If you've ever picked up a controller, chances are you've dived into the chaotic, character-packed world of Super Smash Bros. Created by the visionary Masahiro Sakurai, this franchise started as a simple fighting game featuring just twelve Nintendo icons. Over the years, it has exploded into one of the most beloved and enduring series in gaming history, with each new installment pushing the boundaries of what a crossover brawl can be.
What makes Smash Bros. so special? It's the sheer joy of seeing Mario, Pikachu, and Link duke it out on familiar stages while remixes of classic tunes play in the background. The mechanics are uniquely addictive, the items add delightful chaos, and the roster keeps growing. With five main entries so far, we've ranked them all—from the least memorable to the absolute best. Spoiler: the top spot might be exactly what you expect.
5. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014)
The fourth entry in the series is, sadly, the most forgettable. Released in 2014, it brought some cool newcomers like Rosalina & Luma, Villager, Pac-Man, and Greninja. But it also cut beloved veterans from Brawl, including Solid Snake, the Ice Climbers, and Pokémon Trainer. The gameplay is solid but unremarkable, and the 3DS version struggled to capture the magic on a small screen. Both versions leaned heavily into multiplayer, leaving single-player fans wanting more. While no Smash game is truly bad, these two have been overshadowed by the underperformance of their consoles and the sheer brilliance of what came next.
4. Super Smash Bros. (1999)
The original game that started it all. With just twelve characters—Mario, Pikachu, Fox, Captain Falcon, and others—it introduced the world to the concept of a Nintendo battle royale. Playing it today feels quaint: the graphics are dated, and the gameplay is far simpler than modern entries. It relies almost entirely on multiplayer, so solo play isn't very engaging. But gather three friends, and it's a perfect nostalgic trip back to the late '90s, reminding us how far the series has come.
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)
The most recent game is also the biggest, boldest, and most ambitious. Ultimate boasts a staggering 89 playable characters, including every fighter from previous games plus newcomers like Steve from Minecraft, King K. Rool, and the Inkling. It's easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and a contender for the best fighting game of the 21st century. The graphics are stunning, the roster is versatile, and the gameplay is fast, loose, and perfectly chaotic. Its single-player mode, World of Light, is a bit bizarre and underwhelming, but everything else is near perfection. Eight years after release, Ultimate remains a competitive powerhouse, much like the most intense thrillers ever made keep audiences on edge.
2. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
Brawl was a defining moment for Nintendo. It expanded the roster with third-party legends like Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog, and its iconic theme song—with those haunting Latin lyrics—became the unofficial anthem of the series. The highlight, though, is the story mode, The Subspace Emissary, which offers a straightforward narrative that forces players through a series of epic battles. Brawl tried many new things, and they all worked perfectly, making it a fan favorite that still holds up today. Its impact is similar to how every SNL season 51 host brings something unique to the table.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
And the winner is Melee. Released for the GameCube in 2001, this game took everything the original did and cranked it to eleven. It introduced faster gameplay, deeper mechanics, and a competitive scene that has thrived for over two decades. The roster expanded to include fan favorites like Marth, Roy, and Mr. Game & Watch. Melee's single-player modes, including Adventure and Event Match, offered plenty of content, but its real legacy is in multiplayer. The game's speed, precision, and technical depth make it a timeless classic that many still consider the pinnacle of the series. It's no wonder that Melee remains a staple at tournaments worldwide, much like endlessly rewatchable detective shows keep us coming back for more.
So there you have it—the definitive ranking of every Super Smash Bros. game. Whether you're a competitive player or a casual fan, each entry has its own charm, but only one can claim the top spot. Which one is your favorite?
