan-game-awards-speech/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Sakurai sought to include every character from previous games, as to not disappoint fans.<ref name="GIdev"/> However, he knew this would be a complex problem for both development and licensing;<ref name="verge sakurai" /> it would also drastically increase the cost of development. The return of Bandai and Sora made it easier for this to happen.<ref name="SiSP2">{{cite magazine |title=Smash is Special – Part 2 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |date=June 28, 2018 |issue=558 |___location=Japan |language=ja |medium=Interview with [[Masahiro Sakurai]]}}</ref> Sakurai also wanted to adjust character abilities to speed up the game,<ref name="verge sakurai" /> although not to an extent that would alienate players unfamiliar with the series.<ref name="SiSP1"/> Sakurai knew that ''Ultimate'' was a core game for Nintendo and that it had a dedicated player base that he did not want to disappoint, and believed that completing this goal was necessary to satisfy them.<ref name="verge sakurai" /> Sakurai was also faced with the decision to either create a completely new game system or build off of pre-existing ones; he chose to build off pre-existing ones because there would only be about a third of the characters he desired in the final game.<ref name="SiSP1"/> All the returning characters' abilities had to be re-[[game balance|balanced]] so they could work in ''Ultimate''.<ref name="NLifeInter"/> Originally, gameplay would differ between the Switch's docked and handheld modes, but Sakurai scrapped this idea since the system's screen in handheld mode was better than he thought.<ref name="SiliconeraDev"/> Sakurai believed this would be the only ''Smash'' game to have the full roster of returning characters, calling the effort to include the characters, music, stage settings, and other elements as "unprecedented", and cautioned that future games in the series would likely be smaller in scope. However, he still wanted to add as many fighters as possible through DLC.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sakurai-no-way-future-smash-bros-games-will-have-as-many-fighters-as-ultimate/ | title = Sakurai: 'No way' future Smash Bros games will have as many fighters as Ultimate | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = September 11, 2019 | access-date = September 11, 2019 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = September 11, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190911225738/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sakurai-no-way-future-smash-bros-games-will-have-as-many-fighters-as-ultimate/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Voice lines recorded by [[David Hayter]] for Snake were re-used for ''Ultimate''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/e3-2018/2018/06/12/david-hayter-is-voicing-snake-for-his-return-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate|title=David Hayter Is Voicing Snake For His Return In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Game Informer|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=June 12, 2018|language=en|url-status=
The team built ''Ultimate'' from scratch with new assets and content. Localization manager Nate Bihldorff stated that the game significantly upgraded lighting effects and texture rendering from the [[game engine]] of the ''Wii U'' version.<ref name="usgamer engine">{{cite web |url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-smash-bros-ultimate-interview-brand-new-game-than-wii-u |title = Nintendo on Whether Smash Bros. Ultimate is Just a Wii U Update: "It's Built From the Ground Up" |first = Kat |last = Bailey |date = June 13, 2018 |access-date = June 13, 2018 |website = [[USGamer]] |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614232901/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-smash-bros-ultimate-interview-brand-new-game-than-wii-u |archive-date = June 14, 2018 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> The World of Light mode was inspired by ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]''{{'s}} (2008) Subspace Emissary, and Sakurai chose to start it with a cataclysmic event because he thought it would leave a greater impact on players.<ref name="SiliconeraDev"/> The team conceived the Spirits mechanic because they wanted to create an enjoyable single-player mode, but did not have enough resources to create [[3D modeling|character models]]. While it did not let them tell stories for individual fighters or create new locations and rules, it let them use various characters and assets.<ref name="GIdev">{{cite magazine |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Masahiro Sakurai Talks Piranha Plant, Spirits, And 20 Years Of Super Smash Bros. |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2018/11/21/masahiro-sakurai-talks-piranha-plant-spirits-and-20-years-of-super-smash-bros |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=December 23, 2018 |date=November 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023828/https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2018/11/21/masahiro-sakurai-talks-piranha-plant-spirits-and-20-years-of-super-smash-bros |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |url-status=
=== Music ===
Like previous games in the series, ''Ultimate'' features several well-known video game music composers and arrangers providing a mix of original music and rearrangements of various tracks for the represented franchises, with over 1,000 tracks in total.<ref name="Music">{{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/|website=GameSpot|access-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824200013/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-soundtrack-has-over-800-/1100-6461025/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Khan |first1=Imran |title=Have You Been Listening To The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Music Samples? |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/psa/2018/07/10/have-you-been-listening-to-the-super-smash-bros-ultimate-music-samples |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011314/https://www.gameinformer.com/psa/2018/07/10/have-you-been-listening-to-the-super-smash-bros-ultimate-music-samples |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |url-status=
=== Downloadable content ===
