Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

 3DS
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 922 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 756 out of 922
  2. Mixed: 116 out of 922
  3. Negative: 50 out of 922
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. EFYevan
    Oct 4, 2014
    10
    This truly is the most "FUN" you will have with a video game this year! I highly recommend this game for all ages! A great game with options that will last for months! 10/10 - bring on the Wii U version!
  2. Mariofan
    Mar 17, 2015
    8
    Not as good as the Wii U version but still a great game. The graphics are okay. The character selection is awesome. The Smash Run mode is fun but Smash Tour is better. The gameplay is great. Super Smash Bros for 3DS is good but if you had to choose one, I would say Wii U. If both, it's worth buying.
  3. Beastprogamer
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    Certaintly, the Wii U Version is quite a bit better, The Nintendo 3DS Version is flawless too. I play this every single time I have a chance like in a car, great for trips or on-the-go. If you have a Nintendo 3DS or 2DS, this is a MUST OWN game. Like if you don't have this game, what's the point of having a 3DS? Unless you don't like Smash but I mean this is one of those games I love toCertaintly, the Wii U Version is quite a bit better, The Nintendo 3DS Version is flawless too. I play this every single time I have a chance like in a car, great for trips or on-the-go. If you have a Nintendo 3DS or 2DS, this is a MUST OWN game. Like if you don't have this game, what's the point of having a 3DS? Unless you don't like Smash but I mean this is one of those games I love to play on the go. Heck I even got it on the realease date 3, Oct. 2014 because that's how excited I was.… Expand
  4. TFFANBOYYY
    Feb 15, 2015
    9
    I have had so much fun with this game. The only cons are the small screen and the extremely laggy multiplayer. Other then that, this game is perfect.
  5. Frankazar
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    All 3ds owners need this game. It is really fun and it is really nice that the Smash bros fun has finally come to a handheld. My only little problem is that Nintendo didn't put enough effort into making the 3ds version a bit on par with the Wii u version.
  6. SpazzyGoose
    Jan 15, 2015
    9
    best combat game ever. its got easy controls , the best video game mascots (sonic , link , Kirby , pikachu , mario ect.) , great maps and music. its just realy good
  7. Westord
    Mar 18, 2015
    9
    really the only reason its not a ten is because of all unbalanced characters. for example: Wii fit trainer has no actual powerful attack that you can land, and even dealing basic damage is hard because the header has too narrow a hit range. and then there's Link, who has massive launch and reach with his sword, the power bow alternate also has massive launch power and range, and finallyreally the only reason its not a ten is because of all unbalanced characters. for example: Wii fit trainer has no actual powerful attack that you can land, and even dealing basic damage is hard because the header has too narrow a hit range. and then there's Link, who has massive launch and reach with his sword, the power bow alternate also has massive launch power and range, and finally the meteor bomb alternate insta KOs anyone off the edge. on the PLUS side the character variety is (usually) able to find a way to suit just about any player. the smash run provides a good way to battle it out against about a thousand weak enemies and a boss level enemy or two just to mix it up a little. its too bad that you can't modify the difficulty like classic, but it still kind of balances out somehow in the end. its true some maps like Jungle Japes are just impractical for a good fight, but they're in general pretty good. the all star mode should have some more rewards for the difficulty it presents. but wait there's more! and more! and more trophies than ever before! I'm around 560 with all the fighters and a small handful of alternates. STILL MORE. of course the trophies are useful sometimes. they basically give away all the strengths and weaknesses of the fighters and enemies.… Expand
  8. Wkffl
    Apr 6, 2015
    8
    its fun and controllable, Has a lot of stuff to do in it and playing with friends is fun , Graphics great for a 3DS game but if you have a Wii U i would recommend Smash Bros on Wii U more
  9. loricritic845
    Apr 1, 2018
    10
    Smash still rocks ! Even on such a small handheld as the 3DS it still brings back everything that made the original ones great. And don't forget the SMB 1 World 1-1 remake. No negative for this one either.
  10. ErrorProxy
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    Waited 15 years for this series to come to a handheld.

    Bought a 3DS just for this.

    Will buy a Wii U just for that.

