Super Smash Bros. series
Tournament

Setup: Difference between revisions

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{{ArticleIcons|series=y|competitive=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|series=y|competitive=y}}
A '''setup''' refers to a "station" that can allow two or more players to play a game, especially within [[tournament]]s. At its core, a setup requires a console and a television set on which to display the game. The specifics for each game, however, can change what may be required for a setup. Setups need to sufficiently accommodate players, and sometimes livestreams as well. Entry fees typically help offset expensive prices for adequate setups. At most tournaments, [[TO]]s will give an incentive for contestants to bring in setups, often by offering a discount to the venue fee or sometimes waiving it entirely.
A '''setup''' refers to a "station" that can allow two or more players to play a game, especially within [[tournament]]s. At its core, a setup requires a console and a screen on which to display the game. However, the specifics for each game can change what may be required for a setup. Setups need to sufficiently accommodate players, and sometimes livestreams as well. Entry fees and donations from tournament goers typically help offset the sometimes expensive prices for adequate setups. At many events, [[tournament organizer]]s will give an incentive for contestants to bring in setups, often by offering a discount to the venue fee or sometimes waiving it entirely.


==Television or monitor==
==Television or monitor==
Tournaments for ''Smash 64'', ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Project M'' prefer the use of a {{s|wikipedia|cathode ray tube}} television, owing to concerns over [[input lag]] that modern televisions can introduce, especially in tandem with {{s|wikipedia|composite video}} cables used for the [[Nintendo 64]], [[Nintendo]] [[GameCube]], and the Nintendo [[Wii]]. However, as ''Smash 4'' does not support 4:3 ratios, the use of widescreen televisions is accepted in the tournament scene, though such TVs may require the use of a "Game Mode", or they should be considered "quick and responsive" by the TOs.  
Tournaments for ''Smash 64'', ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Project M'' prefer the use of a {{s|wikipedia|cathode ray tube}} television, owing to concerns over [[input lag]] that modern televisions can introduce, especially in tandem with {{s|wikipedia|composite video}} cables used for the [[Nintendo 64]], [[GameCube]], and [[Wii]]. However, as ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' do not support 4:3 ratios, the use of widescreen televisions is accepted in their respective tournament scenes, though such TVs may require the use of a "Game Mode", or be specifically designed for gaming. This is done to mitigate [[display lag]] as much as possible.
[[File:DoubleScreenSetup.png|thumb|An example of a "double screen" setup.]]
[[File:DoubleScreenSetup.png|thumb|An example of a "double screen" setup.]]
In a majority of tournaments, both players sit side-by-side, sharing the same television set; some tournaments, however, may use more sophisticated setups for later bracket where all players have their own screen. Typically, this can be seen on a sort of stage in front of a live audience at [[List of largest Smash tournaments|large or national tournaments]].
In a majority of tournaments, both players sit side-by-side, sharing the same television set; some tournaments, however, may use more sophisticated setups where all players have their own screen. This can typically be seen on a sort of stage in front of a live audience at [[List of largest Smash tournaments|large or national tournaments]].


==Console==
==Console==
A complete setup includes a console for the relevant game ([[Nintendo 64]], [[Nintendo]] [[GameCube]], Nintendo [[Wii]], Nintendo [[Wii U]], or Nintendo [[Switch]]). In a majority of cases, the original console and game are used, though [[emulator|emulators]] have sometimes seen use in tournaments.
A complete setup includes a console for the relevant game ([[Nintendo 64]], [[GameCube]], [[Wii]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]], or [[Nintendo Switch]]). In a majority of cases, the original console and game are used, though emulators such as [[Project64k]] and [[Dolphin]] have sometimes seen use in tournaments.


The console must also have its power adapter and appropriate video cable (typically composite video or HDMI).
The console must also have its power adapter and appropriate video cable (typically composite video or HDMI), as those are required for the console to function.


[[Controller]]s are not required for a setup, as players are expected to bring their own controller.
[[Controller]]s are not required for a setup, as players are expected to bring their own controller, though special adapters are required to use certain compatible controllers and thus are expected to be available.


==Save files or memory cards==
==Save files or memory cards==
All consoles are required to have all characters and all relevant, legal [[stage]]s unlocked and available for use, whether from save data or by using cheat devices.
All consoles are required to have all characters and all relevant, legal [[stage]]s unlocked and available for use, whether from playing through the game, downloading save files from the internet or using cheat devices. Available content not required for gameplay do not need to be present, but some are recommended for presentational purposes and being required for specific [[side events]].


