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March 9, 2023 marked the 15th anniversary of the US release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We took some time back in January to discuss the game (especially Subspace Emissary’s single player mode) in honor of the same milestone in the Japanese version, but we thought it was time to revisit this ranked list of the best Smash Bros. games. and rearrange it to reflect the thoughts of Nintendo Life readers.
And so we have! The leaderboard below is now governed by user ratings for each game on the site, which means it is also subject to real-time change. So if you haven’t rated the games below, you can do so and potentially affect the order, even after publication…
Note. For those of you wondering, the NL staff originally ranked all Smashes in the following descending order: Super Smash Bros. (N64), Brawl (Wii), For Nintendo 3DS (er, 3DS), For Wii U (have a photo), Melee (GC) and Ultimate (Switch). Scroll down to see if you agree…
When Super Smash Bros. Ultimate arrived on the Switch in 2018 and brought with it every fighter in the franchise’s history, sending us back to older games. Since the original Super Smash Bros. now in its third decade, it’s amazing to see how the series has evolved over two decades. How do they compare to each other? Is this the “Ultimate” iteration on Switch Really last word in Smash?
There’s a strong argument for that, but how do the other entries compare to the Switch game? Well, just scroll down to see where Ultimate stands compared to its predecessors according to Nintendo Life readers…
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: Sora
Bringing Smash’s frantic brawl to a mobile device seemed like an impossible feat, but the Sakurai wizard team managed to port virtually everything from the Wii U version to the 3DS while adding stereoscopic 3D as well as exclusive modes (Smash Run and StreetSmash) and stages. This one introduced the ability to customize fighters by changing their attacks and providing unique power-ups to create a playstyle that works best for you. Support for amiibo was also introduced, allowing you to train characters from the CPU and import them into a match with a simple tap on the character on the console.
Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 3DS even made it possible to use the 3DS as a controller for the Wii U version – of course the constant tension and fast button presses mean it’s definitely not the most comfortable way to play, but in 2014 3DS owners were treated to honest, full-fat Super Smash Bros. . on the handheldand over a month before it came to Wii U. It’s an impressive game to this day and deserves a place in your collection.
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: HAL lab
Given how carefully Nintendo began to manage its characters and their image after the dud of the (first) Super Mario Bros. in the early 1990s, it is remarkable that the original Super Smash Bros. drawing board in the HAL Laboratory. Fortunately, crossover brawler Masahiro Sakurai could exist.
At the time, the idea of a “platform” brawl without health bars was quite revolutionary. Instead, when you beat an opponent, they become more vulnerable to knockbacks from your attacks, which are designed to knock them out of the arena entirely. This first Smash, designed for up to four players, with a simple control scheme (especially compared to other fighting games) and the addition of weapons and upgrades, was a solid foundation for a series that was to become one of the largest fighting game franchises in the world.
The number of combatants and complexity of the original N64 may pale in comparison to later lineups that have been plucked from the annals of video game history, but we still fondly remember that first time we had the opportunity to open a can of shouting ass on Pikachu.
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: Nintendo
The third entry in the scrap ’em up series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, was the first to introduce Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake, and featured the praised Subspace Emissary mode.
Taking the baton from the famous GameCube entry, Brawl propelled the series in an all-encompassing direction when it comes to content, and set the precedent for a “more is more” approach to scenes, fighters, music, and more that kept Masahiro Sakurai busy eight days a week for many years later.
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: Sora
In many ways, Super Smash Bros. on Wii U seemed to be a direct response to criticism of the series’ party aspirations. The crossover series had its innocent start as a goofy playground ghost game, allowing players to finally see who would win in a fight between two of the world’s most famous Italian plumbers and some of their friends. This theme will continue, only with more figures in the toy box to choose from and more playgrounds to fight battles on.
All that fantastic fan service was still here and more polished than ever, but the series has finally embraced its hyper-competitive side while still delivering one of the most enjoyable eight-player party games in years. With the inclusion of exclusive modes (Smash Tour, Special Orders, and Event Mode), multi-controller support, and the inclusion of Special Smash, it was a smarter, more focused blast against chaos, confident in its ability to appeal to any audience willing to give it a shot.
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: HAL lab
There’s a reason Super Smash Bros. Melee has a loyal following in the warrior community. Fans will say it’s sharper, faster, and more skill-intensive than other entries. They’ll point out that it’s a lot more fun to watch than its successors, right up to that faster pace. They will indicate its better balance. All convincing arguments.
More broadly, it’s a brilliant local multiplayer brawler that sanded down the sharp edges from the N64 original, added a metric ton of content, and – yes – feels like the most balanced entry in the series before the roster grew. Smash will continue to grow from here on out, but the GameCube iteration has an elegance and purity that makes it worth revisiting if you’re knee-deep in Ultimate and want to try a different flavor of superstar brawl.
Publisher: Nintendo / / Developer: Sora
How does this “final” version of Smash compare to the others? Vocal issues with previous games have been actively addressed. Every warrior in the series is present (even Pichu), accompanied by a colossal roster of DLC characters from the gaming annals (let’s not forget This is the game responsible for bringing Banjo and Kazooie back home to the Nintendo console). The customization options are overwhelmingly vast, all topped off with super robust single-player modes.
We’re not sure how a more robust or enjoyable Smash game could be made. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate really is final part of the series and you’re wondering where Masahiro Sakurai might take this series next.
Where is your favorite Super Smash Bros. on the list? Do you agree that Ultimate really is, uh, ultimate Smash? Are Melee’s days as a tournament favorite numbered? Let us know in the comments section below.
