Super Smash Bros. for Wii U launching in December

The Nintendo 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. has only recently launched, but Nintendo curiously avoided pinning down a date for the more-anticipated Wii U release, which made it seem like it would miss this year.

Amazingly, it won’t, as Nintendo has announced plans to release the Wii U version in South Africa and Europe on 5 December. North American players will get it a couple weeks sooner on 21 November. In addition to the standalone version of the game in a retail package or download from the eShop, Nintendo will have two special packages available.

One features a boxed copy of the game with the first figurine in the NFC-equipped Amiibo line, Mario, which allows you to scan the figure on the Wii U GamePad and bring your custom fighter into the game. The other bundle includes the game and a GameCube Controller Adapter, which lets you use the series’ most popular input device on the Wii U.

If you don’t have any GameCube or wireless WaveBird controllers handy, you’ll be able to buy the new black Super Smash Bros. Edition wired controller on the same date, plus the adapter will be sold separately for those who want it later.

Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed that the first wave of Amiibo figurines will debut on 28 November. The initial line includes Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Link, Fox, Samus, Wii Fit Trainer, Villager, Pikachu, Kirby, and Marth. A second line will follow three weeks later on 19 December, bringing Zelda, Diddy Kong, Luigi, Little Mac, Pit, and Captain Falcon to the series.

Beyond Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the Amiibo figures will also be compatible with Mario Kart 8 and the upcoming Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Mario Party 10, and Yoshi’s Wooly World for Wii U.

Additionally, an adapter will be released to use the figurines with the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros, while next year’s New Nintendo 3DS hardware will support them out of the box.