==Mods==
==Mods==
While all the games can be [[hack]]ed or [[mod]]ded to some degree, any hacks that modify the gameplay of the base game are not allowed, as they can create discrepancies in how players play the games. Although a number of gameplay hacks may be considered beneficial, such as those that remove [[tripping]] in ''Brawl'', the logistics issues that arise from necessitating all setups to use the same hacks makes such tournaments infeasible to run. Exceptions are made for tournaments based around gameplay mods, such as ''Project M''. Mods that only modify the appearance or music of the game are considered acceptable, provided such modifications are not considered distracting to players, such as by playing loud, distracting music or by radically changing the appearance of characters or stages.
While all entries in the series can be [[hack]]ed or [[mod]]ded to some degree, any hacks that modify the gameplay of the base game are not allowed without express permission, as they can create discrepancies in how players play the games. Some [[tournament organizer]]s require that every setup has certain mods installed and will inspect each one for said mods. Other TOs put a blanket ban on all mods, as the logistics issues that arise from necessitating all setups to use the same hacks makes such tournaments infeasible to run. Some tournaments are based entirely around certain gameplay mods, such as ''Project M''. Mods that only modify the appearance or music of the game are occasionally considered acceptable, provided such modifications are not considered distracting to players, such as by playing loud, distracting music or by radically changing the appearance of characters or stages.


==Game-specific considerations==
==In competitive play==
===''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''===
As a setup of some kind is required to play the game, they appear at every single tournament. There is no universal list of requirements for what a setup can and cannot have. This step is usually decided by the tournament organizers before an event starts. Larger tournaments typically inspect each individual setup before the event starts to ensure everything is in order. This is done to make sure all games are played with the same settings and to prevent potential acts of [[cheating]]. In the case of an event allowing event goers to donate setups, they may be turned away if the provided setup does not meet all requirements.
 
===Game-specific considerations===
====''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''====
While the use of a Nintendo 64 is common at ''Smash 64'' tournaments, setups that use emulators are also widely accepted in tournaments, owing to the popularity of such emulators for playing ''Smash 64'' outside of tournaments. The [[Virtual Console]] release of ''Smash 64'' is rarely used because of concerns over [[frame]] skipping.
While the use of a Nintendo 64 is common at ''Smash 64'' tournaments, setups that use emulators are also widely accepted in tournaments, owing to the popularity of such emulators for playing ''Smash 64'' outside of tournaments. The [[Virtual Console]] release of ''Smash 64'' is rarely used because of concerns over [[frame]] skipping.


''Smash 64'' tournaments may require an external clock or stopwatch to be present alongside a setup, as ''Smash 64'' cannot allow for a [[match timer]] in [[stock]] matches. The external clock allows TOs to gauge when the match ends.
''Smash 64'' tournaments may require an external clock or stopwatch to be present alongside a setup, as ''Smash 64'' cannot allow for a [[match timer]] in [[stock]] matches. The external clock allows TOs to gauge when the match ends.
Although the [[List of regional version differences (SSB)|NTSC-J and NTSC-U]] versions of ''SSB'' are the most commonly used versions in tournaments, the actual version used is up to the [[tournament organizer]] with little regulation, as the gameplay changes are generally not considered significant enough to warrant such a restriction. That being said, a tournament should be consistent in the regional version of ''Melee'' being used, as players suddenly playing with balance changes without warning can be detrimental to their performance and tournament placing. Mixing of regional variants is typically avoided for this reason.


Since the release of ''[[19XXTE]]'' in 2015, using the [[hack]] on setups has been allowed, as it features a number of enhancements that can improve how tournaments are run, most notably by adding a timer to stock matches.
Since the release of ''[[19XXTE]]'' in 2015, using the [[hack]] on setups has been allowed, as it features a number of enhancements that can improve how tournaments are run, most notably by adding a timer to stock matches.


===''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''===
====''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''====
No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving ''Melee''. Tournaments generally prefer the use of a GameCube, as it is easier to startup ''Melee'' on it versus a [[Wii]], though tournaments rarely ever ban the use of the Wii; in tournaments where ''Melee'' is played alongside ''Brawl'' or one of its gameplay mods, the Wii is then sometimes preferred, owing to its backwards compatibility.
No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving ''Melee''. Tournaments generally prefer the use of a GameCube, as it is easier to startup ''Melee'' on it versus a [[Wii]], though tournaments rarely ever ban the use of the Wii; in tournaments where ''Melee'' is played alongside ''Brawl'' or one of its gameplay mods, the Wii is then sometimes preferred, owing to its backwards compatibility.


