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. VAFranky
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    First off I would not recommend playing this game on a regular 3DS. Even on the XL the characters can be a bit small at times when the camera shifts for larger stages. That aside this game is awesome. The game is very fast and the audio and graphics are both excellent.

    The roster is enormous and you can feel the oomph in every character's attacks, something I felt is lacking in other    First off I would not recommend playing this game on a regular 3DS. Even on the XL the characters can be a bit small at times when the camera shifts for larger stages. That aside this game is awesome. The game is very fast and the audio and graphics are both excellent.

    The roster is enormous and you can feel the oomph in every character's attacks, something I felt is lacking in other similar games. Like earlier iterations there are great mini games including an Angry Birds knock off and good ol' home-run contest which I sunk an hour into before even touching the main game.

    The biggest new feature in this version of smash is the customizable Mii fighters and move sets for the traditional characters. You can re-create some 3rd party or real life homage characters with some imagination. This can be a lot of fun in and of itself.

    For anyone that owns a 3ds and not a Wii U that is even remotely interested in fighting games I would highly suggest this game. Wii U owners that aren't big Smash/Nintendo fans I would definitely wait for the Wii U version.    … Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. skyminster
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Everything gameplay wise is the best the series has ever beheld, with the game having fantastic complexity, pace and fun little traits with the best character roster yet. It's also got a lot of brilliant modes at your disposal, with Smash Run surely making Wii U owners jealous; and well designed new features, items and stages. It isn't as big a game as the Wii U one, and it probably isn'tEverything gameplay wise is the best the series has ever beheld, with the game having fantastic complexity, pace and fun little traits with the best character roster yet. It's also got a lot of brilliant modes at your disposal, with Smash Run surely making Wii U owners jealous; and well designed new features, items and stages. It isn't as big a game as the Wii U one, and it probably isn't good; but it's absolutely fantastic in its own right.

