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. Sandy34
    Aug 5, 2015
    10
    This could be the best game in the series. It's the first game in the series to be available on a handheld console, and it could not have transferred better. Tight controls, surprisingly good graphics, and gameplay to rival that of Melee, you can tell that Sakurai pulled out all of the stops for this installment. This version introduces the 3DS-specific mode, "Smash Run" which puts youThis could be the best game in the series. It's the first game in the series to be available on a handheld console, and it could not have transferred better. Tight controls, surprisingly good graphics, and gameplay to rival that of Melee, you can tell that Sakurai pulled out all of the stops for this installment. This version introduces the 3DS-specific mode, "Smash Run" which puts you against 3 other computer players or your friends in a huge platform map to see who can level up the fastest. It's this mode that sets it apart from the Wii U version, and it is great. It's fun to see how many enemies you can mow down with just your own skills. With the biggest roster of characters, and a few more to come, this is the quintessential 3DS game that will delight both religious and casual players of the series.… Expand
  2. AriseAndBe
    Aug 5, 2015
    5
    Super Smash Bros. is definitely a game that's meant for the big screen. I didn't get nearly as much satisfaction in this game than the previous game on the Nintendo WII. Also there's not story mode which kinda sucks
  3. Spitbot
    Aug 10, 2015
    9
    Simply a masterpiece. I have over 100 hours logged into this game, and not one felt bland or dull. There's so much variety and things to do, by the time you get bored the next installment will probably be here already. However, there are a handful of things keeping this game from a 10/10. "Smash Run', the new game mode, is pretty dumb, and can't even be played online, and there are cloneSimply a masterpiece. I have over 100 hours logged into this game, and not one felt bland or dull. There's so much variety and things to do, by the time you get bored the next installment will probably be here already. However, there are a handful of things keeping this game from a 10/10. "Smash Run', the new game mode, is pretty dumb, and can't even be played online, and there are clone characters aplenty. Also, my save data got corrupted a few months back. I don't know if that was the games fault or mine, but it was pretty devastating. This game is still fantastic, and I'd recommend it.… Expand
  4. CartoonCity
    Aug 10, 2015
    8
    Story/Concept: Smash Bros. is a fighting game starring Nintendo characters, but with a twist, you fight on platforms, and to K.O. an opponent, you have to knock them off it.

    Graphics/Design: The 3DS version has good visuals, but sometimes the cel shading can make it difficult to figure out what's going on. The online version from what I played is very laggy, but it's fun when it works.    Story/Concept: Smash Bros. is a fighting game starring Nintendo characters, but with a twist, you fight on platforms, and to K.O. an opponent, you have to knock them off it.

    Graphics/Design: The 3DS version has good visuals, but sometimes the cel shading can make it difficult to figure out what's going on. The online version from what I played is very laggy, but it's fun when it works.

    Sound: Kickass soundtrack and I love the announcer's voice.

    Gameplay: The controls are simple, but fun to use, the circle pad will get in your way, but that's easily ignored.

    Multiplayer/Extras: There's not much in variety on the 3DS version, and the online mode is latent with lag in "With Anyone", but I heard in "With Friends", there's no lag at all.

    Verdict: The 3DS version is sadly, not as good as the Wii U version, but I didn't hate it. In fact, I really enjoyed, despite some issues.    … Expand
  5. calvin129
    Aug 27, 2015
    9
    This game will bring you a lot of game play. Many things to unlock, although that's a little too easy, it's lovely and has a good price. Even has dlc available.
  6. geo333
    Mar 28, 2016
    9
    Smash Bros for the 3DS is a smashing fun game with great game play plus the addition of many characters add to that DLC Characters that you can buy additionally. Anyhow Nintendo did a phenomenal job bringing the fun and the entertainment of the Smash Bros. Franchise on the go.
  7. LuigiBro04
    Sep 10, 2015
    6
    Pros:
    -Portable Smash Bros!
    -Great character roster
    -Insane multiplayer
    -Excellent soundtrack

    Cons:
    -Most of the new stages are awful
    -Awful online
    -weak single player content
    -Feels awkward to play on a 3ds
    -Too many clones!
  8. FireRedRuby
    Sep 12, 2015
    8
    As a fighting game this is an okay game. As a Smash Bros. game this game is another disappointment.

    -No directional air-dodging means that air-dodging is spammable, and it becomes way too easy to survive bad situations (especially with some characters having over-powered recoveries), which only further drags out the shallow gameplay. (Also there's not wave-dashing or ledge-stealing).    As a fighting game this is an okay game. As a Smash Bros. game this game is another disappointment.

