Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has received a surprise update. In a tweet, series creator and director Masahiro Sakurai announced the update, mentioning that 1 on one online connection may be slightly better. Version 8.one.0 also comes with other nice quality-of-life changes.

What's interesting nigh this update is that it came without whatever warning whatsoever. Generally, Smash updates are released following an announcement in a Nintendo Direct, but this received no such fanfare or prior notice, making this a pleasant surprise for fans. Here's what the patch adds and changes.

First and foremost, the online experience has been adapted. While there are no specific details regarding what changes were made, many players are reporting a slightly amend connection speed while online. Top Smash players like Salem and Mew2King hypothesize that online play has effectually one to 2 fewer frames of input delay. While ane to ii frames doesn't audio like much, it actually substantially affects how fighting games are played. Fighting games (especially at higher levels) require firsthand inputs in society to react to what the opponent is doing. This is especially true for players who use Ryu or Ken, every bit delayed inputs could severely hamper their neutral and combo game.

Ken fighting Luigi in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

The patch notes also mention that "future investigations and adjustments to Online way are expected." While this seems like a relatively innocuous line, information technology's a reason for Nail players to gloat. Throughout its history, the game has had a rather poor human relationship with online play. Compared to other fighting games on the market,Smash'due south internet connection has been notoriously unstable. Thus, this endeavour put forth by Nintendo is a step in the right direction.

Another small adjustment towards online is the entry GSP (Global Boom Power) needed to achieve Aristocracy Boom has been modified. Basically, information technology's easier for players online to get characters into Elite Smash.

This unexpected update also came with some phase changes equally well, the nigh noticeable beingness the add-on of an entirely new stage: Small Battlefield. This is almost exactly like regular Battlefield but with a lower ceiling and no top platform. Players will besides be able to set up Small Battlefield as a preferred stage when searching for Online matches. Additionally, players tin can now select random omega style stages or battlefield style stages, and Terminal Destination, Battlefield, Pocket-sized Battlefield and Large Battlefield volition allow players to choose any song from the game on those stages.

Nobody in the Smash customs anticipated this update, but it's one that fans can appreciate. The new stage, quality of life changes and adjustments to online are particularly welcome, as is the indication that more online improvements are in the works. In a year where in that location has but been one DLC grapheme added and trivial news from Nintendo in general, this is certainly a positive sign for the future ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.

KEEP READING: That Nintendo Gigaleak Raises Some Uncomfortable Ethical Questions