Japan Sales Show Nintendo Has a Mega Hit in Super Smash on 3DS

Super Smash Bros is a huge franchise, and one that Nintendo has returned to generation after generation. It can be perceived as a guaranteed money maker. However, I was skeptical when the 3DS version was announced, and even more skeptical as gameplay footage began to be released. After all, this was a first for this franchise on handheld. Nintendo has managed to sell over a a million copies of the game in Japan – both at retail and digitally on the eShop – making my skepticism incredibly unnecessary, and frankly, wildly incorrect.

Expected sales in Europe and North America during the first week of October will probably be very similar. After all, unlike some 3DS titles, Smash Bros has universal appeal. The demo in North America and Europe is garnering a great response from fans, although a few have complained via Twitter of cramped hands, even on the 3DS XL.

Personally, this game is great. Although it definitely isn’t my favorite game of the past 12 months on 3DS, nor really in my top 5, it still has a lot of charm and gameplay that makes it worth picking up on launch day. Cramped hands aside, what this really does it make me long for the Wii U version which has been confirmed for November of this year.

Stay tuned to GamesReviews for a full review of Super Smash 3DS. It should be available in the next couple of weeks. Until then, make sure to grab the demo off the eShop this Friday, or take advantage of it right now if you are a Club Nintendo Platinum member. Although I will tell you that you won’t be disappointed, there is no reason for you not to check it out for yourself. This may be the fix you need waiting for the ideal version of the game later this year.