Is Cross-Compatibility Available for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a beloved game in the fighting genre, captivating players with its expansive roster and engaging gameplay.

However, its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch often raises questions about its compatibility and multiplayer features. Let’s dig into the various options and details surrounding the game.

Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Cross-Platform?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, this means it does not support cross-platform play. Players can only enjoy the game on the Switch console.

Multiplayer Options and Modes

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with others. Below is a breakdown of available modes:

Local Play (Single Console)

• Player Count: Up to 8 players.

• Steps to Start:
  • Select “Smash” from the main menu.
  • Adjust settings as desired until the character selection screen appears.
  • Choose a controller type for each player. Options include:
    • Single Joy-Con (press SL and SR buttons).
    • Pair of Joy-Con controllers (press L and R buttons).
    • Pro Controller (press L and R buttons).
    • GameCube Controller (requires adapter; press L and R buttons).
  • Each player selects a fighter and confirms with “Ready to Fight.”

Online Play

• Player Count: 1-2 players per console.

• Requirements: An active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is necessary.

• How to Play:
  1. Go to “Online” from the main menu.
  2. Agree to the terms if prompted.
  3. Choose your battle type:
     • Quickplay: Immediate matches.
     • Battle Arenas: Join custom matches.
  4. Pick “Solo” for one player or “Co-op” for two players on the same console.
  5. Select fighters and wait for the system to find opponents.

Local Wireless Mode (Multiple Consoles)

• Player Count: 2-4 players.

• Steps to Play:
  • Select “Local Wireless” from the main menu.
  • One player creates a room and adjusts settings like rules and participants.
  • Other players join the room by selecting the host’s name.
  • All participants pick stages and fighters.
  • Start the battle by pressing the L and R buttons together.

Game Development Insights

Masahiro Sakurai, the game’s director, mentioned several challenges in adding third-party characters.

While companies like Namco Bandai contributed to the development, this did not guarantee their characters a spot in the game.

Adding non-Nintendo characters required extensive permissions and collaboration, as seen with Sonic and Snake in earlier versions.

Controller Compatibility Summary

The game supports various controller types:

Controller	Setup Steps
Single Joy-Con	Hold horizontally, press SL and SR.
Pair of Joy-Con	Hold vertically, press L and R.
Pro Controller	Press L and R buttons.
GameCube Controller	Requires adapter, press L and R.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate provides diverse ways to enjoy multiplayer battles but remains limited to the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.