    Goodness, what a divine game.
  11. ClamTime
    Nov 6, 2014
    9
    IF I CAOULD I WOOD RAITE THE A 11/5 CAUSE THIS IS HAM GOOD THIS GAM IS I PLAY thise al the tim with my frieands thay lave this game toow AND SO SHULD YU i arn;t a bgi marlio fane but I love this garm caus ei ca play as my favoite carachters like Marga Men Shelf Booser and Lank the so fun to play as I can stop playing the gam$
  12. Bananadog
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Super Smash Bros. for the 3DS is a perfect game.
    First off: I've been a Smash Bros Fan since the N64 Version. I've played and still play Melee and Brawl and I love the 3DS version. Its everything you expect. It delivers the perfect Smash Bros experience for a handheld.
    I've noticed that some people criticize the size of the characters. I don't get their point. I have the normal sized    Super Smash Bros. for the 3DS is a perfect game.
    First off: I've been a Smash Bros Fan since the N64 Version. I've played and still play Melee and Brawl and I love the 3DS version. Its everything you expect. It delivers the perfect Smash Bros experience for a handheld.

    I've noticed that some people criticize the size of the characters. I don't get their point. I have the normal sized 3DS (Not the XL) and I never get confused (Not in 1v1 and not in FreeForAll). This might just be a me but the size is no problem on the normal sized 3DS, and it won't be on the XL.

    The new All-Star Mode lets you play through the history of Nintendo. Its super fun. After every fight you get teleported to a hub where you have 3 items to heal yourself(Just like in the boss mode in brawl)

    The "Classic" mode is very awesome. You will be dropped in a map, where the paths that branch off each represent a different difficulty. You will fight giant enemies for trophies and customization options. At the end you will fight Master Hand or a harder boss (I wont spoil it).

    The other things people like to criticize is the "Smash Run" mode. I can understand why they do that. The balance in the last battle can be unfair but Smash Run still has its fun moments.

    A thing I really like is the Mii Fighter. You can customize his full moveset and give him different clothes/outfits.

    In the online mode you can play "For Fun"(with items) which is a bit more casual.
    Or you can play "For Glory"(No items) which is kind of competitive.It works really well. I can play with my american friends without any lag.

    Of course you can still play your Stadium games like "The Home Run contest" and "Multi Man Smash". There is a new Stadium gamemode called "Target Blast" which let's you attack a bomb (Like the home run sandbag) and then smash it out of the arena. The bomb will land on a construction that will explode after the bomb has hit it. You will get more points for more destruction.

    This game is amazing. If you like fighting games/Nintendo you should get this game.    … Expand
  13. mausfiles
    Oct 4, 2014
    8
    It's a fun game for 3DS. The single player modes are fun and rewarding, and you can get some good local multiplayer matches going if you haven't grown out of friends with 3DSs. If you like Smash, this lives up to everything you'd want out of it. Save for, the bad:

    1. Most of the online modes are unstable. The only mode you can get a reasonably non-laggy match is 1v1 For Glory mode. For    It's a fun game for 3DS. The single player modes are fun and rewarding, and you can get some good local multiplayer matches going if you haven't grown out of friends with 3DSs. If you like Smash, this lives up to everything you'd want out of it. Save for, the bad:

    1. Most of the online modes are unstable. The only mode you can get a reasonably non-laggy match is 1v1 For Glory mode. For Fun will mess up your day with its lag.

    2. The Circlepad is just not as satisfying or precise as a console joystick. Without that snap you get when you ram down the joystick in the console games, Smash attacks aren't very fun to pull off. And you'll find yourself doing tilt attacks in directions you didn't plan on.

    So it's a frustrating game if you want to get competitive with it, I'd imagine. I would just recommend playing this game casually; don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the silly-fun modes like Smash Run to tie you over until the Wii U version comes out. They are cool and the ridiculous amounts of gold and collectables you get from them make them worth playing more than once.