    -No directional air-dodging means that air-dodging is spammable, and it becomes way too easy to survive bad situations (especially with some characters having over-powered recoveries), which only further drags out the shallow gameplay. (Also there's not wave-dashing or ledge-stealing).
    -The Character balance is terrible, and it is still bad, even after all these updates.
    -Also, it's just not as fun to play as Melee since it's not nearly as fast-paced or technical as Melee. In this game you are only rewarded with victory when you play in a boring, non-risky, and a non-flashy (AKA: a non-fun) manner.
    -In my opinion, the true geniuses behind the Smash Bros. series were the people at HAL Laboratories and certainly not the overrated Sakurai.    … Expand
  9. wotshish
    Nov 2, 2015
    0
    While the game is fun to play and amazing in its fluidity, Playing against other players online is a painful experience because there is no real matchmaking. New players have to fight pros, meaning you will most people will never progress in skill. In this day and age, a flaw this huge is game breaking. Nintendo proves once again that they are incapable of having a passing grade when itWhile the game is fun to play and amazing in its fluidity, Playing against other players online is a painful experience because there is no real matchmaking. New players have to fight pros, meaning you will most people will never progress in skill. In this day and age, a flaw this huge is game breaking. Nintendo proves once again that they are incapable of having a passing grade when it comes to online play.… Expand
  10. MaxTheCritic
    Nov 27, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have liked this game too much, because it's like a combination of all Super Smash Bros. games, yup, the online mode is a lot laggy, but I can support it. the New Super Mario Bros. 2 map is pretty original, because when you collect 100 coins, you transform into golden, that makes you stronger, but it ends at some seconds.
    I have liked all New Characters, the MAJORLY of the final smashes are fun, like pacman's or greninja's, and you can create your own character using for base a MII character that you maked. you can custom it visually and change the "B" attacks.

