Whether your teen mains Kirby, dominates with Link, or goes all-in with Pikachu, Super Smash Bros. is one of the most beloved multiplayer games of all time. It’s fast, chaotic, colorful, and—most importantly—fun. That makes it the perfect theme for a birthday bash for teen boys who love to game and compete.
If you’re looking to throw a party that’s less about passively watching a screen and more about full-on interactive fun (with a few real Smash rounds mixed in), then it’s time to plan a Super Smash Bros. Showdown. From themed invites to creative snacks, here’s everything you need to throw a smash-tacular celebration.
Step 1: Smash-Worthy Invitations
Start with eye-catching invites that capture the spirit of the game. Think: bold colors, pixel fonts, and a lineup of characters like Mario, Link, Samus, and Donkey Kong.
Wording ideas:
- “Choose Your Fighter: [Birthday Kid’s Name]’s Smash Showdown!”
- “Drop into the Arena for a Birthday Brawl!”
- “1v1 or Squad Up—It’s Time to Smash!”
Design tools like Canva, or downloadable templates on Etsy, make it easy to create custom invitations. Include all the details: date, time, location, and whether guests should come dressed as their favorite character.
Step 2: Set the Stage for Battle
Transform your party space into the ultimate Smash Arena. The vibe should be colorful, bold, and slightly chaotic—just like the game!
Decor Ideas:
- Character banners – Hang printouts or posters of iconic characters around the room.
- Stage zones – Label areas with names of famous Smash stages (Final Destination, Hyrule Temple, Battlefield).
- Item crates & power-ups – Use cardboard boxes with logos for the Smash Ball, Poké Balls, and Assist Trophies.
- Pixelated partyware – Get themed plates, cups, and tablecloths with video game graphics.
String LED lights in blue, red, and yellow to give the space that video game glow.
Step 3: Dress Like a Fighter
While full-on cosplay might be too much for some teens, you can make it fun and simple to rep a favorite character.
Ideas:
- Hand out character badges or name tags (“Mario,” “Cloud,” “Donkey Kong,” etc.).
- Provide DIY props like cardboard Master Swords, Kirby hats, or Mario mustaches.
- Let guests choose a colored headband or wristband to represent their fighter.
Bonus: Create a photo booth corner with props and a “Choose Your Fighter” backdrop for cool snapshots.
Step 4: Fuel Up with Smash-Inspired Snacks
Smash Bros. brings together characters from dozens of franchises, which means you can go wild with themed food from all across the Nintendo (and beyond) universe.
Savory Ideas:
- Mario’s Pizza Power-Ups – Individual pizzas or pizza bites.
- Link’s Triforce Tenders – Chicken strips shaped like triangles.
- Pikachu’s Electric Nachos – Spicy nachos with bright yellow cheese.
- DK’s Banana Slammers – Banana sliders or banana bread bites.
- Samus Sliders – Mini cheeseburgers.
Sweet Treats:
- Kirby’s Copy Cupcakes – Pink frosted cupcakes with candy stars.
- Master Ball Cake Pops – Cake pops painted like Poké Balls.
- Smash Ball Cookies – Sugar cookies decorated with the iconic Smash logo.
- Villager’s Fruit Snacks – A colorful fruit platter with “Animal Crossing” signs.
Drinks:
- Wario’s Energy Fuel – Yellow lemonade in labeled bottles.
- Power-Up Punch – Red or blue fruit punch served in game-themed cups.
Label each item with fun signs using matching fonts and logos for that immersive feel.
Step 5: Plan Legendary Party Games & Activities
Whether your crowd is hardcore competitive or just in it for the laughs, these activities will have everyone jumping off the platforms.
1. Super Smash Bros. Tournament
- Set up a TV with a Nintendo Switch and Smash Bros. Ultimate.
- Create a tournament bracket (double elimination if time allows).
- Have small prizes for winners—like Smash-themed keychains or candy trophies.
Keep it casual and flexible. Let guests pick their mains or go random for a fun twist.
2. IRL Smash Showdown
Take the energy off the screen and into the real world with these themed physical challenges.
- Obstacle Course: “Final Destination” – Use cones, platforms, and “spike zones” (mats) to recreate a jumping course.
- Smash Ball Hunt – Hide Smash Balls (painted ping pong balls or paper cutouts) around the yard or house.
- Assist Trophy Roulette – Write fun mini challenges or power-ups on slips of paper guests can draw (like “steal a turn,” “get a free snack,” “automatic win this round”).
3. DIY Fighter Creation Station
Set up a craft table where guests can:
- Design their own Smash fighter with templates
- Create pixel bead keychains
- Decorate controller cookies with frosting and sprinkles
Step 6: Music & Mood
Set the vibe with an epic playlist featuring:
- Smash Bros. soundtrack music (lots of orchestral remixes from Zelda, Pokémon, and more)
- Upbeat Nintendo hits
- Teen-friendly pop/rock tunes to keep energy levels high
You can even blast the “Victory!” fanfare sound effect after each tournament round or during cake time.
Step 7: Smash-Worthy Favors
Send guests home with a power-up pack that keeps the celebration going.
Party favor ideas:
- Smash Bros. stickers or button pins
- Mini trophies or medals
- Controller-shaped erasers
- Nintendo character candies or trading cards
- “Unlockable character” mystery packs (fill small boxes with surprise goodies)
Bag them in themed pouches or DIY loot boxes for extra flair.
Bonus Tips
- Keep rotations quick: With video games, not everyone can play at once. Use timers or set match limits to keep things moving.
- Spectator fun: Set up extra chairs or a couch with popcorn for those watching tournament matches.
- Capture the moment: Take group photos with props or record match highlights and make a post-party video montage!
