# Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

**Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U** is a pair of crossover fighting games developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco Studios under director [Masahiro Sakurai](https://www.edgepedia.org/masahiro-sakurai) and published by Nintendo in 2014. The two versions share a roster and core gameplay but were built for different hardware: the [Nintendo 3DS](https://www.edgepedia.org/nintendo-3ds) version, released in October 2014, was the series' first portable entry, and the [Wii U](https://www.edgepedia.org/wii-u) version, released in November 2014, was its first in high definition.<sup>[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXvSsTRdcMo)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://time.com/3536460/super-smash-bros-wii-u/)</sup> Together they are the fourth installment of the Super Smash Bros. series, in which players damage opponents and knock them off the stage rather than depleting a health bar.

| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Platforms and release | Nintendo 3DS version first, in October 2014; Wii U version on November 21, 2014 in North America and November 28, 2014 in Europe<sup>[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXvSsTRdcMo)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://time.com/3536460/super-smash-bros-wii-u/)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[3](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Wii-U-games/Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-864849.html)</sup> |
| Development | Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, produced in collaboration with Namco Bandai<sup>[4](https://as.com/meristation/2013/01/23/reportajes/1358966400_112335.html)</sup> |
| Roster | 51 playable characters, including third-party guests Mega Man, Pac-Man, and Sonic<sup>[5](https://www.critic.co.nz/files/Critic-2015-4.pdf)</sup> |
| Wii U exclusives | 8-Player Smash, Smash Tour, Event Mode, Special Smash, Special Orders, Stage Builder, Tournament Mode, and YouTube replay upload<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/answers/412462-difference-between-3ds-and-wii-u-version)</sup> |
| 3DS exclusives | Smash Run mode; stages drawn largely from handheld games<sup>[8](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-online-modes-detailed/1100-6418857/)</sup> |
| Cross-compatibility | A 3DS or 2DS system running the 3DS version can serve as a controller for the Wii U version, and custom fighters can be copied between the two games<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[9](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/super_smash_bros_for_wii_u)</sup> |
| Online status | Online play for both versions ended on April 8, 2024, when Nintendo discontinued 3DS and Wii U online services<sup>[10](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u-eshop-discontinuation)</sup> |

## Development and announcement

Sakurai, the creator of the series, began planning work in early 2012; in February of that year he wrote that he was reviewing the Super Smash Bros. Dojo website and reflecting on the previous game's development during brainstorming.<sup>[11](https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/19/smashfordevelopment/)</sup> Nintendo had already signaled the project at the Wii U's unveiling period, when company president [Satoru Iwata](https://www.edgepedia.org/satoru-iwata) raised the possibility that Sakurai would work on a new entry for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.<sup>[12](https://apache.ivasoundstudio.com/bordel/bible_super_smash_bros_non_officielle.pdf)</sup> A January 2013 [Nintendo Direct](https://www.edgepedia.org/nintendo-direct) confirmed the game would be produced in collaboration with Namco Bandai, with a first showing promised for E3 2013 in Los Angeles.<sup>[4](https://as.com/meristation/2013/01/23/reportajes/1358966400_112335.html)</sup>

The first trailer appeared in a Nintendo Direct on June 11, 2013, confirming nine veteran characters and three newcomers: Mario, Link, Pikachu, Kirby, Samus, Pit, Fox, Donkey Kong, and Bowser, joined by Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, and [Mega Man](https://www.edgepedia.org/mega-man).<sup>[11](https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/19/smashfordevelopment/)</sup> Sakurai presented the two versions in developer interviews around E3 2014, describing the Wii U game as the franchise's first HD appearance and the 3DS game as its first on a portable system.<sup>[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXvSsTRdcMo)</sup>

## Two versions, one roster

The two games share the same character roster and fundamental mechanics but differ in modes, stages, and presentation. The Wii U version's stronger hardware gives it higher resolution and technically superior graphics, and its screen size supports 8-Player Smash, a series first in which eight players fight simultaneously in local multiplayer on special, larger stages such as Big Battlefield.<sup>[13](https://www.ssbwiki.com/Cross-platform_comparison_of_Super_Smash_Bros._4)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup> The 3DS version uses two levels of character model detail, switching from lower-fidelity models during play to higher-quality ones on pause and results screens to keep the framerate stable.<sup>[13](https://www.ssbwiki.com/Cross-platform_comparison_of_Super_Smash_Bros._4)</sup>

