Understanding Joker’s Arrival in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Joker is a Fighter Pass 1 character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and becomes available according to a fixed release schedule tied to the pass. He does not appear from the start; you must either wait for his scheduled unlock date or purchase the Fighter Pass to play as him immediately. His base roster launch aligns with the overall Fighter Pass timeline, with specific regional and platform timing governed by local digital storefronts and time zones. The following sections detail how, when, and under what conditions Joker joins the cast.
Joker’s Official Release Timeline
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Fighter Pass operated in weekly intervals for each character. Joker was among the first wave and followed a predictable pattern relative to the pass start. The timeline below captures the verified windows and regional considerations.
Key Dates and Windows
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2018 | Ultimate announced at Game Awards | Sets context for Fighter Pass planning and character reveals. |
| January 16, 2019 | Ultimate released globally | Base roster and initial Fighter Pass characters available. |
| Late January 2019 | Joker released in most regions | Typically within days of the launch, subject to regional storefront processing. |
| Fighter Pass window | Weekly character drops for 10 fighters | Joker occupied one of the first slots, making him available early relative to later fighters. |
How to Unlock Joker: Methods Ranked by Effort
Three primary paths exist to add Joker to your Ultimate roster. Each varies in time, cost, and flexibility.
- Purchase the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass 1 to add Joker and other fighters automatically as they unlock.
- Buy Joker individually from your console’s digital shop after his unlock window, effective if you want only him without the pass.
- Wait for a potential legacy or patch-based unlock if the game ever adopts broad retroactive fighter releases, though this is not part of the original plan.
Regional and Platform Differences
Digital storefronts can shift actual availability by a few hours due to timezone conversions and processing queues. Physical copies of Ultimate include the base game roster but still require Joker’s specific unlock or a pass in most regions, depending on whether the update had been released. Account region settings on Nintendo Switch and other consoles influence when the game permits the purchase or download of new fighters.
Fighter Pass Mechanics and What They Mean for Joker
The Fighter Pass segments character releases into weekly intervals, reducing day-one access to a structured rollout. Joker occupied an early position, meaning players who bought the pass gained access as soon as his weekly window opened. Those who purchased the base game could either wait for Joker’s standalone availability or upgrade to the pass to unlock him sooner.
Fighter Pass Basics
- Unlocks approximately one character per week.
- Includes characters across multiple waves; Joker appeared in the first wave.
- Purchasing the pass before a character’s unlock date allows immediate access once that date arrives.
Important Notes and Clarifications
- Joker does not appear in the base game; he requires either the Fighter Pass or individual purchase.
- Physical edition owners must apply the latest update and, if desired, the Fighter Pass to access Joker.
- Region-locked accounts may see Joker appear at different local clock times, but the global sequence remains consistent.
- Nintendo handles post-launch character distribution through these passes, and Joker is treated as part of that model.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Can I play Joker without buying the Fighter Pass? | Yes, by buying Joker individually after his unlock date. | Official options outlined by Nintendo. |
| Did Joker launch on day one of Ultimate? | No, he released in a subsequent weekly window following base game launch. | Confirmed by Fighter Pass schedule. |
| Will Joker ever become free for everyone? | No; he remains a paid character under the existing business model. | Business model statements from Nintendo. |
Strategic Takeaways
Plan your approach based on budget and timing. If you want multiple Fighter Pass characters, the pass is more economical. If you only want Joker and prefer to wait, purchasing him individually once available is a valid, low-commitment option. Always verify local storefronts for exact timestamps, as regional differences can shift apparent availability by hours without changing the intended schedule.
Wrapping Up
Joker enters Super Smash Bros. Ultimate through a structured, predictable release governed by the Fighter Pass schedule. Whether you acquire him via the pass, individual purchase, or by waiting, his entrance is clearly defined, region-aware, and aligned with Nintendo’s post-launch character rollout approach. Understanding these mechanics helps you time your access efficiently and avoid confusion about availability.