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In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the goal is to build damage and launch your opponents off the stage before they can recover. Start with simple attacks, learn one fighter’s special moves, and practise getting back to the stage yourself. These basics work whether you’re playing casually with friends or trying the game for the first time.
How to win a match
Unlike a traditional fighting game, the main goal is not to empty an opponent’s health bar. Attack to raise their damage percentage, then send them beyond the edge of the stage. Nintendo sums up the relationship simply: “The more damage a fighter takes, the farther they’ll fly.” Nintendo’s beginner guide explains the basic objective and controls.
![Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bkI3XqQ7L._SL160_.jpg)
Being knocked offstage does not always mean a player is out. Fighters can use movement and recovery moves to return, so watch where your opponent is headed and be ready to defend the ledge. The same applies to you: if you are launched away, focus on returning to the stage rather than immediately attacking.
Learn the basic controls first
- A: Use standard attacks.
- Quick stick flick + A: Perform a Smash Attack, a powerful attack intended to send an opponent flying.
- B + a direction: Use a special move. These moves vary substantially between fighters, so try each direction and learn what your character’s moves do.
Begin by getting comfortable with movement, standard attacks and specials. Then practise the timing of a Smash Attack and recovering after you have been knocked away. The beginner controls are a starting point, not a complete guide to every fighter’s techniques.
#1 Best Overall
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Which fighter should you choose?
Nintendo suggests Mario and Kirby as approachable examples for beginners. That is a starting recommendation, not a claim that either is best in competitive play. Fighters have different strengths, weaknesses and special moves, so try more than one and choose someone whose movement and attacks feel understandable to you.
Once you have picked a fighter, spend a few matches learning their specials and how they return to the stage. Familiarity with one character’s options is more useful at first than frequently switching without learning what each fighter can do.
Set up a casual match that suits your group
Items and stage hazards can change the flow of a match. Items have different effects, and some stages include hazards that change the battlefield or introduce guest characters. These elements can make a group match less predictable; turning items off and choosing stages without hazards can make the action more straightforward. Neither approach is the universally correct way to play—choose the rules your group enjoys.
You can also adjust the number of players and choose local or online play. Nintendo lists these supported player counts:
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| Mode | Players |
|---|---|
| Single system | 1–8 |
| Local wireless | 2–8 |
| Online | 2–4 |
Counts are from Nintendo’s US product listing. For one-system play, Nintendo’s support instructions say to select Smash and configure the battle. For online matches, the support page describes Quickplay and Battle Arenas; online features require an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. See Nintendo’s multiplayer support page for current steps and compatible controller setup. Wired GameCube controllers require a GameCube Controller Adapter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your game version before playing online
Nintendo’s update history lists version 13.0.5, released September 1, 2026, as the latest update. Its listed fix addresses an issue involving invalid data sent or received during online battles. Nintendo says the update is required for Internet features and that players need the same software version to play together. Check Nintendo’s update history for the version information and instructions.
Rank #4
![Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate + Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass Bundle - [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516jRPfTrLL._SL160_.jpg)
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
If you want to keep replays from an earlier version, convert them to video before updating: Nintendo warns that replay data from previous versions may not be compatible with the newest version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- International Version. ESRB rated. This game is tied to the USA region and any DLC content is available on the USA regional Nintendo eShop. Works on all systems worldwide. (Middle East / Southeast Asia -- Official Nintendo Product).
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
