Oh boy. The Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 update (otherwise known as the Smash Bros Ultimate 1.2 update) is here and ready to ring the changes. There are character nerfs and buffs galore, as well as an online matchmaking fix, and even a difficulty change for challengers approaching. So, if you want to know what’s changed in the new Smash Ultimate update, it’s all here in the Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 patch notes.
Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 Patch Notes – Online Changes and Matchmaking
Smash Ultimate is great but, as of yet, the online component still feels a little… unstable. Thankfully, Nintendo has instantly addressed this within the first week of release. The “stability of the synchronous connection” has been improved. In English: you’ll be getting a far smoother online experience without having to tinker with routers, DNS settings, MTUs, and all the rest of it.
Additionally, those looking for one-on-one Final Destination matches or, simply, matches that aren’t filled with items and other chaotic elements, will able to breathe a little easier with the new Smash Ultimate update. That’s because “Preferred Rules will be prioritized more.” Phew. My PokeBall fest will rage on regardless.
Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 Patch Notes – Challengers Approaching Difficulty
Yes, you can replay challengers approaching in Smash Ultimate as much as you like, but some of the difficulty spikes when new characters rear their ugly head (I’m looking at you, Ness) are downright brutal. Nintendo has dialled it back a little, meaning you should be able to unlock and defeat characters far more quickly than before. That’s probably for the best.
Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 Patch Notes – Character Nerfs and Buffs
We don’t know the extent to which these characters have changed just yet (nor whether they’re nerfs, buffs, or both) but Nintendo has kindly revealed which Smash fighters have undergone changes with the latest update. They’re as follows:
- Donkey Kong
- Duck Hunt
- Greninja
- Ice Climbers
- Isabelle
- Kirby
- Link
- Luigi
- Olimar
- PAC-MAN
- Toon Link
- Villager
- Young Ling
Want specifics? You’re going to have to try them out for yourself, unfortunately.
Smash Ultimate 1.2.0 Patch Notes
The following is taken in full from the Nintendo Support site:
- Offline Gameplay
- Adjusted difficulty of approaching challengers.
- Online Gameplay
- When matchmaking in Quickplay, the Format setting of your Preferred Rules will be prioritized more. This may cause matchmaking to take more time. Also, there is no guarantee that matchmaking will be done exactly as shown in the set Preferred Rules.
- Increased the stability of the synchronous connection within Battle Arenas.
NOTE: Online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Misc.
- Game balance adjustments.
- Various gameplay fixes.
- The following fighters had specific adjustments and changes:
- Donkey Kong, Link, Kirby, Luigi, Ice Climbers, Young Link, Olimar, Toon Link, Villager, Greninja, PAC-MAN, Duck Hunt, and Isabelle