Although several [[List of regional version differences (SSBM)|versions]] of ''Melee's'' NTSC release exist, tournaments generally do not regulate which version of ''Melee'' should be used, as the gameplay changes are generally not considered significant enough to warrant such a restriction, as well as the fact that version 1.2 is the most common revision of the game. That said, the regional version of ''Melee'' should match the region of the tournament; North American tournaments only use the NTSC release, while European tournaments only use the PAL release. As the PAL release contains more significant gameplay changes compared to the NTSC release, particularly regarding characters such as {{SSBM|Fox}} and {{SSBM|Sheik}}, mixing of the two regional variants of the game is forbidden.
Although [[List of regional version differences (SSBM)|NTSC]] version 1.2 is the most common version of ''Melee'' used in tournaments, the actual version used is up to the tournament organizer with little regulation, as the gameplay changes are generally not considered significant enough to warrant such a restriction. That being said, a tournament should be consistent in the regional version of ''Melee'' being used, as players suddenly playing with balance changes without warning can be detrimental to their performance and tournament placing. Mixing of regional variants is typically avoided for this reason.


Consoles which feature variants of ''[[20XX]]'' are allowed in tournaments, provided all of its available gameplay hacks are disabled.
Consoles which feature variants of ''[[20XX]]'' are allowed in tournaments, provided all of its available gameplay hacks are disabled.


===''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
====''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''====
No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving ''Brawl'' and its gameplay mods.  
No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving ''Brawl'' and its gameplay mods.  


Tournaments for ''Brawl'' and its gameplay mods, such as ''Project M'', strictly use the Wii over the Wii U, owing to the presence of controller ports for Nintendo GameCube controllers that a majority of players use; furthermore, the adapter which is used on Wii U for GameCube controllers is not compatible with the Wii U's Wii Mode.
Tournaments for ''Brawl'' and its gameplay mods, such as ''Project M'', strictly use the Wii over the Wii U, owing to the presence of controller ports for Nintendo GameCube controllers that a majority of players use; furthermore, the adapter which is used on Wii U for GameCube controllers is not compatible with the Wii U's Wii Mode.


==={{forwiiu}}===
===={{For3ds}}====
All ''Smash 4'' tournaments require that a setup have a Nintendo GameCube adapter, owing to the ubiquity of the Nintendo GameCube controller at ''Smash 4'' tournaments. This does not necessarily restrict controller choice, however.
The only "setups" required for a tournament specifically featuring the 3DS version is a [[Nintendo 3DS]] per entrant. This makes 3DS tournaments the most flexible in the series.
 
As each player uses their own 3DS to play, they are not required to have any DLC characters or stages present. However, each 3DS system must have downloaded the latest update.
 
===={{forwiiu}}====
All tournaments specifically featuring the Wii U version require that a setup have a Nintendo GameCube adapter, owing to the ubiquity of the Nintendo GameCube controller at ''Smash 4'' tournaments. This does not necessarily restrict controller choice, however.


All [[Downloadable_content#Characters|DLC characters]] must be present on setups for anybody who happens to [[main]] them. [[Dream_Land_(SSB)#Super_Smash_Bros._4|Dream Land]] must also be made available since it is a [[counterpick]] stage in the current ruleset.
All [[Downloadable_content (SSB4)#Characters|DLC characters]] must be present on setups for anybody who wants to play as them. While having all [[Downloadable_content (SSB4)#Stages|DLC stages]] is recommended, [[Dream_Land_(SSB)#Super_Smash_Bros._4|Dream Land]] must be made available since it is a [[counterpick]] stage in the current ruleset.


When the [[Official Custom Moveset Project]] was still active, setups were required to have all custom moves unlocked, as well as have all legal movesets from the project on their Wii U; this was done often by "tethering" a separate [[Nintendo 3DS]] to the console. In some tournaments, [[Mii]] fighters are still required to have their custom moves made available to anybody who wants them, but usually only default [[special moves]] are allowed.
When the [[Official Custom Moveset Project]] was still active, setups were required to have all custom moves unlocked, as well as have all legal movesets from the project on their Wii U; this was done often by "tethering" a separate [[Nintendo 3DS]] to the console. In some tournaments, [[Mii]] fighters are still required to have their custom moves made available to anybody who wants them, but usually only default [[special moves]] are allowed.


===''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''===
====''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''====
All ''Ultimate'' tournaments only allow games to be played on a [[Nintendo Switch]] in docked mode, as playing on handheld mode through local multiplayer can cause complications in logistics. A Nintendo GameCube adapter is once again required for those that wish to use the controller, though the use of said controller is significantly less common then in previous games.
All ''Ultimate'' tournaments only allow games to be played on a [[Nintendo Switch]] in docked mode, as playing on handheld mode through local multiplayer can cause complications in logistics. A Nintendo GameCube adapter is once again required for those that wish to use the controller, though the use of said controller is significantly less common than in previous games.


Again, all [[Downloadable_content#Characters|DLC characters]] must be present on setups for anybody who happens to [[main]] them. [[Northern Cave]] and [[Hollow Bastion]] must also be made available since they are [[counterpick]] stages in the current ruleset. [[Mementos]], [[Yggdrasil's Altar]] and [[Spring Stadium]] may also be made available at the tournament's discretion.
All [[Downloadable_content (SSBU)#Characters|DLC characters]] must be present on setups for anybody who wants to play as them. As all purchasable DLC stages are sold alongside DLC characters as a package, buying all characters makes the stages available too.


[[Mii]] fighters are still required to have their custom moves be made available to anybody who wants them. Some tournaments require the Mii fighter's name to contain the numbers given to the special moves being used to not surprise opponents during the game.
[[Mii]] fighters are still required to have their custom moves be made available to anybody who wants them. Some tournaments require the Mii fighter's name to contain the numbers given to the special moves being used to not surprise opponents during the game.
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[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Competitive play]]
[[Category:Competitive play]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Tournaments]]

Revision as of 13:10, August 10, 2024

A setup refers to a "station" that can allow two or more players to play a game, especially within tournaments. At its core, a setup requires a console and a screen on which to display the game. However, the specifics for each game can change what may be required for a setup. Setups need to sufficiently accommodate players, and sometimes livestreams as well. Entry fees and donations from tournament goers typically help offset the sometimes expensive prices for adequate setups. At many events, tournament organizers will give an incentive for contestants to bring in setups, often by offering a discount to the venue fee or sometimes waiving it entirely.

Television or monitor

Tournaments for Smash 64, Melee, Brawl, and Project M prefer the use of a cathode ray tube television, owing to concerns over input lag that modern televisions can introduce, especially in tandem with composite video cables used for the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii. However, as Smash 4 and Ultimate do not support 4:3 ratios, the use of widescreen televisions is accepted in their respective tournament scenes, though such TVs may require the use of a "Game Mode", or be specifically designed for gaming. This is done to mitigate display lag as much as possible.

An example of a "double screen" setup.

In a majority of tournaments, both players sit side-by-side, sharing the same television set; some tournaments, however, may use more sophisticated setups where all players have their own screen. This can typically be seen on a sort of stage in front of a live audience at large or national tournaments.

Console

A complete setup includes a console for the relevant game (Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, or Nintendo Switch). In a majority of cases, the original console and game are used, though emulators such as Project64k and Dolphin have sometimes seen use in tournaments.

The console must also have its power adapter and appropriate video cable (typically composite video or HDMI), as those are required for the console to function.

Controllers are not required for a setup, as players are expected to bring their own controller, though special adapters are required to use certain compatible controllers and thus are expected to be available.

Save files or memory cards

All consoles are required to have all characters and all relevant, legal stages unlocked and available for use, whether from playing through the game, downloading save files from the internet or using cheat devices. Available content not required for gameplay do not need to be present, but some are recommended for presentational purposes and being required for specific side events.

Mods

While all entries in the series can be hacked or modded to some degree, any hacks that modify the gameplay of the base game are not allowed without express permission, as they can create discrepancies in how players play the games. Some tournament organizers require that every setup has certain mods installed and will inspect each one for said mods. Other TOs put a blanket ban on all mods, as the logistics issues that arise from necessitating all setups to use the same hacks makes such tournaments infeasible to run. Some tournaments are based entirely around certain gameplay mods, such as Project M. Mods that only modify the appearance or music of the game are occasionally considered acceptable, provided such modifications are not considered distracting to players, such as by playing loud, distracting music or by radically changing the appearance of characters or stages.

