Unleashing Mr. Game & Watch: Master Guide to Matchups and Combos

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to dominate with Mr. Game & Watch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to learn the ins and outs of this quirky character, this guide has got you covered. From powerful combos and matchup strategies to unlock methods and alternative costumes, we’ll delve into all aspects of Mr. Game & Watch’s gameplay. So grab your controller and let’s dive in!

Mr. Game & Watch: Tier and Overview

Stats and General Info

Mr. Game & Watch hails from the Game & Watch series and made his debut in Super Smash Bros. Melee as the 26th fighter. With 2 jumps and weighing in at 75 units, he’s a lightweight character with a dash speed of 1.679 and air speed of 1.176. His fast fall speed of 1.984 allows for swift aerial maneuvers, making him a nimble contender on the battlefield. Keep these stats in mind as they influence his playstyle and strategy.

Tier List Placement

Mr. Game & Watch has carved out a formidable position on the tier list. His arsenal of aerial attacks boasts minimal landing lag, giving him an edge over previous iterations. Notably, his Up Special (↑ + B) rivals Little Mac’s for the fastest Up B in the game, clocking in at a mere 3 frames. This blazing speed allows Mr. Game & Watch to retaliate against shielded opponents with a punishing Up B Out of Shield. Let’s explore his unique strengths and weaknesses.

Mr. Game & Watch’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Aerial attacks pack a punch and feature long-lasting hitboxes.
He boasts a small hurtbox, enabling him to dodge many incoming attacks.
Chef (Neutral B) is ideal for ledge trapping.
Crouching grants him dodging abilities, while his Up Special provides invincibility frames.
A powerful recovery move (Up B) doubles as a remarkable out-of-shield option.
Excellent at edgeguarding with F-air and B-air.

Weaknesses

Mr. Game & Watch’s lightweight build results in early KO potential.
His range leaves something to be desired.
Many of his moves have low damage output, requiring reliance on aerials for damage dealing.
Approaching opponents can prove challenging.

Mr. Game & Watch Matchup Chart

Below is a comprehensive overview of Mr. Game & Watch’s matchup chart, providing insight into the advantages (+2), disadvantages (-2), and neutral matchups (0).

-2 -1 0 +1 +2

Notes About the Matchup Chart

-2 signifies a disadvantage, while -1 indicates a slight disadvantage or even matchup. 0 represents an even matchup, while +1 reflects a slight advantage or even result. Lastly, +2 denotes an advantageous position.
The matchup chart combines professional players’ opinions and our own experience with Mr. Game & Watch.
Characters within each tier have no specific order.
The matchup for Pokemon Trainer’s individual Pokemon (Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard) and Echo fighters with no significant differences from their regular counterparts are not listed.
If any characters are missing from the chart, we are currently investigating their matchups.

Mr. Game & Watch Combos

Mastering combos is essential to unleashing Mr. Game & Watch’s full potential. Here are some bread-and-butter and advanced combos to add to your repertoire.

Bread and Butter Combos:
- Down throw → Nair (Up Air)
- Fair → Nair
- Up Tilt → Jump → Side Special
Advanced Combos:
- Up Tilt → Jump → Bair → Bair

Bread and Butter Combos Explanation

Advanced Combos Explanation

The Up Tilt → Jump → Bair → Bair combo is particularly effective against opponents with lower percentages. It deals a total of 38% damage, making it a powerful tool for racking up damage and gaining an advantage.

Mr. Game & Watch Frame Data and Moveset

Understanding Mr. Game & Watch’s moveset and frame data is crucial for executing strategies effectively. Let’s explore his key moves and best out-of-shield options.

Best Out of Shield Options

Up B: 3 Frames
Jump > Down B: 5 Frames
Shield Grab: 10 Frames
Neutral Air: 10 Frames

Mr. Game & Watch’s standout out-of-shield option is his Fire (Up Special), which boasts an astonishingly quick startup of just 3 frames. This move offers excellent range and allows Mr. Game & Watch to punish any attack that connects with his shield, often comboing into an Up Air. Another effective out-of-shield tactic involves jumping and using the bucket (Down B) when it’s full, providing a swift and potent punish option that catches opponents off guard.

Jab (Neutral Attack)

Jab 1 (A): 3.6 damage, 4 startup frames
Rapid Jab (Multi-Hit): 0.96 damage, 4/12/19 startup frames
Rapid Jab (Finisher): 3.6 damage, 2 startup frames

Mr. Game & Watch’s jab is quick and pushes opponents away. Combining Jab 1 with a grab or other moves creates a strong offensive sequence.

