'Smash' 3.0 Joker Release Time: When Is the DLC Update Coming to Switch?

You never saw it coming! Nintendo has revealed the first official gameplay of Joker, the protagonist of the hit PlayStation 4 game Persona 5, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In a 15-minute preview showing off Joker’s moves, stages, and Persona-themed Mii Fighter costumes, Nintendo also revealed Joker’s release date, which is today, along with two massive and free new features: Video Editor and Stage Builder.

Joker will be available in update 3.0.0 as a paid download, either at $5.99 individually or bundled with the $25 Fighter’s Pass, starting today, April 17. So you’ve got something to look forward to when you get home (if you didn’t already sneak your Switch to work or class).

It’s unclear exactly what time Joker and update 3.0.0 will hit Smash Bros. Ultimate, but it’s definitely happening today. As one fan on Reddit noted, the launch could actually happen on Thursday morning in Japan, meaning a midday release in the United States.

On Tuesday evening Eastern time, Nintendo revealed the first official look at Joker, the first paid downloadable content (DLC) character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The video showcases some of Joker’s moves, including his smash attacks, his specials, as well as one very special maneuver: Rebel’s Guard, a mechanic that lets Joker fill up a gauge in order to unleash his “persona,” Arsène Lupin, who adds extra oomph to all of his attacks.

Joker’s Final Smash was also revealed. Staying true to the style and feel of Persona 5, Joker’s Final Smash is the All-Out Attack, a powerful maneuver in which Joker and the rest of his fellow Phantom Thieves gang up on one or several enemies. One big advantage that Joker has over other Smash Bros. fighters is that if he misses his target when activating his Final Smash, players can zig-zag the direction in the other way to nail the attack.

Joker also introduces a new stage to Smash Bros. Ultimate: Mementos, a bizarro dimension that exists in Persona 5. The stage features music from Persona 5, as well as Persona 4 and Persona 3, which change the stage’s color scheme to electric blue and yellow, respectively. The stage also features cameos of the Phantom Thieves, including Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, Yusuke, and Makoto, who appear in the background during battle.

Lastly, Mii Fighters can be outfitted with a number of Persona-themed costumes. Pieces include a Morgana hat, a Teddie hat (from Persona 4), and two Swordfighter costumes based on Persona 4 and Persona 3.

Another big update for 3.0.0 adds a Stage Builder, a feature not seen since 2008’s Super Smash Bros. Wii U, which allows players to create their own custom arenas. Because it’s the Nintendo Switch, players can “draw” elements on the touchscreen. The stages also come with front and back layers, which add “decorative elements” to give each state its own unique personality.

Also new is a Video Editor, which allows players to edit footage of gameplay in a streamlined Final Cut Pro-esque interface. The feature also allows players to share videos with other players.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available now. Update 3.0.0 will be available April 17.