Patch 13.0.5 for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was released this week, marking the first update since June 2025, according to Esports Insider. The patch notes simply state: “Fixed behaviour that occurs when invalid data is sent or received in online battles.”
Although Nintendo did not provide further details, competitive players were quick to point out that the target was the Delay Mod, an unofficial tool used to reduce lag in online matches. The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate community has long criticized Nintendo’s Switch netcode, noting that online play differs significantly from LAN play, requiring adjustments in reads and timing. The shift to online tournaments during the pandemic highlighted these differences, with some players struggling to adapt to the delay compared to others.
Hurt’s suspension and the creator of the mod
The use of the Delay Mod has already caused controversy within the community. In 2025, a top Snake player known as Hurt, who had recently won Genesis X2, announced a self-imposed ban of two months after footage suggested he had used an input delay mod while streaming. His team, ENTER FORCE.36, confirmed that the mod had been installed on one of his two Switch consoles.
“Following our internal investigation, we found that Hurt had installed unofficial mods on one of his Nintendo Switch systems. He claims to have only used the equipment during private online matches with acquaintances, and the footage in question was from a stream where he unintentionally used the equipment against an unspecified number of opponents.”
Modifying a Switch is illegal under Japanese law, and Japanese players have been particularly vocal against the use of the mod. They argue that it put them at a disadvantage compared to overseas players who were willing to take the risk. The backlash escalated to the point where Bluejay, the creator of the mod, was doxxed and announced that they would cease development. Esports Insider notes that it is unclear whether Nintendo took action following reports from the Japanese community, although this theory has been circulating among players.
A history of tension with the competitive scene
Esports Insider also highlights another issue surrounding the patch: a cheat believed to have originated in Japan, which intentionally disconnects an opponent mid-match to create an error. It is possible that Nintendo intended the fix to address this exploit rather than specifically targeting the Delay Mod. Nevertheless, the update comes amidst longstanding tension between Nintendo and the competitive Super Smash community, which has faced canceled tournaments, cease-and-desist letters, and the removal of the series from Evo. For many players, Patch 13.0.5 serves as a reminder of Nintendo’s often unwelcome involvement in the competitive scene.