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

[Joalro]

It's also been stated that the 3DS and Wii U versions will have the same roster.

Of course. I meant to imply that it unlocked the characters for both games. In the end the roasters for both will be the same, but you'll have to wait a few months to get access to them all. They would just be kept secret until then.

And there are already features that some people won't get if they don't have both copies of the game. It's confirmed that there is at least some form of cross console... something. They wish to reward players for having both.

All I'm saying is that unlocking characters by having both games would boost the Wii U sales significantly, as it will encourage the 3DS user base to pick it up.

 

[SmashBro99]

If they released them at the same time, I'm pretty sure WiiU would outsell the hell out of 3DS. Good business move, some people who want the WiiU version more willconsider getting the 3DS version while they wait, also a **** move tho.

Looks like I'm getting both, gg nintendo

 

[PlateProp]

Why does everyone fail to see that WINTER is the time that most consoles are bought? Releasing 3Ds in summer gets them money for that quarter (You all know how there's hardly ever any games that come out in summer), while Wii U eill sell consoles around Christmas

Gg Nintendo

 

[EmbersToAshes]

Why does everyone fail to see that WINTER is the time that most consoles are bought? Releasing 3Ds in summer gets them money for that quarter (You all know how there's hardly ever any games that come out in summer), while Wii U eill sell consoles around Christmas

Gg Nintendo

While that's true, the 3DS releasing beforehand will capture a lot of the casual market, lessening the Wii U's potential as a console seller. There are good and bad factors about the way they're releasing - while the Wii U should still see sales, thanks to the holiday period, they will be affected by the 3DS' release. It's a risky move for Nintendo - I take it they're banking on more console purchases during the holidays as gifts, due to the release of SSBU. Could pay off, could counteract SSBU's potential as a system seller. Only time will tell really.

 

[BoomToon]

I'm ok with it. I'm excited about having at least one version of it to play over the summer and I don't think it will take away from the wiiu version.

Looks like I'm getting both, gg nintendo

This^ is true for me now more than ever

 

[[TSON]]

Sorry for the late response. It was late over here.

Simple.
The exact same reason why people go out of their way to play any Smash game.
To play Smash with others. To be the best.

I'm not disputing tournaments - there will be tournaments. Why would you /drive to a venue/ to play /WiFi/ games in a tournament when you could do that at home?

Local connection, although not mentioned, is definitely in. What would be the benefit of not including it, when literally every other online 3DS game has it? And streaming probably won't be an issue either - how else have pokemon fans been running X / Y tournaments?

There would be absolutely no benefit to not including it... but I also think it's a little... important to not be mentioned in the Nintendo Direct unless their intention was to skimp over the fact that it doesn't exist.
Also, I've never seen a Pokemon tournament streamed. I only see match replays and sometimes WiFi tournaments streamed, but that's about it.

 

[MangoTwist]

My brother and I own both systems, and we agreed to not buy the 3DS version until we own the console version (likely a day one buy).

I was expecting the Wii U version to drop late summer/ early fall, so I am a little disappointed by the recent announcement. Oh well, buying it regardless.

 

[Substitution]

I'm not disputing tournaments - there will be tournaments. Why would you /drive to a venue/ to play /WiFi/ games in a tournament when you could do that at home?

Well, if that's the case.
Why are you implying that's a bad thing? If anything, it could help.
If the Wi-Fi is good enough to make decent matches. Why not use that to our advantage?

 

[[TSON]]

Well, if that's the case.
Why are you implying that's a bad thing? If anything, it could help.
If the Wi-Fi is good enough to make decent matches. Why not use that to our advantage?

Because the thrill of being in a fighting game scene is being at a venue with other smashers, everyone antsy and hyped as hell. If our tournament play revolves around online mode, you're likely to be watching the matches after they're over. Nobody is going to want to drive to a venue to play a match they could play from home with likely the same amount of lag.

 

[Substitution]

Because the thrill of being in a fighting game scene is being at a venue with other smashers, everyone antsy and hyped as hell. If our tournament play revolves around online mode, you're likely to be watching the matches after they're over.

Here's how we can put it.
Maybe we could try achieving a balance between off-line and online. As both have their pros and cons.
Maybe having offline tournaments be the big thing, while making online tournaments a side thing.

And mind you, we also have Skype and Twitch on our hands.

