Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

In 2014, Nintendo published two crossover fighting games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd.: one for the Nintendo 3DS and one for the Wii U. Often called *Super Smash Bros. 4* by fans, they are the fourth main entry in the series, following *Brawl* from 2008. The 3DS version hit Japan on September 13, 2014, then North America and Europe on October 3, and Australia on October 4. The Wii U version arrived in North America on November 21, Europe on November 28, Australia on November 29, and Japan on December 6.

Like earlier *Smash* games, these are non-traditional platform fighters where players weaken opponents by raising their damage percentage, knocking them further with each hit until they fly out of the arena. Items like Smash Balls (unleashing powerful Final Smashes) and Assist Trophies (summoning non-playable characters) appear during battles. Stages now include an Omega form, which flattens the layout and removes hazards, mimicking the classic Final Destination stage. The 3DS version focuses on elements from handheld titles, while the Wii U version emphasizes home console content, with some stages, trophies, and features exclusive to each platform.

Development began in 2012 and was announced at E3 2013. The gameplay was tuned to split the difference between the fast, competitive style of *Melee* and the slower, more casual pace of *Brawl*. New features include support for up to eight players on Wii U, early compatibility with Nintendo’s Amiibo figures (which let players train computer-controlled fighters), customizable Mii Fighters, and post-release downloadable content with additional fighters and stages. Customizable special moves were also introduced. However, some features from *Brawl* were cut, such as its story mode.

Players can customize existing characters and Mii Fighters, altering attacks and adding power-ups, and transfer these setups between the 3DS and Wii U versions. Amiibo can be trained and imported into matches. Both versions support local and online multiplayer. Online matches with strangers are split into two modes: “For Fun” (timed battles on random stages with items, no Omega forms) and “For Glory” (stock matches with no items on Omega stages only, tracking wins and losses). Customized characters, Mii Fighters, and Amiibo are barred from stranger matches.