Smash Bros Got Its Name Because Friends \"Smash\" Beef Amongst Themselves

After 25 years, the origin story behind the name "Super Smash Bros." is finally revealed, courtesy of creator Masahiro Sakurai.

Masahiro Sakurai Explains the "Smash Bros." Name

Satoru Iwata's Influence on the Series Title

In a recent YouTube video, Sakurai revealed that the name reflects the game's core concept: friends settling minor disputes. He credits the late Satoru Iwata, former Nintendo president, with a key role in shaping the title.

Sakurai explained that numerous name suggestions were brainstormed, culminating in a meeting with Shigesato Itoi, creator of the Mother/EarthBound series, to finalize the name. Iwata ultimately chose "brothers," explaining that it subtly conveyed a sense of friendly rivalry rather than outright conflict. The characters, though not literally brothers, were portrayed as friends resolving disagreements through playful combat.

Beyond the naming, Sakurai shared personal anecdotes about his relationship with Iwata, including Iwata's direct involvement in programming the original Super Smash Bros. prototype, then known as Dragon King: The Fighting Game, for the Nintendo 64.