    The game is robust, the graphic design is great, but the design and power (mainly the online) of the 3DS hold it back from being truly awesome.    … Expand
  14. Sploolordcam
    Oct 23, 2014
    8
    A great entry of Smash Bros which surprised me in how well it could be built for a handheld. The game is chalk full of single player content, the fps is smooth in single-player, and the controls allow for tight play. The netcode has some serious issues in online play, which hopefully is fixable. As it stands most people can expect extreme lag in trying to play with others through the network.
  15. Ragnabolt
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    there is a lot of people giving this game a negative review based on either them not being good at the game or them having a crappy internet connection
    all the other modes other than the main multi-player focus is actually very good quality, its just dwarfed by the multiplayer
    this game doesn't actually need a review, everyone knows smash bros
  16. Plasmaneedle
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    The best fighter on the 3DS and quite possibly the best fighter available on any current handheld. Despite some flaws that are all but inevitable on the 3DS, this game perfectly recreates the Smash experience for handheld. A must play for Nintendo fans.
  17. Leatherwood
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    This is the best smash bros nintendo has made. i appreciate them going all out on the 3ds and wii u. Smash Bros is extremely fun and online is extremely competitive. Like fight game people troll the same movies over and over but Smash Bros they try, but you can use your mind to get past that and beat the hell out of them trolling bastards and its more satisfying than the last. ManyThis is the best smash bros nintendo has made. i appreciate them going all out on the 3ds and wii u. Smash Bros is extremely fun and online is extremely competitive. Like fight game people troll the same movies over and over but Smash Bros they try, but you can use your mind to get past that and beat the hell out of them trolling bastards and its more satisfying than the last. Many developers can learn a leasson from the people who mad this game, and im not saying nintendo. im talking about the actual people that put and effort in making this game. This game is a must have if you have a 3ds. And my favorite thing about this game is the retroness they added in the 3ds version was an incredibly smart idea on so many levels. Any character can beat any character dont let the bad reviews fool you. They did not take anything away that matter. and there is plenty of content and dlc in the future. Who ever gave this game a low review sucked at playing it. i mean i beat almost impossible odds online with Bowser. some over powered characters but skill overpowers an overpowered character. 9 out of 10… Expand
  18. Carlosjim
    Nov 9, 2014
    10
    Great game, I would have thought that such a big game like smash would not fair well on a portable console, but boy was i wrong, it is a good as ever and i can't wait for Wii U release.
  19. sonic4president
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    Until the wii u version comes out, this is my favourite smash bros game. Such amazing and unique characters thrown into a battle royale. What more could you want?
  20. Wildkry
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    This is hands down the best installment in the Super Smash Bros. series. With the 52 characters the game offers and the additions they could make with DLC, there is so much to choose from. This is a great portable version of the game and it still looks quite nice with the graphics of the 3DS. I love that they have brought almost all of the previous game modes and put them into this game,This is hands down the best installment in the Super Smash Bros. series. With the 52 characters the game offers and the additions they could make with DLC, there is so much to choose from. This is a great portable version of the game and it still looks quite nice with the graphics of the 3DS. I love that they have brought almost all of the previous game modes and put them into this game, along with the new Smash Run, which is where my only complaint lies. I do not entirely like the Smash Run mode. It was a great idea, but I feel as though it falls short of its potential. Overall, the game is amazing and is a must have for and 3DS or 2DS owner.… Expand
  21. Icesickle12
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    super smash bros is a great game i really enjoyed it hope we can get some really cool dlc characters and stages.my only concern was the characters were way to easy to unlock. I play this game every day with my friends keep going Nintendo this game is great I recommend anyone with a 3ds to go out and buy this game.
  22. DailySparta
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    4/4, Would Smash my Bro again.

    Seriously though, this game is slower than melee, (which I found too fast) and slower than brawl (which I found too slow). This makes the combat flow naturally and fun. The customization make every character new and versatile. Small things are cool, like the customizable controls. SO MANY NEW MODES! Smash run, trophy run, spectating and betting, for    4/4, Would Smash my Bro again.

    Seriously though, this game is slower than melee, (which I found too fast) and slower than brawl (which I found too slow). This makes the combat flow naturally and fun.
    The customization make every character new and versatile.
    Small things are cool, like the customizable controls.
    SO MANY NEW MODES!
    Smash run, trophy run, spectating and betting, for fun & for glory, and target blast OH MY!
    All of them are excellent, especially Smash Run (which is very reminiscent of Kirby Air Ride's "City Trial")
    Also, Super Smash Bros being portable means that YOU WILL NEVER BE BORED ANYWHERE!
    Even though people dislike Brawl, I still thought it was pretty decent. But wow, Nintendo really blew it out of the water with this one!