Dash Attack / Tilts

Dash Attack (Dash + A): 12 damage, 6 startup frames
Dash Attack (Weak Hit): 7.8 damage, 10 startup frames
Forward Tilt (← or → + A): 14.4 damage, 8 startup frames
Up Tilt (↑ + A): 8.4 damage, 10 startup frames
Up Tilt (2nd hit): 8.4 damage, 20 startup frames
Down Tilt (↓ + A): 10.8 damage, 6 startup frames
Dash Attack:
Mr. Game & Watch’s dash attack features a long-lasting hitbox and quick startup. After the hitbox ends, quickly execute an Up B to evade punishment from opponents attempting to strike during the endlag.
Forward Tilt:
Mr. Game & Watch’s forward tilt boasts swift startup and sends opponents at a favorable angle. Its disjointed hitbox allows for countering various opponent approaches. Combining it with a Nair creates an effective combo.
Up Tilt:
This move launches opponents in a combo-friendly trajectory. After connecting, follow up with Judge (Side Special) or a back air attack.
Down Tilt:
Mr. Game & Watch’s down tilt is a speedy move that launches opponents, making it ideal for securing stocks. It can be utilized from the ledge to attempt an edgeguard.

Smash Attacks

Forward Smash (Smash ← or → + A): 21.6 damage, 17 startup frames
Forward Smash (Sour spot): 16.8 damage, 17 startup frames
Up Smash 1 (Smash ↑ + A): 19.2 damage, 21 startup frames
Down Smash (Smash ↓ + A): 18 damage, 12 startup frames
Down Smash 1 (Weak Hit): 15.6 damage, 12 startup frames
Forward Smash:
Mr. Game & Watch’s forward smash inflicts different damage based on whether it connects with the tip or the base. The flame at the tip delivers more power and better knockback, so it’s crucial to space the move correctly for optimal results.
Up Smash:
Although Mr. Game & Watch’s up smash has a somewhat lengthy startup, it boasts an extended hitbox and minimal endlag. This move is excellent for baiting opponents and offers intangibility during the attack, making it an effective counter to other hitboxes.
Down Smash:
With swift startup and minimal endlag, Mr. Game & Watch’s down smash can be spammed. Hitting opponents with the tip buries them, allowing for a follow-up forward smash. The base of the attack sends opponents horizontally, making it a powerful tool for stock-taking.

Aerials

Neutral Air (A + no direction while airborne): 3.6 damage, 7/12/17 startup frames
Neutral Air (Last hit): 4.8 damage, 22 startup frames
Forward Air (Hold ← or → in the direction you are facing + A while airborne): 3.6 damage, 10 startup frames
Forward Air (Explosion): 14.4 damage, varies depending on altitude (up to 33 frames)
Back Air (← or → opposite of the direction you are facing + A while airborne): 2.4 damage, 10/14/18 startup frames
Back Air (4th hit): 3.6 damage, 22 startup frames
Back Air (Landing): 3.6 damage, 1 startup frame
Up Air 1 (↑ + A while airborne): 2.16 damage, 9 startup frames
Up Air (Last hit): 3.6 damage, 37 startup frames
Down Air (↓ + A while airborne + meteor): 13.2 damage, 12 startup frames
Down Air (Descending): 13.2 damage, 14 startup frames
Down Air (Landing): 4.2 damage, 1 startup frame
Neutral Air:
Mr. Game & Watch’s neutral aerial is a potent tool in his arsenal, with fast startup and a long-lasting hitbox. It serves both as a damage dealer and a combo initiator when fast-falled. With a -5/-4 on shield, this move applies pressure to opponents effectively.
Forward Air:
Mr. Game & Watch’s forward air drops a bomb that explodes upon impact. It proves useful for ledge edgeguarding. If the bomb detonates before Mr. Game & Watch takes damage, it will not explode. This move offers a -3 on shield, making it a reliable poke.
Back Air:
With a long-lasting hitbox, Mr. Game & Watch’s back air acts as a combo extender at lower percentages.
Up Air:
Mr. Game & Watch’s up air functions as a projectile that shoots upward, making it a crucial tool for juggling opponents. It synergizes perfectly with his up special.
Down Air:
Mr. Game & Watch’s down air boasts a powerful and long-lasting hitbox, making it effective for dealing damage directly below him. This move also features a meteor hitbox, allowing for devastating spikes offstage. Even when used on stage, its low endlag minimizes the risk of punishment unless directly hitting a shield.

Specials

Neutral Special (Chef): 12 damage, 18 startup frames (projectile: 6 startup frames)
Side Special (Judge 1): 2.4 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 2): 4.8 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 3): 7.2 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 4): 9.6 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 5): 3.6 damage, 16/19/22/25 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 6): 14.4 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 7): 16.8 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 8): 15.6 damage, 16 startup frames
Side Special (Judge 9): 38.4 damage, 16 startup frames
Up Special (↑ + B): 3.6 damage, 3 startup frames
Down Special (↓ + B): –
Neutral Special (Chef):
Mr. Game & Watch’s neutral special sees him chucking food from a frying pan. This attack is particularly effective as a safe edgeguarding tool, posing a significant threat to characters with vulnerable recoveries.

