Nintendo Deploys Surprise Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Patch, Likely Targeting Controversial ‘Delay Mod’

Nearly eight years after its initial launch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues to receive maintenance updates from Nintendo. The latest, version 13.0.5, has arrived with a brief, singular patch note that has the competitive community buzzing: “Fixed behavior that occurs when invalid data is sent or received in online battles.”

While Nintendo’s official phrasing is vague, the consensus among players is clear—the update is a direct response to the community’s persistent use of the unofficial Delay Mod, also commonly referred to as the “lagless” or “input latency” mod.

The Rise and Fall of the Delay Mod

Originally designed to improve the game’s online experience, the mod functioned by removing the intentional four-frame input latency baked into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s online architecture. Because the mod allowed users to experience reduced lag even when playing against opponents using unmodified hardware, it effectively provided an unfair competitive advantage.

The mod quickly became a lightning rod for controversy, particularly within the Japanese Smash community. In Japan, where laws regarding unauthorized game modification are strictly enforced, players expressed deep frustration regarding the unfair playing field. The situation grew increasingly volatile, culminating in the doxing of the mod’s creator, Bluejay. While the developer subsequently announced that they would discontinue the project, the mod remained in circulation, frequently appearing in Quickplay and Elite Smash matches.

An End to the Controversy?

Following the continued use of the mod despite its official discontinuation, it is widely believed that frustrated members of the community escalated their complaints directly to Nintendo.

Version 13.0.5 appears to be the manufacturer’s final answer to these complaints. By addressing how the game handles “invalid data” in online sessions, Nintendo has effectively neutralized the ability of the mod to communicate with unmodified clients, rendering the workaround largely unusable.

A Legacy of Occasional Updates

This update follows a series of sporadic patches that have kept Ultimate alive long after its final balance adjustments concluded in December 2021. Since that time, Nintendo has released versions 13.0.2 through 13.0.4 to address specific issues, such as Sora amiibo compatibility, Global Smash Power tracking, and cross-generation connectivity between the Nintendo Switch and its successor.

While Nintendo has firmly stated that no further character balance changes are planned for the massive 86-fighter roster, version 13.0.5 proves that the company remains vigilant regarding the integrity of the game’s online infrastructure. For now, it appears the contentious era of the “Delay Mod” has reached its conclusion.