'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' update adds stage builder, first DLC character

In a surprise update, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch is getting its first DLC fighter and stage, a Stage Builder mode, a new video editing feature, and more.

Check out the full video on the update here:

Persona invades Smash

We knew about Joker from Persona 5 coming to Smash Ultimate, the first character in the game's planned paid DLC releases, but Tuesday night was the first time we got to see what his actual moveset looks like.

Joker has his guns for ranged attacks, a knife for melee attacks, and a couple of magic moves (one of which looks very similar to Ness's PK Fire attack) plus a grappling hook for recovery. The twist with Joker is his Rebellion Gauge that fills up when he takes damage or uses his Rebel's Guard block move. When it's full, Joker can unleash his persona Arsene, which improves a handful of his moves to help him dish more damage.

Along with the Joker, Smash Ultimate is introducing a new Memento stage inspired by Persona which changes colors based on the music track that's playing.

This DLC alone costs $5.99 and is available now. Players can also purchase the All Challengers Pack for $24.99 which will unlock Wednesday's new content plus the next four DLC fighters when they come out at later dates.

Creating custom content

A new Stage Builder feature has also been added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in the free 3.0 update, allowing players to create their own unique stages with tons of customization options.

While custom stages have been a part of the Smash franchise for a while now, Ultimate's Stage Builder is certainly the most robust one, taking advantage of the Switch's touch screen to allow players to draw their own creations and play around with them in imaginative ways.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

You can make objects move, spin, and twist on stages, you can draw your own shapes, and you can add unique obstacles and items to stages. The Stage Builder doesn't just stick to two dimensions either; players can work in layers to create fully realized designs with backgrounds and foregrounds to aid their visions.

Custom stages are able to be shared online and downloaded by other players, and if you like a certain stage builder's work you can follow them and see when they release new content.

Along those lines, Smash Ultimate is also adding advanced video editing features to help players create fun and cool videos of their Smash action and share them online.

It's nice to see Nintendo adding these new free features to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rather than just sticking to paid content. With four more fighters still set to join the fray in the future, hopefully there will be more additions to keep the game fresh for players who aren't exactly interested in paying for new fighters.