If you want a platform fighter beyond Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, start with Brawlhalla for free entry and cross-play, Rivals of Aether II for PC online and shared-screen matches, or Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 for a licensed character crossover across PC and major consoles. Each offers a different fit; none should be treated as an interchangeable version of Smash.
Best games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at a glance
| Game | Best fit | Platforms and play supported by the listed sources | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brawlhalla | Free-to-play entry, cross-play, and local or online matches | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android; Steam lists online and local play for up to eight players | Its weapon-based roster and mechanics differ from Smash. Ubisoft and Steam describe its platform and play options. |
| Rivals of Aether II | PC players who want online PvP and shared-screen play | Steam/PC; Steam lists online PvP and shared/split-screen PvP | The cited listing establishes the PC option, not console availability. Steam describes it as a platform fighter. |
| Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 | Players who want recognizable Nickelodeon characters | Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series; Nintendo lists a Switch game-card edition | The physical-format detail applies to Switch, not every platform. See the ESRB platform listing and Nintendo UK page. |
Which game should you choose?
Choose Brawlhalla for free entry and cross-play
Ubisoft describes Brawlhalla as a free-to-play platform fighter with cross-play across PC, consoles, and mobile. Steam lists support for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS, and Android, and says matches can be played locally or online with up to eight players. Those are the clearest documented reasons to try it if you want to play with friends across different devices or avoid an upfront purchase.
![Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bkI3XqQ7L._SL160_.jpg)
It is not a Smash clone: its weapon-based roster and mechanics give it a distinct feel. Check that the way it handles characters and combat appeals to you rather than assuming familiarity with Smash will carry over completely.
Choose Rivals of Aether II for PC online and shared-screen play
Rivals of Aether II’s Steam listing calls it a next-generation platform fighter and lists online PvP alongside shared/split-screen PvP. It is the supported pick here for a PC player who wants both online matches and local play on one screen.
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- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
The cited information verifies the Steam/PC option only. It does not establish a console release, so confirm current platform listings before choosing it for a console.
Choose Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 for licensed characters and platform reach
ESRB lists Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 for Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series. If a physical copy matters, Nintendo UK lists a Switch game-card edition; that does not mean a physical edition is available for the other platforms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How these games differ from Smash
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the benchmark for many players because of its large roster: TechRadar’s March 2026 fighting-game guide reports 89 fighters. That figure is specific to the dated secondary source; it is not a promise that another game has a comparable roster. The alternatives above are better compared by what they establish: Brawlhalla’s free entry and cross-play, Rivals of Aether II’s documented PC local and online modes, and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2’s licensed cast and multi-platform coverage.
There is no evidence here to rank the games universally by quality, player population, or competitive depth. Choose based on platform, cost of entry, who you want to play with, and whether original or licensed characters are more appealing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate + Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass Bundle - [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516jRPfTrLL._SL160_.jpg)
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
Rank #4
- International Version. ESRB rated. This game is tied to the USA region and any DLC content is available on the USA regional Nintendo eShop. Works on all systems worldwide. (Middle East / Southeast Asia -- Official Nintendo Product).
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
Rank #3
Before you buy or install
- Confirm the exact platform. Brawlhalla’s platform range is documented across PC, consoles, and mobile; the cited Rivals of Aether II listing is for Steam/PC; Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is listed for PC and several console families.
- Check how you want to play. Brawlhalla’s Steam page lists local and online matches for up to eight players. Rivals of Aether II lists online and shared/split-screen PvP. The sources cited here do not establish comparable mode details for Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2.
- Verify regional price and availability. Prices, stock, and editions can vary by region and change over time; no current price or inventory is established here.
- For a physical copy, verify the edition and region. The sourced physical format is the Nintendo Switch game-card edition on Nintendo’s UK page, not a general claim about other platforms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
