Super Smash Bros. Won't Feature Cross-Platform Play Between Wii U and 3DS

That's too bad.

I'm thinking a non-stat changing system. You level up from how many K'Os you make. You get costume pieces from older games, that reskin some attacks. Example: You unlock an 8-bit cannon for Samus, she gets 8-bit bullets.

I've seen this all over Twitter. Can somebody explain to me: What would cross-platform play be good for in this game, anyway? If one of the players has a Wii U, they can all just play on that. Why look at your small 3DS display in a game that only requires one screen?

@hiptanaka MULTIPLAYER.

@jedisquidward Yeah, over internet you mean? Didn't consider that. I'm almost expecting it not to have online multiplayer.

@hiptanaka It doesn't have to use the screen. We could just be able to use it as an extra controller, like Pokemon Battle Revolution, as f00had said.

@Caramel And the 3DS would have like a map of some kind, instead of the battle menu of Battle Revolution.

@Caramel Then it's not really cross-play, I guess? They did say it will have some form of connectivity.

Feels like a lost opportunity to me.

Didn't expect cross-platform play so this news doesn't surprise/disappoint me. I did expect cross-platform compatibility, though, and that's what we're getting. I expect/hope a lot of stat tracking shared... hopefully to a cloud.

@hiptanaka I guess it wouldn't technically be cross-platform play, in the traditional sense.

As for customization, I'm thinking maybe it'll go as far as changing what different attacks characters will use with certain button presses, with each move working in a slightly different way. For example, Link's B move could maybe be set to be either his regular Bow, Ice Arrows or Fire Arrows. Maybe they'll travel at different speeds, have different effects, etc.

I didn't expect that directly anyway. The character custimizable thing I kind of expected, and sounds cool to me....except for the no costume or unlockable thing that was mentioned in the article, but maybe I'm just worrying too much.

I think they should cancel the 3ds version. It is really limiting the Wii U version. Pretty unfortunate.

@Exile20
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It makes since that they would do this since the 3ds version will have different maps then the wii u version and that the both will have different character models (the black out lining the most noticeable), but as long as both are treated mostly equally like same amount of characters/possible dlc/etc then I'm alright.
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@RudyBelmont I say costumes would be a good fit for the games, it happened in brawl for wario, but it would be nice for all characters to get costumes, like if you beat story mode with bowser you unlock dry bowser.

This is fine, I cant see the benifit in playing on a 5 inch 3ds display while someone else play on a 52 inch display. In MH it makes sense since you go to different areas of the map, but this is best on one screen

I'm actually glad. We already heard that the 3DS version was "holding back" the Wii U version somewhat. Catering for crossplay might have been another factor to hold back the Wii U version.

Not bothered tbh,I don't play local multi-player,it's all online for me.

"it won't involve costumes or unlocks from completing tasks."

This is more dissapointing than the lack of cross platform play for me

@Exile20 Agreed. Admitely I decied a long time ago to not get the 3DS version, but I don't like that fact that it exists if it restrains SSB on Wii U. It's just unessecary and harmful to SSB in my eyes.

Different stages eh? Just plain lovely. Those stages could easily be put onto the Wii U version of SSB. Why does there neeed to be a need for different stages. I'm hating the 3DS more by the minute,

This doesn't bother me and I was concerned about one version holding back the other, so to speak, so now I know that both versions will give you a reason to own both. (In my own personal experience, this is the downfall of PS3 vs. Vita versions as they're usually identical). So, I may just have to spend the $100 and get both eventually (starting out with the Wii U version, of course).

Imagine if you could use gamepad, 4 controllers/wii motes and a 3DS or three... 8 player goodness would be awesome!!

@Exile20 @Jaz007

Those are 2 sides of a coin. People with a 3DS would not want to get snubbed by a version with half the characters or half the moves while Nintendo is putting the game on both for higher audience. Not all 3DS owners have a Wii U neither do all Wii U owners have a 3DS (the former is more true, look at the sales figures of both).

I just hope that the character roster thing is changed, I won't mind if there are 10 more characters on Wii U as I will get one while I already have a 3DS. Other people might whine. In the end, I want both games unrestrained i.e. utilizing the maximum potential of BOTH consoles.

Finally I want a playable Isaac (Golden Sun), NOT Matthew in SSB! That will boost the series and open up the way to a sequel with the former main character back to save the world

Thats a same. I wasn't planing on getting a 3ds version with the Wii U version at launch. Ah well I can stick with the Wii U version and get the 3ds version down the line.