As with previous entries, Nintendo planned to offer new fighters through DLC; however, unlike with the ''3DS'' and ''Wii U,'' where players could request which characters they wished to see in the game, Nintendo chose which characters they would add by November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/7/18071684/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-fighters-lineup-confirmed|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC lineup has already been decided|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108025626/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/7/18071684/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-fighters-lineup-confirmed|archive-date=November 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Like the previous title, additional Mii costumes were released as paid DLC, with certain costumes also adding new music tracks to the game.<ref name="sansmii">{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/sans-from-undertale-is-getting-a-costume-in-smash-ultimate-565839.phtml | title = Sans from Undertale is getting a costume in Smash Ultimate | first = Peter | last = Glogowski | date = September 4, 2019 | access-date = June 29, 2019 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-date = August 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200809184205/https://www.destructoid.com/sans-from-undertale-is-getting-a-costume-in-smash-ultimate-565839.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref> Sakurai believed that despite characters like [[Joker (Persona)|Joker]], the first announced DLC fighter, not being from games usually associated with Nintendo, they were added because they were "emblematic" of the types of characters they wanted to add to ''Ultimate.'' He also stated that they "bring just a whole different level of fun and enjoyment for players".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/nintendo-persona-5s-joker-is-emblematic-of-smash-bros-ultimates-dlc-approach | title = Nintendo: Persona 5's Joker is 'Emblematic' of Smash Bros. Ultimate's DLC Approach | first = Andrew | last = Goldfarb | date = December 7, 2018 | access-date = December 10, 2018 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190212195414/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/nintendo-persona-5s-joker-is-emblematic-of-smash-bros-ultimates-dlc-approach | archive-date = February 12, 2019 | url-status=live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The Piranha Plant was chosen as a DLC character because Sakurai wanted to add diversity to the roster.<ref name="IGNdev"/> Nintendo met with [[Rare (company)|Rare]] studio head Craig Duncan at E3 2018 to discuss the possibility of including Banjo and Kazooie as downloadable content; Duncan, believing it to be "a great opportunity", agreed and connected the two development teams for further discussions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/rare_explains_how_it_worked_with_nintendo_on_super_smash_bros_ultimates_banjo-kazooie_dlc|title=Rare Explains How It Worked With Nintendo On Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Banjo-Kazooie DLC|date=January 31, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023003949/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/rare_explains_how_it_worked_with_nintendo_on_super_smash_bros_ultimates_banjo-kazooie_dlc|url-status=live}}</ref> Sakurai noted that Banjo and Kazooie were the second most requested character for ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'' in a Nintendo-sanctioned fan vote in 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-banjo-kazooie-sora-fan-ballot-result/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Director Reveals Banjo-Kazooie Only Trailed Sora in Fan Ballot|last=Moore|first=Logan|website=ComicBook.com|date=November 3, 2021|access-date=November 4, 2021|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103173842/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-banjo-kazooie-sora-fan-ballot-result/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that their addition happened "quite easily", despite the property being owned by [[Microsoft]] through its acquisition of [[Rare (company)|Rare]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/sakurai_says_getting_banjo-kazooie_in_smash_bros_ultimate_came_quite_easily|title=Sakurai Says Getting Banjo-Kazooie In Smash Bros. Ultimate Came "Quite Easily"|date=June 27, 2019|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023003950/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/sakurai_says_getting_banjo-kazooie_in_smash_bros_ultimate_came_quite_easily|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]], the head of [[Xbox]], stated that negotiating their inclusion was "an easy deal to make" thanks to Microsoft's strong partnership with Nintendo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-says-banjo-in-smash-was-an-easy-1835418742|title=Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Says Banjo In Smash Was An Easy Deal To Make|last=Totilo|first=Stephen|date=June 10, 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|language=en-US|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=June 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611190034/https://kotaku.com/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-says-banjo-in-smash-was-an-easy-1835418742|url-status=live}}</ref>
The development of Fighters Pass Volume 2 was heavily affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, as due to [[stay-at-home order]]s in Japan, Sakurai and his development team had to work remotely.<ref name="min-min reveal"/> According to Daniel Kaplan of [[Mojang Studios]], early discussions between Nintendo and [[Microsoft]] about including ''[[Minecraft]]'' content in the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series had begun roughly five years prior to Steve's addition into the game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Oloman |first1=Jordan |title=Minecraft's Steve In Smash Bros. May Have Been in Negotiation for 5 Years |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/minecrafts-steve-in-smash-bros-may-have-been-in-negotiation-for-5-years |website=IGN |access-date=October 22, 2021 |date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022235843/https://www.ign.com/articles/minecrafts-steve-in-smash-bros-may-have-been-in-negotiation-for-5-years |url-status=live }}</ref> The character's inclusion required the development team to rework every stage in the game to accommodate Steve's gameplay mechanics.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Ruppert |first1=Liana |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Minecraft DLC Required Every Stage To Be Reworked |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/10/01/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-dlc-required-every-stage-to-be-reworked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004014558/https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/10/01/super-smash-bros-ultimate-minecraft-dlc-required-every-stage-to-be-reworked |url-status=
