The recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked significant excitement, especially with the announcement of GameCube titles being added to Switch Online. Notably, these games will be exclusive to the Switch 2, and several classics are set to launch on day one, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Future updates will bring user-favorite titles like Luigi’s Mansion, Chibi-Robo, and a host of Pokémon games. While the initial lineup is impressive, many fans have noticed the glaring absence of several beloved GameCube classics.
Among the most sought-after titles are Mario Party 4 through 7 and the iconic original Animal Crossing. Yet, one game is notably missing from discussions: Super Smash Bros. Melee. This game, often hailed as not just one of the best on the console but arguably the greatest fighting game of all time, has left fans wondering why it isn’t part of the lineup. Its influence on the genre has lasted over the years, but there are theories as to why Nintendo may be holding off on including it in Switch Online.
The Revolutionary Impact of Super Smash Bros. Melee
From Party Fun to Competitive Fighting
Reflecting on its legacy, Super Smash Bros. Melee stands out as one of the best sequels in gaming history. While its predecessor on the Nintendo 64 offered simple gameplay and limited competitive elements, Melee transformed the experience. Its intuitive movement and control sensitivity were groundbreaking, influencing Nintendo’s design choices in subsequent consoles. This is largely why GameCube controllers have been a staple in Nintendo’s offerings—they are essential for the game’s extensive player community.
The refinement in controls and movement led many players to discover a competitive edge by modifying game rules, essentially elevating Super Smash Bros. Melee into a serious esport. Even before Brawl launched in 2008, Melee carved out its niche as a leading fighting game. It blurred the lines between a competitive fighter and a casual party game, which sparked debates, considering Masahiro Sakurai originally envisioned it as a sociable gaming experience.
Yet, whether played casually or in high-stakes tournaments, the game offered immense enjoyment. For newcomers, the challenge of collecting trophies provided hours of entertainment, a feat few fighting games managed to offer at that time.
The Enduring Super Smash Bros. Melee
Can Smash Ultimate Match Melee’s Legacy?
Critics argue that the inclusion of older titles like Melee on Switch Online is unnecessary given the popularity of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, often regarded as the pinnacle of the series. However, Melee remains a favorite among many, including professional gamers, who appreciate its unparalleled movement mechanics and gameplay quality. Notably, many still believe that its fluidity surpasses that of Ultimate.
The game’s legacy is a significant factor in its enduring appeal—Super Smash Bros. Melee is lauded as the fighting game “Greatest of All Time”due to its vibrant, lasting community. While some competitive games fade over time, Melee thrives, boldly standing against the passage of two decades.
Potential Reasons for Melee’s Absence on Switch 2
A Marketing Dilemma Similar to Call of Duty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvkSVs8f_whttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvkSVs8f_w
In an ideal scenario, Super Smash Bros. Melee would be available on the Switch 2; however, several factors might explain its absence from the announcement. A new entry in the Smash franchise seems inevitable with the launch of Switch 2, especially considering how Smash Ultimate was released just a year after the original Switch.
The core concern lies in game marketing. Should Melee be included on Switch Online, it risks diverting attention from the newest installment, much like the strategy observed in the Call of Duty series where older games are often sidelined to promote new releases. This tendency explains why even the original Smash for N64 isn’t featured on the platform—an odd omission given its significance.
Ultimately, excluding Melee from Switch Online lacks a justified rationale. Given its monumental influence on the fighting game landscape, the decision is puzzling. If classic Mario Kart titles can grace the service, it’s time for Super Smash Bros. Melee to make its well-deserved appearance on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube