It seems like it was only yesterday that gamers around the world were desperately searching for any scrap of information about the upcoming Super Smash Bros. games. Now, months later, the 3DS version of the game has arrived, and players are loving it. But during the celebration, there was one lingering question: where is the Wii U version?
There have been a multitude of Smash Bros. leaks over the past few months, but Nintendo refuses to comment on any rumors whatsoever. So while there was a rumored release date, nothing would be official until Nintendo made a statement.
Thankfully, Nintendo has finally broken its silence. The company announced earlier today that the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. will be released alongside the first wave of Amiibo figures on Nov. 21.
The news does confirm previous rumors for Smash Bros.' Wii U release date. Previously, retail store employees tweeted out pictures of early promotional material featuring a Nov. 21 release date, though Nintendo predictably refused to comment. The company's strategy actually makes a lot of sense: by focusing on the 3DS version of the game, Nintendo likely boosted sales by a sizable number. Now that the 3DS version has been successful, Nintendo can focus on the Wii U port.
For the most part, both games will be exactly the same. The Wii U is obviously the more powerful console, so there will be a graphical difference between the two versions, and there are a few new stages included in the console version. Aside from that, the gameplay and characters are identical across the two games, though the Amiibo figures will put a twist on the Wii U's custom fighters.
The Amiibo figures, which are essentially Nintendo's version of the Disney Infinity toys, are able to be customized and trained by playing Smash Bros. while connected. How much of a difference in strength this makes is still unknown, but it's certainly a nice incentive to buy the figurines. The first wave of toys will be released on Nov. 21 as well, and the first wave includes Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Link, Wii Fit Trainer, Marth, Villager, Fox, Samus and Kirby. Another wave of figures is set for release a few weeks later in December.
Not to be forgotten, the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. is doing fantastically: according to Nintendo, Smash Bros. for 3DS has already sold 2.8 million copies around the world. This means that, following the Japanese release of the game, nearly 2 million units were sold in just the United States and Europe alone. We loved the game, and if the Wii U version is just as good as the 3DS version, Nintendo has nothing to worry about.
Super Smash Bros. 3DS is available now, and the Wii U version is set for release on Nov. 21.
