So the new Super Smash Bros. titles on Wii U and 3DS may only have a vague "planned release" for 2014 — which hopefully won't become "erm, maybe it'll be 2015" — but that doesn't mean that we're not getting regular doses of brawling goodness. In fact, Masahiro Sakurai has been regularly picking in-development screens for the official website, showing off new arenas, occasionally fresh characters, and often just funny poses and snapshots that reflect the madness of what's the come.

There's something about Nintendo mascots — in their distinctly peculiar glory — knocking the snot out of each other that really appeals to millions of gamers, with a good number probably planning to double dip on both versions so that they can play wherever, whenever they like. These titles don't exactly arrive on an annual basis, either, further building up the hype levels.

Although substantial information will drip-feed rather slowly, we thought we'd pick some of our favourite screens from the new games to date and present them as a gallery with one-liners for descriptions; these are a mix of press assets and the images released daily on the official website.

Why are we doing this? Because video games and Smash Bros. are fun and we don't need a real reason, that's why.

Wii U

We know Mario really wants to win, but this crotch shot is just playing dirty
The potted plant, always deadly
Who's the sociopathic killer now?
Yeah, you'd better run
The fear's in their eyes
Hm, he seems to be stuck. What to do?
Wrong game, Mario
And they called it, Puppy Love (well, sort of)

3DS

Bowser, the lovable jerk
We know which belly we'd rather tickle
Hurry up, or you'll miss the train!
When universes collide (and possibly implode)
Kirby shows no mercy
D'awwww, the Blue Bomber is super cute
At the time of publication, the latest image

So those are some of our favourites so far. Let us know which is a stand-out for you in the poll and comments below, or simply post those that you think we should have included. Is it 2014 yet?

Which of our Smash Bros. images is your favourite? (430 votes)

  1. Mario's crotch shot on Bowser18%
  2. The Villager tackles Bowser with a pot3%
  3. The Villager falls flat on his face3%
  4. Bowser scaring Pikmin2%
  5. Kirby also scaring Pikmin10%
  6. Kirby's stuck, Wii Fit Trainer and DK are clueless13%
  7. Mario thinks this is a soccer spin-off2%
  8. Fox and Rush say hello9%
  9. Bowser kicks Samus (she'll get revenge)  0.7%
  10. Bowser pretends to be a Nintendog3%
  11. Fox is late for the train2%
  12. Link meets Link7%
  13. Kirby has no mercy in his soul3%
  14. The Blue Bomber's super-cute look  0.9%
  15. The Kid Icarus stage is super pretty24%

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