Nintendo and esports team Panda Global have teamed up to launch the first officially licensed Super Smash Bros. championship circuit in North America.

The circuit is due to start in 2022, and will include both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as well as Super Smash Bros. Melee, the latter of which is highly popular in Smash’s competitive scene. Further details about the event and cash prizes are to follow.

Confirmed. Ready your A-game, Super #SmashBros competitors. We've partnered with @PandaGlobal to launch the first officially licensed Super Smash Bros. championship circuit in North America, coming 2022! #SmashBrosUltimate #SmashBrosMelee https://t.co/3WKbEYrMH2

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 18, 2021

The news will likely come as a surprise to many given Nintendo’s rocky history with the Super Smash Bros. competitive scene, including a number of controversies on the part of Nintendo themselves as well as on the part of the community. Only time will tell how this latest attempt to bridge the two sides will play out.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.