Smash Ultimate PCIndependent port guide
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Independent port guide.
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UNOFFICIAL PORTS. A CLEAR START.

Smash Bros. Ultimate PC Ports and Setup Guides

Updated · Covers WindowSmash v0.2.0-alpha.1 and OpenSmash runtime-c2ca705

Two fan projects let you build Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a native PC program from game files you already own. Choose WindowSmash or OpenSmash, follow the guide for your computer, and find help with controllers, saves and playing with friends.

Choose a downloadCompare the ports
Red and blue floating platforms above a cloud-filled canyon, with a desktop computer on a rocky ledge

Choose your platform

Windows

Both projects · experimental

Build and play either PC port on Windows.

  • WindowSmash and OpenSmash installers.
  • WindowSmash: DirectX 11; OpenSmash: Vulkan 1.3.
  • Allow time for an initial source build.

Read the Windows guide

Linux & Steam Deck

Both projects · experimental

Try a native Linux build, with separate SteamOS setup paths.

  • WindowSmash and OpenSmash builds.
  • Vulkan graphics required.
  • OpenSmash: offline; Deck gameplay untested.

Read the Linux and Steam Deck guide

Mac

Apple silicon · menus only

Explore WindowSmash's opening and menus on an Apple silicon Mac.

  • WindowSmash's experimental Mac build.
  • M1 or newer; macOS 14.5+.
  • Full matches still need testing.

Read the Mac guide

THE PROJECTS

Meet the PC ports

W

WindowSmash

WindowSmash is SNO2207's static recompilation project, with Windows and experimental Linux and Mac paths. Game version 11.0.0 has the most testing; 13.0.5 reaches menus and the full character list, with less match testing. It can keep game versions in separate folders, each with its own save.

Its latest prerelease, v0.2.0-alpha.1, contains source only, with no attached executable. There is no formal release yet. These guides use later development source a9aac43 for Windows/Linux and the separate Mac branch; WindowSmash's project page explains the setup choices.

Explore WindowSmash
O

OpenSmash-Ultimate

OpenSmash-Ultimate lives in Denkishi's ssbu-recomp repository: those are two names for the same project. It has a Windows installer and a native Linux build, uses Vulkan graphics, and recognises game versions 13.0.4 and 13.0.5. Linux testing so far used 13.0.4.

Its latest runtime prerelease is runtime-c2ca705, the package selected by the installer for source eac10a1. The runtime supplies part of the build; you still need the source and your own game files. There is no formal release yet. See OpenSmash's project page for its platform features and runtime downloads.

Explore OpenSmash

How the PC ports work

Static recompilation turns the game's processor instructions into code that can be compiled for your computer. The project then supplies a runtime: the parts that handle graphics, sound, controllers, files and networking. You build the resulting program before playing it.

For you, that means setup includes a build rather than simply unpacking a ready-to-play game. Keep your game folders available, leave enough disk space for the build, and allow time for compilation. A source ZIP contains the port's code; it contains no game, keys or firmware. If you already use an emulator, compare the two approaches before changing your setup.

THE SETUP ROUTE

From setup to your first game

1. Choose a project

Match your operating system and graphics hardware to the two projects. Use WindowSmash vs OpenSmash to compare their setup, controller support and platform features before choosing a folder for either project.

2. Check what you have ready

Find your compatible game files, check their version, and allow room for the build. The platform guides tell you which folders their installers need; the game-file guide shows the layouts if you need help identifying them.

3. Install with your platform guide

Follow the Windows, Linux or Mac path for your chosen project. Let its installer prepare the tools, then leave compilation running until it finishes. On Windows, WindowSmash takes about 15 minutes of actions plus downloads and 30 minutes to a few hours compiling.

4. Launch and try your controls

Open the play launcher, let the first shader preparation finish, and test the keyboard or a connected pad. Once you can play offline, use the Play guides below to move a save, remap buttons or set up a room with friends.

Watch how OpenSmash runs on PC

See OpenSmash running on PC and learn how static recompilation differs from emulation.

Recorded on 13 October 2026, this video predates OpenSmash's Linux builds, experimental Windows multiplayer and optional rollback test build; use our Linux and online guides for the current setup.

