Amtrak Invites Gamers to Bring CRTs for Super Smash Bros. Melee Tournaments Onboard

Amtrak Welcomes Gamers: Host Your Super Smash Bros.

Melee Tournaments Onboard Trains With technology and passenger amenities continuously improving, long-distance train journeys have never been more enjoyable for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Amtrak, the United States' national passenger railroad service, has recently embraced this trend by directly appealing to the gaming community, encouraging travelers to bring along their favorite hardware—even inviting the use of classic CRT displays for competitive Super Smash Bros.

Melee sessions during their trips. As reported by users on social media, Amtrak has amplified its focus on gaming, specifically highlighting the train service’s compatibility with a wide range of gaming devices.

The company has emphasized the abundance of space and comfort available onboard, suggesting that passengers can set up more elaborate gaming experiences than typically possible on other forms of transit.

In its messaging, Amtrak points out features such as extensive elbow room, ample storage facilities, and robust onboard wi-fi, catering not only to Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck players, but also to fans of retro gaming hardware that requires specialized setups. In a notable statement adapted from Amtrak's promotion, the company assures, "You don’t have to compromise your comfort to keep your virtual worlds thriving—be it a digital farm or a competitive arena." This invitation explicitly welcomes gamers to make the most of their time onboard, whether by playing their favorite titles on modern handheld consoles or by assembling full-scale tournaments with classic arcade hardware.

The reference to CRTs is a nod to the enduring preference of the Super Smash Bros.

Melee competitive community, which often relies on these displays for their low latency and authentic gameplay experience. The Nintendo Switch remains a staple for travel gaming, thanks to its portability and versatile library.

Still, Amtrak’s encouragement to bring retro setups—including CRT monitors—speaks to the company’s understanding of contemporary gaming culture, where communities are formed and thrive around titles like Super Smash Bros.

Melee.

Originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2001, Melee has maintained a dedicated fanbase and is frequently featured in esports tournaments worldwide, many of which require CRT displays for optimal play. Amtrak’s proactive support of gaming onboard reflects broader trends in the travel and gaming industries.

As portable consoles such as the Switch and Steam Deck cement their popularity, and companies like Amtrak recognize and accommodate the varying needs of travelers, the landscape of entertainment on-the-go continues to evolve.

With these new initiatives, Amtrak is positioning itself as a forward-thinking choice for gamers planning lengthy journeys across the U.S. For those planning their next train adventure, Amtrak now stands out as a viable, gamer-friendly option—not just for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck players, but for anyone eager to bring the full tournament experience along for the ride.

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