In 2017, Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch, their latest gaming console. One of the key scenes near the end of the trailer showed a colorful arena with people playing Splatoon 2 on a grand stage. With a crowded arena cheering on the players, this leaned toward the notion that Nintendo was going to host major esports events akin to the international fighting game tournament, EVO.
Unfortunately, the Smash community has a turbulent history with the game’s publisher, Nintendo, over licensing issues. In 2021, Nintendo shut down The Big House tournament for using a modded version of Super Smash Bros. Melee.