Smash Bros. Ultimate update will remove offensive Native American stereotype from Mr. Game & Watch
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, fans have noticed that Mr. Game & Watch has a new forward smash. While it was an attempt at being true to Nintendo’s old LCD game handhelds, it unfortunately involves an offensive stereotype.
Back in 1982, Nintendo made a cowboy game titled Fire Attack in which players defend a wooden fort from screaming Native Americans who wield burning torches and wear feathers in their hair. Mr. Game & Watch has a move referencing the game. After it was brought to the company’s attention, Nintendo has vowed to release an update removing the feather from Mr. Game & Watch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Nintendo said in a statement:
“Nintendo has been planning to distribute an update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that removes the feather from the silhouette of Mr. Game & Watch. The original game on which this depiction of the character is based was released more than three decades ago and does not represent our company values today.”
“We sincerely apologise that this change was not noticed in our marketing material and are continuing our work to make Super Smash Bros. Ultimate an experience that is both welcoming and fun for everyone.”
It’s worth noting that Nintendo also changed Fire Attack for Game Boy in the Game & Watch Gallery 4 compilation. For that release, the feather was removed from the Native American characters’ hair.
