Nintendo partners with Panda Global for a series of Super Smash Bros. tournaments in 2022

Nintendo is teaming up with Panda Global for the first officially licensed Smash Bros. circuit in North America, the two sides confirmed today. It will kick off in 2022, featuring both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee.

According to Nintendo, players in the U.S. will compete online in qualifying rounds for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Additionally, in-person qualifiers are planned for both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee once large-scale events return. Winners of the virtual and in-person qualifying rounds will go on to compete in the grand finals for the championship.

It’s been confirmed that those in Canada and Mexico will be able to enter and compete, once Panda Global and Nintendo have deemed international travel and attendance at in-person events to be permissible. Players can stay up-to-date on the in-person qualifiers and grand finals when they are announced at panda.gg.

Bill Trinen, senior director of product marketing at Nintendo of America said of today’s news:

“This partnership with Panda Global is the next step in Nintendo’s efforts to create a more consistent, fun and welcoming competitive environment for our players and fans. We are proud to stand with an organization like Panda Global to celebrate and support the ever-growing competitive Super Smash Bros. community and create a space where all players can test and hone their competitive skills.”

Dr. Alan Bunney, CEO of Panda Global, also noted:

“One of our key missions at Panda Global is to serve our communities in new and exciting ways. By partnering with Nintendo, we are giving our competitors in North America the chance to compete in an officially licensed Super Smash Bros. circuit for the first time.”

Nintendo says it will share more information about the Super Smash Bros. circuit, including details about the events, schedule, and prizing.

Source: Nintendo PR