==Release==
[[File:Nintendo booth (29723948888).jpg|right|thumb|Attendees at the 2018 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] playing a demo of ''Ultimate'']]
[[Game demo|Demo]] versions were playable at E3 and at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] the following month.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Will Be Playable At San Diego Comic-Con This Week |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/super_smash_bros_ultimate_will_be_playable_at_san_diego_comic-con_this_week |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=November 1, 2018 |date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131211/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/super_smash_bros_ultimate_will_be_playable_at_san_diego_comic-con_this_week |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Foxx |first1=Chris |title=E3: Nintendo's Super Smash Bros Ultimate battle-tested |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-44465166/e3-nintendo-s-super-smash-bros-ultimate-battle-tested |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=November 1, 2018 |date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103103456/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-44465166/e3-nintendo-s-super-smash-bros-ultimate-battle-tested |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' nominated ''Ultimate'' for its Best Game of E3 2018 award; the game won Best Nintendo Switch Game from both ''IGN'' and [[Gamescom]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/15/best-of-e3-2018-awards|title=Best of E3 2018 Awards|date=June 15, 2018|access-date=November 24, 2018|publisher=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125074146/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/15/best-of-e3-2018-awards|archive-date=November 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/gamescom-award-2018-nominees-include-marvels-spider-man-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|title=Gamescom 2018 award winners include Marvel's Spider-Man, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|date=August 22, 2018|access-date=November 24, 2018|publisher=[[CNET]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230080413/https://www.cnet.com/news/gamescom-award-2018-nominees-include-marvels-spider-man-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|archive-date=December 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Two Nintendo Direct presentations in 2018, one on August 8 and another one on November 1, were devoted to the game, revealing new characters, stages, and game modes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goslen |first1=Austen |title=Top 5 reveals from today's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Direct |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/1/18051930/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-direct-characters-dlc-announcements |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=November 1, 2018 |date=November 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101163858/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/1/18051930/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-direct-characters-dlc-announcements |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuchera |first1=Ben |title=Super Smash Bros. Direct: Watch it here |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17657686/nintendo-direct-smash-bros-live-stream-date-start-time |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=November 1, 2018 |date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092115/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/8/17657686/nintendo-direct-smash-bros-live-stream-date-start-time |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nintendo released ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' worldwide on December 7, 2018.<ref name="ignrev"/> In addition to the standard retail version, a special edition containing a ''Super Smash Bros.''-themed [[Nintendo Switch Pro Controller]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/27/17786984/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-pro-controller-bundle-best-buy-price|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is getting a limited edition Pro controller|work=Polygon|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827201608/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/27/17786984/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-pro-controller-bundle-best-buy-price|archive-date=August 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and a Switch with a download code was also released.<ref>{{cite web |last1=G. Macy |first1=Seth |title=Here Are All the Nintendo Switch Bundles Coming Out This Year |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/18/fortnite-switch-bundle-release-date-preorder |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=September 19, 2018 |date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918224007/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/18/fortnite-switch-bundle-release-date-preorder |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> An additional special edition contained a pair of ''Super Smash Bros.''-themed [[Joy-Con]] as well as a Switch console, a ''Super Smash Bros.''-themed dock, and a download code for the game.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Lawler|first1=Richard|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/09/13/switch-super-smash-bros-ultimate-bundle/|title=Switch 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' set bundles system and game for $360|work=Engadget|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017123548/https://www.engadget.com/2018/09/13/switch-super-smash-bros-ultimate-bundle/|archive-date=October 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[GameCube controller]] with the ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' logo was released on November 2, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/gamecube_controllers_will_be_compatible_with_super_smash_bros_ultimate|title=GameCube Controllers Will Be Compatible With Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143055/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/gamecube_controllers_will_be_compatible_with_super_smash_bros_ultimate|archive-date=July 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
