Pre-load now live for Super Smash Bros. Wii U in North America and Europe

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can now be pre-loaded in North America and Europe. It’s the first title on Nintendo’s console to make use of the functionality.

Pre-loading allows Wii U owners to buy games in advance and have them downloaded before release. Most of the game data will be downloaded at the time of pre-purchase while the system is in Standby mode. The final data needed to unlock Smash Bros. Wii U will be automatically downloaded at midnight Eastern time on November 21.

You can buy Smash Bros. Wii U in advance directly from the eShop or by purchasing a download code from retailers. Additionally, the title can be pre-ordered on Nintendo.com. Pre-orders on the company’s website now support the same pre-load capability. Those who have pre-ordered the digital version of the game on Nintendo.com using their Nintendo Network ID will be emailed a redemption code within 72 hours. Once redeemed, they will also be able to pre-load the game.

You’ll find Nintendo’s official Smash Bros. Wii U pre-load announcement below.

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– It’s no secret that video game fans are beyond eager to get their hands on Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. To help shoppers avoid the day-one rush, Nintendo is offering a few ways for people to get their hands on the game as soon as possible after it launches in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

Starting now, Wii U owners can pre-purchase Super Smash Bros. for Wii U directly from the Nintendo eShop or by purchasing a download code for the game from participating retailers. At the time of pre-purchase, much of the game’s data will be pre-loaded to the purchaser’s Wii U system if it is in Standby mode. As soon as the game releases in the Nintendo eShop at midnight Eastern time on Nov. 21, the final data needed to unlock the full game will automatically download.

Super Smash Bros for Wii U has also been available for pre-order on Nintendo.com. Today Nintendo announces that these pre-orders will also support the same pre-load capability. Within 72 hours of the game’s release date, people who have pre-ordered the digital version of the game on Nintendo.com using their Nintendo Network ID will be emailed a redemption code. Once they redeem the code, they will also be able to pre-load the game.

These pre-purchase and pre-load options offer a tremendous benefit to players, who will be among the first people able to play the game once it arrives on their Wii U systems.

For more information about the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U game, visit http://www.smashbros.com/us.