We knew that there’d be some type of connectivity between the 3DS and the Wii U for Super Smash Bros., with transferring fighters from one to the other the most logical connection. But when the user interface for the 3DS version displayed a mysterious Wii U button, speculation fan amok.
Turns out that, while cross-platform multiplayer isn’t going to happen, you will be able to play the Wii U version of the game with your 3DS functioning as a controller. Players can connect their 3DS to the Wii U system, and appears to require the game running on both systems simultaneously. The Wii U has a matching 3DS icon to make the connection.
It’s not the most thrilling of options, and certainly won’t be something used by everyone, but it’s an extra controller option for local multiplayer—providing that friend has a copy of the game for their 3DS.