By tapping the special button quickly, the food is launched faster. Tilting the control stick alters the food’s trajectory.
Side Special (Judge):
Mr. Game & Watch’s side special wields a hammer, randomly displaying numbers from 1 to 9. Each number corresponds to a different effect. If the hammer strikes an opponent with a 9, it results in an instant KO. This move can be comboed from a down throw.
Up Special (Fire):
Mr. Game & Watch’s up special showcases blazingly fast startup and temporary intangibility, making it a vital part of his strategy. It snuffs out an opponent’s approach with an out-of-shield punish or punishes a move’s endlag. With a frame 3 startup, it can be followed up with an up air after connecting.
Down Special (Oil Panic):
Mr. Game & Watch’s down special allows him to absorb energy-based projectiles while reflecting physical ones. When three energy projectiles have been absorbed, he can release them to deal double the damage of the strongest absorbed move.

The absorbed bucket remains even if Mr. Game & Watch loses a stock, providing an element of surprise upon his return. This move proves particularly effective against characters like Pikachu or Samus, who rely on energy-based projectiles for approach or damage.

Grabs and Throws

Pummel: 1.56 damage, 1 startup frame
Grab (Normal): 6 startup frames
Dash Grab: 9 startup frames
Pivot Grab: 10 startup frames
Forward Throw (Throw): 9.6 damage, 26 startup frames
Back Throw (Throw): 9.6 damage, 26 startup frames
Up Throw (Throw): 14.4 damage, 26 startup frames
Down Throw (Throw): 4.8 damage, 26 startup frames
Forward Throw:
Mr. Game & Watch’s forward throw primarily serves to control the stage or set up an opponent for an edgeguard.
Back Throw:
Mr. Game & Watch’s back throw primarily serves to control the stage or set up an opponent for an edgeguard.
Up Throw:
Mr. Game & Watch’s up throw launches opponents into the air, setting up potential juggles with up air.
Down Throw:
Mr. Game & Watch’s down throw acts as a combo starter, often leading into a neutral air or a Judge (side special) at lower percentages.

Final Smash: Octopus

Mr. Game & Watch’s final smash, Octopus, transforms him into a gigantic cephalopod. Charging forward, he grabs opponents and carries them toward the blast zone. Mashing the A or B buttons extends the tentacles, while vertical movement is achievable. Each tentacle deals damage upon contact with an opponent.

Mr. Game & Watch Balance Changes

Version 7.0.0 Balance Patch

Change: Increased shield size.

Version 4.0.0 Balance Patch

Change: Immediately descend when using Down Air Attack after being launched.

Version 3.1.0 Balance Patch

Change: Made it easier to hit multiple times with Up Tilt Attack.

Version 3.0.0 Balance Patch

Change: Increased the amount of time opponents are trapped during Final Smash and with the FS Meter.

Version 2.0.0 Balance Patch

Change: Increased attack range for Forward Air Attack. Shortened the landing time after using Down Air Attack.

Major Changes from Smash 4

Change: Aerial Attacks:
Significantly decreased landing lag. Buff.

Change: Forward Aerial (← or → + A While Midair):
Uses an attack where he drops bombs.

Change: Down Special (↓ + B):
Now reflects projectiles that cannot be absorbed. Buff.

How to Unlock Mr. Game & Watch

There are three ways to unlock Mr. Game & Watch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Completing any of these methods and defeating Mr. Game & Watch when he appears on the “A New Challenger Appears” screen will allow you to use him in battles.

Unlocking Via Smash Mode:
- 52nd Fighter Unlocked
- After unlocking Wolf, let 10 minutes pass OR play another battle in Smash after a soft-reset OR return to the main menu from World of Light.
Unlocking Via Classic Mode:
- Clear Classic Mode 6 times using Pikachu.
Unlocking Via World of Light:
- Pac-Maze

For a faster unlock process, be sure to check out our guide on how to unlock characters quickly in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Mr. Game & Watch Alt Costumes and Skins

Dress Mr. Game & Watch to impress with his alternative costumes and skins. These variations add an extra touch of flair to your battles, allowing you to stand out on the battlefield.

Mr. Game & Watch Reveal Trailer

Relive the excitement of Mr. Game & Watch’s reveal trailer. Watch as he showcases his unique moveset, showcasing the charm and versatility that make him a beloved character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Smash Ultimate Character Guides

For more in-depth character guides and valuable insights into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, be sure to check out our comprehensive collection.

Character Stat Lists

Character Stats: Weights of All Characters
Character Stats: Run Speeds of All Characters
Character Stats: Air Speeds of All Characters
Character Stats: Fast Fall Speeds of All Characters

That concludes our complete guide to Mr. Game & Watch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you’re ready to excel with the pixelated powerhouse. Remember to experiment, adapt, and most importantly, have fun capturing fantasy in each exhilarating battle!

Capturing Fantasy