Super Smash Bros. Melee is coming to Android: Here is what you need to know

Melee is coming to Android, but it is a fan project

If you grew up with a Nintendo GameCube, you probably have fond memories of Super Smash Bros. Melee. It is one of the most beloved fighting games ever made, and it is about to get a second life on Android. A fan-made port is on the way, and it is coming from a developer who has already proven they can handle classic Nintendo games on mobile.

This is not an official release from Nintendo. It is an unofficial emulation project, which means you will need to supply your own game files. But for fans who want to play Melee on the go, this could be a very exciting development.

Here is everything we know so far about the Android port of Super Smash Bros. Melee, including what works, what does not, and what you should consider before you jump in.

Who is making this port, and what do you need?

What this means for Super Smash Bros. Melee is coming to Android

The port comes from a GitHub developer known as 999sian. This is not their first rodeo. They previously ported The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap to PC and Android, and they supported that release with patches even after the final version came out. That track record is a strong sign that this Melee port is in capable hands.

The developer has already released versions for Windows, Linux, and Android. The Windows and Linux ports are said to work well, but the Android version is not fully functional yet. You can download it, but it is still in an early beta stage.

This is a v0.1.0 beta, which means it is very early in development. The developer is not supplying the game files themselves. You will need to provide your own disk image of the US version of Super Smash Bros. Melee. That is standard practice for unofficial emulation projects, and it keeps the project on the right side of copyright law.

What features are already in the desktop ports?

The Windows and Linux versions of the port come with a bunch of useful features. There are internal resolution tweaks, which let you make the game look sharper on modern screens. There is also antialiasing, which smooths out jagged edges, and an FPS counter so you can see how well the game is running. Gamepad support is included too, which is essential for a fighting game like Melee.

These features are exactly what you would expect from a serious emulation project. The fact that they are already in place for the desktop versions suggests the developer is thinking carefully about the experience. The Android version will likely get the same treatment once it is working properly.

For now, the Android port is not working. That is disappointing, but it is not surprising for a v0.1.0 beta. The developer has a history of following through on their projects, so there is a reasonable chance the Android version will improve over time.

What should you consider before trying it?

If you want to try the port yourself, you will need to be comfortable with a few things. First, you need a relatively powerful Android phone. Emulating a GameCube game is demanding, and older or budget devices may struggle to keep up.

Second, you need to provide your own game files. The developer is not hosting the game itself. You will need to rip a disk image from your own copy of Super Smash Bros. Melee. That is the legal way to do it, and it is the only way the project can stay above board.

Third, you should expect bugs. This is an early beta, and things will not be perfect. If you are not comfortable with that, it might be worth waiting for a more polished release.

Why does this matter for retro gaming fans?

Super Smash Bros. Melee is a game that has held up remarkably well. It is still played competitively today, more than two decades after its original release. The fan community has kept it alive with mods and tournaments, and this Android port is another sign of that dedication.

If you are interested in mobile gaming, this is a project worth watching. It is not an official release, but it is a labor of love from a developer who has already delivered on similar projects. You can follow the progress on GitHub, and you can also check out our mobile news section for updates.

For those who want to explore other ways to play classic games on your phone, our mobile guides have plenty of tips. And if you are looking for a new phone that can handle demanding emulation, our best phones list is a great place to start.

Will you be ready when Melee arrives on Android?

The Android port of Super Smash Bros. Melee is not ready yet. It is an early beta, and it has a long way to go. But the developer behind it has a proven track record, and the desktop versions are already showing promise.

If you are a fan of Melee, or just a fan of retro gaming on mobile, this is a project to keep an eye on. It is not an official release, so you will need to supply your own game files and be patient with bugs. But if the developer follows through, you could soon be playing one of the greatest fighting games ever made on your Android phone.

For now, the best thing to do is wait and watch. The developer has already shown they can deliver, and the community is excited. When the Android version is ready, it could be a very special moment for mobile gaming.

Until then, you can explore other ways to enjoy classic games on your phone. Check out our mobile security guides to keep your device safe while you experiment with emulators, and our connectivity guides to make sure your setup is solid. And if you are curious about how we test phones, our review methodology explains everything.