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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Super Smash Bros. is a crossover platform fighting video game series published by Nintendo and created by Masahiro Sakurai. The games feature characters and settings from Nintendo franchises and, in later entries, from other companies as well. Players typically try to damage opponents and knock them off the stage rather than deplete a health bar.

Gameplay

Super Smash Bros. uses platform-fighting mechanics that differ from traditional fighting games. Instead of reducing an opponent's health to zero, players accumulate damage and try to knock rivals off the stage.

Series history

The first game launched on the Nintendo 64 in 1999 and was followed by later entries on successive Nintendo systems. The series has remained one of Nintendo's best-known crossover franchises.

Characters and crossover content

The original game focused on Nintendo properties, including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and Pokémon. Later games expanded the roster to include characters from outside Nintendo.

Competitive and cultural impact

The series has developed a major competitive scene and has been widely recognized for bringing together characters from multiple game franchises. It is also notable for appealing to both casual and competitive players.

Key facts

  • The series began with Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 in 1999.
  • Gameplay centers on building damage and launching opponents off the stage.
  • The series began as a crossover of Nintendo characters and later included characters from other publishers.
  • Masahiro Sakurai created the series and has been a key figure in its development.
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fifth main installment in the series.
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Canadian context

The series has a significant Canadian audience through Nintendo console ownership, local competitive play, and major esports communities in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Super Smash Bros.?
It is a crossover platform fighting video game series published by Nintendo and created by Masahiro Sakurai.
When was the first Super Smash Bros. released?
The first game was released on the Nintendo 64 in Japan on January 21, 1999.
How does the gameplay work?
Players build damage on opponents and try to knock them off the stage instead of winning by traditional health depletion.
Which characters appear in the series?
The series includes characters from Nintendo franchises and, in later titles, from other companies.
How many main games are in the series?
The series has five main installments, ending with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Is Smash the same as Super Smash Bros.?
Yes. "Smash" is a common shortened name for Super Smash Bros.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros.
    Supports: Series identity, creator, publisher, crossover nature, gameplay description, and first release date.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros._(video_game)
    Supports: Details on the original 1999 Nintendo 64 game, release timing, gameplay, and commercial success.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros.
    Supports: Series overview, number of titles, and release chronology through Ultimate.
  4. SSBWiki — https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._(series)
    Supports: Common short names, Japanese title, series scope, and early franchise history.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate
    Supports: Ultimate as the fifth main installment and its 2018 release.