    95/100 (rounded to 10/10).    … Expand
  6. 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
  7. 00Liteyear
    Oct 4, 2014
    10
    There is so much to do, you won't know where to start. So many characters, you won't know who to play. It's the ultimate Nintendo game every fan should have. Gameplay has been balanced. No more random tripping, edge hogging, or unnatural floating. Don't believe people when they say this is just a taste of the Wii U; The 3DS is a complete package. Unlike the the Wii U version, you canThere is so much to do, you won't know where to start. So many characters, you won't know who to play. It's the ultimate Nintendo game every fan should have. Gameplay has been balanced. No more random tripping, edge hogging, or unnatural floating. Don't believe people when they say this is just a taste of the Wii U; The 3DS is a complete package. Unlike the the Wii U version, you can listen to tunes on sleep mode, play mini games with strangers you meet, and Smash Run (i.e. A randomized side scroller similar to Melee's adventure mode.)… Expand
  8. birdman3
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    Normally I wait until I've beaten a game to write a review, but Smash Brothers is not a game that you "beat". It's a game that you come back to, time after time, because you find the concept itself appealing, such that you don't need dramatic characters or a complex storyline to supplement the game. Smash Brothers is a brawler, and nothing else. The reason I give this game a 10 is becauseNormally I wait until I've beaten a game to write a review, but Smash Brothers is not a game that you "beat". It's a game that you come back to, time after time, because you find the concept itself appealing, such that you don't need dramatic characters or a complex storyline to supplement the game. Smash Brothers is a brawler, and nothing else. The reason I give this game a 10 is because it absolutely delivers on everything that is promised. I wanted a Smash Brothers game that I could carry in my pocket and this game certainly provides that. Nothing has been ticked back in order to bring the game to the handheld- the graphics are stellar, the framerate is stellar, and the sheer overwhelming number of combatants can almost be considered to be "too many". What I've enjoyed most so far in my 8+ hours of gameplay is that there are so many different single player modes. You have the classic mode, vs. mode, All Star Mode, bomb challenges, and others. Plus, the sheer amount of custom changes you can make to this game all but ensures that you will never, ever, experience all that Smash Brothers has to offer. If you consider that between the 50+ fighters and the 4 different types of moves with 3 different moves for each type, you could theoretically never play the same fighter twice. There is absolutely no reason why every 3DS owner should not purchase a copy of this game. It sincerely delivers on every level.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Guedryan
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Um jogo incrível, com muitas opções no modo offline, diversas tarefas para conquista de troféus e um modo online cheio de opções também.
    Várias músicas nostálgicas, diversas fases, maior seleção de lutadores que eu vi num jogo de luta e mecânica aprimorada.
  12. javaleno
    Oct 4, 2014
    10
    I didn't think it was possible to surpass super smash bros melee and Project M, but this game has done that. This is the best smash bros yet. When it drops on the Wii U it will obviously be even better than the 3DS version, but man it is still really fun on the 3DS. Sure, there was some lag on the launch day, but as of now the lag has really reduced since then. I also have very goodI didn't think it was possible to surpass super smash bros melee and Project M, but this game has done that. This is the best smash bros yet. When it drops on the Wii U it will obviously be even better than the 3DS version, but man it is still really fun on the 3DS. Sure, there was some lag on the launch day, but as of now the lag has really reduced since then. I also have very good internet speeds, so when I host 4 player matches, the game runs really smooth. Being a competitive casual player with a life, I have no complaints with this game. :) all of my casual friends are having a blast, and my competitive friends are having fun as well. All the characters are extremely balanced now, and all in all, you should buy this game. I did purchase the game, I'm not a loser who doesn't own the game and is leaving fake negative reviews. Peace out.… Expand
  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. KNDNumbuh2008
    Oct 17, 2014
    10
    I really like the Wii U and the 3DS versions of that game. It is definitely awesome. Rosalina is my favorite video game character. I wish I will get it.
  16. 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.
  17. thethethe
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    Unlike most hyped up games, smash bros 4 lives up to the hype, its amazing. you can't not have fun with the game. It's responsive, fun, and well worth its price.
  18. cntrl
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    Awesome game for a smash or two during an aweful long bus ride or while waiting for an appointmant. The 3ds version is compatible with the Wii u version and the 3ds can be used as an additional controller. Really fun, even though the c stick is missing for the smash attacks, but that issue should be fixed with the next generation of 3ds consoles!
  19. Link316
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Pretty much a full console experience of a new Smash Brothers packed into a handheld, its amazing. The only downside I would say is the control takes a bit of getting used to. But that is not the fault of the game its more the system and being used to a gamecube controller. I will not dock it any points for that.
  20. BenjamiNook
    Nov 8, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. And so the addiction returns...
    The graphics are the best I've seen on the 3DS, and my word does this game sound good. I seriously use this instead of my MP3 player now.
    The gameplay is the most balanced ever, with some characters being toned down a bit (looks at metaknight). I've played for over 40 hours and only lost one match because of circle pad problems.
