North America is in for a treat with its first-ever officially-licensed championship circuit for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee. This is made possible through a partnership between Nintendo and Panda Global. Matches are expected to start in 2022, with more details to be released soon.
The Panda Global Super Smash Bros. circuit will be open to eligible players who think they have what it takes to go against the best-of-the-best in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch or the Super Smash Bros. Melee on Nintendo GameCube.
For this new championship circuit, there will be online qualifying rounds for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Players can also show their skills through in-person qualifiers on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Though this is dependent on large-scale events being allowed. Those who win the virtual and in-person qualifying rounds get the chance to compete in the grand finals and go for the championship.
For now, the matches are limited to those in the US. However, both Panda Global and Nintendo did say that once international travel and in-person events are permitted, players from Canada and Mexico should be able to join.
In a statement, Nintendo of America Senior Director of Product Marketing Bill Trinen revealed that the partnership with Panda Global is the next step in its effort to have a fun, consistent, and welcoming competitive environment. He added that they are proud to partner with Panda Global to create a space where everyone can test and hone their competitive skills.
Panda Global CEO Dr. Alan Bunney said one of their key missions was to serve the communities in new and exciting ways. He went on to say that with this partnership, they are giving players in North America the chance to be part of an officially-licensed Super Smash Bros. circuit.
Learn more about this new championship circuit here.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was released in 2018 on Nintendo Switch. Super Smash Bros. Melee was launched in 2001, exclusive to GameCube.
