Thoughts on what the 3DS version really is compared to the Wii U.

[ImaClubYou]

Sorry if this isn't important enough to warrant a thread or if it has already been discussed.

I know it's being discussed here in the Wii U section but hear me out. Regarding the 3DS version, I feel this game may be our demo, our beta version, our play tester copy. Think about this way, when we finally grab our demo 6 months before the real thing(Wii U), our lovely developers may be taking notes as they put in their full focus on the Wii U. Through means of Miiverse, miscellaneous forums, and reviews on the internet.

This brings us to DLC. Sakurai mentioned his approval of some sort of DLC content. This may be the most likely case of such use. E3 is just mere moments down the road and at the rate of returning and new characters we have been getting so far, we won't be able to occupy the amount that even the Brawl roster had. DLC may be used to keep the new fighters in the dark until the Wii U version is ready assuming that this years E3 just doesn't mash every new character into an hour long presentation. Doing such a thing like keeping locked characters might seem like a bad joke but it DOES keep us hype for the Wii U version so as we aren't spoiled through the 6 months of 3DS leaving us unsure about the Wii U(at least to the more casual fanbase).

Pretty much this, "I have the 3DS version and unlocked all the characters, I don't need the Wii U." That sentence can potentially turn into "Wow, so more characters are going to be revealed in Winter? I need the Wii U version!" I may even be bold to say Sakurai may even delay the 3DS' inclusion of the fighters until next month after the Wii U.

With everything we know so far, what are your thoughts on the 3DS being a unfinished but very playable game for Sakurai to transport to us? The 3DS version will assumigly be 40$ so there's the mask in disguise saying it's a demo.

 

[racoonnova]

I'm really hoping that the 3DS version isn't too inferior, but it's totally possible that it will be this surprise demo version. I don't personally have an interest in any of the WiiU's current titles apart from Smash, so I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that the game is playable -- ideally in a competitive setting -- on a handheld, and if not, I'll probably just keep playing Melee. It's kept me entertained for over a decade, and I'm sure I can get a few more years out of it.

 

[ChikoLad]

Regarding characters, I think you're forgetting about unlockable characters. Sure, we don't have much time left for character reveals, but Smash has historically had secret characters, and I think this one won't be any exception.

I feel we should wait until we've spent some time with the game before we seriously think about DLC.

 

[ImaClubYou]

Regarding characters, I think you're forgetting about unlockable characters. Sure, we don't have much time left for character reveals, but Smash has historically had secret characters, and I think this one won't be any exception.

I feel we should wait until we've spent some time with the game before we seriously think about DLC.

IIRC, Brawl's roster was spoiled before the game came out. Secret characters and all. Even if they were hidden under question marks they were still available to us online.

I'm not saying we should consider DLC's importance but we should consider Sakurai's ideas for DLC.

 

[ChikoLad]

IIRC, Brawl's roster was spoiled before the game came out. Secret characters and all. Even if they were hidden under question marks they were still available to us online.

I'm not saying we should consider DLC's importance but we should consider Sakurai's ideas for DLC.

It didn't happen before the Japanese release though. It only happened before the Western release because of the massive delay.

Smash 4 is looking like it's gonna have an international release date, so I think there will be some roster surprises.

 

[Chimera]

They don't have to show you all the characters before the game releases. The 3ds will have all the characters upon release. There won't be DLC to hide characters until the Wii U version comes out. The 3ds won't get characters after the Wii U version.

 

[praline]

The Wii U version is gonna run circles around the 3ds version. I kinda feel most people will stop playing the 3ds version when the wii u version is released. Except when they are away from the home console obviously.

 

[ImaClubYou]

They don't have to show you all the characters before the game releases. The 3ds will have all the characters upon release. There won't be DLC to hide characters until the Wii U version comes out. The 3ds won't get characters after the Wii U version.

That's nice. No real thought on the matter you just want to shut everything down for no reason.

 

[Chimera]

That's nice. No real thought on the matter you just want to shut everything down for no reason.

I'm not trying to shut anything down. I posted my opinion.

 

[ImaClubYou]

I'm not trying to shut anything down. I posted my opinion.

More like you just stated nothing but the opposite of my ideas. Whatever.

I feel there's more to it then some peoples baseless conclusions.

 

[Chimera]

More like you just stated nothing but the opposite of my ideas. Whatever.

I feel there's more to it then some peoples baseless conclusions.

Not sure what your anger is about, but ok.

