A dating application specifically designed for enthusiasts of Super Smash Bros, dubbed “the premium dating app for Smashers,” has hit a significant snag in its development journey. SmashTogether, which piqued interest since its announcement in June 2024, was on the verge of rolling out its beta version this week, generating excitement throughout the gaming community.
However, just one day prior to the long-awaited launch, Nintendo stepped in, leading the app’s creator to announce a cease and desist order that has effectively halted the project (thanks to Automaton).
Several reasons likely contributed to Nintendo’s swift legal action against SmashTogether. Foremost among them is the risk of copyright infringement, especially since the app was intended to unite fans of a game that features beloved and family-friendly characters.
The appetite for such an app was apparent, as the creators boasted about 400 pre-registrations from users enthusiastic about finding fellow fans for both gaming and socializing. Clearly, the potential of SmashTogether generated significant buzz.
Unfortunately, this unexpected turn of events means many fans will miss out on the connections the app could have facilitated. Simply put, Mario fans won’t have the opportunity to immerse themselves in shared gaming experiences, while aficionados of Solid Snake will lack a dedicated space to engage with other fans. And for those enjoying King Dedede’s antics, their browsing will now be stifled.
At this point, there have been no further updates from the SmashTogether team post-cease and desist notification, though inquiries for more information have been made.
Nintendo’s legal team has recently been active, celebrating a notable triumph in combating piracy that they claim benefits the entire gaming industry. They successfully shut down a site that enabled illegal game downloads. Additionally, the company appears to be laser-focused on pursuing action against Palworld, a title that bears striking similarities to the iconic Pokémon franchise.