**Exclusive modes.** The 3DS version has Smash Run, a mode in which players explore an area collecting power-ups before a final battle.<sup>[8](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-online-modes-detailed/1100-6418857/)</sup> The Wii U version replaces it with Smash Tour, a board game-style mode in which up to four players move around a map collecting fighters and power-ups for a final match, and adds Event Mode, Special Smash, Special Orders (Master Orders and Crazy Orders), Stage Builder, Tournament Mode, Coin Battles, and Stamina Matches.<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/answers/412462-difference-between-3ds-and-wii-u-version)</sup> Shared modes differ in detail: on Wii U, All-Star Mode runs opponents in reverse chronological order and allows two-player co-op, while Classic Mode on Wii U uses a board of character trophies and introduces rival fighters and eight-fighter battles.<sup>[9](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/super_smash_bros_for_wii_u)</sup>

**Stages and music.** The Wii U game offers more stages, with more variety, than any game in the series to that point, including the expanded Big Battlefield, The Great Cave Offensive based on [Kirby Super Star](https://www.edgepedia.org/kirby-super-star), and Jungle Hijinxs based on [Donkey Kong Country Returns](https://www.edgepedia.org/donkey-kong-country-returns) with its dual-plane foreground and background battles.<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup> The 3DS version's stages are drawn from handheld games, and each stage carries at most two music tracks, with exceptions such as [Dream Land](https://www.edgepedia.org/dream-land) and Super Mario Maker; on Wii U the number of tracks per stage is higher and customizable through the returning My Music feature.<sup>[13](https://www.ssbwiki.com/Cross-platform_comparison_of_Super_Smash_Bros._4)</sup>

## Online play and connectivity

Online multiplayer was split into two tracks on both versions: "For Fun," with items on and most stages available, contributing to a player's overall record, and "For Glory," in which matches are item-free on flat Omega (Ω) stages, offered in free-for-all, one-on-one, and team forms.<sup>[14](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/guide_everything_you_need_to_know_about_super_smash_bros_for_nintendo_3ds)</sup> On Wii U, players could team up locally with a friend to compete online "With Anyone," and voice chat with friends through the GamePad was available on the fighter selection and results screens.<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup>

The versions interconnect in both directions. A Nintendo 3DS or 2DS system with the 3DS version installed can act as a controller for Smash Mode on Wii U, and custom fighters, including Mii Fighters with their equipment, costumes, and hats, can be imported from the 3DS game to the Wii U game or copied in either direction.<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[9](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/super_smash_bros_for_wii_u)</sup> Players who registered both versions on Club Nintendo during the promotional period received a two-disc soundtrack and free Mewtwo downloadable content in spring 2015.<sup>[6](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)</sup>

## amiibo and DLC

The Wii U version reads amiibo figures through the NFC touchpoint on the Wii U GamePad, turning them into "figure players" that fight alongside or against the player. Figure players gain levels through battle, up to a maximum of level 50, learn tactics from strong opponents, can be fed equipment to raise attack, defense, and speed, and return custom parts and gold to the player after battles.<sup>[3](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Wii-U-games/Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-864849.html)</sup> Purchasable add-on content added new stages, characters, and Mii Fighter costumes.<sup>[3](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Wii-U-games/Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-864849.html)</sup> Sakurai confirmed in February 2016 that the project was complete with the release of the final DLC.<sup>[15](https://host.gameblast.com.br/revistas/nintendoblast/revista_nintendoblast_n101.pdf)</sup>

