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INDEPENDENT PORT GUIDE

Smash Ultimate PC on Mac

Updated · Covers WindowSmash macos-port ad04e34

WindowSmash has an experimental Apple silicon path. You can reach the opening and menus; full matches have not been tested yet. Follow this page to build and launch it. Intel Macs are unsupported.

On this page

WindowSmash on Apple silicon

Download the WindowSmash Mac source ZIP. Choose the macos-port source, which contains Install WindowSmash.command. Use this ZIP for Mac instead of the Windows/Linux main branch. The installer can update its source during setup.

Item Requirement for this path
ItemMac Requirement for this pathApple silicon M1 or newer
ItemmacOS Requirement for this path14.5 or newer
ItemMemory Requirement for this path8 GB minimum; 16 GB or more builds faster
ItemSpace Requirement for this pathAbout 40 GB on the build disk, plus about 17 GB for existing game files
ItemApple tools Requirement for this pathCommand Line Tools 16 or newer, with the macOS 15 SDK or newer; Xcode is not required
ItemGraphics Requirement for this pathNative Metal renderer
ItemTime Requirement for this pathAbout 15 minutes of your actions plus one to a few hours building; missing Apple tools add their download/install time

Have three folders ready: a Game folder with the compatible base game's .nca files or .nsp/.xci and intended update/DLC; a Keys folder with prod.keys and title.keys; and a Firmware folder with firmware .nca files. The installer can find existing Ryujinx/yuzu-family folders and use them in place. Its picker also shows hidden directories, including ~/Library/Application Support/Ryujinx. Select those folders in the installer; game-file layouts can help if you are unsure which directory to choose.

Install and build

  1. Unpack the Mac source ZIP.
  2. Move the unpacked folder into your Home folder, outside Desktop, Documents and Downloads.
  3. Open Install WindowSmash.command.
  4. If macOS blocks that specific downloaded file, open System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  5. Click Open Anyway beside its blocked-file message.
  6. Confirm the file with Open when macOS asks.
  7. Click Install if Apple's Command Line Tools prompt appears.
  8. Accept Apple's tool terms if you choose to proceed with that installation.
  9. Select your existing Game folder in the WindowSmash file-selection window.
  10. Select your existing Keys folder.
  11. Select your existing Firmware folder.
  12. Check that each selected folder has a passing check mark.
  13. Set the online name you want displayed.
  14. Click Set up and build.
  15. Wait for Done.
  16. Open Play SSBU.command, or Play SSBU under ~/Applications.

The approval steps apply only when macOS blocks the file; on macOS 14, Control-click → Open is another way to approve that file. Keep the build folder outside iCloud-synced locations. The installer arranges Apple's tools when missing, private Python/a virtual environment, and the SDL3 framework. If the build stops, reopen the same installer to continue.

First launch, logs and files

With 13.0.5, you can reach the opening, Challenges, stage select and character select. Full matches, other game versions and cross-platform multiplayer still need testing. Use arrow keys to move and Z for A; Option+Return changes full screen. Function keys may need fn. Close the game window to quit before backing up or updating.

There is no Prepare Shaders path or Esc settings UI on this Mac branch. First-use effects can stutter. Settings use configuration files; do not copy Windows rendering options into them. This Mac branch renders at 1920 × 1080 and fits the image to the window; leave render_scale out of display.ini.

Location What it holds
Locationinstall.log What it holdsInstallation and compiler progress
Locationbuild/play.log What it holdsLast game run
Locationreports/ What it holdsPort crash reports
Location~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ssbu-*.ips What it holdsmacOS crash reports
Locationbuild-mac/WindowSmash.app What it holdsBuilt application
LocationSelected tree's save/ What it holdsProgress for that game version
LocationRoot controllers.ini, display.ini, online_*.txt What it holdsSettings

Keep the disks containing your game files mounted. Copy the selected tree's whole save/ to a backup folder with the game closed. Rerun Install WindowSmash.command in the same folder for a program update; it keeps your game files, settings, save and online name.

Common Mac stops

Symptom First action
SymptomScript cannot open because permissions were lost First actionRe-unpack the ZIP, or open Terminal and run bash followed by the dragged installer file path.
SymptomBuild reports missing Metal definitions/old SDK First actionUpdate the Command Line Tools to version 16+ with the macOS 15 SDK, then reopen the installer.
SymptomCompiler is killed for memory First actionFrom the project folder run bash "Install WindowSmash.command" --jobs 4.
SymptomPreviously found game folder is missing First actionMount its disk, then reopen the installer and recheck that folder.
SymptomGame closes immediately First actionInspect build/play.log, then reports/ and the macOS .ips report.

Mac and startup troubleshooting gives the next diagnostic checks. Controls covers file-based remapping and saves covers restoring your backup.

Versions covered by this guide

Project Source version Release status and game versions
ProjectWindowSmash macos-port Source versionad04e34 Release status and game versionsNo formal release; v0.2.0-alpha.1 is a separate source-only prerelease. 13.0.5 opening/menus only; full matches and other game versions untested.

Sources

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