What is the Oldest Smash Character?
The Super Smash Bros. series has a rich history, spanning across multiple games and platforms. With the latest installment, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the game now boasts a massive roster of characters from various Nintendo franchises, as well as third-party characters. Among this extensive list, there’s one character that stands out as the oldest Smash character: Mr. Game & Watch.
History of Mr. Game & Watch
Mr. Game & Watch is an iconic character from the original Game & Watch series of handheld electronic games developed and published by Nintendo. He made his debut in the early 1980s, with the first Game & Watch game, "Ball," released in April 1980. The series was incredibly popular, with over 43 titles released between 1980 and 1991. Each game featured simple yet addictive gameplay, with many focusing on sports, racing, and puzzle-solving.
Mr. Game & Watch is a character from these classic games, designed as a generic representation of the various Game & Watch units. He has since become an iconic symbol of the Nintendo brand, appearing in several Super Smash Bros. games, including Melee, Brawl, and Ultimate.
Other Old Smash Characters
While Mr. Game & Watch is the oldest Smash character, other classic Nintendo characters have made their way into the series as well. Here are a few notable examples:
| Character | Game(s) | Release Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong | Donkey Kong (Arcade), Donkey Kong Country | 1981 (Arcade), 1994 (SNES) |
| Mario | Super Mario Bros. (NES), Super Mario World | 1985 (NES), 1990 (SNES) |
| Link | The Legend of Zelda (NES), A Link to the Past | 1986 (NES), 1991 (SNES) |
| Yoshi | Super Mario World, Yoshi’s Island | 1990 (SNES), 1995 (SNES) |
| Kirby | Kirby’s Dream Land | 1992 (GB) |
Key Features and Strengths
As the oldest Smash character, Mr. Game & Watch brings a unique set of abilities and strengths to the battlefield. His playstyle is centered around simple yet effective attacks, taking advantage of his compact design and quick movements. His Special Moves include:
• Fire Bar: Mr. Game & Watch hurls a bar at opponents, dealing moderate damage and slightly pushing them back.
• Oil Panic: He releases a wave of oil that covers the entire battlefield, making it harder for opponents to recover from a knockback.
• Table Flip: A sudden flip of the game and watch unit, causing moderate damage and knockback to nearby opponents.
Conclusion
Mr. Game & Watch is the oldest Smash character, hailing from the classic Game & Watch series of the early 1980s. As a nod to the company’s rich history, Nintendo included this character in their flagship fighting game, giving him a unique set of abilities and strengths. The series has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and Mr. Game & Watch remains an integral part of the Smash Bros. legacy.