    10/10, one of my favorite games on the 3DS.    … Expand
  23. Fallis15
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Absolutely amazing, everything I've ever wanted on a handheld smash bros game.

    It can be a bit hard to see in 4-player multiplayer matches for some people, but that's about the only downfall and if you have a 3DS XL that shouldnt even be a problem.
  24. America1776
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    How they managed to squeeze a true Smash Bros. experience into such a tiny cartridge is amazing. With nearly 50 characters and unique 3DS stages along with the 3DS exclusive Smash Run mode, this will definitely keep me entertained until the Wii U version launches this winter! Best $40 I ever spent.
  25. GameDude2030
    Oct 5, 2014
    9
    Super Smash Bros. for 3DS made a great transition from console to handheld. The game shows that the developers worked diligently to make the game balanced and fun as possible while pushing the limitations of the 3DS. There is still a lot to do and explore in this new installment and the gameplay is as fun as it has ever been.

    The controls will get some getting used to for most.    Super Smash Bros. for 3DS made a great transition from console to handheld. The game shows that the developers worked diligently to make the game balanced and fun as possible while pushing the limitations of the 3DS. There is still a lot to do and explore in this new installment and the gameplay is as fun as it has ever been.

    The controls will get some getting used to for most. Personally, the controls are pretty good for what they are and there is even an option to change some of the control settings to fit the needs of the player. It's not perfect, but it's not unbearable to play either.

    The roster consists of 49 (including the new Mii Fighters) characters, which is incredible for a handheld. Although some fan favorites are cut, this is probably the most balanced and more diverse cast of characters in Smash history. There are old veterans (Mario, Link, Kirby, Fox, Samus, and Pikachu), newcomers from a variety of games (Wii Fit Trainer from Wii Fit, Villager from Animal Crossing, Lucina and Robin from Fire Emblem Awakening, Litte Mac from Punch Out!, Palutena from Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles to name a few), and third-party characters (Mega-Man and Pac-Man). This sets up incredible dream matches such as the battle of icons with Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, and Pac-Man. Each newcomer comes with a unique set of moves that change how you manage them. Although there are a few clones in the game, it does not stop them from making a strong impact in this new roster.

    The graphics are pretty good and for a handheld fighting game. Playing at 60 fps on a handheld is quite an achievement. Online, however, might give players some issues, especially if other players do not have a good access point to play online. Nevertheless, the stages and characters are vibrant and colorful, fitting the new style of this generation of Smash Bros.

    While there are fewer game modes this time around (most glaring is no Adventure-type mode), the developers made some enhancements on a couple of the older modes such as Classic and All-Star. This time around in Classic mode, you get to wager a certain amount of coins (that can also be used for trophies) to increase the difficulty of the mode. The more you wager, the more intense the game is, and the more rewards you unlock. You also might battle against a new end boss depending on your difficulty. All-Star mode is now about fighting characters based on their year of origin. A new mode for the handheld version is Smash Run, in which players go through a course full of enemies and gain power-ups in five minutes before a random battle. While this may sound fun on paper, the randomness of the final battle may put some players at a disadvantage. For example, if one player does not have enough boost in speed, they are more likely to lose in a speed run battle. So while Smash Run is fun at times, it can also be a let down.

    Online is pretty random at times. While it is significantly better than Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the experience players have may differ. The best way to play is to hope that everyone has a good internet access point. If one person has a low access point, it affects the entire battle in terms of input and frame rate. The new modes for online are much better and provide more options to play with a better structure. For Fun is a mode in which players can play casually, with items and stages with hazards and only wins are recorded. For Glory is mainly for competitive play, with no items and every stage is turned into a Final Destination-type of stage and wins and losses are recorded.

    There are also many other perks within this new game, including trophies, challenges, and character customization. In character customization, you have the ability to either create a Mii Fighter into your own liking or change movesets and attributes of characters of the current roster. There are many movesets and equipment for both to unlock in various modes such as Classic and Smash Run.

