What you need for a Smash Bros tournament

A Smash Bros tournament needs more than consoles and copies of the game. You will need one reliable setup per match station, spare controllers and cables, clear scoring supplies, and a simple way to serve drinks and snacks. This shopping list covers the equipment, tableware, kitchen items, and tournament materials to prepare before players arrive. Check compatibility and test every station in advance, because replacing a controller or HDMI cable on tournament day is difficult.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Nintendo Switch Consolesqty 8
Televisions or monitorsqty 8
GameCube controllersqty 16
Backup controllersqty 4
HDMI cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
USB charging cablesqty 8
Ethernet cablesqty 4
Wi-Fi router
Speaker
Microphone

Sports equipment

Competition table numbersqty 8
Race timersqty 8
Score sheetsqty 50
Pensqty 20
Prizesqty 3
Wristbandsqty 40

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving boardsqty 4
Small bowlsqty 8
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round tableclothsqty 8
Name card holdersqty 40

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Savory snacks - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Mini frikandel rolls - 50 pieces
- Mini pizza rolls - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian mini spring rolls - 50 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Vegetarian toppings - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand gel - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one complete station for each group of players running matches at the same time: console, screen, controllers, HDMI cable, power access, and any network equipment you need. Add at least one backup controller for the event rather than sharing a single spare between stations.
Buy or bring more writing supplies than the schedule suggests. Prepare at least two pens per registration or scoring area and keep spare score sheets available in case a result is entered incorrectly.
Check controller connections and charging before shopping is finished. Have USB charging cables ready for rechargeable controllers, and test every HDMI cable and power strip with the actual console and screen combination.
For drinks and snacks, match serving items to the confirmed participant list rather than buying only for registered players. Prepare extra reusable cups, plates, cutlery, and small bowls for late arrivals, spills, or second servings.
Keep prizes, wristbands, table numbers, and score sheets together in one tournament supplies box. Label that box before setup so these small items do not get buried under cables and controllers.

Frequently asked questions

How many Smash Bros controllers do I need for a tournament?: Plan four working controllers for each station where four-player matches run simultaneously. Bring at least one tested backup controller for the whole event, and more if the tournament has several stations or a long schedule.
How many Nintendo Switch stations do I need for a Smash Bros tournament?: Start with one station for every match that must run at the same time. For example, four simultaneous matches require four consoles, four screens, four HDMI cables, and enough power connections for all four setups.
What cables should I buy for a Smash Bros tournament?: Prepare one HDMI cable and one suitable power connection per console-screen setup, plus extension cords and power strips where the venue needs them. Keep at least one spare HDMI cable and several USB charging cables on hand.
How much food and drink should I buy for a Smash Bros tournament?: Base quantities on the confirmed participant list and add roughly 10% extra servings for late arrivals or second portions. Chill drinks before guests arrive, and provide enough cups, plates, cutlery, and small bowls for the full session.

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