    All the unlockable characters are great, and most have a unique gimmick like little mac's KO meter, or Rosalina and Luma's ability to separate, and actually make it work, unlike Ice climbers, who were broken as hell in Brawl.
    Smash run is SOOOOOOO addictive, and I would have bought the game just for this. There have been 1 or 2 online problems, but most are because of my bad internet, so I don't find myself frustrated.
    Even if it's left once the Wii U version comes out, I think it should be a criminal offence not to own and love this game.    … Expand
  21. Alexiace
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    You all know what this game is, so i don't have to explain much. The online can be a bit wonky. But that is the only problem with this game! Having smash on a handheld is great and there is no reason why any 3ds owner shouldnt have this game.
  22. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    Sometime in the not-too-distant future, game history YouTubers will make videos talking about Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. They'll observe how remarkable this game really was. They'll note it pushed Nintendo's handheld to its absolute limits, essentially bringing a robust console game to a portable experience. They'll marvel at how good it looks and how well it controls. AndSometime in the not-too-distant future, game history YouTubers will make videos talking about Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. They'll observe how remarkable this game really was. They'll note it pushed Nintendo's handheld to its absolute limits, essentially bringing a robust console game to a portable experience. They'll marvel at how good it looks and how well it controls. And they'll point out that even on the smaller screens, it is still an extremely good fighting game. It's my all-time favorite 3DS title, and one of the best in the Smash series, as far as I'm concerned.… Expand
  23. kdkade
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    So I bought the game, even though I am not the biggest Nintendo fan, nor fighting games enthusiast. I gotta say: WOW. So much content, so deep gameplay, so much to do... I'm amazed. This is truly one of the most polished games on Nintendo 3DS, and it's extremely fun. Just taking time to explore the possibilities gives me chills. This is easily 10/10, though I have to admit that the lack ofSo I bought the game, even though I am not the biggest Nintendo fan, nor fighting games enthusiast. I gotta say: WOW. So much content, so deep gameplay, so much to do... I'm amazed. This is truly one of the most polished games on Nintendo 3DS, and it's extremely fun. Just taking time to explore the possibilities gives me chills. This is easily 10/10, though I have to admit that the lack of some kind of story mode separate for every character is a downside for me, though given all the alternatives it's really easy to forgive. Especially that you can just fire a simple offline or online smash and have a blast, since there's a lot of fun, unpredictable situations that the game can spawn for you... especially when you're a beginner and choose to randomize everything. Again, WOW. Go buy it.… Expand
  24. Reid_Dead
    Nov 26, 2014
    10
    Realmente me surpreendeu! Um Smash divertido, com gráficos lindos e o melhor de tudo! Portátil! Não havia gostado muito da demo por ter achado limitado, porém resolvi arriscar e me surpreendi com a quantidades de modos e customizações que o jogo oferece.
    Não testei o Modo Online, porém esse não será o meu foco. Irei jogar via rede local com amigos então creio que o lag relatado em outros    Realmente me surpreendeu! Um Smash divertido, com gráficos lindos e o melhor de tudo! Portátil! Não havia gostado muito da demo por ter achado limitado, porém resolvi arriscar e me surpreendi com a quantidades de modos e customizações que o jogo oferece.
    Não testei o Modo Online, porém esse não será o meu foco. Irei jogar via rede local com amigos então creio que o lag relatado em outros reviews não seja problema.
    Sem falar nos personagens, muitos, carismáticos e super fáceis de controlar.
    Não achei o circle pad tão ruim assim, basta não ser um destruidor de botões :D    … Expand
  25. Komrath
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Definitely a funny take on fighting games :-) I would describe it as "sumo fighting with Nintendo characters", you try to push out enemies out of the arena and not being pushed out yourself. Characters are nicely animated and voiced, even if you don't know them all it's a lot to discover! Fighting mechanics are somehow simple to start with, but hard to master and each fighter has their ownDefinitely a funny take on fighting games :-) I would describe it as "sumo fighting with Nintendo characters", you try to push out enemies out of the arena and not being pushed out yourself. Characters are nicely animated and voiced, even if you don't know them all it's a lot to discover! Fighting mechanics are somehow simple to start with, but hard to master and each fighter has their own 'personality' and style. Many gameplay modes, this game really has the "one more smash!" factor that keeps me hooked for long, longer than I would sometimes play :D Definitely recommending!… Expand
  26. BentleyTurtle
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    This game is freakin awesome! One of the greatest Super Smash Bros. games ever. If you own a 3DS this is a must buy title. The music is soooo good!!!!!!
  27. shell25
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    Absolutely flawless game.
    It has fantastic graphics,awesome characters and game play.
    Tied for the best game i have ever played on the 3ds, with the other being kid icarus.
  28. 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
  29. snow_
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    It's the long awaited Smash Bros. 4! This is my personal favorite in the series with many characters, many modes and great gameplay. The only problems I am having is lag during online play and not enough maps, but this game still rightfully deserves a ten.
  30. MegaNinja
    Nov 7, 2014
    10
    This game really pushes the 3ds to its limits. There is just so much content. The game is smooth,looks amazing and is REALLY fun. This is a must buy, for all 3ds owners. (and by the way, smash run is amazing)
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 »