What you need

Read the preparation guide
  • Your own compatible game files. Match the project to the game version you have; a runtime download contains no game.
  • The folders your installer asks for. WindowSmash uses existing game, keys and firmware folders. OpenSmash includes replacement fonts, so firmware is optional there; some non-Latin characters can be missing.
  • A PC with the right CPU and graphics support. Check the requirements for your project and platform before committing to a long build.
  • Space for both game files and the build. On Windows, WindowSmash needs about 60 GB free plus roughly 17 GB of game files. OpenSmash budgets about 8 GB for its build plus roughly 17 GB of prepared game files.
  • Time to compile and a place for backups. Keep the build folder and a copy of your saves separate. Leave the original game folders readable after setup.

Find your next guide

Install

  • Downloads — choose the source ZIP for your platform and understand the runtime package.
  • Windows — install either project, start the game and locate its logs.
  • Linux & Steam Deck — prepare dependencies, build and launch in the right environment.
  • Mac — build the Apple silicon WindowSmash experiment and try its opening and menus.
  • Update — update the port while keeping saves, settings and the old build available.
  • Game versions and files — identify compatible game folders, updates and DLC.
  • Requirements — compare CPU, graphics, memory and disk space before installing.

Play

  • Online multiplayer — create or join a room using your project's lobby, code or direct connection.
  • Controls — find keyboard defaults, remap a pad and choose the correct GameCube adapter mode.
  • Mods — check compatibility and load or disable a compatible OpenSmash Windows DLL mod.
  • Saves — back up progress or move an existing compatible save into OpenSmash on Windows.

Ports

  • Compare the ports — choose between WindowSmash and OpenSmash by the features you need.
  • Port vs emulator — decide whether to try a native build alongside your existing emulator setup.
  • WindowSmash — meet the project and find its platform installers and bug-report route.
  • OpenSmash-Ultimate — understand the ssbu-recomp name and its source/runtime pairing.

Troubleshooting

  • Find a fix — match a build error, black window, freeze or missing save to the next useful check.
GOOD QUESTIONS.

FAQ

Is there an official Smash Bros. Ultimate PC release?

There is no official PC release. WindowSmash and OpenSmash are independent fan projects, and Smash Ultimate PC is an independent guide with no Nintendo affiliation.

Do I need my own copy of the game?

Yes. You need compatible game files you already own. WindowSmash also asks for existing keys and firmware folders. The guides explain what the installers need and how to identify the files you already have.

Can I download the game from a runtime release?

No. OpenSmash's runtime ZIP is a build dependency. Download the project's source for setup, then use your own game files. WindowSmash's source-only alpha release also contains no game.

Which PC port should I choose?

On Windows, compare WindowSmash's DirectX 11 and CPU requirements with OpenSmash's Vulkan 1.3 path. On Linux, compare the build tools and features you want. For the Mac opening and menus, use WindowSmash's Apple silicon guide.

Can I play on Steam Deck?

There are SteamOS build paths for both projects. OpenSmash uses a distrobox container by default; WindowSmash installs build packages on the host system. OpenSmash gameplay on Steam Deck still needs testing, so start with the Linux guide's preparation and platform notes.

How far can I get on a Mac?

WindowSmash's 13.0.5 Mac build reaches the opening, new-save screens, Challenges, stage select and character select. Full matches have not been tested yet. OpenSmash's Mac build is an earlier experiment with no completed gameplay test.

Why does the first launch stutter?

The ports prepare shaders as they encounter graphics effects. A new effect can briefly stutter in WindowSmash; OpenSmash builds a shader cache on first launch. Let preparation finish, then use the performance fixes if stuttering continues.

Can I play with friends?

Both projects have experimental multiplayer through the game's Local Wireless mode over a network. Everyone needs matching project builds, game versions and content. OpenSmash's online path is Windows-only and has so far been tested with two instances on one PC. Use the online guide to create or join a room.

Can I use Skyline or HewDraw Remix mods?

Compatibility with either PC port is unknown. Choose a mod only when its author supports your port, game version and build. OpenSmash has its own native Windows DLL-mod path; its Mac build turns mods and hooks off.

Can I keep my existing save?

On Windows, OpenSmash can use an existing compatible save_data folder, including an emulator save backup. WindowSmash keeps its own save/ for each game-version folder. Close the game and back up the whole save directory before moving or replacing anything.

FROM THE GUIDE DESK

Project updates

Guide versions for 21 October 2026: WindowSmash source a9aac43 with prerelease v0.2.0-alpha.1, and OpenSmash source eac10a1 with runtime-c2ca705; both projects are still awaiting a formal release.

Sources

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