 

[Knight Dude]

Well, for people who don't have a Wii-U, it seems like a perfect Christmas gift. So I would imagine that was Nintendo's plan. I don't know if I'd get Wii-U for a while, or any new system for that matter. But at least I have the 3DS version to look forward to. Not to mention we should know most of the roster as soon as the 3DS version drops.

Either way, if there's one game I want to get during the summer, it's hands down Smash 4.

 

[KenboCalrissian]

On paper, it looks like they thought it would give people already sold on the WiiU version something to buy ahead of time, essentially getting the hardcore fans to buy the same game twice. As has been mentioned though, they run the risk of 3DS buyers either being perfectly content with a cheaper version (about $400 cheaper if you don't already own a WiiU, including the cost of the replacement controller you're going to use instead of the touch pad) or deciding they aren't happy with the game at all, and in either case ignoring the WiiU version.

However, the 3DS version appears to have plenty more differences than they're talking about. Did anybody else notice the 3DS stages are more platform-y than the WiiU's? Staple elements like springboards and pit traps are far more prevalent on the handheld stages. It looks like most of the terrains we're used to will be reserved for the latter, leaving the 3DS version feeling like a different, more chaotic sort of animal. I have a feeling 3DS will be a refreshing experience, but one that doesn't quite capture the exact feeling we were hoping to gain from a Smash Bros. title, leaving us craving the WiiU version more.

 

[Arcadenik]

I am fine with that... I will just buy SSB4 3DS this summer... that gives me ample time to save up money for SSB4 Wii U this winter while enjoying SSB4 3DS.

 

[BridgesWithTurtles]

Surely Nintendo realized that the 3DS version was always going to outsell the Wii U version. All this release date does is squeeze a little bit more money out of the hardcore Wii U audience from those who can't wait. It's a mostly smart decision. It might not help the Wii U as much, but it makes the company more money overall.

 

[Admiral Pit]

I approve of it really. As one who doesn't have a Wii U yet, the 3DS version is what I need just to get a feel of the game, with a few things being exclusive and all. Plus, I felt the 3DS version needs some love since many of us would prefer the HD goodness of the Wii U version, although both are great in their own right.
So I say don't shoot down the 3DS version. Besides, by doing this, we'll be able to have a lot more discussions for that version, which seemed to be nearly dry as of late prior to the Direct.

 

[Pazzo.]

It's a smart business move. More people will by both versions now!

 

[Deleted member]

It makes sense that they would release the 3DS version in the summer and the Wii U version in the winter. Regardless, I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed as I wanted to play the Wii U version first (and I'm not going to wait until winter to do so).

 

[dimensionsword64]

I'm okay with it.

 

[Azureflames]

Honestly i think there are quite i bit of people out there that own a 3ds and not planning to buy a WiiU or vise versa. i think either way I think it'll boost 3ds sales for sure and if sm4sh meets the standards of being a great game that people wanna play together, i can see people buying wiiU around holiday time. There's merit to having either system for smash. WiiU you can have lots of people playing on the same system while 3ds is so much more exclusive to single player and online play by yourself. also note that the wiiU graphics looks 10fold more beautiful than 3ds, who wouldnt wanna play that...not to mention the controls will feel much different (3ds could feel a bit more hand-cramping than the wiiU pro controller). I'm personally gonna be getting the 3ds version cause i dont have a WiiU, but who knows. The 3ds version will be a test run to see if i want to get a WiiU by christmas

 

[TheTuninator]

If they released them at the same time, I'm pretty sure WiiU would outsell the hell out of 3DS. Good business move, some people who want the WiiU version more willconsider getting the 3DS version while they wait, also a **** move tho.

Looks like I'm getting both, gg nintendo

3DS version will almost certainly outsell the WiiU version. Nobody has a WiiU. Everyone has a 3DS.

 

[Curious Villager]

I guess they probably wanted to test out how popular the first handheld Smash Bros would be.

I'm fine with this. I only have a 3DS at the moment so I'm happy that I can play this game pretty soon.

 

[DakotaBonez]

Man, and smash run is exclusive to the 3DS version? Now that's some bull sh$#.
Is move customization exclusive to the wii u version?

These are 2 new features that look like crazy fun.

 

[BaPr]

Can't wait for the game. I think it is smart to do 3DS in the summer and Wii U in the Winter. I know there were many people who wanted to get the Wii U version only and now the will most likely buy the 3DS version too since they really want to play smash.

