Twenty-five years after its debut, the origin story behind the name "Super Smash Bros." is finally revealed by its creator, Masahiro Sakurai.
Sakurai Unveils the "Smash Bros." Naming Process
Super Smash Bros., Nintendo's iconic crossover fighting game, features a diverse cast of characters from across the company's vast library. Despite the name, few characters are actually brothers. So, how did the title come about? Sakurai recently shared the official explanation in his YouTube series.
Sakurai explains that the name reflects the game's core concept: "friends settling minor disagreements." Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata played a key role in the naming process.
Sakurai recounts a brainstorming session with various team members, followed by a meeting with Shigesato Itoi (creator of the Mother/Earthbound series) to finalize the title. Iwata's contribution was crucial: he suggested "brothers," emphasizing the friendly rivalry rather than outright conflict. The implication, according to Iwata, was that these characters, despite not being literal brothers, were settling disputes amongst themselves in a friendly manner.
The video also includes personal anecdotes about Sakurai's relationship with Iwata, including Iwata's direct involvement in programming the initial Super Smash Bros. prototype, then known as Dragon King: The Fighting Game, for the Nintendo 64.
