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
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  1. pi597
    Jun 7, 2015
    9
    This game is addicting and engaging. You have about 50 different Nintendo characters, (that are decently balanced) to choose from. Each character is (for the most part) unique with it's attacks, and although you only have 12 different attacks to choose from, this makes the game a little more simple which can make so much more exciting. This game is great, get it.
  2. Soldier23
    May 5, 2015
    9
    Bought this game because all my friends begged me too, and I couldn't find three things wrong with it. The only things I have a hard time with is fearing that I'm going to break my analog playing and smash run. Smash run isn't that bad, but randomly choosing a mode for me is a little too much in my book. I did experience lag a tiny bit, but I wouldn't say it's a major problem for me.Bought this game because all my friends begged me too, and I couldn't find three things wrong with it. The only things I have a hard time with is fearing that I'm going to break my analog playing and smash run. Smash run isn't that bad, but randomly choosing a mode for me is a little too much in my book. I did experience lag a tiny bit, but I wouldn't say it's a major problem for me. Overall, this game is pretty fun, just don't go overboard and break your analog stick...… Expand
  3. 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
  4. HappyPhilXD
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Man hat eine sehr gute Auswahl an Kämpfern, alte sowie neue. Vor allem das es 4 Pokemon zu spielen gibt hat mir persönlich sehr gefallen.
    Die Arenen gibt es jeweils in 2 Ausführungen. Kleiner Minuspunkt ist, dass man viel zu oft wegen der Umgebung K.O. geht als durch die Gegner.
    Aber trotzdem verdient das Spiel 10 Punkte.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. DBPirate1129
    Mar 8, 2015
    9
    I definitely wasn't expecting the quality experience I would've got from the Wii U version, but I'll be the first to admit that Smash 3DS did pass my slightly low expectations.

    Smash on the go is a genius idea. I mean, who wouldn't want to play as their favorite Nintendo characters brawling each other in familiar locations like Prism Tower, Spirit Train, and Rainbow Road on the 3DS?    I definitely wasn't expecting the quality experience I would've got from the Wii U version, but I'll be the first to admit that Smash 3DS did pass my slightly low expectations.

    Smash on the go is a genius idea. I mean, who wouldn't want to play as their favorite Nintendo characters brawling each other in familiar locations like Prism Tower, Spirit Train, and Rainbow Road on the 3DS? Exactly. Its simple concept is extremely fun and I'm delighted to say that I encountered no errors or lag whatsoever (at least not on the online; more on that later).

    The character roster in the game is fantastic but I already talked about that on my Wii U review, so you can go check that out if you need to. The stages here are based mainly on handheld games like Pokemon X and Y, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and even PictoChat. Some stages from Brawl and Melee return but it's really the great new stages that are the standouts here, particularly Mute City and Magicant.

    The game's main feature to differentiate it from the Wii U version is Smash Run in which your characters run around a giant map, defeating as much enemies as they can to grab stat boosts before competing in one random final battle. You could be trying to climb (which plays to jump stat boosts strengths) or just fighting. It's a very fun mode and it's a great way to test out your favorite players before you take them into the main Smash mode, which is just as awesome as ever.

    The collectibles in the game are mostly completely different from that of the Wii U version, making it basically essential to get both games. Trophies and music are based on handheld games (speaking of the music: it's amazing) but it won't really ruin the experience if you don't have a Wii U.

    By far, the most disappointing aspect of the game for me, personally, was the online capabilities. The setup for online is great. For Fun and For Glory was genius but I encountered A LOT of lag while playing online. I had so much lag that I am not sure I will be going back to Smash 3DS' online for some time. If you're looking for an online experience, definitely go with the Wii U version.

