Nintendo Crushes the Matchmaking for 'Super Smash Bros' enthusiasts

New Slant: Nintendo Demolishes the Dream of a Super Smash Bros Dating App

In the realm of abstract unions, a dating app tailored for Super Smash Bros enthusiasts seemed like a spectacular idea. And Nintendo? Well, it only had one response – a rock-hard 'no.'

The charging bull of the gaming world didn't conceal its annoyance when cunning fans proclaimed the upcoming launch of one of the weirdest unlicensed venture I've ever laid eyes on: none other than a rompily named SmashTogether.

Initially raised as a joke, the app was all set to boldly go where no other dating app has dared: the twisted, high-stakes world of Super Smash Bros dating. With the tagline, "the premium dating app for Smashers," the app was touted as a revolutionary matchmaking masterpiece. Armed with an alleged "smart matchmaking engine" that promised to-the-T compatibility, SmashTogether aimed to unite the most sultry and geeky relationships born from the fertile grounds of one of the world's most beloved video games.

But in June 2024, this audacious dating app suddenly became a reality – or at least, it seemed so. The app's developers audaciously announced its release on Twitter and even teased a possible beta launch[2][3].

Unsurprisingly, a skeptical cynicism greeted SmashTogether like a cold shower on a sunny day; some dismissed it as a joke, while others hailed it as the future of matchmaking. But eventually, with the confident promise of an upcoming launch, the app seemed set to conquer the world of dating and gaming.

Or so it thought.

The stench of impending doom filled the air in May 2025 when the app's developers revealed that Nintendo had delivered a cease-and-desist letter mere hours before the planned beta launch. Just like that, the lights went out for SmashTogether[2].

There are two sides to every story, and Nintendo's history suggests that it doesn't always play fair. In the past, the company has been accused of squashing the dreams of fans and modders with its heavy-handed legal threats. But is this little-loved dating app an exception?

Let's delve a tad deeper into Super Smash Bros' illustrious history. Known to its fans as simply Smash, this iconic series has been lighting up screens since 1999. Born to celebrate the transition of Nintendo to the 3D era, Smash brings together a motley crew of popular characters from other video games, from the hair-raising Super Mario to the curly-haired Link from Zelda, and even the ever-zealous Donkey Kong.

With its strong following of young players, Smash's peculiar dating app doesn't exactly fit the bill as the world's most niche dating platform – especially since it carries the burden of Nintendo's prestigious intellectual property. There's also the potential reputational risk if anything unsavory were to happen, causing the company's name to be muddied in any media fallout.

But that's not all. SmashTogether's developers claimed that a heady 400 people had pre-registered for the beta version, some no doubt lamenting the loss of their chance to find true love in the arms of another Smash swinger[2]. If you're smitten with the idea of getting into such a passionate love triangle, you'll be glad to know that preorders for Nintendo's Switch 2 are now open. And if you're still in the mood for some gaming news, don't forget to check out the debate over the stolen art in Marathon[1].

References:

SmashTogether Dating App Shuts Down: All We Know
Inside SmashTogether: The Super Smash Bros Dating App That Almost Was
Nintendo Sends Cease-and-Desist to SmashTogether, Super Smash Bros Dating App
Nintendo Kills Off SmashTogether, the Super Smash Bros Dating App
Nintendo Takes Down SmashTogether, a Dating App for Super Smash Bros Fans
The audacious SmashTogether dating app, inspired by the popular Super Smash Bros video game, aimed to redefine matchmaking with its 'smart matchmaking engine' and laid claim to being a 'premium dating app for Smashers.'
Armed with an alleged "smart matchmaking engine" that promised compatibility, SmashTogether sought to unite passionate relationships from the Smash Bros community, embracing the colorful and creative designs of its characters in its UI and poster.
To the dismay of potential users, the app's developers announced the sudden shutdown of the app, citing a cease-and-desist letter from Nintendo, thus ending the dreams of 400 hopeful users eager to find love within the world of 3D gaming and entertainment.
As the debate over the SmashTogether dating app continues, some question if Nintendo's actions were merely a protection of its intellectual property or an attempt to squash innovations within pop-culture, including 3D design and social-media platforms.
In an effort to fill the void left by SmashTogether, fans and developers can indulge in Nintendo's growing library of 3D games, or decide to create their own dating apps inspired by other beloved video games, embracing the creative spirit of design.
As the Super Smash Bros community moves forward, enthusiasts can turn their attention to upcoming entertainment events and discussions related to the series, exploring all aspects of the art, culture, and fandom that surround this beloved video game franchise.