Thoughts on the 3DS version getting released before the Wii U one?

[The Real Gamer]

As of now the development team is officially shooting for a summer 2014 release for Smash 3DS, while they are gunning for a winter 2014 release for the Wii U versions.

I'm personally pretty skeptical about this. The Wii U is struggling in terms of sales and desperately needs Smash4 to "hype up" the console as much as possible. It's obvious that the 3DS version was always going to detract the Wii U's sales, but now that it's being released first? There's almost no reason for casuals to purchase the Wii U version over the other at this point.

1) 3DS version is on a cheaper, more popular system.
2) The 3DS version will be releasing first.
3) Both versions of Smash 4 will be very similar (not exact, but not enough distinguishing features to warrant buying both as far as I can tell), so really no incentive for casuals to buy the same game twice.
4) By the time the Wii U version drops it won't be nearly as hyped since the game will have already been out since summer.

What are your thoughts?

 

[KokiriKory]

I can't comment on the business side of things, that's not my MO

I feel like most of us here would be excited for the Wii U version, because of things like the graphics and only needing one system for local multiplayer. It made justification of the 3DS version kinda tough, buying the (relatively) same game twice on the same day just so I can have it everywhere I go?

Now that it's coming out months ahead of the Wii U version, I am ecstatic. I wasn't expecting EITHER until Holiday season, and this totally justifies my purchase of both copies.

Hooray!!!!!

 

[The Real Gamer]

I can't comment on the business side of things, that's not my MO

I feel like most of us here would be excited for the Wii U version, because of things like the graphics and only needing one system for local multiplayer. It made justification of the 3DS version kinda tough, buying the (relatively) same game twice on the same day just so I can have it everywhere I go?

Now that it's coming out months ahead of the Wii U version, I am ecstatic. I wasn't expecting EITHER until Holiday season, and this totally justifies my purchase of both copies.

Hooray!!!!!

I was personally hoping the games would be released at the same time.

As a Wii U owner I'd like the console to be as successful as it can be, so I'm pretty surprised Nintendo chose to go this route.

 

[Cap'nChreest]

This is bad news for me. I really hope the 3ds gets delayed to the WiiU release date. But thats pretty selfish of me. I just wish they had the same date.

 

[Ryan.]

I'm disappointed as I am only getting the Wii U version. I'm a casual player and bought the Wii U just for Smash (and of course getting other games but the main incentive was for Smash). I just love the HD and could not imagine playing Smash not at home on my TV screen, that's the way I'd like to play. I think it should have come out on the Wii U first, but eh, the direct was so good I can't complain too much. I guess there is more to the Wii U version that takes longer to develop.

 

[LancerStaff]

It depends if they advertise the Wii U version on the 3DS. Like, every time you start up online mode you'll get asked "Do you want to sync with the Wii U version? See it on the eshop here." Or a big blinking "Transfer to Wii U" button.

 

[Smashoperatingbuddy123]

Oh well atleast theres fantastic news

I get to see unlockable characters revealed before I get the wii u think about that

The captain falco ness falco ganondorf all of them and plus mewtwo (mewtwo is probably saved for E3)

 

[Keto]

I've been more excited for the 3DS version because of its handheld and portable playability. Now I get to enjoy the game during the summer and see the entire roster in 3-4 months.

 

[cmbsfm]

Not a good decision, they should have done what Microsoft did with Titanfall and release the Wii U version first before the 3ds.
Way to not to try to save your dying console, Nintendo.

 

[Lugubrious]

I think this is a very bad plan. Since the rosters are the same, there will be nothing whatsoever to sustain the hype for half an entire year before the Wii U version comes out. Really disappointing. Can't see why they'd do it.

 

[Yonder]

...

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

I'm the only ecstatic one here about this wonderful news. I only have a 3DS and do not plan on getting a WiiU. I know the WiiU needs t more, but oh well. I'm being completely selfish here, and have no problem with it.

 

[DaDavid]

There's no way it was a "choice" per say. The Wii U is just going to take longer in general, so why hang on to the 3DS version if it's ready?

But as an owner of both systems, perhaps I'm biased >.>

 

[LF2K]

Quite frankly, I think it sucks the Wii U version is coming so late. At least the 3DS version will kill all character speculation when it drops.

 

[BridgesWithTurtles]

I'm mostly disappointed because that magical feeling of turning on the first Smash Bros game in 6.5 years to play on the big screen with my friends in HD will be spoiled, since everyone will already have familiarized themselves with the much less impressive 3DS version by then. And that basically means I have to buy the 3DS version in order to keep myself up to pace with everyone else, even though I only wanted to get the Wii U version. Oh well, at least Smash Run looks like fun.

It's pretty smart of Nintendo to do it this way, if you ask me. If you only wanted the Wii U version, you're pretty much forced to buy it on 3DS too, unless you have an iron will.

 

[The Real Gamer]

so why hang on to the 3DS version if it's ready?