 

[Smashoperatingbuddy123]

If we are talking about once the game is out and everyone who gets revealed at E3 will be the last and the missing characters are dlc

I'm sure sakurai will start to reveal unlockable characters after the 3ds version comes out and for ones revealed that are secretly unlockable reveal the how to unlock them

But anyway I'm sure the wii u and 3ds versions have advantages over each other starting with smash run on the 3ds version and custom moves mode on wii u (the mode that mario fireballs get change Kirby's ice inhale and DK impervious to flinching side special)

 

[ImaClubYou]

Not sure what your anger is about, but ok.

I assume you jump to baseless conclusions like why you think I would be angry all the time. But okay. If you have nothing to add to the thread then see you later.

@ Smashoperatingbuddy123 : That's more or less exactly what I think is in the realm of possibility.

 

[WIldBam]

Or they could just make it so you can only unlock certain characters on the Wii u version before you could play with them on the 3ds version and vice versa. Sort of like how Pokemon is where for every generation there are certain Pokemon that are version exclusive.

We know the two games interact in some way, maybe this is it? That would make some people buy both versions.

 

[KokiriKory]

The 3DS is insanely popular and there's never been a portable Smash before. That is money. Staggered release will prompt people to buy both versions, but...

Sakurai has said many times that both games will have the exact same roster, it certainly isn't no toned down demo. The same game across two different systems with different stages and bonus modes.

 

[WritersBlah]

I don't think there'll be enough time to make any major changes to the Wii U version based off the feedback the team gets from the 3DS version. Smash Bros 3DS is releasing, earliest, in June and latest in September. Smash Bros U is releasing in December, possibly November. Aside from maybe some minor changes to physics or mechanics (or if a specific feature just gets an absolute crapton of hate from almost all of the community), I don't see the feedback from the 3DS version really affecting much in the Wii U version. There just isn't a big enough time frame to react. Sorry to be kind of pessimistic, but I think it's true.

 

[ImaClubYou]

I don't think there'll be enough time to make any major changes to the Wii U version based off the feedback the team gets from the 3DS version. Smash Bros 3DS is releasing, earliest, in June and latest in September. Smash Bros U is releasing in December, possibly November. Aside from maybe some minor changes to physics or mechanics (or if a specific feature just gets an absolute crapton of hate from almost all of the community), I don't see the feedback from the 3DS version really affecting much in the Wii U version. There just isn't a big enough time frame to react. Sorry to be kind of pessimistic, but I think it's true.

This is more of the realm of the kind of reply I would recieve quite enjoyably.

We have to remember that Brawl was delayed twice(?) maybe 3 times from what I remembered. And from deteriorated memory it was because of last minute character additions like Sonic, once again from what I remember.

Wii U may be delayed well into the next year for similar reasons IF Sakurai does intend to keep characters locked until further notice.

Your point on changes to physics and mechanics, though in your words, slightly, is precisely what I was thinking of as well on a more monumental scale, saying that it is possible, though not likely IMO, we may get a some form of "balance patch" along with the previously locked characters with said DLC.

 

[soviet prince]

I like the idea of the wii u having more characters and the 3ds getting those character on release( they still share a roster) this way they can still reveal characters and keep the hype for the wii u version. Modes are nice but the characters is the reasion most people play this game

 

[WritersBlah]

I definitely think it's possible, for the most part. Not totally sure if the game will be delayed nearly as much as Brawl was, especially since said delays were because of characters like Sonic. I'm sticking to what official information we've received thus far and say that there won't be any new characters after 3DS releases, considering the fact that Sakurai has seemed pretty adamant on not making any DLC for the games in terms of characters or stages.

Also, do you REALLY think Sakurai would keep certain characters intentionally locked in the 3DS version just so they can announce more before the Wii U version comes out? That sounds like something EA would do, but not Nintendo. Besides, Sakurai knows from experience that he can't keep game elements secret thanks to the Internet, so why would he try something like that in the first place? And how would that work, for someone who doesn't have Wifi access? If God forbid the Wii U version does get delayed, do those characters remain locked forever? Are they unlocked early? Is there an in-game clock that knows when Wii U version releases and then unlocks characters on release day? It just sounds like there's too many variables in the equation.

 

[SpiderJerusalem]

I think the talk about the 3DS version being a glorified demo seems kinda silly. Sakurai isn't a developer that doesn't mind half-***ing an effort in order to motivate people to "upgrade" to the "superior" version, the only real differences between the two will be stages and modes. I could see modes that prove popular on 3DS being transferred over to Wii U via DLC and vice versa. Stages as DLC? Maybe. New characters? Likely not, I think Sakurai has the roster in mind and doesn't want to make any changes to it.