    It's a 9 for me.    … Expand
  11. Fobmcrafi6
    Dec 13, 2015
    9
    The lack of single player really inhibits this game unlike it's predecessor: 8.7 out of 10. There are so many collectibles that this game will always have you coming back for more, there is so much to do with achievements you get rewards for. Controls and screen can sometimes be baffling, but the features will keep you coming back.
  12. SmashBPG
    Dec 28, 2015
    9
    This game is very addictive and awesome. Anyone who is a fan of Super Smash Bros. will love this game. I liked Wii U and Brawl slightly, just a little bit better but this game is still absolutely amazing. Although probably not QUITE AS GOOD as the Wii U Version, it's still a lot of fun. As The first Smash Game on a Handheld, you can Smash anytime, anywhere. I have played this game for wellThis game is very addictive and awesome. Anyone who is a fan of Super Smash Bros. will love this game. I liked Wii U and Brawl slightly, just a little bit better but this game is still absolutely amazing. Although probably not QUITE AS GOOD as the Wii U Version, it's still a lot of fun. As The first Smash Game on a Handheld, you can Smash anytime, anywhere. I have played this game for well over 100 Hours, in the car, in the store, at home, while waiting in line, while I poop, while at work, just about every place I play when I get the chance to. Almost everything about this game is awesome except Fox and Pit's voice. The graphics are good for the 3DS. The controls are great. The game runs perfect at 60 FPS like Masahiro Sakurai stated in the Smash Bros. Direct I think last year. The character roster selection is the best in the series IMO. The stages are very fun to play on, I enjoy mostly the Mario ones but I like all the stages. My favourites include 3D Land, Mushroomy Kingdom from Brawl, Paper Mario, Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 7, Jungle Japes from DKC and Melee, Tomodachi Life, Find Mii, Golden Plains (especially the Gold Character Gimmick, from New Super Mario Bros. 2), Prism Tower, Distant Planet from Brawl, Battlefield, Final Destination, and all the DLC Stages. I have every single character and stage from the DLCs. The Smash Run Mode is very fun. The Custom Fighter feature is awesome. The Music is great and the remixes of some are awesome. The Classic, All-Star, Stadium, Trophy, Trophy Rush Modes are all great. This game does lack a few modes like Adventure, Events, Chronicles, etc. but I wasn't a HUGE HUGE fan of those so not THAT big of a deal, though I do love the Sub Space Emisarry from Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Adventure from Melee. Multiplayer and Online Modes are fun and the Conquest is a great thing. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is my third favourite in the series, not the best one IMO but if you have a Nintendo 3DS and loved the previous ones or got the Wii U Version but not this one, definitely buy it, it is worth it and if you hate SSB3DS, you're BEYOND silly as JB. One more thing, if you have an adapter or a New 3DS (I have a New 3DS XL as well as an old model original but no adapter), you can use your Amiibo. I've actually never tried it but I have on the Wii U so you could get that and the DLCs together if you haven't because the DLCs are awesome.… Expand
  13. EpicLadySponge
    Jun 21, 2016
    10
    [ Written on January 18th, 2016 ] Fun tip for all New Nintendo 3DS owners, use the C-Stick to activate smash attacks quicker or aerial attacks if you're in the air and use the ZL button to shield and the ZR button to grab. See how fun was that? Why, I'd love to play this game everywhere I go with my New Nintendo 3DS XL system. As a matter of fact, I didn't expect a game like this to come[ Written on January 18th, 2016 ] Fun tip for all New Nintendo 3DS owners, use the C-Stick to activate smash attacks quicker or aerial attacks if you're in the air and use the ZL button to shield and the ZR button to grab. See how fun was that? Why, I'd love to play this game everywhere I go with my New Nintendo 3DS XL system. As a matter of fact, I didn't expect a game like this to come to handheld, but it's been done and history's been made. The fun part about this is that if you own this game and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, you can use the 3DS as a controller for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Only 3DS owners can use Smash Run and StreetSmash, but I notice that the 3DS can't handle 8 players in one Smash match and that's okay because you'll have to buy Super Smash Bros. for Wii U to get that. If you want to use your amiibo for battle, you'll have to own a New Nintendo 3DS for that, otherwise you'll have to buy a NFC adapter which is sold separately. You'll be fighting like crazy if you have internet and a Nintendo Network ID in online mode which you can choose With Anyone, With Friends, Spectate, etc. Characters can be a pack of fun and stages will be fun to play in, unless you choose its Final Destination form. I forgot to mention other modes, but I feel like that'll take too long to write. In short, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is fun all day, all night, all week, all month, and all year. No 3DS owner should miss this one.… Expand
  14. JWMG
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    if you are looking for the smash bros experience but on the go you will enjoy this game. great single and multiplayer game play may take a second or two to get use to it but id still recommend it
  15. Scoops8Pie
    Feb 17, 2016
    8
