Celebrating 25 years since its debut, the Nintendo crossover fighting game, Super Smash Bros., finally has an official explanation for its name, courtesy of its creator, Masahiro Sakurai.
Sakurai Unveils the "Smash Bros." Story
Super Smash Bros., a beloved crossover featuring characters from Nintendo's vast game library, has a name that might seem puzzling. While a few characters share a familial bond, many are not brothers, and some aren't even male. So, why "Super Smash Bros."? Sakurai recently revealed the origin story in his YouTube series.
Sakurai explained that the name reflects the game's core concept: "friends settling minor disagreements." He credits the late Satoru Iwata, former Nintendo president, with a key role in solidifying the title.
Sakurai recounted a brainstorming session with various team members, including Mother/Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi, to choose a name. Iwata ultimately selected "brothers," explaining that while the characters weren't literally siblings, the term conveyed the nuance of friendly competition rather than outright conflict. The implication is one of playful rivalry amongst friends, not bitter enemies.
Sakurai also shared personal anecdotes about his relationship with Iwata, including Iwata's direct involvement in programming the original Super Smash Bros. prototype, then known as Dragon King: The Fighting Game, for the Nintendo 64.
