Don’t Fall Asleep on Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

Nintendo will release its highly anticipated Super Smash Bros. for both the Wii U console and 3DS handheld later this year. In fact, the game will first appear on the portable system October 3, yet for some reason, several people we spoke to plan to hold off on buying the pintsized version and wait for the Wii U edition, which should arrive sometime in November.  

Granted, they have some good points. The Wii U Smash Bros. features high definition graphics and GameCube controller support; Nintendo will release a bundle that includes the game, controller and adapter for $99.99. What’s more, it remains to be seen whether the relatively small 3DS screen (even the 3DS XL display) can handle the four-person craziness longterm compared to big brother.  

Fair enough, but we have great reasons why you should line up in October to buy the game.

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s a portable Super Smash Bros. 

This marks the first time the Super Smash Bros. franchise will appear on a handheld, giving players the chance to continue brawling away from home. Stuck in line? Smash Bros. On the bus? Smash Bros. In the bathroom? You get the idea. It’s the easiest way to feed your addiction. Few people get that opportunity when it comes to video games of this magnitude.  

3DS Smash Bros. will prepare you for the Wii U version

Both games are somewhat different beasts when it comes to controls, but character move lists are more or less the same. This gives you the chance to get acquainted with newcomers Mega Man and Pac-Man ahead of those stubborn Wii U holdouts. You’ll already know which maneuvers to use in various situations, and whether or not you even like the new challengers. Perhaps series staple Mario has and always will be your guy.

You have exclusive 3DS features

If you still care about glasses free 3D (and don’t own a 2DS), then yes, the system will send characters, boards and special effects popping off its screen.  

More importantly, the 3DS and 2DS Super Smash Bros. will feature stages you won’t find on the Wii U, and vice versa. Recently, we learned of N’s Castle, complete with appearances from Pokémon Reshiram, Zekrom and Milotic. In addition, there’s Rainbow Road from the Mario Kart series, a Spirit Train from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Tortimer Island from Animal Crossing and Wily Castle from Mega Man, just to name a few. It’s a wonderful hook for purchasing the 3DS Smash Bros. 

Finally, there’s Smash Run, a four-player boost collecting battle mode. In it, gamers spend five minutes exploring a huge labyrinth while fighting enemies (Shy Guys, Goombas and more) and six types of boosts that include Arms, Speed, Attack, Defense, Jump and Special. When time expires, you take whatever boosts you grabbed into the fight. 

Expect a generous helping of 3DS Smash articles in the near future.