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{{cite web |first=Sal |last=Romano |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1568 |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1568 |website=Gematsu |access-date=December 18, 2018 |date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219042800/https://gematsu.com/2018/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1568 |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |url-status=live }}
</ref>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref name="gi_review">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/super-smash-bros-ultimate/a-raucous-clash-reunion|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Review|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|first=Jeff|last=Cork|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210154705/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/super-smash-bros-ultimate/a-raucous-clash-reunion|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=
| GamePro = 87/100<ref>
{{cite magazine|last=Cherdchupan|first=Michael|date=December 10, 2018|url=https://www.gamepro.de/spiele/super-smash-bros-ultimate,wertung,172,9389.html|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate im Test – Geniales Prügelfestival mit einem Online-Tiefschlag|magazine=[[GamePro]]|access-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409121330/https://www.gamepro.de/spiele/super-smash-bros-ultimate,wertung,172,9389.html|archive-date=April 9, 2019|url-status=live}}
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In November 2018, Nintendo announced ''Ultimate'' was the most pre-ordered game for the Switch and in the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/11/super_smash_bros_ultimate_is_the_best_pre-selling_game_of_the_series_to_date_and_on_switch|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is The Best Pre-Selling Game Of The Series To Date, And On Switch|first=Ryan|last=Craddock|date=November 23, 2018|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125115425/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/11/super_smash_bros_ultimate_is_the_best_pre-selling_game_of_the_series_to_date_and_on_switch|archive-date=November 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment]] reported that ''Ultimate'' was the fastest-selling Switch and ''Super Smash Bros.'' game in the United Kingdom, with physical launch sales 302% higher than those for ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', 233% higher than those for ''3DS'', and 62.5% higher than those for ''Brawl''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-12-09-uk-charts-super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-the-fastest-selling-smash-bros-of-all-time|title=UK Charts: Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the fastest-selling Smash Bros of all time|first=Christopher|last=Dring|date=December 9, 2018|work=Gameindustry.biz|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210000412/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-12-09-uk-charts-super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-the-fastest-selling-smash-bros-of-all-time|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In its first three days on sale in Japan, the game sold 1.2 million copies, outselling [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'']] and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'' in the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/smash_bros_ultimate_sold_1_2_million_copies_in_japan_during_launch_week|title=Smash Bros. Ultimate Sold 1.2 Million Copies In Japan During Launch Week|first=Liam|last=Doolan|date=December 11, 2018|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212084658/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/smash_bros_ultimate_sold_1_2_million_copies_in_japan_during_launch_week|archive-date=December 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Within 11 days of its release, ''Ultimate'' had sold more than three million copies within the United States, making it the fastest-selling Switch game in the country.<ref name="variety ssbu">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-1203092096/|title='Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Fastest Selling Nintendo Switch Game|first=Brian|last=Crecente|date=December 18, 2018|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218160252/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sales-1203092096/|archive-date=December 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It was similarly the fastest-selling Switch game as well as the fastest-selling game for any Nintendo console in Europe based on the first 11-day sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fastest-selling-nintendo-home-console-game-of-all-time/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fastest-selling Nintendo home console game of all time in Europe|first=Shabana|last=Arif|date=December 18, 2018|work=[[VG247]]|access-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219002512/https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fastest-selling-nintendo-home-console-game-of-all-time/|archive-date=December 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It was estimated that the game sold and shipped over five million copies within its first three days of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333375/Smash_Bros_Ultimate_worldwide_sales_topped_5M_in_first_week.php|title=Smash Bros. Ultimate worldwide sales topped 5M in first week|first=Chris|last=Kerr|date=December 20, 2018|work=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230519/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333375/Smash_Bros_Ultimate_worldwide_sales_topped_5M_in_first_week.php|archive-date=December 20, 2018|url-status=
===Awards===
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|+ List of ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' awards
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !!
|-
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | 2018
| |||