Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, released in Europe on October 3 and December 5, 2014, are the fourth entries in Nintendo’s fighting series. Developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco, they bring together Nintendo’s heroes, including six playable Pokémon. This guide looks at their Pokémon side: fighters, stages, Poké Balls and Master Balls.

The game's logo.

Six Pokémon in the arena

Pikachu.
Lucario.
Charizard.
Greninja.
Jigglypuff.
Mewtwo.

Pikachu and Jigglypuff are back, and so is Lucario, which now has a Mega Evolution as its Final Smash. Charizard becomes a full-fledged fighter, without Brawl’s Pokémon Trainer, and Mega Evolves into Mega Charizard X. Newcomer Greninja brings ninja speed. Finally, Mewtwo returns in spring 2015 as downloadable content. See the Pokémon fighters.

Kalos and Unova in the spotlight

The 3DS version features the Prism Tower in Lumiose City, which climbs toward the top of the tower, and the Unova Pokémon League, which turns into N’s Castle under the attacks of Reshiram and Zekrom. The Wii U version offers the Kalos Pokémon League and its four Elite Four chambers, and brings back Pokémon Stadium 2. See the Pokémon stages.

Well-stocked Poké Balls

Poké Balls release more than twenty Pokémon, from Meowth to Dedenne, and the Master Ball makes its appearance, almost always with a Legendary: Lugia, Palkia, Arceus, Xerneas… See Poké Balls and Master Balls.

The verdict

Two excellent fighting games, generous and accessible, that give Pokémon a great place, especially the sixth generation. The Wii U version, with its big screen and its modes, remains the most complete; the 3DS version, the most convenient. Their content has since been taken up and surpassed by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

16/20

Our verdict

Two rich, polished entries in which Pokémon has pride of place.

What we like

  • Six varied Pokémon fighters
  • Well-made Kalos and Unova stages
  • More than forty Pokémon in the Poké Balls and Master Balls
  • Mewtwo is back

What we like less

  • Mewtwo only as downloadable content
  • Different Pokémon stages depending on the version
  • Since surpassed by Ultimate