To boost sales. When you're selling a product you don't immediately start selling once it's "complete."

Timing is extremely essential, and the timing couldn't be worse for the Wii U as far as I'm concerned. This might be the final nail in the Wii U's coffin. Not even Smash 4 will save it at this point.

 

[spader13]

While the Wii U version may end up less hyped, it will also have a new set of stages, and they can also help it out by giving it a mode to separate it from the 3DS version. Plus the better graphics and likely being the tournament version (for competitive players at least) will help sell it. By releasing two versions, they were already cutting into their own sales anyways, so it makes sense to space them out. If they came out at the same time, I would have bought Wii U first personally and then if I liked it enough/3DS had enough differences gone back for 3DS personally.

 

[The Real Gamer]

I'm mostly disappointed because that magical feeling of turning on the first Smash Bros game in 6.5 years to play on the big screen with my friends in HD will be spoiled, since everyone will already have familiarized themselves with the much less impressive 3DS version by then. And that basically means I have to buy the 3DS version in order to keep myself up to pace with everyone else, even though I only wanted to get the Wii U version. Oh well, at least Smash Run looks like fun.

This is exactly how I feel. Smash will always primarily be a console fighter in my eyes, so the "magic" of playing it for the first time won't be nearly as great as it was with Brawl or Melee since the game will have already been out for a few months.

I always planned on getting both versions but as a Wii U supporter I'm kind of pissed off with this news. :\

 

[DaDavid]

To boost sales. When you're selling a product you don't immediately start selling once it's "complete."

Timing is extremely essential, and the timing couldn't be worse for the Wii U as far as I'm concerned. This might be the final nail in the Wii U's coffin. Not even Smash 4 will save it at this point.

That sort of talk is completely unfounded based on this. Timing is terrible? For who exactly?

The 3DS version will come out in the Summer essentially unopposed. The Wii U during the Holiday rush, probably with a bundle of some sort. I'm not seeing the danger for anyone except for people who expected different.

Certainly not bad news for Nintendo. They'll be swimming in it.

 

[The Real Gamer]

That sort of talk is completely unfounded based on this. Timing is terrible? For who exactly?

timing couldn't be worse for the Wii U.

This has nothing to do with Nintendo's profits as a whole. I'm primarily concerned about the future success of the Wii U.

 

[katastrophic]

Well, I'm pretty happy that the Wii U version (in what would be a pretty ironic twist) is not holding back the 3DS. I always knew I'd play the 3DS version more, since I almost only play Monster Hunter on 3DS, so this doesn't personally bother me. However, there's no denying that the 3DS version will be heavily eating into the Wii U's sales, but I guess that's just another business opportunity lost for Nintendo.

 

[Dairz]

Woah. I just realized all the characters, items, ATs, will be revealed when the 3DS version comes out. Then for the next 5-6 months Smash Wii U will have nothing interesting to show, besides its exclusive stages. Thats not good...

 

[Mr. KoopaTurtle]

What will happen to Pic of the Day once the 3ds version releases? I guess the pics will no longer be informative since one of the games is already out... This just seems like a bad idea, the Wii U version needs to come first.

 

[MechaWave]

I did NOT want to buy the 3DS version, but now I probably will just for this reason.

 

[MAtgSy]

Everybody's pretty much ignored the 3DS version, or worse blamed for a misconception of holding back the Wii U version. It pretty much needed to come out 1st or else it would just be forgotten.

Console wars between the 2 platforms is pointless. We're all still buying the Wii U version regardless & this game was never going to single handily salvage the system. It ain't Sakurai's place to fix Nintendo's problems, he's doing what's best for the game itself.

 

[[TSON]]

It will push way more Wii U consoles if the game debuts around Christmas time. 3DS version will add some quick cash into Ninty's reportoire for short term and Wii U will add big bucks in the long term. There are good selling points for both versions and the fact that they're spaced out with different features could drive more people to buy both.

 

[Yitsul]

no fair, really

 

[roymustang1990-]

Might as well ignore playing the 3ds version then to keep myself fresh for the wii u version. :/

 

[hydrokyogre]

I think it's pretty awesome. The Wii U version is going to be a bigger game all around, with or without any new modes they're hiding from us, so it makes sense that it'll take longer to develop.

Besides, Smash 3DS is getting a summer release. My Wii U will still be busy with Mario Kart.

 

[Kuragari]

Must say Im surprised the 3DS version is coming first, considering how much help the Wii U needs. Smartest move would be for releasing both at the same time. Oh well. I was getting both versions anyway, and if the U version being several months behind the portable version in the interest of polish and tuning, Im all for that.

 

[HeroMystic]

As a 3DS owner, I found the notion of putting Smash on a handheld to be rather baffling. Not that it hasn't happened before, but it doesn't have the same feel to me.

IMO, handhelds are used for quick gameplay. Something you play on your breaks from work, that hour before you go to school, or that hour before you go to bed. Smash has always been a game that you can play for hours, exploring match-ups and having fun. So I was never planning on getting it for the 3DS.