    Smash Bros. for 3DS is everything it is advertised to be, Smash Bros. on the go. Gameplay is as tight as ever and there is a great balance between the competitive-heavy Melee and the casual-friendly Brawl. The controls are good for what they are worth, though they will take some time getting used to for some. Although there are some things that will be missed from previous games, this game is incredibly packed with content. The roster is incredible, the game modes that are present are still fun, online is well-done (as long as everyone has a good access point), and there are so many unlockables to discover throughout the game. So, all in all, for a fighting game to transition from console to handheld, there are many challenges. Smash Bros. has somehow overcome these challenges and is a fun game in it's own right. Although the Wii U version is anticipated to be the best and most definitive version, the handheld version can manage on it's own as well.    … Expand
  26. famouspeople
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is good! So many characters to choose from, and to unlock. Cool new modes like smash run, good challenge and the controls are PERFECT. But the game does have flaws. The online is absolutely awful. Some modes like smash run can only played alone, with friends, or on local wireless. It's a shame we can't play smash run online. And target blast isn't al that fun. Overall, I would recommend this game to any newcomer or casual. But immune are a competetive player that wants to play online, I'd wait to see if the wii u version is less laggy. Like I said before, it is a good game… Expand
  27. hagelt18
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    The biggest gripe people seem to be having is the online lag. I'm playing with a 30mbps connection using a decent wireless router (Asus RT-N56U). Most of the 1v1 matches I've had were completely without lag, but every now and then I would experience lag. If the other user(s) have a poor connection or an old/cheap wireless router, everyone will suffer. This is just a fact of life and thereThe biggest gripe people seem to be having is the online lag. I'm playing with a 30mbps connection using a decent wireless router (Asus RT-N56U). Most of the 1v1 matches I've had were completely without lag, but every now and then I would experience lag. If the other user(s) have a poor connection or an old/cheap wireless router, everyone will suffer. This is just a fact of life and there is nothing the game can really do about it.

    That said, the game is everything I could dream of and more for a wireless version of the game. It has a excellent amount of content and great replayability both locally and online. The only shortcoming is that I had to get hand grip for my system so my thumbs wouldn't get so sore so easily. Its great for a portable experience which I'm thrilled to have available to me. Its perfect for smaller sessions of play. I've been playing hours and hours of the game, which admittedly are better suited for the Wii U version when it comes out. All in all, the game is exactly what a handheld version of smash bros should be.    … Expand
  28. Shadowmax889
    Oct 5, 2014
    9
    In few words "this game is awesome". There is so much content, the action is fast and precise. I cannot review the on-line features because of the bad connection in my home. 49 characters and i cannot stop playing this game. A must have if you have a 3DS, if you don't have one what are you waiting for and get one.
  29. bobbyman46
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    It's all the fun of smash bros, but with new things and all of
    It's compacted into your portable device! What's not to love!? Fantastic game and is a MUST HAVE for any 3ds user
  30. Khalerzhus
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Ended up buying a 3DS XL (again) to risk playing Smash Bros (which I have played since the very first). I was very surprised how much I actually enjoyed it, especially coming into the situation with a speculative mindset about the possible quality of the game on a handheld system. Based upon the hardware (specifically amount of power the 3DS XL can put out), the game as a whole isEnded up buying a 3DS XL (again) to risk playing Smash Bros (which I have played since the very first). I was very surprised how much I actually enjoyed it, especially coming into the situation with a speculative mindset about the possible quality of the game on a handheld system. Based upon the hardware (specifically amount of power the 3DS XL can put out), the game as a whole is fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys... well (1) Nintendo, (2) fighting games, (3) or video games in general. IT IS A MUST BUY!!!… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best 3DS Game of 2014
1
#1 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2014
6
#6 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    80
    If you’re a fan of Nintendo, you will be delighted with Super Smash Bros. [13/2014, p.69]
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    On its own merits, it's an utter joy...but it's also pretty clearly a primer for the Wii U version. [Issue#255, p.68]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Nov 15, 2014
    85
    The new Smash overcomes its biggest challenge by actually being very playable on the portable 3DS. The online side is mediocre at best, but there is nevertheless a lot of fun to be had here. [Nov 2014]
See all critic reviews »