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The Complete Smash Brothers Roster: A Deep Dive into Nintendo’s Infamous Fighting Game Lineup

Last Updated: April 2025

Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series has become a cornerstone of competitive and casual gaming worldwide since its debut in 1999. With each title, the roster has evolved into one of the most diverse and iconic in gaming history—featuring characters spanning decades, genres, and franchises. Whether you’re a veteran smash fan or new to the franchise, understanding the Smash Bros roster is essential to appreciating its global appeal and deep mechanics.

Understanding the Context

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the current Smash Bros roster (as of Smash Bros. Ultimate, 2024), highlight legendary characters, and explore how Netflix’s influence shaped modern character inclusion.

Overview of the Smash Bros Roster

The Smash Bros roster includes over 70 playable characters across five main titles: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, X, MK, and Ultimate. Each character brings unique playstyles, lifespans, and move sets, making every match a dynamic blend of strategy and flair.

Key Insights

Nintendo intentionally mixes old and new, lightweight fighters with heavyweights, balancing accessibility with elite depth. From star superheroes to indie darlings, the roster reflects Nintendo’s decades-long dedication to bringing beloved IPs together in battle.

Legendary and Core Characters

1. Mario & Link — The Dream Team
No Smash roster is complete without the fan-favorites. Mario and Link serve as the series’s backbone, representing its origins and enduring success. Both boast distinct move sets—Mario’s speed and powervs. Link’s precision and agility—fueling countless competitive bronze matches and streaming moments.

2. Pikachu & Sonic — Cross-Generational Icons
Electrifying and fast, Pikachu and Sonic bring high-octane energy and flashy moves. Their retro-inspired designs and ring abilities add vibrant chaos, making them fan-favorite inclusions among crossover audiences.

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Final Thoughts

3. Master Chief & Cloud Strife – Sci-Fi Titans
Star Wars Project: Battlegrounds and Final Fantasy XV contributions shine through Master Chief (Halo) and Cloud Strife (FFVII). Their hybrid melee approaches and disciplined AI make them fan-favorite esports choices.

Modern Mainstays & Competitive Heavyweights

1. Bayonetta & Samus — Gothic Action & Space Marine
Bayonetta’s upwardsächlich—punch combos and supernatural attacks blend style with combat precision, while Samus’s grappling mastery turns her into a deadly brawler. Both exemplify modern narrative depth fused with gameplay.

2. Ridley & Fox – Metal Gear Legacy
Ridley brings aggressive metal-slug grit and powerful up-close hits. His scissor-swing and satellite firepower make him a nightmare in tight fights. His Mini Mii satellite adds playful chaos, appealing to everyone from casual fans to competitive loops.

3. Pichu & Aero – Pokémon Lightning & Wind
Pichu dazzles with rapid bursts of electricity and dynamic timming, while Aero uses blade-based aerial control and aerodynamics for high-speed duels. Their design pays homage to Pokémon’s fiery folklore.

Recent Additions & Netflix Influence

In recent years, Nintendo has embraced crossover collaborations, heavily influenced by their Netflix partnership. Beginning with Smash Ultimate, select characters from popular Netflix shows entered the roster, widening the game’s appeal to broader audiences.

Tech mario’s final sidekick Tech Pac-Man and Weebs wrestler Hikaru Shida’s visual crossover designs reflect cultural crossover.
Beyond’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s” inspired Freddy claim crossover posters, though officially still in development status.
While no full character has been added officially through Netflix so far (2024), standalone DLC content and fan-designed “mêtes” (mash-up costumes) show how Nintendo experimented with cross-universe integration.