That said, I'm negatively surprised the 3DS version is coming out months ahead of the WiiU version. However, this is making a mountain out of a molehill. Smash 4 is still going to boost WiiU sales.

 

[BridgesWithTurtles]

Must say Im surprised the 3DS version is coming first, considering how much help the Wii U needs. Smartest move would be for releasing both at the same time. Oh well. I was getting both versions anyway, and if the U version being several months behind the portable version in the interest of polish and tuning, Im all for that.

Releasing both at the same time means most people would only buy one version, and forget about the other. Especially younger kids (the core target demographic), whose parents may only offer to buy one of the games.

 

[Rosalina suporter]

Im excited for it ill get both of them,So i don't really mind that the 3DS version is coming out first.

 

[ahannoush4]

Oh well atleast theres fantastic news

I get to see unlockable characters revealed before I get the wii u think about that

The captain falco ness falco ganondorf all of them and plus mewtwo (mewtwo is probably saved for E3)

pretty much this!

Also i will play the 3ds version and treat it as a less HD full version demo!

 

[Amazing Ampharos]

No one who was going to buy the Wii U version is going to change that purchase because of this. However, many of us who would have bought only Wii U are now going to buy both. This is nothing but smart from a sales perspective. Nintendo's strategy isn't one focused on a desperation of saving the Wii U; the Wii U's eminent demise is a lot more hype than actual fact.

From a competitive perspective, things are going to get really messy really fast. The Wii U is just plain going to be the competitive standard, and it has grown increasingly obvious. However, we're going to have this 3DS version around for several months, and what do we do in the meantime? Tournaments on a temporary version? Regions that don't end up behind, but regions that do are going to have some serious hurt feelings when we just drop the 3DS version and leave players who wanted to support it empty handed. I need to think more about how this will affect things, but I already forsee several potential big policy pitfalls we could walk into with these games with this probably being the biggest one. The competitive community will be in a crazy and weird place during that period between the two launches, and I think that's what we should be talking about much more than the sales implications.

 

[Substitution]

Honestly, I don't really mind.
I was planning on only getting the 3DS version anyway.

 

[PadWarrior]

Perfectly fine with it. We have Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, and the 3DS version will both be great to tide us over to the Wii U version.

 

[The Real Gamer]

From a competitive perspective, things are going to get really messy really fast. The Wii U is just plain going to be the competitive standard, and it has grown increasingly obvious. However, we're going to have this 3DS version around for several months, and what do we do in the meantime? Tournaments on a temporary version? Regions that don't end up behind, but regions that do are going to have some serious hurt feelings when we just drop the 3DS version and leave players who wanted to support it empty handed. I need to think more about how this will affect things, but I already forsee several potential big policy pitfalls we could walk into with these games with this probably being the biggest one. The competitive community will be in a crazy and weird place during that period between the two launches, and I think that's what we should be talking about much more than the sales implications.

This is a very good point that I never even considered.

I've noticed there's already a bit of hostility between the 3DS/Wii U crowd, and this news is only going to complicate the issue further.

Personally I never considered playing competitively on the 3DS version so it won't be an issue for me.

 

[[TSON]]

there is no mention of an IR or streetpass or whatever local mode at all thus far so i really can't imagine how tournament play for 3ds owners would work at all. it makes no sense to me to drive up to a local venue to sit in a chair across from someone and play an online match that i could have played at home that there is nigh way of recording/streaming. there is no hype.
3ds owners will be stuck playing wifi tournaments and for a fighting game that's never going to have a big community behind it, especially after the big console version comes out. i'm gonna buy the 3ds version anyway and im gonna love it tbh but i really can't see any way that it would work.

wii u version is gonna be the one you see streamed everywhere, played up on the big screen, the one people will be huddled around, the one that will have people on the edge of their seat at apex 2015.
3ds version is the one you play alone at work on your lunch break over wifi against a random to kill some time.

 

[Artsy Omni]

Honestly, I don't think it's a big deal. I think if they launched at the same time, the 3DS version would be overlooked. Why not help the 3DS continue to flourish, since it's actually making Nintendo money? It's probably a good idea to invest money in something that's actually working rather than use Smash Bros as a gambit to see if Wii U can become profitable.

I honestly don't think Smash Bros. will suddenly make the Wii U a successful system by the standards that we're accustomed to. Sure, it will boost sales, but that sales boost will occur whether or not the 3DS version comes out earlier or simultaneously. People who don't play handhelds will still want to buy a Wii U just for Smash if they like Smash that much.

People are making a bigger deal out of this than is necessary. Smash Wii U won't "save the Wii U," and Smash 3DS coming out early isn't "dooming the Wii U."

 

[VictoryIsMudkipz]

It tempts me to buy both versions, I know how I am with waiting for releases, and with 3DS being revealed first in the Summer, I'll have to get it. But I really perfer the Wii U version better, so I'll probably get both.