How Much Does Super Smash Bros. Cost? A Deep Dive into the Price of Brawling

The answer to “How much does Super Smash Bros. cost?” isn’t as straightforward as grabbing a cartridge off the shelf. It’s a layered question that depends on which Super Smash Bros. game you’re after, which platform you want to play it on, and whether you’re looking for the base game or all the downloadable content (DLC). Let’s break it down, starting with a comprehensive price overview:

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch): This is the current flagship title. A new copy typically costs around $60 USD. However, keep an eye out for sales, as Nintendo games do occasionally get discounted. The Fighters Pass Vol. 1 (featuring characters like Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and Byleth) costs around $25 USD, and Fighters Pass Vol. 2 (featuring Min Min, Steve & Alex, Sephiroth, Pyra & Mythra, and Kazuya Mishima) also costs around $30 USD. Individual DLC characters are typically priced around $6 USD each. Purchasing everything, including the base game and all DLC, will run you close to $120 USD.

• Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: While no longer actively supported with updates, physical copies can still be found. Prices vary greatly depending on condition and vendor, but expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 USD for a used copy. DLC characters like Ryu, Cloud, Corrin, and Bayonetta are no longer available for purchase through the eShop as the Wii U’s online services are now defunct, making physical copies with pre-installed DLC or secondary market DLC codes (if you can even find them) potentially valuable.

• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS: Similar to the Wii U version, this game’s price relies on the secondary market. Expect to pay between $20 and $40 USD for a used physical copy. DLC characters are also no longer available for purchase.

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo Wii): Another classic on the used market. Prices usually range from $15 to $30 USD.

• Super Smash Bros. Melee (Nintendo GameCube): This legendary title remains incredibly popular in the competitive scene. Expect to pay a premium for it, typically between $50 and $80 USD, or even higher depending on condition and completeness (box and manual included).

• Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo 64): The original! Usually priced between $30 and $60 USD, depending on condition.

Beyond the game itself, remember to factor in the cost of the console required to play it! A Nintendo Switch OLED model will set you back around $350 USD, while a used Wii U or GameCube could be cheaper, but also come with the risks of buying used electronics. You will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to enjoy online play, which costs $20 annually. This is essential if you plan on battling other players online in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Furthermore, consider the cost of controllers. Many competitive players swear by the GameCube controller, which requires an adapter to use with the Switch (about $20 – $30 USD).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Super Smash Bros. Costs

1. Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate worth buying all the DLC for?

It depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you’re a completionist or enjoy playing as a variety of characters, the Fighters Passes are a great value. The DLC characters are generally well-designed and offer unique gameplay experiences. However, if you only play casually or have a few favorite characters, individual character purchases might be more economical. Consider watching gameplay videos of each DLC character before making a decision.

2. Where can I find the cheapest Super Smash Bros. games?

The used market is your best bet for older titles. Check online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Local game stores and pawn shops can also be good sources. For Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, keep an eye out for sales on the Nintendo eShop or at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

3. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online. This allows you to battle friends and strangers from around the world. Local multiplayer, of course, doesn’t require a subscription.

4. Are there any free Super Smash Bros. games?

There are no official, completely free Super Smash Bros. games. However, some fan-made fighting games offer similar gameplay and are free to download. Be cautious when downloading unofficial software, as it may contain malware.

5. What’s the difference between the Fighters Pass Vol. 1 and Vol. 2?

The main difference is the characters included. Each Fighters Pass contains a different set of five or six DLC characters. Vol. 1 includes Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and Byleth. Vol. 2 includes Min Min, Steve & Alex, Sephiroth, Pyra & Mythra, and Kazuya Mishima. The stages and music tracks that come with each character are also unique to each pass.

6. Can I use a GameCube controller on my Nintendo Switch?

Yes, but you’ll need a GameCube controller adapter. These adapters are readily available online and allow you to connect up to four GameCube controllers to your Nintendo Switch. Many competitive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players prefer the GameCube controller due to its familiarity and precision.

7. Is it worth buying a Wii U or GameCube just to play their respective Smash Bros. games?

This is a tough call. If you’re a die-hard Super Smash Bros. fan and want to experience the historical evolution of the series, it might be worth it. However, keep in mind that the Wii U and GameCube are outdated consoles with limited functionality beyond their respective Smash Bros. titles. A Nintendo Switch with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a much wider range of games and features.

8. How much does it cost to rent Super Smash Bros. games?

Game rental services like GameFly might offer Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but availability can vary. The cost will depend on the specific rental plan you choose. However, older titles are unlikely to be available.

9. Can I play Super Smash Bros. on PC?

Officially, no. There are no official Super Smash Bros. games available for PC. However, you can play older titles like Melee and Brawl on PC using emulators. Be aware that emulating games may require a powerful computer and raise ethical concerns about copyright infringement if you don’t own the original game.

10. Are special editions of Super Smash Bros. games worth the extra cost?

Special editions often include bonus content like art books, soundtracks, or unique packaging. Whether they’re worth the extra cost depends on your personal preferences. If you’re a collector or a huge fan of the series, you might find the bonus content appealing. However, if you’re only interested in playing the game, the standard edition is usually sufficient. Special editions of older titles, like Melee, can be very valuable.

11. Does the price of Super Smash Bros. games vary by region?

Yes, prices can vary slightly depending on your region. Currency exchange rates, import taxes, and local market conditions can all affect the price. Check local retailers and online marketplaces for the most accurate pricing in your region.

12. What are the ongoing costs associated with Super Smash Bros.?

Beyond the initial purchase price, consider the ongoing costs of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (if you want to play online), potential replacement controllers, and the desire to buy new games for your console. If you participate in tournaments, there may be entry fees and travel expenses to consider. While these are not strictly Super Smash Bros. related, the game may motivate you to buy them.