Since its release in December 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has become the best-selling fighting game of all time, boasting over 30 million copies sold. With an enormous roster of 89 fighters (including DLC), hundreds of music tracks, and countless Spirits, the game is a massive file—even by modern standards.
For technical users, modders, and emulation enthusiasts (using legal backups of games they own), terms like NSP, XCI, and DLC are critical. But what do these acronyms mean? And how do they apply to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is unique. The base game (v1.0.0) is approximately 13-14 GB in both XCI and NSP forms. However, because the game received over a dozen major updates (adding fighters like Sora, Kazuya, and Pyra/Mythra), most users prefer the NSP format. Why? Because NSP allows you to install the base game, then layer updates and DLC on top without repackaging the whole cartridge image.
Purchase Super Smash Bros. Ultimate + DLC from the Nintendo eShop or physical retailers. Then use emulators only with your own dumps. Super Smash Bros Ultimate SWITCH NSP XCI -DLC A...
Please Note: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It explains the terminology, the technical differences between file formats, and how DLC functions legally. We do not condone or promote illegal downloading (piracy). Always purchase games from official sources like the Nintendo eShop or authorized retailers.
It's essential to approach NSP and XCI files with caution. While they can be convenient for managing game data, their distribution and use can infringe on copyright laws and Nintendo's terms of service. Purchasing games and DLC directly through official channels supports the developers and ensures access to updates and official support.
If you have a legal backup of your Smash Bros. Ultimate cartridge (XCI), you cannot simply copy-paste DLC files. Instead, you need: Since its release in December 2018, Super Smash Bros
On standard hardware, these are downloaded automatically from the eShop. In emulation or custom firmware environments, users often merge these into a single "base + update + DLC" XCI using tools like NSC Builder, though this is legally gray unless you own the original content.
| Format | Source | Best for | |--------|--------|----------| | NSP | eShop digital download | Emulators (compressed) | | XCI | Game cartridge dump | Emulators (can be trimmed) |
If you have a modded Switch or use an emulator, here’s how to properly install Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from NSP files: It's essential to approach NSP and XCI files with caution
The DLC for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate comes in the form of the "Fighters Pass" series, which adds new fighters, stages, and music to the game. The DLC is available for purchase individually or as part of the "Fighters Pass Vol. 1" and "Fighters Pass Vol. 2."
As of my last update, there are two Fighters Passes: