Super Smash Bros. Wii U

Platform-specific features

The Nintendo 3DS version features stereoscopic 3D graphics with optional cel-shaded outlines to make the characters more visible. The game also features two exclusive modes; Smash Run and StreetSmash. Smash Run, based on the City Trial mode from Kirby Air Ride, has players navigate an open environment, fighting computer-controlled enemies to earn stat-increasing power-ups, before facing each other in a randomly selected match, such as vertical or horizontal races against each other or battles with various special rules. StreetSmash is a StreetPass-based game in which players control a disc and attempt to knock their opponents out of the arena. The 3DS version supports the additional controls featured on the New Nintendo 3DS, such as using the C-Stick to trigger Smash Attacks, but is not compatible with the Circle Pad Pro peripheral because of hardware limitations.

The Wii U version features high-definition graphics and a special mode that allows up to eight players simultaneously. This mode is restricted to certain larger stages and cannot be played online. Various modes from the 3DS version, such as Classic mode, feature various changes in the Wii U version, with some modes allowing two players to play co-operatively. The Wii U version also features three exclusive new game modes; Smash Tour, Special Orders, and Event mode. Smash Tour is a board game-type mode in which up to four players aim to assemble a team of fighters and earn stat increasing power-ups, triggering various battles and events along the way. Special Orders is a series of challenges set by Master Hand and Crazy Hand, which players can attempt to earn rewards. Event mode similarly has up to two players attempt specific challenges. The Wii U version has vast compatibility with controllers; Wii U GamePad, Wii Remote, Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro, Wii U Pro Controller, GameCube controller through GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U, and the Nintendo 3DS systems (using either a copy of the 3DS version, or a Smash Controller app released on June 14, 2015).Returning features unique to this version include Special Smash, allowing for unique rules, Stage Builder and Photo mode, which allow players to create personalized stages and dioramas, and demo versions of classic games. An update on April 15, 2015 added content-sharing features, with a Miiverse stage added for free on June 14, 2015. An update released on July 31, 2015 added online tournaments and YouTube upload functionality.

Playable characters

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U features a roster of 53 playable fighters (4 of them being downloadable) taken from both Nintendo's first-party franchises and some third-party franchises, including returning third-party character Sonic the Hedgehog. There are 16 newcomers to the series. The new characters are the Wii Fit Trainer,Animal Crossing‍ '​s Villager, Rosalina and Bowser Jr. from the Mario series, Little Mac from Punch-Out!!, Greninja from Pokémon X and Y, Palutena and Dark Pit from Kid Icarus: Uprising, Lucina and Robin from Fire Emblem Awakening, Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles, the dog and duck duo from Duck Hunt, Capcom's Mega Man, Bandai Namco's Pac-Man, Ryu from Street Fighter, and the Mii Fighter, which can be customized with one of three play styles: Brawler, Swordfighter, and Gunner (technically bringing the roster to 55 characters). Some characters such as Wii Fit Trainer and Bowser Jr. have multiple variations, such as different genders and alternate character skins, which are selected in the same manner as alternate colors. Some returning fighters who could change forms during a match in previous titles are now playable solely as individual characters. As such, Zelda, Sheik, Samus, and Zero Suit Samus are now all individual fighters, along with Charizard, who was previously included with Squirtle and Ivysaur in the Pokémon Trainer's team in Brawl. Dr. Mario, a fighter based on Mario who first appeared in Super Smash Bros. Melee, makes his return to the roster after his absence inBrawl. The Ice Climbers were originally planned for inclusion, but were removed due to the technical limitations of the 3DS. Wolf O'Donnell and Solid Snake are also absent following their appearances in the previous game.

Downloadable characters

In addition to the main roster, four downloadable characters have been revealed so far. Mewtwo, who last appeared in Melee, was released on April 28, 2015, but was made available on April 15, 2015 for Club Nintendo members who purchased and registered both 3DS and Wii U versions of the game before March 31, 2015. Lucas from Mother 3, who last appeared in Brawl; Roy from Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade, who last appeared inMelee; and Ryu from Street Fighter, a new fighter, were released on June 14, 2015. On April 1, 2015, a special ballot was launched on the official website, allowing players to nominate other video game characters to be added to the game. The deadline for entry on the ballot is October 3, 2015.