Super Smash Bros. Hits 3DS This Week, Light On Competition

Chances are that, if you you’re a Nintendo 3DS fan and you’re reading this, it’s only because you’ve taken a short break from the portable launch of Super Smash Bros.. For everyone else, consider this your friendly reminder that Smash Bros. is kicking it up a notch at retail on digitally today, with little else launching on Nintendo platforms to serve as a distraction.

Launching last night at midnight on the 3DS eShop (or 8/9 p.m. if you are lucky enough to live on the West coast) the latest version of Nintendo’s mascot brawler is finally here, offering up loads of gameplay options, online and offline battles, new stages to explore and the biggest cast of characters in the series’ history. Check out that launch trailer above, if you would prefer a more visual version of the insane antics.

“Batle it out as the greatest heroes and villains in video games on the Nintendo 3DS system—at home or anywhere,” reads a statement from Nintendo. “Smash rivals off the stage with epic moves, then beef up your fighters with a variety of customizations and equipment. Find fun extras faster by beating hordes of classic enemies in Smash Run and mastering mini-games.”

Whether or not you plan on downloading/purchasing the game today, you can go ahead and prepare for the epicness by grabbing the game’s first update patch right now. Simply head onto the eShop, go to the Smash Bros. tab and select the update. It’s not a very long download, but at least it will already be sitting on your console, ready to roll once you finally get smash, speeding up the process ever so slightly.

So, who do you plan on making your main? Any new characters you’re especially excited to take for a test drive? Any other characters you’re still holding out hope for as potential DLC? Let us know in the comments below.

If, however, you did not come to smash, then your pickings are going to be pretty slim on the Nintendo front this week. The big standout is the first in a trio of Castlevania games finally making their way to the Wii U Virtual Console. This week’s offering is Dracula X, where players will take on the role of Richter Belmons in a quest to save his beloved and slay the evil Dracula. On Oct. 9, players will be able to dive into the GBA game, Circle of the Moon, with Harmony of Dissonance to follow on Oct. 16.

The Wii U eShop will also be home to 99Seconds and Red Riding Hood this week, with the 3DS eShop gaining Color Zen and Tenkai Knights Brave Battle.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Jigglypuff to punch square in the face.