Overnight, on May 30, 2019, Nintendo released a brand-new Super Smash Bros Ultimate update. It’s a doozy, too. Skip to the end of this guide to read through the full list of Super Smash Bros Ultimate 3.1.0 update patch notes. If you’d rather stick around for a while, though, you can also read through some of the more pressing additions and changes in the patch notes highlights below. With the introduction of Super Smash Bros Ultimate VR support, Super Smash Bros Ultimate amiibo Battle Arenas, and amiibo Journeys, the Smash Ultimate 3.1.0 update should be one to remember.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate 3.1.0 Update Patch Notes | Highlights
Plenty of new features and changes have been made thanks to the latest Super Smash Bros Ultimate update. As stated above, we’ve got Super Smash Bros Ultimate in a whole new dimension thanks to the ability to use the game now with the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. You can also do more with amiibos, too, such as send them on journeys online and fight against other amiibo Figure Players (FPs) in the Battle Arena. Moreover, plenty of balance adjustments have been made to various fighters as well as some general fixes.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate VR Support
After you download and install Super Smash Bros Ultimate version 3.1.0, you will be able to play the game in VR thanks to the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Unfortunately, this VR mode is limited to single player offline only. Head into Games & More and you’ll now see a little VR option in the top-right corner of the screen. Jump into this mode and slide your Switch into the Labo VR goggles.
It is only available to use in timed, limited, single player offline battles. Essentially, the camera will zoom in on the battle, but you will be able to view freely to the side, above, below, and behind the standard Smash Ultimate viewpoint (it doesn’t seem as though you can look behind the stages as they are presented normally, rather what’s actually in front of them). The mode isn’t compatible with all stages, however. Now you can see a bunch of stages in a lot more detail. You might be surprised to find how much detail has gone into all of them. You will even be able to fight against up to three CPU fighters in VR mode, not just watch CPU battles with a cool new viewpoint.
Amiibo Journeys
Thanks to the new update, you can now do a little more with your amiibo. You can send your amiibo Figure Players on Journeys online in order for them to earn more XP and level up. Your Switch will need to remain online in order for the Journey to finish. You cannot put your Switch into sleep mode, else the journey will end. Your amiibo will fight other characters and you can watch what happens, the better your amiibo does, the better your rewards will be. Unfortunately, it does not happen in the background and is a slow process. You can also use amiibo fighters in Battle Arenas with friends online as you would in offline multiplayer.
Character Changes and Fixes
Super Smash Bros Ultimate fighters have been altered for balance adjustments and some general fixes have been made across the board. In terms of character alterations for buffs and nerfs, plenty has been changed. Pichu, for example, who you will typically find takes a spot towards the top of tier lists, has been nerfed rather dramatically. Pichu should now be easier to hit and will deal more damage to itself over its entire moveset. Peach and Daisy have been nerfed overall, too, with more vulnerability added and general launch distances shortened.
Captain Falcon, meanwhile, who tends to populate the bottom-end of tier lists, has been buffed (as if that was possible). Captain Falcon’s Forward Air Attack, for example, has had its high-damage range increased. His Side Special is now quicker and stronger, making it so any hit enemies will now take longer than before to move again.
Little Mac, another fighter who lingers towards the tail-end of any tier list, has been improved. He is less vulnerable from enemy attacks while attacking now. His attack range has been increased, and more. You can find the full list of character balance adjustments and changes via a link in the patch notes below.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate 3.1.0 Update Patch Notes
The full Super Smash Bros Ultimate 3.1.0 update patch notes are as follows, courtesy of Nintendo:
- Offline
- You can use the Toy-Con VR Goggles to enjoy Smash in VR mode via the Games & More menu.
- VR mode is a single-player experience only.
- The Toy-Con VR Goggles are sold separately as part of the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit or the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit – Starter Set + Blaster.
- You can use the Toy-Con VR Goggles to enjoy Smash in VR mode via the Games & More menu.
- Online
- FPs can be used in Battle Arenas.
- An option to send amiibo out on journeys has been added, through which FPs go on a journey to train via the internet. You can find it via Games & More → amiibo → Send on a Journey.
- Some of the preferred rules for Quickplay battles have been adjusted.
- General
- Game balance adjustments have been made.
- Several issues have been fixed to improve gameplay experience.
You can find the full list of character changes by following this link.
Switch Releases 2019
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What Switch Owners Can Look Forward To in 2019
How long has it been since your last rooftop party? Are you still rocking Smash? Are you looking for something new to take with you to the graveyard, dentist's office, or wherever else electronics are welcome? Venture forward and see what Switch owners have in store in 2019. -
Nintendo Labo VR
Prepare to get intimately close with your Nintendo Switch with the launch of Labo VR! While it's unclear if the cardboard setup will work with third-party VR titles, you'll at least know that Nintendo has something charming and disposable prepared for this fourth Toy-Con release. -
BOX BOY! + BOX GIRL!
Hal's other cute and simple mascot makes the jump from 3DS to Switch in Box Boy! + Box Girl! The series is about puzzle platforming by extending your square frame out into would-be Tetris pieces until you can move forward. Releasing in April, you won't have to wait long to see what's at end of this monochrome world. -
Super Mario Maker 2
There are regular Nintendo fans and then there are those that bought a Wii U specifically to play Mario Maker. Whether you're looking to build elaborate death traps or just play through the thousands of user creations, Mario Maker 2 looks to be the follow-up that every fan of the original has been dying for. -
Dragon Quest Builders 2
If you prefer Slimes to Goombas, Dragon Quest Builders 2 has your back. Taking the famous Japanese RPG series into the realm of Minecraft, this sequel has already seen success from its Japanese launch. What's the coolest feature? A retro-inspired fast travel map that hearkens back to the roots of the series. -
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem once again hits the big time with Three Houses, an original adventure coming on Switch. Seemingly built in the mold of Fire Emblem Fates without releasing in three separate parts, you'll be choosing between kingdoms and tactically taking on their evil adversaries. -
Astral Chain
The prolific developers at Platinum Games are at it again, bringing a futuristic space cop story to its tried and true action formula. With mechs, a rainbow of hairstyles on the cast and plenty of neon lights, this could be another standout of the stylish action genre. -
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
Everyone is here! OK, not Mario, but every Marvel hero returns in Ultimate Alliance 3. Developed by Team Ninja, this action RPG looks to be a more worthy successor to the original than the lackluster first sequel. It's good to see Wolvie and the X-Gang hanging out in the greater Marvel canon once again. -
Daemon X Machina
Switching back to mechs, Daemon X Machina has made headlines at several past Nintendo Directs for looking like a return to a Zone of the Enders-style experience. The demo wasn't universally praised, but there's plenty of time for everything to come together before its scheduled release. -
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Are you still hungry for more Metroidvania after running through Dead Cells or Hollow Knight? Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night brings the genre back to its roots by upping the vampires and the developer's pedigree. Even though it is from the mind behind Castlevania, can this retro revival stand out in the crowd? -
Pokemon Sword and Shield
After what feels like 3,000 years, a mainline Pokemon RPG is finally launching on Nintendo's home console. Sword and Shield bring the action to Pokemon's facsimile of England but otherwise looks to stick to what's worked in the past. Remember, Scorbunny is the best starter and we will hear nothing different.