    Overall, Smash 3DS surpassed my expectations with the only particularly disappointing thing being the online. The collectibles, music, pure Smash gameplay, and the new Smash Run mode all made me satisfied and you should always be satisfied with a Smash game.    … Expand
  8. ilikecamperz
    Feb 22, 2015
    7
    Ok I have been dreaming for a SSB game but this one I like. Smash run is a great challenge, but its lacks modes and the photo's you share are low quality but the 51 characters are great and balanced for sure. Using the amiibo on the NN3DSXL is a great mechanic as it can beat you later. This game lacks its mode as the WII U version has more, and the Solo also lacks just like the WII UOk I have been dreaming for a SSB game but this one I like. Smash run is a great challenge, but its lacks modes and the photo's you share are low quality but the 51 characters are great and balanced for sure. Using the amiibo on the NN3DSXL is a great mechanic as it can beat you later. This game lacks its mode as the WII U version has more, and the Solo also lacks just like the WII U version but this game still has more unlock-ables which makes it a great challenge. The final thing I like is the handheld power of this, fun to play anywhere anytime.… Expand
  9. Zyromkiru
    Feb 21, 2015
    6
    It's fun and has new things but the key bindings aren't great with little customization. The singleplayer feels solid but the multiplayer is horrid which is why i bought the game in the first place is to fight other people. We are talking about lag that makes it feel like you are running the game in 8 FPS even on the new 3DS just released in 2015.

    Great game but falls short on multiplayer.
  10. 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
  11. Skinnywhiteboi1
    Feb 19, 2015
    8
    Having enjoyed and grown up playing the first Super Smash Bros and Super Smash Bros: Melee, Super Smash Bros 3DS was an obvious purchase for my New 3DS. The gameplay is great and enjoyable but little has been added to provide a lasting appeal - in fact some features of previous SSB's have been removed.

    Great modes such as Adventure Mode and Target Mode have been removed. There is a    Having enjoyed and grown up playing the first Super Smash Bros and Super Smash Bros: Melee, Super Smash Bros 3DS was an obvious purchase for my New 3DS. The gameplay is great and enjoyable but little has been added to provide a lasting appeal - in fact some features of previous SSB's have been removed.

    Great modes such as Adventure Mode and Target Mode have been removed. There is a new mode called 'Smash Run' but honestly, it is not all that exciting. The inclusion of online is a brilliant idea, however, there are some major issues with lag in 90% of matches. Furthermore, the studio has confirmed that it has no plans to release DLC later on, which is a disappointment considering the absence of some interesting characters.

    Overall:

    Gameplay - 10/10
    Graphics - 10/10
    Sound - 10/10
    Lasting Appeal - 5/10