    Even though the Wii U has more content, this is still a really good version if you travel around a lot and want Smash with on the go. The game has a lot of DLC and work put into it the game was released in October 2014 and was continually supported all the way to February 3rd. This is probably the only game where you'll hear, Mario, Megaman, Pacman, Sonic, Ryu from Street Fighter, CloudEven though the Wii U has more content, this is still a really good version if you travel around a lot and want Smash with on the go. The game has a lot of DLC and work put into it the game was released in October 2014 and was continually supported all the way to February 3rd. This is probably the only game where you'll hear, Mario, Megaman, Pacman, Sonic, Ryu from Street Fighter, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII, and Bayonetta are all in the same game. I don't recommend the digital version though it takes a lot of space and can't backup data. Both Physical & Digital versions boots up very slow on older models of 3DS which is annoying.… Expand
  16. CallMeKevin
    May 8, 2016
    9
    The game is way too addictive. The offline multiplayer is great, but online multiplayer is often laggy and unresponsive at times. I would recommend the Wii U version over this one, but both are amazing. Plus, it's Smash Bros. on the go!
  17. ShonenBat
    Apr 12, 2016
    8
    Buen juego pero mediocremente competitivo
    La cantidad de personajes y sus mecánicas hacen del juego infinito, los modos de juegos y contenido desbloqueable le dan horas de entretenimiento, acierta con personajes más equilibrados y estilos de peleas de personajes completamente diferentes mientras otros son sumamente similares.
    En el punto anterior mantiene la fórmula perfecta de las    Buen juego pero mediocremente competitivo
    La cantidad de personajes y sus mecánicas hacen del juego infinito, los modos de juegos y contenido desbloqueable le dan horas de entretenimiento, acierta con personajes más equilibrados y estilos de peleas de personajes completamente diferentes mientras otros son sumamente similares.
    En el punto anterior mantiene la fórmula perfecta de las anteriores entregas mientras potencia otras.
    La banda sonora sigue pulcra y de calidad, siendo las mejores que nintendo nos ha entregado de la última generación.
    Los gráficos son llamativos exprimiendo la consola como ha sido regular de la gran N, las peleas son fluidas sin caídas de frames, cosa que aunque es constante en las sobremesas de nintendo, se agradece en estos tiempos.
    Respecto al gameplay mejora bastante la entrega anterior, haciéndolo mas dinámico y rápido, pero limitando mucho al jugador, punto esencial para un jugador competitivo que busque exprimir el juego y a sí mismo para tomar nuevos niveles de juego, la nueva entrega no supera las anteriores respecto a superación de jugabilidad, las peleas se tornan lineales esperando fallas del oponente incitadas por uno o creadas por él mismo, a diferencia de las primeras dos entregas donde la rapidez y frenesí que otorgan da la posibilidad de iniciar las peleas de manera exitosa y frenética. Puede ser menor para quien no sea parte del competitivo o sólo conozca el competitivo del Smash Brawl, pero para quien se maneja de manera exhaustiva con las dos primeras conociendo los modos avanzados para dominar los personajes será una decepción a tomar en cuenta y quizás quieras seguir jugando en tu N64 o Cubo en vez de exprimirte en la WiiU o 3DS.
    Pese a esto último, Smash 4 es una gran entrega que supera a su predecesor, dispone de incontables horas de diversión que se multiplican en compañía siendo la entrega más completa de todas. Pero para los más veteranos y experimentados puede tener puntos en contra los límites que entrega el juego no dejando cavidad para igualar la competitividad de las primeras entregas.    … Expand
  18. Figster512
    May 20, 2016
    9
    This is an excellent fighting game. The character roster is huge and filled with great characters, and the game even has DLC characters like Mewtwo, Ryu, and Cloud. The graphics amazing. While they aren't as good as the Wii U version (obviously), the graphics are insanely good for a 3DS game. Each character in the roster has lots of different moves that are easy to remember. I haveThis is an excellent fighting game. The character roster is huge and filled with great characters, and the game even has DLC characters like Mewtwo, Ryu, and Cloud. The graphics amazing. While they aren't as good as the Wii U version (obviously), the graphics are insanely good for a 3DS game. Each character in the roster has lots of different moves that are easy to remember. I have mastered multiple different characters, such as Yoshi, Mario, Captain Falcon, Toon Link, Ryu, Peach, and Donkey Kong. The stages are very good, and if you press X on any stage, it becomes completely flat. Be warned, however: this game has some problems on the standard-sized 3DS. First of all, the game takes forever to load, and you can't even suspend the game. Once you exit the game, the system reboots. Additionally, it is very hard to see what's going on when there are 3 or 4 people. On the New 3DS XL, all of these issues are gone. One issue I experienced across all versions of the 3DS was with the online mode. Many times it simply didn't let me play for no reason. Most of the time, playing online is a lag-fest, and does a poor job keeping up with the pace of the game. Overall, this game is almost as good as the Wii U version. It is definitely worth a buy, especially if you have a New 3DS.… Expand
  19. GameCritque
    Jun 7, 2016
    10
    Smash for 3DS is basically the same for Wii U except with not as good graphics and Smash Run it does everything right and it is perfect. If you need a good 3DS game, get this one.
  20. GaryFaulkDoesIt
    Jul 31, 2016
    5
    Largely the weaker of the two Smash 4 versions, as its graphics seem kind of rough by 3DS standards and the stage choices felt weaker.

