Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Receives Its First Patch in Over a Year

Nintendo’s older Switch releases have recently received renewed attention as the company adds improvements for Switch 2, giving fans reason to examine even modest patches more closely. That makes the September 2026 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate notable: version 13.0.5 is the fighter’s first patch since June 2025 and is available now on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems.

A Technical Patch, Not a Competitive Overhaul

Released on September 1, update 13.0.5 addresses a problem involving invalid data being sent or received during online battles. Nintendo has not used this release to adjust the game’s roster, mechanics, or character balance. As a result, competitive players should not expect changes for matchups involving powerful fighters such as Steve from Minecraft, whose strength has remained a major discussion point in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate scene.

The limited scope is consistent with the game’s post-launch support. Ultimate’s final downloadable content update arrived in 2021, but Nintendo has continued issuing occasional maintenance patches. The new release is therefore more important as a sign of continued support than as a major gameplay event.

Why the Update Is Drawing Attention

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launched in 2018 with Nintendo’s broadest fighting-game roster, built around the promise that every fighter would return. Later additions expanded that lineup with characters including Persona 5’s Joker, Banjo-Kazooie, and Sora from Kingdom Hearts. After almost eight years, the game remains a central part of Nintendo’s competitive fighting-game identity, even as its aging roster invites speculation about what comes next.

That speculation has intensified because other older Switch games have recently received larger updates. Pikmin 3 Deluxe added improved visuals and GameShare support for Switch 2, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gained enhanced visuals and eight-player split-screen support on the newer hardware. Ultimate’s patch does not match those upgrades, but its timing has encouraged fans to look for a broader plan.

Possible Next Steps for the Franchise

Rumors of a Nintendo Direct on September 10 have led some fans to wonder whether Ultimate could receive a full Switch 2 Edition upgrade. The current hardware can already run the game in handheld mode as though it were docked on the original Switch, but higher-quality visuals would give Nintendo a clear way to refresh the experience. Additional downloadable fighters have also been suggested by the community as a possible incentive, although no such content has been confirmed.

A new Super Smash Bros. game is another long-term possibility for Switch 2. Nintendo’s next move could involve an enhanced version of Ultimate, a separate sequel, or simply continued maintenance. The 13.0.5 release does not answer that question, but it keeps the franchise in the conversation ahead of potential announcements.

Key points

• Update 13.0.5 launched on September 1, 2026.
• It is the first Super Smash Bros. Ultimate patch since June 2025.
• The release fixes invalid-data behavior during online battles and includes no balance changes.
• Replay data from versions 9.0.0 through 13.0.4 may have compatibility issues after updating.

Update and replay details

Expert View

For the competitive scene, this is a maintenance release rather than a meaningful balance signal: Steve and other established power picks remain unchanged. For Nintendo, however, the patch shows that Ultimate has not been completely left behind while Switch 2 enhancements reach other legacy titles. Until Nintendo confirms an upgrade, new fighters, or a sequel, the safest reading is that version 13.0.5 keeps the platform stable while giving the community another reason to watch the franchise’s next announcement.