    This game could have been a 10/10 game if only they had added more features and challenges (or even the prospect of challenges in future DLC). Unfortunately, the game is left feeling bare bones and only provides trophies to keep players coming back for more.    … Expand
  12. 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.
  13. SirSpacebar
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    It's Super Smash Brothers on the go. Just this fact would be great enough to convince me to buy 5 copies, but of course, they made it even better.
    Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is pretty much one of the best in the Smash Bros. franchise.
    With an even greater cast of fighters, the developers put all of their skill and talent to make each character as fun as possible, and no character    It's Super Smash Brothers on the go. Just this fact would be great enough to convince me to buy 5 copies, but of course, they made it even better.
    Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is pretty much one of the best in the Smash Bros. franchise.
    With an even greater cast of fighters, the developers put all of their skill and talent to make each character as fun as possible, and no character is truly a bad fighter. Sure, some fighters like Diddy Kong and Sheik might be competitive and overpowered in some aspects, but honestly, every fighting game has some of those.
    Not to mention over 30 well designed stages with a separate Omega form, and over 50 amazing music tracks consisting of arrangements and original pieces from different Nintendo franchises.
    This game is an amazing installment to the smash bros franchise, and the fact that you will be able to play this everywhere you go, just makes it even better. Definite 10/10.    … Expand
  14. SirKirbyThe4th
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    If it was just smash run, I still would have bought it, but it is more than that. While Brawl was nothing but downgrades, this game is nothing but improvement! Though, Target Blast is.... just, bad. I still want Toad.
  15. EvilstuffGaming
    Feb 7, 2015
    7
    It's a nice game with good graphics, especially considering we're talking about the 3ds. However, with no adventure or event mode like Brawl, the game does lack a bit of content. Still a nice game to play when you're bored.
  16. JonJonBill
    Feb 2, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a great game but online latency and online Marios, Links, ZSSs, and Duckhunts spamming projectiles completely ruin the online matchmaking. However, the local multiplayer and offline solo modes more than make up for that.… Expand
  17. Sir_Pantyson
    Feb 1, 2015
    4
    I looked forward to this game for months. My friend Cody recommended it to me saying "Best game I have ever played". Everyone I knew that had a 3DS, had this game, and recommended it to me. I went to EB on Christmas to find they were sold out. I ran to future shop, and spent 50$ on a copy. I played it for 10 hours and got bored. **** you Cody. **** you.
  18. Olikd
    Jan 29, 2015
    10
    This is the best game i have played, For a long time!!
    Is funny is cool
    Is Awsome,
    Is only peruse is to be funny
    i love this game,
    I rekomend you to buy!
  19. imoses
    Jan 26, 2015
    8
    Reviewing this post SSB Wii U is hard... If you don't have a Wii U this is a must buy, if you do have a Wii U get SSB for Wii U and skip this one.

    Pros:
    + SSB on the go!
    + online and local multiplayer!
    + tons of fun
    + Collectables

    Cons:
    - short single player game
    - small screen
    - amiibos and handheld don't go well together
  20. ConnKon
    Jan 24, 2015
    9
    It's Smash. For the 3DS. And it's as masterful as always. The single player modes aren't as fun and are obviously lacking so giving this game 10/10 isn't justified. But it offers the best online Smash experience to date and I've honestly never played a Nintendo game so much online (60 hours in 1v1 for glory). It takes some getting used to in the beginning (the controls took me about 5It's Smash. For the 3DS. And it's as masterful as always. The single player modes aren't as fun and are obviously lacking so giving this game 10/10 isn't justified. But it offers the best online Smash experience to date and I've honestly never played a Nintendo game so much online (60 hours in 1v1 for glory). It takes some getting used to in the beginning (the controls took me about 5 hours to master), it's lacking some options and it doesn't have the best selection of stages. But damn is it fun! 9/10… Expand
  21. 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
  22. Vyrotix
    Jan 12, 2015
    7
    While the Wii-U version might be slightly better in terms of stages, and more replay value, this is a great game for the 3DS.

    If you don't own a Wii-U on the other hand, this is a must have for the 3DS.

    7.9/10
  23. 3DS-GUEST
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    This is my favorite game for the Nintendo 3DS, ever. I think it's even better than Pokémon αS and ΩR. The game itself runs smooth and feels like a genuine game. 3D features are nice and the game is stuffed with other little minigames. The only problem is the wireless connectivity, which gets very slow at certain times.
    10/10.
  24. SelenaandDemi
    Jan 6, 2015
    9
    Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is better than most people say it is— yes, the controls are horrible but they can be changed easily, so there's really no reason to criticize them. The character roster wasn't as impressive as it was supposed to be, but there's still great characters to fight with. I didn't see anything wrong with the character size—that's probably just me. I basicallySuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is better than most people say it is— yes, the controls are horrible but they can be changed easily, so there's really no reason to criticize them. The character roster wasn't as impressive as it was supposed to be, but there's still great characters to fight with. I didn't see anything wrong with the character size—that's probably just me. I basically enjoyed it, and I can't say you will, but it is a fun game.… Expand
  25. Le__Xenomorph
    Jan 6, 2015
    9
    It is insanely fun to play Super Smash Bros. on the go. Never had I thought that a Smash Bros. game would be mobile. This game basically is an add-on to Brawl which is what it feels like anyway. But Super Smash Bros. for 3ds is an overall awesome game. 9/10 (Awesome)
  26. 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
  27. artexplosion
    Jan 2, 2015
    8
    :^) ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ:^) ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
  28. nintendowolf
    Dec 27, 2014
    10
    This game is extremely fun. There is so much you can do! And since it is for the 3DS it is portable and you can take it anywhere! Say goodbye to having to wait for friends to come and fight- and hello to ongoing fights anytime anywhere! Overall Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is a true masterpiece!
  29. Buttman_ZX
    Dec 25, 2014
    10
    I will be honest; I've never actually owned a Smash Bros game, let alone even trying to understand the game. Not until I've poured over 20 hours into the game have I decided to express my feelings about the popular Nintendo brawler. In short, it is simply amazing.