## Reception and later status

Critics received the Wii U version favorably; GameSpot scored it 9 out of 10, calling it "Superb," and noted that it shares its characters, premise, and reverence for gaming history with the 3DS game released two months earlier.<sup>[16](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-review/1900-6415976/)</sup> GamesRadar later ranked it 11th in its list of the best Wii U games, describing it as improving the familiar gameplay rather than reinventing it, with a focus on balanced bouts and technical depth.<sup>[17](https://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-u-games/)</sup> The 3DS version drew some criticism for its online stability at launch, with reviewers suspecting the Wii U version would be the one to choose for local play.<sup>[18](https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Magazine/R/Retro%20Gamer%20UK/Retro%20Gamer%20Issue%20135%20-%202014%20%20UK.pdf)</sup>

Both versions' online services ended at 5 p.m. PDT on April 8, 2024, when Nintendo discontinued online play and other online functionality for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software; features and modes that do not require online communication remain usable.<sup>[10](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u-eshop-discontinuation)</sup> Purchases in the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops had already closed on March 27, 2023, though redownloading purchased software and updates remained possible for the foreseeable future.<sup>[19](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847/~/wii-u-%26-nintendo-3ds-eshop-discontinuation-q%26a)</sup> The series continued with [Super Smash Bros. Ultimate](https://www.edgepedia.org/super-smash-bros-ultimate), released for [Nintendo Switch](https://www.edgepedia.org/nintendo-switch) in December 2018.<sup>[20](https://escholarship.org/content/qt02z6v94d/qt02z6v94d.pdf)</sup>

## References

1. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & Nintendo 3DS – Developer Interview, Nintendo AU (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXvSsTRdcMo)
2. [50 Things Nintendo Wants You to Know About Super Smash Bros. Wii U, Time](https://time.com/3536460/super-smash-bros-wii-u/)
3. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo UK game page](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Wii-U-games/Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-864849.html)
4. [Nintendo Direct Wii U, MeriStation (January 2013)](https://as.com/meristation/2013/01/23/reportajes/1358966400_112335.html)
5. [Super Smash Bros for Wii U review, Critic Issue 2015-4](https://www.critic.co.nz/files/Critic-2015-4.pdf)
6. [Nintendo unveils over 50 features and other details for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo UK (24 October 2014)](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2014/October/Nintendo-unveils-over-50-features-and-other-details-for-Super-Smash-Bros-for-Wii-U-928927.html)
7. [Difference between 3DS and Wii U version? – GameFAQs Q&A](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/answers/412462-difference-between-3ds-and-wii-u-version)
8. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS online modes detailed, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-online-modes-detailed/1100-6418857/)
9. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Review, Nintendo Life](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/super_smash_bros_for_wii_u)
10. [Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, Nintendo Support](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u-eshop-discontinuation)
11. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS Development History, Source Gaming](https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/19/smashfordevelopment/)
12. [La bible non officielle de Super Smash Bros.](https://apache.ivasoundstudio.com/bordel/bible_super_smash_bros_non_officielle.pdf)
13. [Cross-platform comparison of Super Smash Bros. 4, SmashWiki](https://www.ssbwiki.com/Cross-platform_comparison_of_Super_Smash_Bros._4)
14. [Everything You Need to Know About Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Life](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/guide_everything_you_need_to_know_about_super_smash_bros_for_nintendo_3ds)
15. [Revista Nintendo Blast n. 101](https://host.gameblast.com.br/revistas/nintendoblast/revista_nintendoblast_n101.pdf)
16. [Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Review, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u-review/1900-6415976/)
17. [The 25 best Wii U games of all time, GamesRadar+](https://www.gamesradar.com/best-wii-u-games/)
18. [Retro Gamer Issue 135 (2014)](https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Magazine/R/Retro%20Gamer%20UK/Retro%20Gamer%20Issue%20135%20-%202014%20%20UK.pdf)
19. [Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation Q&A, Nintendo Support](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847/~/wii-u-%26-nintendo-3ds-eshop-discontinuation-q%26a)
20. [UC Santa Barbara eScholarship paper on Super Smash Bros. AI agents](https://escholarship.org/content/qt02z6v94d/qt02z6v94d.pdf)

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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Video games and digital play › Games and gameplay › Franchises and series › Nintendo-owned franchises › Super Smash Bros. franchise*

*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*

*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*

License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license