I would hope they slow down production on the 3DS version and ramp it up on the Wii U then. The Wii U needs key titles like this. 3DS is doing great. I know some people want the 3DS version, but I'm with some others on just cancelling it. You may not realize it right now, but you don't want a gimped version of Smash Bros, which sounds like that is what you are going to get with.

I'm about 1000% percent certain I'm buying Wii U, but down to about 10% chance I'd get 3DS one now. Was picking up both for sure with CrossPlay after seeing how great it works for Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate.

@Exile20 Well, I would welcome them just merging both games into one for Wii U, especially to push Wii U units since 3DS owners wouldn't feel like moving over to Wii U that way, but it still wouldn't be fair to them. So, yeah, a part of me wants the Wii U version to have ALL stages so it wants that, but my other part feels it would be selfish not to give 3DS owners their own game.

@XCWarrior No.

As long as the 3DS version is not being a water-diluted version of the console one, it's fine. (A la Need for Speed games).

I think the stress you give a WiiMote or classic controller is not equal of that you give a 3DS. Thinking of durability perhaps the controllers will be different on each version, hence the differences (Mario kart and Luigi's Mansion both changed the controls a small bit to put less stress on the circle pad). Just speculating, obviously, but it may be the case here.

I still wouldn't mind buying both 3DS and WiiU versions.

EDIT: Scratch that. I don't want to do the same thing on both versions. If the progress is synchronized somehow (unlockables, etc) or the methods of getting them are different, all right. Getting the WiiU version for sure. The 3DS one is in question now.

I'm hoping "customisation" does not mean "RPG Elements". I want my buddy to have the exact same options that I have when we plays on my Wii U.

I really think it's pointless to play cross-platform, i would feel stupid playing on my 3DS against my friends playing on the big crisp HD screen. I want the 3DS version to play with friends on the go who are also on their 3DS, so i really think Sakurai hit it in the head here, it's pointless to do cross-play.

@Exile20 yeah they're going to cancel the Smash Bros version for their best selling platform with the best library of any current console.

They should be making this cross play. Wasn't that the point of doing them simultaneously?

@Bucho Exactly, Smash isn't needed for the 3ds. The Wii U is the one that needs the games and going up against XBONE and PS4 is going to be tough and doesn't need it to be dragged down by the 3ds.

What's with all this talk about 3DS versions dragging down Wii U versions? If I remember correctly, weren't they completely different versions?

I think it'll just create a lag, and the stages are completely different on both systems. It wouldn't work out for this game.

That sucks....but oh well, I kinda figured it was customizable characters from the start anyways. You think its going to be like how it was in Brawl with those stickers?

I hope they allow you to transfer custom stages.

My god you guys... You really think cross platform is gonna hinder the wii-U and /or 3DS? I highly doubt that. The Wii-U is capable of alot more than alot of us think... and this form of play I can see working without a sweat. and FFS stop putting down the 3DS version so much... belive it or not, its the ONE Handheld thats doing MOST of the job in sales if you think about it.. so for me as a 3DS XL owner, I sure as hell want this. Oh btw... its a FIGHTING GAME im sure they dont need to jam pack it with bells and whistles to make it great. oh did I mention they could just add the 3DS stages for the wii-U later on make DLC for both version to have the same stages?

Didn't expect it to have cross platform play, so I'm not really upset.

i didnt mind cross play.
now they have no excuse not to add more characters for wiiU

@ChaosAngel He said that the stages will be different but all the characters will be the same for both versions. The 3ds version is going to be limited in character roster and the type of characters also like ice climbers for example which is difficult to implement since it is two characters which means there will be 5 characters on screen which means a lot more processing power for the 3ds. This is just one example of the "dragging down" problem.

I also wonder what else would be scrapped because it can't be implemented for the 3ds version.

@The-Chosen-one Characters between the two will be the same.

At first, I was kinda disappointed. But this way, it's almost as if we're getting TWO brand new Smash Bros. games

I can't believe you guys want them to cancel SSB on the 3DS. I don't have a Wii U and don't ever plan on getting one, so I am happy the 3DS will have its own SSB game.

I was hoping for cross-play... but just because it isn't going to be featured has no major difference in my opinion on the game. I'm more worried about the character customization, at this point; hopefully there won't be any modifying movesets, or at least not having that as a game-changing ability. Although it is rather hard for me to think of what else they could mean...

it's a shame, so much potential wasted. You could unlock stages on both consoles by having the other version (ex. the nintendogs stage on 3DS), extra characters, prizes, etc. Something like Injustice on iOS & Playstation.

