This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
Original: 【スマブラSP】配信・大会でよく見る設定はなぜ使われているのか｜勝率や視聴者体験を左右する実践的な設定解説
In “Super Smash Bros. SPECIAL (Super Smash Bros. SP/Ultimate)”, there are clearly settings, distribution environment, and controller settings that are often used in tournaments and streaming.
The reason behind this is not just because it looks good, but also to improve the winning rate, make it easier for viewers to see, and ensure fairness.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain settings, reasons, and precautions that are often seen in tournaments and broadcasts based on the latest tournament rules and the actual situation of the community.
Author: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is very popular both as a competition and as a spectator, and one small setting can change the winning rate and the viewing experience.In particular, many of the tournament rules have been established as “unspoken standards,” so knowing them before participating or watching a game can make a difference.”
1. What are the standard game settings (rules) for the tournament?
The rules for the tournament are set with an emphasis on fairness and visibility of the game.
As a general rule,
- Stock 3, time limit 7-8 minutes (standard in many tournaments)
- Item OFF (remove random elements)
- Listed stage selection that eliminates stage advantages and disadvantages
- Final Smash Meter：OFF
- Spirits：OFF
. This is a common process for both offline and online tournaments.
Author: “In tournaments, the rules are such that “player skill itself” is evaluated by reducing random elements and a sense of unfairness.”
2. Controller selection and reasons
There are several controllers that are often seen at tournaments and streams. This is not just a matter of preference, but is also chosen from the viewpoint of comfort, input lag, and inertia.
● Nintendo GameCube controller
This is a traditional “standard” input device in the Smash Bros. series. It is recommended in many tournaments and is said to have low lag and stable operation.
● Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
It is approved for use in official tournaments, and has advantages over Joy-Con in ease of grip, rapid fire accuracy, and ease of handling the trigger. Although it is wireless, some tournaments may require aUSB connection.
● Joy-Con
Joy-Con is also officially allowed, but due to lag and differences in physical button placement, it is not often seen in the top ranks. However, there are a certain number of situations where you can watch it for beginners or on streaming.
Author: “It’s best to choose a controller based on your personal habits and competition standards. Make sure to check in advance which types are allowed at the tournament.”
3. Why custom settings and button placement are important
Smash Bros. SP can be played with the default button layout, but higher-ranking players tend to use customized settings. The reason for this is clear.
● Jump settings (Tap Jump ON/OFF)
There is an opinion that by setting jumps to be performed using only buttons, it is easier to prevent erroneous operations and deviations in mid-air movements. Many top players turn off Tap Jump or clearly separate the jump buttons.
● Optimize button usage
Professional players adjust their button assignments to optimize shield/jump/attack inputs. For example, assigning the ZR trigger to the shield will stabilize guard behavior.
Author: “In Super Smash Bros. Special, where millimeter-level differences in the control system affect fighting style, there are many cases where these detailed settings are directly linked to victory.”
4. Display settings commonly seen in streaming
The settings for broadcasts and tournament broadcasts have been devised to make them easier for viewers to view.
● Damage % (damage display)
Damage values are always Display ON by default. This is because it makes it easier for viewers to understand when they are within shooting range.
● Ranking/score display OFF
There are many rules that turn off unnecessary HUDs (superfluous displays) during battle stages, making the play screen cleaner and easier to understand for viewers.
Author: “Streamers and tournament organizers are particular about creating a screen layout that is easy to convey to viewers.It is important to balance playability and visibility.”
5. Notes on communication and settings
In online matches, **communication settings and line quality are also treated as “part of the settings”**.
Some online competitions set Ping value and line speed standards as conditions for participation
- Ping less than 20
- Download speed 30Mbps or more
- 有ķ or 5GHz帯 Wi‑Fi
are specified.
This is to reduce the risk of lag or behavior discrepancies due to differences in line quality. In online tournaments, such conditions are increasingly specified in the streaming rules.
Author: “In online tournaments, the quality of the communication environment, even more than the settings, affects the winning rate and the quality of the viewing experience. Be sure to check the connection status before participating.”
6. Importance of tournament rules and settings
The tournament rules specify in detail the usable settings, prohibited settings, and option restrictions.
Of particular importance is
- Controllers with Turbo / Macro functions are prohibited (to prevent unauthorized automatic operation)
- Convention staff will check for configuration errors and violations
- Controller settings may be confirmed and declared in advance
.
These are established to maintain fairness, and are directly linked to the quality of distribution and smoothness of tournament progress.
Author: “If you want to win at a tournament, the first thing you need to do is understand the tournament rules and prepare.” Be careful, as there are surprisingly many cases of disqualification due to setting errors.
Summary | Settings are directly connected to winning rate, distribution, and fairness
The settings commonly seen in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are more than just conventions.
- Controller selection
- Button placement/input optimization
- Quality of online settings
- Visibility of screen display
- Comply with tournament rules
All of these affect playability, winning rates, and viewing experience.
Author: “If you want to seriously enjoy Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it is essential to think about optimizing the settings. Even on the viewer side, just knowing these rules and settings will help you deeply understand the content of the broadcast.”
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