 

[T_for_Teej]

I'm glad we finally have a release window.

I own both systems but I'm only going to pick up the Wii U version. As impressive as Smash on the 3DS is, I have no interest in it.
In my eyes Smash will always be at home on consoles. And the Wii U version looks to be the definitive Smash4 experience.

Waiting until "Winter" (Summer in Aus) doesn't bother me too much. Between uni and work I wouldn't have any time to play anyway. If I do manage to get some downtime I've got other games to play at the moment.

What's gonna suck is trying to remain spoiler free as all of my Smash playing friends only own a 3DS and will be picking that version up.
Oh well, it's gonna be well worth the wait.

 

[LancerStaff]

Man, and smash run is exclusive to the 3DS version? Now that's some bull sh$#.
Is move customization exclusive to the wii u version?

These are 2 new features that look like crazy fun.

The act of customization is exclusive to the 3DS, but it can be transferred over.

 

[EmbersToAshes]

The act of customization is exclusive to the 3DS, but it can be transferred over.

Fairly sure that SOME form of customization is exclusive to the 3DS, but I don't believe the move customization was ever mentioned to be exclusive either way.

Edit: Just double checked. Nope, definitely no mention of it being exclusive.

 

[LancerStaff]

Fairly sure that SOME form of customization is exclusive to the 3DS, but I don't believe the move customization was ever mentioned to be exclusive either way.

Edit: Just double checked. Nope, definitely no mention of it being exclusive.

Back in an old interview he said it was...

 

[EmbersToAshes]

Back in an old interview he said it was...

No, he said there would be some for. Of customization exclusive to 3DS. This wasn't stated in the direct to be exclusive, and considering they used Wii U footage to show it off, I hardly think they'd mislead people when essentially they would need to buy the 3DS to use it.

 

[LancerStaff]

No, he said there would be some for. Of customization exclusive to 3DS. This wasn't stated in the direct to be exclusive, and considering they used Wii U footage to show it off, I hardly think they'd mislead people when essentially they would need to buy the 3DS to use it.

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/wii-u-and-3ds-smash-bros-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-wil/

He exclusively mentions transferring from the 3DS to Wii U. Wouldn't he say both if the Wii U version had it?

 

[EmbersToAshes]

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/wii-u-and-3ds-smash-bros-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-wil/

He exclusively mentions transferring from the 3DS to Wii U. Wouldn't he say both if the Wii U version had it?

Yeah, I just read that as you posted. Looks like they may be locking customization I the 3DS - man, what are Nintendo trying to do to the Wii U?

 

[LancerStaff]

Yeah, I just read that as you posted. Looks like they may be locking customization I the 3DS - man, what are Nintendo trying to do to the Wii U?

Making something mind-blowing to make up for it?

 

[EmbersToAshes]

Making something mind-blowing to make up for it?

People have been asking for customization for years. So Nintendo, in their infinite wisdom, lock it to the new portable version, along with another exclusive mode. Then they release the 3DS version earlier, let everyone buy that and wonder why the Wii U version doesn't sell as many consoles as they'd like.

*shakes head*

In all seriousness, they'd have to come up with something pretty stunning to beat out something people have speculated about for years, along with an early release date and an extra bonus mode.

 

[LancerStaff]

People have been asking for customization for years. So Nintendo, in their infinite wisdom, lock it to the new portable version, along with another exclusive mode. Then they release the 3DS version earlier, let everyone buy that and wonder why the Wii U version doesn't sell as many consoles as they'd like.

*shakes head*

In all seriousness, they'd have to come up with something pretty stunning to beat out something people have speculated about for years, along with an early release date and an extra bonus mode.

How many Wii U exclusive features did we see? Zero. This was essentially a direct for SSB3D. You think we won't see anything awesome for SSBU at E3?

 

[Violenceman]

I posted this in another thread, but I think it bears repeating here:

I think the connectivity between 3DS and WiiU is the big Ace in the Hole Sakurai has planned. By releasing 3DS early, they are getting people into the game, from where they can start hyping all the things their 3DS can do in conjunction with WiiU, so that people are really eager to get the WiiU version when it launches.

 

[EmbersToAshes]

How many Wii U exclusive features did we see? Zero. This was essentially a direct for SSB3D. You think we won't see anything awesome for SSBU at E3?