 

[Kokusho]

Yeah people should stop thinking the 3DS version will be a ****ty IOS game only good for snack gaming. Lattely Nintendo's 3DS titles have been bigger, deeper and overall better games than most of their own Wii/Wii U title. Look at Mario Kart 7, Fire Emblem Awakening, Zelda a Link between World, Pokemon X&Y, Luigi Mansion Dark Moon, etc. Thoses are incredible game on their own that are even better than their home console counterpart. Simply because there is so much money to be made on the 3DS (due to its enormous user base) and people are expecting quality games (games are 40-60$) so you have to bring the focus and money to the 3DS version of your game, you won't get away with a lesser version.

That said I'm expecting the Wii U to be the Deluxe version of the 3DS version, because both version are made at the same time, so there is no reason the most powerfull systeme should not have the better overall game, but in no way does that mean the 3DS version should not be considered a fully fledge game. Smash games since melee are always huge on the content side (with music, stages, stickers, trophies, modes, character, etc etc) and I think the Wii U will mostly be a content packed 3DS version with (hopefully) slightly better controle scheme (or at least more choice...) and better graphics of course.

 

[slicesabre]

Yeah I don't get where this whole "3DS is a demo" Nintendo doesn't like to half-do things like many in the industry do. They love the 3DS and will put just as much heart and soul into this as the WiiU verison. The only difference will be they'll simply have to be a bit more creative with the 3DS verison because its not as powerful and they're working with a different sized screen. I have no doubt that Smash on the 3DS will be a will be fun game to play. Will there be some differences? Yes but they've already said those difference won't extent to the characters included which is the biggest thing people would worry about.


Will I stop playing the 3DS verison when the WiiU one comes out? Most likely because that is the one want the most. But that's not to say the 3DS verison won't have a place when the WiiU verison comes out either.

 

[Chimera]

I think the talk about the 3DS version being a glorified demo seems kinda silly. Sakurai isn't a developer that doesn't mind half-***ing an effort in order to motivate people to "upgrade" to the "superior" version, the only real differences between the two will be stages and modes. I could see modes that prove popular on 3DS being transferred over to Wii U via DLC and vice versa. Stages as DLC? Maybe. New characters? Likely not, I think Sakurai has the roster in mind and doesn't want to make any changes to it.

Thank you. I'm not sure where the idea came about that they are purposely going to strip features from the 3DS and make customers wait some period of time to get them, in some effort to make them buy the Wii U version. That's bad marketing, and poor treatment of customers. It seems pretty preposterous that Nintendo would do something like that.

 

[Showmethesmash]

Great topic. There is going to be something that majorly distinguishes the wii u version from the 3DS version. Could be DLC, could be more modes..... Could be 5 players. Any thoughts on this possibility? The big draw of this game has always been local multiplayer, extra player would be something special.

 

[Mysteltainn]

I think the idea that people have of the 3DS version being a demo stems from those who only have a Wii U hoping that once the hype is over in the autumn from the 3DS users buying their versions, they'll be bored enough to go buy the Wii U version along with a Wii U if they don't have one already (which most people don't). This, in my eyes, is a gamble for Nintendo, but given the giant hole they've dug with the Wii U, it may be the only chance they get to pull the bloody thing off the shelves besides Mario Kart 8. Although Mario Kart 8 in itself will pull consoles off the shelves, I've seen many people who are still resilient to getting a Wii U due to the lack of other titles they're interested in, and therefore will be sticking to Smash 3DS.

I think we need to start dismissing this whole idea that Sakurai is going to treat the 3DS version like a demo, and especially dismiss this idea that the rosters will be different from version to version. Although Pokemon does this to force people to buy all of the games, or at the very least prompts players to use the trading function, it would be overall bad / dirty business to impose such a feature on a title that has never had separated rosters. Although it may make quick money, Nintendo's image in the long run would get tarnished, especially if the game's actual content and quality were not up to snuff. Plus, Sakurai has already stated that both versions will have the same roster. The 3DS version on its own is going to have a large player base, and may even develop a competitive scene on its own. The differences however, will be in their modes. As we witnessed in the last Direct, modes will be different from version to version to keep things interesting.

The 3DS is a powerful little bugger, we've seen this both in recent titles as well as the Sm4sh footage to date. However, the Wii U version will of course offer better graphics from the get-go; and this may or may not be enough to sway some people into buying it for the Holidays. It will certainly have modes of its own that are exclusive to the Wii U version that will hopefully be of great appeal. I also believe that the Wii U version will have the potential to rake in a competitive crowd as well, but this is dependent on the 3DS version's success.

