Editing User:Monsieur Crow/Netplay

'''Netplay''' is the act of playing games in the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros. series]]'' with other players via the Internet. Thus far, ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and both versions of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' have had netplay officially supported by [[Nintendo]]; while released without native netplay capabilities, modern methods exist for playing both ''[[Smash 64]]'' and ''[[Melee]]'' online.

While the [[Nintendo GameCube]] does have limited support for internet connectivity with [[wikipedia:Nintendo_GameCube_Broadband_Adapter_and_Modem_Adapter|appropriate adapters]], ''Melee'' was released prior to the official release of these adapters, and as such, it does not natively support netplay. Like ''Smash 64'', netplay for ''Melee'' is generally accomplished through emulators, particularly [[Dolphin]].

Prior to Dolphin featuring netplay functionality, experimental netplay was previously performed by a variety of [[wikipedia:Tunneling_protocol|tunneling softwares]] that could directly connect GameCube consoles to one another, such as via {{s|wikipedia|XLink Kai}} or exploits in ''{{s|wikipedia|Phantasy Star Online}}'' for the GameCube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070217120842/http://www.geocities.com/the_psychotic_worm/ssbmonlinetutorial.htm? These methods], however, were difficult to set up, required extensive knowledge of the software on hand and networking protocols, and required both players to be using the same [[List_of_regional_version_differences_(SSBM)|version of ''Melee'']]. Matches themselves often had [[Online desynchronization|desyncs]], with [[item]]s notably being implicated.

Netplay eventually experienced mainstream popularity with the GameCube and Wii emulator Dolphin, which allowed for considerably easier connectivity between players, as well as being considerably more reliable in terms of synchronisation. Initially holding only niche popularity due to Dolphin's high system requirements, the gradually increasing power of personal computers and improvements to Dolphin's performance has allowed for more ''Melee'' players to partake in netplay.

The [[Nintendo Wii]] was the first Nintendo console to focus on online gaming, with Nintendo allowing the device to take advantage of the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. As a result, ''Brawl'' was the first game in the series to support netplay, allowing players to fight against either strangers or friends. In addition, gameplay [[mod]]s for ''Brawl'' could also be unofficially played online via this protocol, though all players would need the mod in order to prevent desyncs from occuring.  

Offical support for netplay in ''Brawl'' was ended on 20 May 2014. A variety of methods, however, still allow for ''Brawl'' to be played online; Canadian smasher {{Sm|pidgezero_one}} [http://smashboards.com/threads/guide-connecting-to-brawl-pm-wifi-post-wfc-shutdown-occasional-server-issues-are-temporary.355374/ developed a method] to play ''Brawl'' and ''Brawl'' gameplay mods via the Wii, and [[Dolphin]] also supports netplay via the computer.

Like ''Brawl'', both {{forwiiu}} and {{for3ds}} natively support netplay, though this time, the service is provided via the [[Nintendo Network]]. The service also offers a variety of benefits over ''Brawl's'' netplay, particularly in regards to options and matchmaking. The overall concept, however, remains the same, with players being able to play against either strangers or friends via the internet.

Currently, there are no methods to play ''Smash 4'' online outside of the Nintendo Network; that said, Citra and CEMU, experimental emulators for the 3DS and Wii U respectively, could potentially see netplay occur on personal computers like previous games in the series.