Smash Bros. Ultimate adds Joker, stage builder

Nintendo has confirmed that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s first DLC fighter, Persona 5’s Joker, will be released on April 18 as part of the game’s 3.0 update.

The update will also add a stage builder, plus the ability to edit video, Nintendo said. Both stages and video can be shared via a new Smash World service for the Nintendo Switch Online smart phone app.

Nintendo will also release a selection of Mii Fighter costumes, featuring gear based on the Persona and Sonic the Hedgehog series, for $0.75 (£0.70) each.

Challenger Pack 1, which contains Joker, the Mementos stage and Persona series music can be purchased for $5.99 (£5.39). Alternatively, a $24.99 (£22.49) Fighters Pass will give players access to the Joker content along with four future DLC character sets as they release.

Stage Builder allows players to create new battle arenas by using in-game tools to add and move scenery. By playing in handheld mode, the touch screen can be used to “freely draw and create” to decorate stages further, Nintendo said.

Designed stages will be available to play in a new tab on the Stage Select screen and can be shared online via the new Smash World service for the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.

Edit Video allows players to splice together Smash Bros. Ultimate video content that has been saved to a Nintendo Switch console. Subtitles and sound effects can be added to personalise the video, which can then be exported and shared through the new Smash World service for the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.

In all, Nintendo intends to release five DLC characters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as part of the game’s season pass. The first and only character to be revealed thus far is Persona 5’s Joker.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate has sold faster than any other Nintendo home console game ever, the company has claimed, clearing 12 million units since its December 7, 2018 release.