Exile20 said:

@ChaosAngel He said that the stages will be different but all the characters will be the same for both versions. The 3ds version is going to be limited in character roster

You just contradicted yourself by saying the characters will be the same then saying the 3DS's roster would be limited. That would mean the roster on the Wii U's would be limited as well since "all the characters will be the same for both versions".

@hiptanaka My Thoughts exactly, plus this way My brother and I don't have to buy separate copies of the game.

@RedPanda I see what you mean, that would make thing more complicated then they need to be. Plus this isn't an RPG!

@Lasermaster123 I have been waiting for Isaac to appear in a SSB game for awhile too! Chrom from FE Awakening would also be nice, or possibly Lucina.

Wow, character customization.....I can't wait to see what this is going to mean for the balance of the 3DS and Wii U versions, especially since they'll be transferable between versions.
Designing new costumes for the characters would be welcome.

I though Itwata talked about this at last years E3

Minor disappointment followed up by incredible news? Hell to the yeah!

I was hoping for cross-platform play, but I can live without it - it'll be pretty awesome to customize a character!

@pikasaiyan98 Yea! We want Isaac to return, this time playable! Not Matthew, does not really appeal much as a character as he is basically an Isaac clone. The original rocks. Get Isaac, main in GS4 as well. Isaac to the rescue of his son (Maybe Felix too )!

You guys that are going around and saying to stop the 3DS version should stop already. Please tell me what is better than Smash Bros. on-the-go?! Well outside Monster Hunter... Like others said, both have big followings. The 3DS has a bigger audience, so naturally they would make it for that handheld. The sales are going to skyrocket. The Wii U version was imminent seeing as this is the first HD treatment Smash is getting. I'm getting both versions. I have to have them.

@ChaosAngel Dude, this is the case of the lowest denominator.
For example. If it is impossible for them to add the ice climbers because it is two characters then they would not be added to the Wii U version also. If there is no 3ds version then the Wii U can only be limited by its own power.

It is pretty simple.

@Rafie

This is what was reported:
Both titles will have the same character roster and this may lead to less characters than one would expect. According to Sakurai, due to limitations on the 3DS, the team has been forced to reduce some characters.

Hence why I said the 3ds is dragging down the Wii U version.

Smash on the 3ds really isn't needed. As @Donjwolf said he doesn't have a Wii U and only a 3ds. People will buy the 3ds version over the Wii U.

WOO! Character customisation is in! I'm one happy camper!

it would be awesome, to have different characters on 3ds, and different characters on the wiiU (apart from the 12 standard characters) so that people really will buy both.

I would love to see a giant boxed special edition with both versions and additional goodies. I would definitely buy that.

if cross play was a subject started by fans and never installed by the developer, then it was only assumptions. big deal, thats not the devs fault. im starting to think theres hate brewing for nintendo on its own fan site.

I'm probably amongst the many that would have had the thought that cross-play would be "A Good Thing" - take your in-house/online experience outdoors on the way to work or school, bring it back, story progressed.

The reality set in when the announcement about relativity of the arenas to each respective platform - that was when I realised they hadn't planned it.

I suppose that besides the story line, there's nothing really to progress, but the opportunity - the wow factor - to be able to have 3DS players join in a bout on a Wii U game would make Monster Hunters connectivity seem more than a one-off proof-of-concept.
Think about it, which would you be more likely to carry around with you, a 3DS or a spare Wiimote?

I like having two seperate games. Now that means more Smash to keep us entertained until Nintendo's next platforms.

Dang :/

@Lasermaster123 I'd personally rather Felix but Isaac is probably easier to recognize, being the main protagonist of the first game.

What would his final smash be though? The Judgement summon? Or maybe even Quake Sphere?

@Exile20 If they can still make both versions unique enough they can get people interested in both, even with the same roster. This whole holding back thing seems like an easily fixed mess. They can still make the Wii U version the best it can be (roster aside, which is understandable to want to keep that the same) by letting it go its own direction, which they are already showing somewhat with the stage selections for each console. With that known, it's already a given that the 3ds isn't a watered down port, so why not make each the best it can be instead of forcing the Wii U version to suffer?

Smash bros. will obviously be a hit on the 3ds(a portable version has been a dream come true for many) so there's definitely money to be made/ no reason to cancel it.