Overall, the 3DS version will be quite the beautiful and successful game on its own, and will maintain its own competitive scene that manifests around groups of people who have no reason or interest in buying a Wii U. However, Sm4sh will have to be quite mind-blowing to convince some of these people to commit $300+ on a system that they have no interest in besides Sm4sh. Nintendo took a gamble, and I believe it was a smart one overall, but it has to be done right. It may have been their final chance to make a move such as this, and I hope that it turns out for the better for the sake of the Wii U. The content that the Wii U version has to offer on its lonesome and the online experience are going to probably be some of the biggest factors in the success or failure (Brawl online) of the Wii U version. Judging by what we've seen so far though, I'm optimistic that Nintendo is going all-in on the choice they've made to make the biggest impression they can.

 

[LancerStaff]

Sakurai is planning features that use both and he's compared the 3DS version to a training ground for the characters compared to the Wii U version being a tournament. (Yaknow, not one of our tournaments.) From that we can deduce that there'll be reasons to play both, like transferring 3DS customizations to the Wii U version that otherwise can't use them.

 

[Kokusho]

We can pretty much assume that the "global smash power" score will requiere both version to be at its max, using the same nintendo network ID for both version.
If you care about it you'll need both games.

 

[Smash G]

I highly doubt these games will ever get any DLC characters. It's not Nintendo's style.

 

[Goten21]

I disagree.
I simply don't see how you could say the 3DS version is an appetizer for the Wii U version
Sakurai said he wanted to do justice for the 3DS version, and that the roster is the same
The 3DS seems to run super smooth, and Smash Run seems amazing

The only thing the Wii U has over the 3DS are the graphics and a TV-screen, really
(though, a 3DS XL screen IS gigantic, and when the thick lines are off, the only difference is the HD of the Wii U)
And of course the LAN-input, but I'm positive at least 25% of the players won't even use it

We can pretty much assume that the "global smash power" score will requiere both version to be at its max, using the same nintendo network ID for both version.
If you care about it you'll need both games.

You won't need both games. The time you'd spend on the Wii U might as well have been the 3DS version, and vica versa
Unless you're travelling, of course (with wi-fi)

 

[Violenceman]

The 3DS is insanely popular and there's never been a portable Smash before. That is money. Staggered release will prompt people to buy both versions, but...

Sakurai has said many times that both games will have the exact same roster, it certainly isn't no toned down demo. The same game across two different systems with different stages and bonus modes.

I know from reading posts in other threads that for some of the people on this forum, the competitive multiplayer is really all they care about in the game. They will go in and unlock the characters, then hit the multiplayer and never look back. Maybe try a few of the other features if they are bored or curious, but mostly just stick to the "vanilla" competitive versus mode (that is to say, not Giant Bunny-Eared Stamina mode or whatever). If that's the way you like to play your game (and just to be clear, that is a perfectly valid and acceptable way to enjoy your game), then I can certainly see why 3DS would feel like a glorified demo, as the roster of characters and only some of the stages will be what is important to you.

However, for those who are looking forward to exploring the variety of different stages, rewards, and game modes (single and multi player) that each version offers, there is so much more there then just a preview of the Wii U version

• Portable Smash. Really, I could stop there. Just having the ability to play Smash Bros on the go is a selling point for me and helps justify its existence outside of the Wii U version. Especially since it can be played online. For those of us that travel a lot, being able to easily play some Smash from a hotel room or airplane or wherever is a big boon.
• Variety of Game Modes. Smash Run looks like a lot of fun and it is 3DS only. I'm sure the 3DS will have it's own events and other single player modes that are different than the Wii U. Similarly, the Wii U will have game modes the 3DS doesn't have and a Smash-geek like myself will want to play and experience all of them.
• Connectivity. Sakurai has stated that the connectivity between the two was on the forefront of design since the beginning. It is safe to say that it won't be a tacked on after-thought, but instead offer up some really unique and interesting features that can only be done with both games.

All in all, I see the games as less like Smash bros and Smash Bros Lite and more akin to the Zelda games Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. Two separate games built on a similar engine that offer up familiar, yet unique gaming experiences and combine together to create a whole.

 

[Goten21]

then I can certainly see why 3DS would feel like a glorified demo, as the roster of characters and only some of the stages will be what is important to you.

I honestly still don't

The 3DS has online
It has the same roster
It has it's own stages
It's 40 bucks

 

[ImaClubYou]

I had no idea that many people saw the 3DS version a glorified demo, at least according to you guys, like myself. I apologize if I sound like a genero-stereotyper.

You have to take into consideration that Nintendo just doesn't know what disrespect or being a douche is. Take a look at all there recent F ups they had in the recent past. Cranky Kong, no show at E3, mediocre directs, more emphasis on 3DS games then Wii U, and the games for the Wii U itself. I'm starting to believe they just don't know anymore.

