Smash Together, an unofficial dating app designed for Super Smash Bros. enthusiasts to connect and socialize, was set to launch its open beta on May 15. However, just before the anticipated release, the app's developers announced they had received a cease-and-desist letter. The news was shared via a tweet on May 14, featuring a disheartened Yoshi meme and the caption, "We got cease and desisted."
Although the developers did not specify who issued the cease-and-desist, many speculate that it came from Nintendo, given the app's direct association with the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Smash Together marketed itself as the "premium dating site for Super Smash Bros. enjoyers of all kinds," promising to help users find their "dream Doubles partner (in and out of Smash)" through a specialized matchmaking algorithm designed to pair players with their ideal "Smash Partner."
The app's interface showcased unique features tailored to the gaming community, such as sections for users to list their preferred character or "main," and to share notable achievements. It also included prompts with a Smash Bros. theme, such as, "I'm looking for... Someone who can make it out of pools at a major."
The concept of a dating app centered around a video game like Super Smash Bros. likely contributed to the issuance of the cease-and-desist, in addition to concerns over intellectual property and copyright infringement. As of now, there has been no indication from the SmashTogether team about potential plans to pivot to a different theme or approach. While the future of the app remains uncertain, the developers' restraint in avoiding any "smashing" puns in their announcement has been noted and appreciated.