@Chriiis

Yea I know that you prefer Felix, you already told me but Isaac is the only character who has appeared in all Golden Sun games being a major character in all thus being the best representative, like Marth is for FE. Although in the 3rd game he was more of a behind the scenes major character, being referred the most as well and it was also being said that he is in danger. It would be nice if we get him as a playable character in GS 4. The Mourning Moon drained him of his controllable earth energy (basically a way to make him level 1 again - he still has the dormant fire energy) and he is the main character again (not another new guy or even Matthew).

His final smash could be Odyssey or Judgement. Catastrophe is cooler though or Iris as she is the Ultimate Summon of Golden Sun. I also like Death Leap although that is a Ninja move or Quick strike. Or we could just go with Meggido (actually HD version would be an amazing final smash) His weapon being Sol Blade of course! Or maybe a new move (GS 4 hint hint).

If they could beef up the combat on the Wii U, have larger/more varied maps and other things to fully use the juice of the Wii U, I would obviously not mind the 3DS. No cross play makes it easier for the combat to be a bit varied across the 2 versions along with better bigger stages as well. No cross play also removes the point of limiting the Wii U as cross play would have TRULY limited the combat. It is actually a pretty smart move to keep the stages different. Smash Bros. on the 3DS would help actually convert only 3DS owners to Wii U owners just to experience HD and much grander combat.

I guess Odyssey would work well too and would visually be more impressive than Quake Sphere although Judgement would be real nice. I liked Eclipse although that was more representing Jupiter.

I think I preferred Felix because he had a personality from the get go, while we played as Isaac as the silent protagonist in the original. That made it less awkward playing as Felix in TLA than seeing Isaac finally with one. It sucks he disappeared afterwards and hasn't shown face since the 30 years that passed before Dark Dawn. Hopefully he shows up in the 4th game, along with Mia and others.

Haha, getting sidetracked from the topic a little.

That's the thing; I can understand wanting the roster similar but let them go different directions otherwise. Like you pointed out, no cross play affords them the opportunity to give the games their own takes and make each the best they can be, also making it so you have people interested in both since it isn't dealing with being a simple port and one or both potentially suffering.

As for other characters, I'm surprised they haven't announced Shantae yet, that would be interesting and it wouldn't be hard to give her a move set.

Haha I often get sidetracked in these conversations as well. Often monologuing about the game. Isaac actually had a slight personality change in the 2nd one, he gets pissed off much easier. He was game for taking on Karst and Agatio while he was about to take on the Proxians when they saw that the one responsible for Saturos and Menardi's deaths was among them. Its probably cause he was frustrated at Babi's death and didn't want to fail another quest. Seeing the old characters are nice and we should even play as them considering they haven't even aged. Especially Isaac.

I still want Megiddo! It is the ultimate solo attack in the game and is wielding by Isaac and Felix both. They can introduce Isaac and a swappable version as Felix. Both having the moveset considering they are almost the same in the 2nd game (till the end where we find Isaac passed a test to gain a HUGE amount of power). I hope they use the younger version of Isaac, considering that was the version present in the previous game and second, I don't like the bearded one (although it would be unique having him).

Yes, no cross play is a smarter decision than most people are thinking. If there was cross play, as I said, maps, characters, combat, etc. would all be effected on the Wii U. This lets them get the best for both.

Why Shantae? Just because a title is coming onto the 3DS? I think Isaac would be more popular than her although her addition adds another female name to the roster.

I don't really know what to say about this one.

On one hand, I suppose it was nothing less than vastly assumed that the games would have some inter-connectivity, being simultaneously released and, essentially the same game, and the fact that it isn't is a bit of a bummer.

On the other hand, it was never promised, and I honestly see little need for the feature anyway. Pros would be: synced stats, customizable character features and possibly playing friends online. Major con would be huge sacrifice in creativity and experience (having two of the same game) in order to accomplish all of the above.

The way it is, at least if you buy both you will be getting two different games.

OK, someone's gonna have to explain this 1 to me...What's the point of there even being a 3DS version if the cross-play can't be worked into this? Just to transfer characters/customizations or version exclusive chars? This is what DLC is for. Super Smash bros has always been on consoles. I mean, it's not entirely like I figured this would work, but rather I was expected to be blown away if the option had been revealed and explained.

I hope you can customize your villager with the outfits you get in ACNL. That would be amazing.