Every State’s Favorite Super Smash Bros. Character

BetMGM Feb 15, 2025, 11:12 AM
min read
A header displaying the most popular Super Smash Bros. Characters posing together

Whether you’re launching a fiery Final Smash or just button-mashing your way to victory, every Super Smash Bros. player has their go-to fighter. From Nintendo legends like Mario and Donkey Kong to surprise challengers like Steve from Minecraft, the roster has only grown more diverse—and competitive—over the years. The franchise continues to thrive, bringing together casual and competitive players alike in epic showdowns. 

With Super Mario Day approaching, we turned to Google Trends to uncover every state’s favorite Super Smash Bros. character. So, grab your controller, charge up a Smash attack, and see if your main made the list!

The Most Popular Smash Character in Every U.S. State

With over 80 fighters to choose from, the Super Smash Bros. roster is packed with gaming icons, but some characters clearly pack a bigger punch regarding popularity. By analyzing Google Trends search data, we uncovered the most searched Smash character in each U.S. state—and the results might just surprise you.

Sonic Speeds Ahead as the Nation’s Favorite

The blue blur himself, Sonic the Hedgehog, dashes into the lead as the most searched Super Smash Bros. character across nine states, securing his spot as the ultimate fan-favorite. His lightning-fast speed and high-energy playstyle make him a formidable opponent, and it seems players across the country can’t get enough of his Smash antics.

Hot on his heels is Mario, the mustachioed mascot of Nintendo, leading in seven states. Despite being the face of the franchise, Mario falls just short of taking the overall crown. Meanwhile, with his chaotic energy and unpredictable moves, Wario claims the top spot in six states.

Regional Rivals: Breaking Down the Trends

Looking at regional trends, some clear favorites emerge:

  • Midwest: Mario dominates the heartland, reflecting his status as a timeless gaming icon.
  • Northeast: A tie between Mario and Wario suggests players in this region are split between the classic hero and his mischievous rival.
  • South: Sonic the Hedgehog sprints ahead, taking the lead in most states within the region. 
  • West: Steve from Minecraft proves his staying power, claiming the top spot in the region where creativity reigns supreme.

Surprising State Standouts

While some characters consistently rank high, a few unexpected favorites popped up in certain states. Bayonetta is California’s top pick, likely due to her stylish, combo-heavy gameplay and dedicated fanbase. Sephiroth, the legendary Final Fantasy villain, slashes his way to the top in Nevada, proving that even in Sin City, there’s a love for dramatic boss battles. Meanwhile, states like Hawaii and West Virginia show a nostalgic side, favoring Pikachu and Mega Man, two classic characters with deep gaming roots.

Montana takes a more unconventional route, with Richter Belmont—the whip-wielding vampire hunter from Castlevania—emerging as the state’s top pick. In North Dakota, Fox McCloud of Star Fox fame proves that space-faring heroes still have a loyal following. And in Michigan, Yoshi races to the top, showing that the lovable, egg-tossing dinosaur is still a fan favorite.

Closing Thoughts

From Sonic’s blistering speed to Wario’s unpredictable chaos, every state has a Smash Bros. favorite that resonates with its players. Whether fans gravitate toward nostalgia, strategy, or sheer power, the data shows that Super Smash Bros. remains a staple of competitive gaming culture.

The rush of competition is what makes gaming exciting, whether it’s a fast-paced battle in Super Smash Bros. or the strategic play at BetMGM online casino games. It’s all about skill, strategy, and the drive to win. Just like in gaming, every move counts, and the thrill of the challenge keeps players coming back for more. BetMGM provides all this and more, plus a generous welcome casino bonus for new players.

Methodology

To determine the most searched Super Smash Bros. character in each state, we analyzed Google Trends data for all 84 playable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We tracked search interest for each character from the game’s launch on December 7, 2018, to the present day, identifying which fighter had the highest search volume in each state over this period.

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