Guys, I think we're getting close enough to the Super Smash Bros 3DS release date that we should start considering whether or not we are, in fact, going to buy it. Now, don't get me wrong: Obviously, literally everyone (everyone!) is going to buy Super Smash Bros in one of its two forms. But is the 3DS form the one to go for? I'm not so sure. In fact, I think I'm ready to say it: I'm probably going to pass on Super Smash Bros 3DS and wait for the Wii U version. Let's take a look at why.

Super Smash Bros 3DS: The Case Against

As you may recall, the Super Smash Bros 3DS release date is October 3, just about six weeks away (oy, time flies). The Wii U version is coming out this holiday season, which almost certainly means the fourth week in November, just before Thanksgiving. So, basically, you have three choices: Buy the Nintendo 3DS version instead of the Wii U version, skip Super Smash Bros 3DS and hold out for the Smash Bros Wii U release date, or buy both. Buying neither is obviously not an option, you cad!

Here's the case against buying Super Smash Bros 3DS, as I see it: First, the two games are very similar. The gameplay is fundamentally the same, and they have all the same characters (but different levels). But here are the possible problems with the 3DS version: First, the gameplay may not be quite as optimized as the Wii U version; the Wii U is, of course, a much more powerful system. Second, and much more seriously, the 3DS version obviously doesn't have local multiplayer, and Super Smash Bros is all about local multiplayer.

Of course, both Super Smash Bros 4 games will have online multiplayer, and if Mario Kart 8 is any indication, it will be pretty polished-much, much better than it was in Brawl. But so much of the fun of Super Smash Bros is playing it in the same room with your friends and hollering at each other. Even if you all have 3DS systems and are playing over local Wi-Fi, I fear it won't be quite the same without a big screen.

Super Smash Bros 3DS: The Case In Favor

Now, I don't mean to be harshin' on Super Smash Bros 3DS. I do, for the record, think it looks great-just not quite as great as Super Smash Bros Wii U. And it has a few things entirely in its favor. It has that single player campaign, for one thing. And it has its own set of levels, which all look pretty good. And, of course, it's portable. But I don't really think these benefits make up for the lack of on-television local multiplayer.

Buying both Super Smash Bros games, of course, is also an option, but a spendy one, especially since the two are fundamentally so similar. Sure, the 3DS version will give you an early edge when the Wii U version comes out due to sheer familiarity, but that won't last. If you like to play a lot of local multiplayer and play on the train or with friends who also have 3DS systems, sure, go for both. Otherwise, I think most people's decision will actually be made pretty simply: They'll pick up a Super Smash Bros game for the system they already have, or, down the road, on the system their friends are all using.

As for me, I have both a Wii U and a 3DS, and I think I'm only going to pick up Super Smash Bros Wii U, mostly for the local multiplayer reason. What are you guys leaning toward?