This past January marked the inaugural season of the new Super Smash Bros League at the Nexus lounge at the UND Wellness Center. The state-of-the-art Nexus Esports facility at the Wellness Center offers a unique gaming experience for all enrolled students and Wellness Center members that is free to use and offers a wide range of games for people to play.
The lounge itself consists of twelve top-of-the-line gaming personal computers bridging the gap for students who want a pristine gaming experience without having to worry about transporting their personal computers from home or buying new equipment for their own personal use on campus.
Throughout the remainder of the semester on Feb. 13, Mar. 17, and Apr. 22 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., this space will be exclusively reserved for gaming enthusiasts alike to partake in a competitive and interactive league environment playing the hit game Super Smash Bros against other students for the chance to tally up points for each win and a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the semester.
Super Smash Bros’ initial copies of the title were released in 2018, and the game has proven to be a resounding success. As of this past year, over 35 million copies have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo games of all time.
Players get to choose from a set list of 89 different characters each with their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses as they battle it out against opponents in one of the eight distinct stages that are offered within the game. The platform fighter game offers a gaming experience that is unlike any other, and the easy integration of cross-play battles with friends makes it a great pastime and social outlet for gamers across the globe.
Braeden Mueller, UND Wellness Center’s Campus Recreation Coordinator, spoke about what prompted his team at the Wellness Center to start the Super Smash Bros League and what he hopes students can take away from the experience. Mueller stated that the “league was launched with hope of giving students a chance to connect, compete, and have fun in a relaxed gaming environment,” going on to add that “it is open to players of all skill levels, and looking ahead into the future he hopes that the league can turn into a lasting tradition that brings students together year after year.”
The next league night of competitive play takes place on Thursday, Feb. 13. Whether you are an experienced gamer and want to test your skills in a competitive environment or are seeking a new social outlet be sure to visit the Nexus center the next upcoming night of league play and check out the all-new Super Smash Bros League for yourself.
Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daniel.silva@und.edu.