It's possible that the 3DS IS our glorified demo, but Sakurai just doesn't know that's a low blow.

 

[Goten21]

I had no idea that many people saw the 3DS version a glorified demo, at least according to you guys, like myself. I apologize if I sound like a genero-stereotyper.

You have to take into consideration that Nintendo just doesn't know what disrespect or being a douche is. Take a look at all there recent F ups they had in the recent past. Cranky Kong, no show at E3, mediocre directs, more emphasis on 3DS games then Wii U, and the games for the Wii U itself. I'm starting to believe they just don't know anymore.

It's possible that the 3DS IS our glorified demo, but Sakurai just doesn't know that's a low blow.

Literally everything he has been should prove us different, though.

 

[ImaClubYou]

Literally everything he has been should prove us different, though.

I'm not so sure we should just be hopeful like that is my main point in everything here.

 

[LancerStaff]

I had no idea that many people saw the 3DS version a glorified demo, at least according to you guys, like myself. I apologize if I sound like a genero-stereotyper.

You have to take into consideration that Nintendo just doesn't know what disrespect or being a douche is. Take a look at all there recent F ups they had in the recent past. Cranky Kong, no show at E3, mediocre directs, more emphasis on 3DS games then Wii U, and the games for the Wii U itself. I'm starting to believe they just don't know anymore.

It's possible that the 3DS IS our glorified demo, but Sakurai just doesn't know that's a low blow.

Just because you don't like Nintendo's decisions doesn't mean they're bad. Cranky Kong? Bad reveal for bad show. No show at E3? Hey look, who cares? Mediocre Directs? In your mind maybe. Focus on 3DS over Wii U? It's not Nintendo's fault everybody has a 3DS. They most certainly know what they're doing, and there's absolutely no way SSB3D is a demo considering the Wii U version almost didn't exist.

 

[Krynxe]

My actual concern is that the 3ds version will hurt sales of the Wii U release - while looking at the more casual demographic that is. Many people own a 3ds without owning or having intent to own a Wii U, many people. Had the Wii U version been released first, many more people would have felt inclined to purchase the console simply for the enjoyment of Smash Bros, which is a trend we saw on the Wii. With the 3ds version coming out half a year sooner, many of these potential buyers are instead going to get their "fix" of smash through the 3ds version, feeling less inclined towards buying the "same" game, a game they've already been playing for the last 5-6 months and have began to grow tired of. Ultimately, these people will then decide to just play the Wii U version with their friend that has a Wii U instead of buying their own console, causing the 3ds become the more personal version that everyone has, and the Wii U version being the version that only one person per friend group needs to have bought. I really hope this doesn't happen, but I feel like it will - many people hesitate to purchase a Wii U. That being said, the increase of purchases from Mario Kart 8 might motivate more buyers.

Let me emphasize that I'm talking about the extreme casual demographic, so I know most people here will buy both versions no matter what.

 

[SpiderJerusalem]

I highly doubt these games will ever get any DLC characters. It's not Nintendo's style.

Fire Emblem Awakening

 

[LancerStaff]

Fire Emblem Awakening

It's simpler to draw up something and attach a name and some stats to it than make a whole new SSB character that could potentially throw off the balance.

 

[SpiderJerusalem]

It's simpler to draw up something and attach a name and some stats to it than make a whole new SSB character that could potentially throw off the balance.

You could argue that DLC characters changed the balance, DLC even added two new classes, that requires some serious balancing

 

[ImaClubYou]

Just because you don't like Nintendo's decisions doesn't mean they're bad. Cranky Kong? Bad reveal for bad show. No show at E3? Hey look, who cares? Mediocre Directs? In your mind maybe. Focus on 3DS over Wii U? It's not Nintendo's fault everybody has a 3DS. They most certainly know what they're doing, and there's absolutely no way SSB3D is a demo considering the Wii U version almost didn't exist.

It's moreso a big majority of people who think the Directs are mediocre, but that discussion is for another time.

Cranky Kong. Bad reveal for a bad show. I agree with the opinion that it is a horribe show. But it's still a bad reveal. Why would you reveal Cranky Kong for a C+ game in the first place?

No show at E3. I think people care, bro. They honestly could've been 10 times more hype if they presented ALL those awesome things live. ESPECIALLY the very first Smash Bros. trailer. A LOT of people would've cared.

Focus on 3DS rather than Wii U. It's not Nintendo's fault everybody has a 3DS. That's precisely why the Wii U isn't doing well. That mindset. More emphasis on Wii U equals more Wii U's being sold, no? The 3DS is at it's point where you don't even NEED to prioritize it to get big sales from it.