    Super Smash Bros, for those that aren't familiar with the series, is basically a brawler between many of your beloved    I will be honest; I've never actually owned a Smash Bros game, let alone even trying to understand the game. Not until I've poured over 20 hours into the game have I decided to express my feelings about the popular Nintendo brawler. In short, it is simply amazing.

    Super Smash Bros, for those that aren't familiar with the series, is basically a brawler between many of your beloved characters from well-known Nintendo games, such as the Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, and even Pokemon. There are other game-modes as well, such as Smash Run, where you fight enemies and collect power-ups and upgrades for a final battle with three other opponents, and Classic Mode, where you follow a path and fight different opponents to earn beneficial rewards.

    The previous Smash Bros games were all on the N64, Wii, and Wii U. With the new addition to the franchise coming to the 3DS, you can now take the beating fun of punching Yoshi out of Mute City everywhere you go. The game runs and looks very nicely on a portable console; in fact, I think it's probably one of the best looking 3DS games out there. The only downside is the online mode whereas the framerate does drop significantly when playing with other players.

    Along with the new Smash Bros games, you are allowed to create your own fighter using your Miis, which is actually much bigger than it seems. You are given three different combat styles for your custom fighter: Swordfighter, Brawler, and Gunner. The Swordfighter uses a sword and has move-sets similar to sword-wielding characters, such as Link or Marth. The Brawler relies on brute force using his or her fists and, again, has move-sets similar to unarmed characters, such as Little Mac and Captain Falcon. Lastly, the Gunner has a gun equipped and has move-sets similar to Varia Suit Samus (I added Varia Suit because there are two different Samus characters). Of course, there are many different skills you can equip your custom fighters with by participating in events that earn you rewards, such as Classic Mode and Smash Run.

    In conclusion, Super Smash Bros for 3DS is an excellent competitive brawler for the Nintendo 3DS. Although it seems repetitive at times, there is special content you can unlock as well as challenges to complete. All in all, it's great fun, whether you're at home or on the go.    … Expand
  30. jamesfelicia
    Dec 25, 2014
    4
    i got this game today, and the lack of a story mode was a complete turn off for me to start, then i played it, and the graphics i could not bear to look at, everything on the 3ds is incredibly small, and it isn't much better on the larger scales

    almost every other fighter on the planet has a story mode, and this has no excuse besides the cinematics they used in the previous game were    i got this game today, and the lack of a story mode was a complete turn off for me to start, then i played it, and the graphics i could not bear to look at, everything on the 3ds is incredibly small, and it isn't much better on the larger scales

    almost every other fighter on the planet has a story mode, and this has no excuse besides the cinematics they used in the previous game were uploaded online, and i would much prefer at least minimal dialogue and no fancy crap at all because i've played fighters that function in that exact way and their stories were enjoyable

    playing the actual game sucked rather than the usual casual fun time you could have nintendo thought it had to be hardcore and thats where they went, and as a result they created this disgusting game

    dont buy it, play brawl instead, it was much better and this rapes all the nice features brawl had    … Expand
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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 »