Super Smash Bros. 3DS vs. Wii U

SuperSmashBros_WiiU

I went to a Super Smash Bros. 3DS launch party, but I didn’t buy it. I don’t want to buy it. If I had money burning a hole in my pocket, that would be a different story. However, given the choice between playing Super Smash Bros. on my 3DS or on my Wii U, the Wii U version wins every time.

Despite the differences, version exclusivity wasn’t a big sale for me. The better choice boiled down to  portability, controls, and graphics.

Both versions offer nearly similar gameplay and the same roster of characters, but there are differences between the two. Since I was limited to purchasing only one of these games, I had to take these variations into account. I had to ask myself, “Which game would I enjoy playing more?”

Each version has some unique stages, trophies, and assist trophies. This is mostly dependent on the type of platform the game is being played on. The 3DS version features primarily handheld games, whereas the Wii U version focuses on console titles. Super Smash Bros. 3DS also offers a few exclusive game modes such as Smash Run and StreetSmash.

Despite the differences, version exclusivity wasn’t a big sale for me. The better choice boiled down to  portability, controls, and graphics.

Let me start off by saying…

Super Smash Bros. 3DS is Good

By now, I’m sure everyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS has tried the free demo available on the Nintendo eShop. If not, you should really give it a shot.

Wii Fit Trainer and Villager from Animal Crossing in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.
Wii Fit Trainer and Villager from Animal Crossing in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.

This is the fighting game’s first foray in the portable scene, and it handles the transition superbly. It looks good, handles well, and it is a portable version of Nintendo’s best fighting game. I can play Smash Bros. where ever I want. It is definitely convenient for someone who is always on the go.

This does not reflect my gaming lifestyle though. The time I spend playing games is usually when I’m relaxing at home. If I’m sitting in front of my Wii U anyways to play games, why not use it? With this in mind, portability becomes much less of an issue.

Controls: New vs. Old

The 3DS controls are surprisingly fluid. It’s almost as if I’ve been playing Smash Bros. on the 3DS all along. The keyword here is “almost.” I’m sure with enough time, I may get accustomed to the 3DS controls. Quite frankly, I’m not ready to give up the familiarity of a Wii U Pro controller, or even better, the GameCube controller.

WiiU_GameCubeControllerAdapter_Super_Smash_Bros

That’s right, it’s time to dust off those old GameCube controllers. Nintendo is introducing an adapter ($20) that lets up to four Nintendo GameCube or WaveBird controllers work with the game.

If you’re lacking one of these bad boys, standalone Nintendo GameCube controllers emblazoned with the iconic Super Smash Bros. insignia are being made available for $30. There is even going to be a special bundle that includes Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, one Nintendo GameCube controller and one adapter for $100.

This shows how Nintendo recognizes the importance of the GameCube controller to veteran Super Smash Bros. players. I certainly appreciate it. Now if only I could use it for Mario Kart 8 too…

Graphics: 3D vs. HD

Controls aside, the most obvious difference between the Wii U and the 3DS are the graphics. The 3DS has exclusive access to stereoscopic 3D with adjustable and optional character outlines. The Wii U shows off Super Smash Bros. in  glorious high-definition .

While the 3DS variant looks pretty good as it is, I never see myself fully appreciating Super Smash Bros. in stereoscopic 3D. I rarely use this feature as it is. Being able to play in HD gave the Wii U version a boost.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U is Better (For Me)

I have an excuse to use my favorite GameCube controllers again. In the graphics department, I vastly prefer HD over 3D. One day, I may lament over not being able to play Smash Bros. on a plane. Still, the Wii U version was the clear winner.

Although not for me, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS definitely has its own merit. Eventually, I may own both. I certainly would love to take advantage of this excellent Super Smash Bros. soundtrack promotion.

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