Latest 'Smash Bros' a hit in Japan

'Super Smash Bros. 3DS' is already a success in Japan, where it was released on September 13, topping 1 million sales within 3 days according to data tracker Media Create.

It's the first of two 'Super Smash Bros.' games being released in short order, with a Wii U version on its way before the end of the year.

The cartoony, side-on fighting series features characters from across the Nintendo universe, including Mario, Princess Peach, Kirby, and Bowser.

From its beginnings as an alternative to the PlayStation's swish 3D fighters it became a cult success known for both approachability and depth.

With nearly seven years passing since the last series installment, this marks the first time a 'Smash' game has released for handhelds, and this November's 'Pokémon' titles a pair of Game Boy Advance remakes, 'Smash' is set up to become Nintendo's biggest own-brand release of the year.

Some reports indicate that a number of players are plugging away at the game with such ferocity that their pocket consoles are suffering as a consequence; Kotaku's Japan correspondent compiled a photo spread of damaged handhelds whose circular slide pad had been wrenched off in the heat of battle.

Only a select few 3DS games have managed to break the 1 million mark over their opening three days in Japan, and the accomplishment puts 'Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS' in the same category as 'Pokémon X & Y' and 'Monster Hunter 4.' Both of those went on to clear 4 million sales domestically, and are among the console's all-time best sellers.

An international release for 'Super Smash Bros.' on 3DS is set for the week of October 3, while a firm date for the Wii U edition could coincide with the Tokyo Game Show, September 18-21; Nintendo does not usually attend, but holds a separate press event for important announcements.