    The only advantage this game really has over the Wii U version is that Smash Run is a much better mode than Smash Tour, although even then it feels a bit lackluster and not particularly well thought out. Other than that, the 3DS and Wii U versions    Largely the weaker of the two Smash 4 versions, as its graphics seem kind of rough by 3DS standards and the stage choices felt weaker.

    The only advantage this game really has over the Wii U version is that Smash Run is a much better mode than Smash Tour, although even then it feels a bit lackluster and not particularly well thought out.

    Other than that, the 3DS and Wii U versions have very little difference from each other. Their choices for new characters was, in general, a bit questionable at times. The stages were sometimes poorly designed and they didn't seem to understand the desires of competitive or casual players, as almost every stage is extremely over-complicated, with gimmicks and movement directly affecting the gameplay, whereas the "Omega" version that is offered overly simplifies the stages into generic, flat planes. The Fire Emblem and especially Kid Icarus franchises are over-represented to the arguable detriment of other franchises.

    Overall, it's not hard to get the impression that this 3DS version was only made for the purpose of selling more copies on the historically more popular handheld system.    … Expand
  21. dislexicpotato
    Dec 18, 2018
    8
    A great game overall with fun gameplay, a smooth 60 fps and stages that you can't find on its Wii U counterpart. Its not as good as the Wii U version but still great to play on the go.
  22. mefzeldernx
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Por primera vez la saga de peleas de las estrellas de Nintendo llega a una consola portátil, domina a tu personaje favorito para poder vencer el modo historia y competir con tus amigos.
    Tener un Smash Bros jugable en 3DS es una maravilla. La jugabilidad, los niveles, la música y la fluidez son los mayores méritos del juego. Es increíble que tanto contenido esté compactado en un pequeño    Por primera vez la saga de peleas de las estrellas de Nintendo llega a una consola portátil, domina a tu personaje favorito para poder vencer el modo historia y competir con tus amigos.
    Tener un Smash Bros jugable en 3DS es una maravilla. La jugabilidad, los niveles, la música y la fluidez son los mayores méritos del juego. Es increíble que tanto contenido esté compactado en un pequeño cartucho.
    Si eres fan de la saga, si tienes curiosidad o si solo quieres un juego divertido "Super Smash Bros for 3DS" es de lo mejor que puedes elegir.    … Expand
  23. Camps
    Jan 9, 2017
    9
    A great and incredible fighting game for 3ds, various ways to play.
    In my opniao, the best game of the 3ds, both competitively both for fun. For sure you will spend several hours playing this game, not to mention your local and online multiplayer
  24. Focaccia
    Feb 14, 2017
    0
    This game is the worst in the series: even worse than the wii u version. The single player is garbage and this is a portable console game, so most of the games are single player. I loved the first 3 games but this one is terrible. The single player is empty: No adventure mode? No break the targets? The new modes are all mediocre (Smash run is the worst mode in the Smash bros series) andThis game is the worst in the series: even worse than the wii u version. The single player is garbage and this is a portable console game, so most of the games are single player. I loved the first 3 games but this one is terrible. The single player is empty: No adventure mode? No break the targets? The new modes are all mediocre (Smash run is the worst mode in the Smash bros series) and they even managed to mess up classic mode! Tons of useless characters were added: Wii fit trainer, Villager from Animal Crossing, Dark Pit (basically a useless clone), Pac-Man (seriously Nintendo?), and some awesome characters from Brawl have been removed (Solid Snake and Ice Climbers come to mind). The new stages are unoriginal and in this version there isn't even the Skyloft stage. This game lacks creativity heck there isn't even an intro unlike the first 3 games which all had incredible intros. The use of amiibos is pointless and boring and the DLC is stupid: Corrin and Bayonetta are overpowered ruining the game experience and WHY IS RYU IN THIS GAME HE BELONGS IN STREET FIGHTER! Do not get this game it's fricking crap!… Expand
  25. ItsAllOgre5
    Mar 11, 2017
    10
    Yes, it can be hard to control your character. Yes, it doesn't have as many features as the Wii U version. Yes, even in local play, there can be lag. But you know what? It's Smash Bros on the go. That alone should be enough of a recommendation, but I can also say it has slightly better single-player modes and looks great in 3D.
  26. MonkiReviews
    May 10, 2017
    8
    Super Smash Bros. is always amazing. The 3DS version is great because it is portable. Also it has so many characters to play, unlock, and buy. The Wii U version is better, but this is still amazing.
  27. zoob_m
    Jul 11, 2017
    6
    does not have adventure mode or proper match making. (at least it didn't have those when I played it.) missing these especial features brings down the game dramatically.
  28. Diegochocho
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    Buen juego, sigue teniendo la misma esencia aunque sacaron el modo historia.
  29. Hiatomir
    Jun 11, 2017
    10
    I'm a HUGE smash fan since Melee, and I've gotta say, this is probably one of the best entries in the series. The online is a bit laggy at times, but nowhere near as bad as Brawl's online.
    This is a must buy on the 3DS.
  30. ironzombi
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Smash on the 3ds is truly a spectacular achievement, it runs superbly and the controls are perfect (at least for a 3ds game). it offers a full on Smash experience in your pocket and that alone is worth the price of the game, I have bought it twice so its on both of my 3ds's as its such a great game to play against friends.
    The only issues that could be talked about are inherent with the    Smash on the 3ds is truly a spectacular achievement, it runs superbly and the controls are perfect (at least for a 3ds game). it offers a full on Smash experience in your pocket and that alone is worth the price of the game, I have bought it twice so its on both of my 3ds's as its such a great game to play against friends.
    The only issues that could be talked about are inherent with the 3ds as a system, it is not a gamecube controller. Perfect pivots are harder to pull off consistently but maybe that is more down to my lack of skill. the screen size can be an issue when playing with more than just 1v1 but it never spoils the fun.

    If you do not like Smash 4 and prefer Melee I do not believe that should drag the overall score of this game down, what it does(if that is better or worse than melee is another topic) it does almost perfectly to create one of the most satisfying, deep and addictive handheld fighting game that I have ever played.

    Smash 3ds redefined what is possible with a fighting game on a handheld console and is truly one of the best games on any handheld ever.    … 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 »