I'm sure we'll get some exclusive features for the Wii U, yeah. You've just got to wonder if it'll be enough to remain a system seller, when Nintendo are currently busy telling everybody how many features AREN'T in the Wii U version. I mean, seriously, customization was a no brainer to keep in there as a major draw. I completely get that they're trying to capitalize off holiday sales and make bank on the 3DS in the mean time, but it's a short-sighted business model at best. By doing it this way, and promoting all this exclusivity for the 3DS, they essentially weaken the Wii U as a system seller by providing the casual market with a cheaper alternative months before the Wii U is even an option. Sure, they make bank, but as a result they're likely to sell less consoles and therefore minimize future Wii U games sales as a result. The more systems they sell with Smash Bros, the more games they sell per release, and currently Nintendo's business plan seems opposed to that.

 

[Violenceman]

I'm sure we'll get some exclusive features for the Wii U, yeah. You've just got to wonder if it'll be enough to remain a system seller, when Nintendo are currently busy telling everybody how many features AREN'T in the Wii U version. I mean, seriously, customization was a no brainer to keep in there as a major draw. I completely get that they're trying to capitalize off holiday sales and make bank on the 3DS in the mean time, but it's a short-sighted business model at best. By doing it this way, and promoting all this exclusivity for the 3DS, they essentially weaken the Wii U as a system seller by providing the casual market with a cheaper alternative months before the Wii U is even an option. Sure, they make bank, but as a result they're likely to sell less consoles and therefore minimize future Wii U games sales as a result. The more systems they sell with Smash Bros, the more games they sell per release, and currently Nintendo's business plan seems opposed to that.

I don't think it is really fair to blame Nintendo and Sakurai for not making game design decisions based on a problem they would have no way of knowing they would find themselves in upon release. I think they designed this connectivity based on the idea that the WiiU would sell well, like the Wii did, not with the idea in mind that Smash would have to be a grand system savior. I mean, they could have scrapped what they had and rework everything to fit a "Save the WiiU" design, but that would probably be an even worse decision.

 

[EmbersToAshes]

I don't think it is really fair to blame Nintendo and Sakurai for not making game design decisions based on a problem they would have no way of knowing they would find themselves in upon release. I think they designed this connectivity based on the idea that the WiiU would sell well, like the Wii did, not with the idea in mind that Smash would have to be a grand system savior. I mean, they could have scrapped what they had and rework everything to fit a "Save the WiiU" design, but that would probably be an even worse decision.

The thing is, as one of a few games to act as a system seller at the beginning of the console's span, Nintendo would have made it quite clear that there was weight on the games shoulders. To then go ahead and make such, frankly, bizarre choices regarding the release date, the exclusivity reveals...just all of it is entirely beyond me, and I work in advertising.

 

[soviet prince]

this is why having the same roster is stupid, the wii u should have more characters then the 3ds and maybe later give the 3ds dlc to add them to the game. This way you still have some things to hype for the wii u.

 

[Bassoonist]

The Wii U is the main version for my mind, and the fact that we'll really know everything about the character roster several months before release of the Wii U version is a bit of a blow to me, as now I kind of have to center my hype toward the 3DS release.

This same kind of deal happened with Animal Crossing New Leaf, where it was released around six months earlier in Japan than in the US. And sadly, no matter how good New Leaf was, it kind of ruined a lot of the surprises that I would have ended up seeing by myself otherwise.

I don't know that this is the best choice for the release. It will do a lot for the 3DS, but what will it do for the Wii U? Since the character rosters are the same, no character reveals can be saved for the Wii U that would compel people to buy it. What major bits could Sakurai save for the Wii U? We know there will be no SSE, either. So I'm struggling to see how they're going to hype up the U version.

Of course, I'll buy both versions. But, for general release, the Wii U really needed this release for itself, because it's struggling. Perhaps many will still consider it the definitive version and buy a Wii U and the game, but that's not the way it looks to be in my circle of friends, where they don't own a Wii U, don't want one, and only think of the 3DS version when they think of SSB4. This won't change anything for them at all.

 

[Deleted member]

Honestly it doesn't bother me much. I would've liked to experience the Wii U version first, but I can always wait if it comes down to it.
Speaking of waiting, I doubt the gap between the 3DS and Wii U verions will be that big, probably not a half-a-year-difference either, probably just a 2-4 month wait, with the 3DS version being released in August-September, and the Wii U one in November-December. You can call me an optimist, but I'm just throwing this out there.