Nintendo reveals release date for Wii U Smash Bros among other software plans.
Strong launches in the Americas, Europe and Australia have propelled the cumulative sales total for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS to more than 2.8 million sold worldwide. This first-ever portable installment of the game has resonated both with fans and critics, and its initial sales set Nintendo up for a strong holiday season.
To keep the momentum going, Nintendo has unveiled the launch date of the Wii U version of the fighting game. The Super Smash Bros. for Wii U game will launch in North America on Nov. 21, just in time for the heart of the holiday shopping season, at a suggested retail price of $59.99. The first wave of Nintendo’s interactive amiibo figures will launch the same day at a suggested retail price of $12.99 each. Twelve iconic Nintendo characters will be included in the first wave, with a second wave of six more figures set to launch in December.
“Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is already in the hands of more than 2.8 million people worldwide, and the road ahead looks great,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Nintendo’s holiday software lineup is more than impressive, and our amiibo figures start a new chapter in the world of Nintendo interactive entertainment. With so many great experiences available, this holiday season is going to be an amazing time to be a Nintendo fan.”
As previously announced, the first wave of amiibo includes Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Link, Fox, Samus, Wii Fit Trainer, Villager, Pikachu, Kirby and Marth. The second wave that launches in December includes Zelda, Diddy Kong, Luigi, Little Mac, Pit and Captain Falcon.
The amiibo figures can interact wirelessly with compatible games in unique new ways, providing fresh game-play experiences and a great value for consumers. Players simply need to tap them to the Wii U GamePad controller to activate them, and some figures offer compatibility across multiple games – no additional equipment is required. Fans can buy and collect amiibo, to bring them closer to the games and characters they love. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will support amiibo when it launches on Nov. 21, and upcoming amiibo compatible games include Mario Party 10 and Yoshi’s Woolly World, with more to come. Mario Kart 8, available now in stores and the Nintendo eShop, will also support amiibo in the future. A software update may be necessary to use amiibo functionality for these and other amiibo compatible games in the future.
For those who want to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U with their favorite Nintendo GameCube controller, Nintendo is introducing an adapter that lets up to four original Nintendo GameCube or WaveBird controllers work with the game. The adapter will be available at a suggested retail price of $19.99. Nintendo is also launching a standalone Nintendo GameCube controller emblazoned with the iconic Super Smash Bros. insignia at a suggested retail price of $29.99. Additionally, Nintendo is offering a special bundle that includes Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, one Nintendo GameCube controller and one adapter at a suggested retail price of $99.99. All of these items launch Nov. 21.
Never one to be overlooked, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was a critical and crowd favorite during the E3 Expo video game trade show in June. The game launches Dec. 5 at a suggested retail price of $39.99 and lets players take control of intrepid explorer Captain Toad as he sets off on adventures like exploring a haunted house or escaping a smoldering volcano. Even though Toad characters have appeared in video games since the original Super Mario Bros. game on NES, this is the first time that one of them gets top billing. The game will also support select amiibo figures in 2015.
To celebrate the recent launch of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo is holding the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS National Open Tournament in New York on Oct. 11. Featuring 16 players who won regional tournaments around the country this past weekend, the event begins at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Nintendo’s channels on Twitch and YouTube. Character customization will play an important role in the action, allowing the top 16 players to engage in unique battles showcasing everything the new game has to offer.
