So playful that four young children can button-bash their way to happiness. So technical it sits alongside Street Fighter IV at international fighting game tournaments. So informative it serves as a comprehensive museum for Nintendo’s rich 125-year history – the Super Smash Bros series appeals to a broad spectrum of people.

The 3DS version arrives complete with the phenomenal production values for which the series is celebrated. The variety in the 49 playable characters is superb, from Mega Man and Wii Fit Trainer to your own fully customisable Mii Fighter. Meanwhile, the portable game raids Nintendo’s handheld back catalogue to inspire its plentiful array of stages and there are a wealth of modes, from the platforming Smash Run to countless mini games and a surprisingly workable online mode. Put simply, this is a miraculous package and a carnival of excitement that no 3DS owner should be without.