In competitive play

As a setup of some kind is required to play the game, they appear at every single tournament. There is no universal list of requirements for what a setup can and cannot have. This step is usually decided by the tournament organizers before an event starts. Larger tournaments typically inspect each individual setup before the event starts to ensure everything is in order. This is done to make sure all games are played with the same settings and to prevent potential acts of cheating. In the case of an event allowing event goers to donate setups, they may be turned away if the provided setup does not meet all requirements.

Game-specific considerations

Super Smash Bros.

While the use of a Nintendo 64 is common at Smash 64 tournaments, setups that use emulators are also widely accepted in tournaments, owing to the popularity of such emulators for playing Smash 64 outside of tournaments. The Virtual Console release of Smash 64 is rarely used because of concerns over frame skipping.

Smash 64 tournaments may require an external clock or stopwatch to be present alongside a setup, as Smash 64 cannot allow for a match timer in stock matches. The external clock allows TOs to gauge when the match ends.

Although the NTSC-J and NTSC-U versions of SSB are the most commonly used versions in tournaments, the actual version used is up to the tournament organizer with little regulation, as the gameplay changes are generally not considered significant enough to warrant such a restriction. That being said, a tournament should be consistent in the regional version of Melee being used, as players suddenly playing with balance changes without warning can be detrimental to their performance and tournament placing. Mixing of regional variants is typically avoided for this reason.

Since the release of 19XXTE in 2015, using the hack on setups has been allowed, as it features a number of enhancements that can improve how tournaments are run, most notably by adding a timer to stock matches.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving Melee. Tournaments generally prefer the use of a GameCube, as it is easier to startup Melee on it versus a Wii, though tournaments rarely ever ban the use of the Wii; in tournaments where Melee is played alongside Brawl or one of its gameplay mods, the Wii is then sometimes preferred, owing to its backwards compatibility.

Although NTSC version 1.2 is the most common version of Melee used in tournaments, the actual version used is up to the tournament organizer with little regulation, as the gameplay changes are generally not considered significant enough to warrant such a restriction. That being said, a tournament should be consistent in the regional version of Melee being used, as players suddenly playing with balance changes without warning can be detrimental to their performance and tournament placing. Mixing of regional variants is typically avoided for this reason.

Consoles which feature variants of 20XX are allowed in tournaments, provided all of its available gameplay hacks are disabled.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

No specific requirements beyond a television and a console are required for setups involving Brawl and its gameplay mods.

Tournaments for Brawl and its gameplay mods, such as Project M, strictly use the Wii over the Wii U, owing to the presence of controller ports for Nintendo GameCube controllers that a majority of players use; furthermore, the adapter which is used on Wii U for GameCube controllers is not compatible with the Wii U's Wii Mode.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

The only "setups" required for a tournament specifically featuring the 3DS version is a Nintendo 3DS per entrant. This makes 3DS tournaments the most flexible in the series.

As each player uses their own 3DS to play, they are not required to have any DLC characters or stages present. However, each 3DS system must have downloaded the latest update.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

All tournaments specifically featuring the Wii U version require that a setup have a Nintendo GameCube adapter, owing to the ubiquity of the Nintendo GameCube controller at Smash 4 tournaments. This does not necessarily restrict controller choice, however.

All DLC characters must be present on setups for anybody who wants to play as them. While having all DLC stages is recommended, Dream Land must be made available since it is a counterpick stage in the current ruleset.

When the Official Custom Moveset Project was still active, setups were required to have all custom moves unlocked, as well as have all legal movesets from the project on their Wii U; this was done often by "tethering" a separate Nintendo 3DS to the console. In some tournaments, Mii fighters are still required to have their custom moves made available to anybody who wants them, but usually only default special moves are allowed.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

All Ultimate tournaments only allow games to be played on a Nintendo Switch in docked mode, as playing on handheld mode through local multiplayer can cause complications in logistics. A Nintendo GameCube adapter is once again required for those that wish to use the controller, though the use of said controller is significantly less common than in previous games.

All DLC characters must be present on setups for anybody who wants to play as them. As all purchasable DLC stages are sold alongside DLC characters as a package, buying all characters makes the stages available too.

Mii fighters are still required to have their custom moves be made available to anybody who wants them. Some tournaments require the Mii fighter's name to contain the numbers given to the special moves being used to not surprise opponents during the game.

See also