Smash Bros. Dating App Receives Cease-and-Desist Order

Smash Together, an innovative unofficial dating app designed for Super Smash Bros. enthusiasts to connect and form relationships, was set to launch its open beta on May 15. However, just two days before the launch, on May 13, the app's official Twitter account shared a disheartening update. Accompanied by a sad Yoshi meme, the post simply stated, "We got cease and desisted," signaling a halt to their plans.

While the developers did not explicitly mention who issued the cease-and-desist letter, the prevailing assumption points to 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 users with their ideal "Smash Partner."

The app featured unique sections for users to list their preferred character, or "main," alongside their notable wins and tailored prompts. These elements echoed traditional dating app features but were infused with a Super Smash Bros. flair. An example prompt included, "I'm looking for... Someone who can make it out of pools at a major."

Beyond potential issues of intellectual property and copyright infringement, the concept of a dating app centered around a video game like Super Smash Bros. might have been enough to prompt the cease-and-desist action. As of now, there has been no further communication from the SmashTogether team regarding alternative plans or whether they will pivot away from the Smash Bros. theme. The community remains hopeful, while appreciating the restraint shown here in not indulging in any "smashing" puns.