Sakurai on why Smash Bros. 3DS came out before the Wii U version, changes in Final Smashes, stage tidbit

Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai published a new column in this week’s issue of Famitsu. That was a bit of a surprise, as Sakurai only tends to write columns on a bi-weekly basis.

In any case, numerous topics about Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS were once again discussed. Sakurai commented on why the 3DS version launched before the Wii U game as well as changes in Final Smashes. He also shared a tidbit about one of the unlockable stages in the 3DS version.

Head past the break for the full Q&A.

What was the reason to make the Nintendo 3DS [version of Smash Bros.] before the Wii U [version]?

Compared to the 3DS [version], the Wii U [version] is larger in scale and also has many modes so the production takes time. It is that simple.

There are fighters that got their Final Smashes changed and fighters that didn’t; what is the reason for this?

It differs depending on the case. Lucario[‘s final smash changed] because Mega Evolution was introduced in the latest installment [of Pokemon]. Pit because Palutena turned into a fighter. Moves, too, were modified due to balancing and elements of the new game were factored in.

Are there any interesting things in pictures from during the development?

There are many… The Flying Men of 3DS stage Magicant are expressed as pixel sprites, but actually a 3D model was also produced. A pixel sprite was chosen since it has lower strain [on hardware].

We’ll have a few final tidbits from Sakurai’s column tomorrow!