Mario
Balanced plumber who uses fireballs, jumping attacks, and reliable close-range moves.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Stick | Move and aim attacks |
|---|---|
A | Perform normal attacks |
B | Use the character's special move |
Control Stick Up | Jump |
Z | Shield |
L | Shield |
R | Shield |
Control notes
The Nintendo 64 controller's C buttons also provide jump inputs.
Button functions can vary slightly with control configuration.
How it plays
How does Super Smash Bros. play?
Players choose a character and fight on platform-filled stages. A character's damage percentage rises when attacks connect; higher damage makes the character easier to launch. Victory usually comes from knocking opponents off the screen, while stock and timed rules determine the match format.
Single-player play includes a structured 1P mode with battles, bonus challenges, and a final encounter. Versus mode supports up to four players, with selectable stock, time, team, and item settings. Characters have normal attacks, special moves, shields, grabs, jumps, and recovery options, while items can change the pace of a match.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Smash Bros.?
Stay near the center of the stage when possible, because recovering from the edge becomes harder as damage increases. Learn each character's recovery move and avoid wasting jumps before returning to the platform.
Use shields and grabs to punish predictable attacks. Items are useful, but opponents can also turn them against you. In multiplayer, watch the whole stage rather than focusing only on one rival, and use high-damage attacks to create launch opportunities.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Luigi
Mario's unlockable brother, with a different jump and a powerful, unpredictable Super Jump Punch.
Donkey Kong
Heavy fighter with strong attacks, high launching power, and slower movement.
Link
Hero of Hyrule who combines a sword with a boomerang, bombs, and a bow.
Samus
Armored bounty hunter who controls space with projectiles and a charged beam.
Yoshi
Dinosaur fighter with unusual jumps, egg attacks, and a distinctive shield.
Kirby
Light fighter who can copy an opponent's neutral special move.
Fox
Fast space pilot with a blaster, reflector, and strong aerial mobility.
Pikachu
Quick Pokémon fighter with electric attacks and excellent recovery.
Captain Falcon
Fast unlockable racer with powerful close-range attacks and the Falcon Punch.
Ness
Unlockable psychic fighter using PK Fire, PK Thunder, and strong throws.
Jigglypuff
Unlockable Pokémon with multiple jumps and the sleep-inducing Rest attack.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockClear 1P mode with the eight starting characters to unlock Luigi and the Mushroom Kingdom stage.
Documented unlockClear 1P mode on Normal difficulty with three stock, without continuing, to unlock Ness.
Documented unlockClear 1P mode in under 20 minutes to unlock Captain Falcon.
Documented unlockClear 1P mode on any difficulty to unlock Jigglypuff.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the Control Stick to influence recovery direction after being launched.
- 2
Higher damage is not itself a loss; the important danger is being knocked beyond the blast line.
- 3
In team battles, avoid striking allies and use items when opponents are grouped together.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A highly accessible four-player fighter whose simple controls conceal considerable spacing and recovery depth.
Its small roster and limited modes feel modest today, but the original crossover concept remains distinctive.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0