While Evo 2022 is set to return in person this year, one key thing will be missing – Nintendo won’t allow Super Smash Bros. at Evo 2022.

The news that Nintendo won’t allow Super Smash Bros. at Evo 2022 comes via Evo event organizers, who said Nintendo has “chosen to not continue” the legacy of hosting the latest Super Smash Bros. at the competitive fighting game tournament.

“While we’re thankful for all the amazing games joining us later this year in Las Vegas, we want to let you know in advance that Super Smash Bros. will not be making a return appearance,” Evo said in a statement.

They added, “Since 2007, we’ve seen historic Super Smash Bros. moments created at Evo’s events. We are saddened that Nintendo has chosen not to continue that legacy with us this year. In the future, we hope to once again celebrate the Super Smash Bros. community alongside them.”

The latest game in the series, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, was released back in 2018 for Switch (find our thorough review here) and made an appearance at Evo 2019.

The following year, COVID-19 happened and the entire world shut down, trapping everyone in their homes. Evo 2020 was planned to be an online event, only to be cancelled when multiple sexual harassment and abuse claims pointed at co-founder Joey Cuellar, who was promptly fired.

Despite the former allegations behind Cuellar and the show not taking place in 2020, Sony acquired the rights to Evo, while locking in Evo 2021 for an online event.

Without further details, it remains very unclear why Nintendo would decline to have Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allowed at Evo, considering it was only featured once in 2019.

We’ll keep you guys posted – or perhaps we’ll never know. Evo 2022 will run from August 5th to the 7th.