Nintendo blocks Smash Bros. tournament over mod use

Another new foe has appeared!

The Big House, a Super Smash Bros. tournament, has been cancelled after Nintendo issued a cease and desist order.

The event organisers announced the news via Twitter, saying that Nintendo of America ordered it to cancel the tournament over its use of mods.

The Big House is a US Smash Bros tournament that has been taking place every year since 2011. This year's online-only event was set to have fans brawling in Nintendo Switch title Smash Bros Ultimate, as well as GameCube release, Smash Bros Melee.

As the latter doesn't have an online mode, The Big House was planning on running the game using GameCube and Wii emulator, Dolphin. This would allow the organisers to run fan-made software, including introducing online functionality via the Slippi mod. The use of this tech seems to be at the core of Nintendo's problem with the event.

The Big House 2020 was set to take place between December 4 and 6.

"We were informed we do not have permission to host or broadcast the event, primarily due to the usage of Slippi. Sadly, all our competitions are affected," the event organisers wrote on Twitter.

"We are forced to comply with the order and cancel The Big House Online for both Melee and Ultimate. Refund information will be sent shortly. We apologise to all those impacted."

Nintendo is particularly aggressive when it comes to protecting its IP. In recent years, the platform holder has issued cease and desists to fan projects, such as Metroid 2 remake Project AM2R, and prolific leakers like Sabi.