When Nintendo confirmed that the Nintendo Switch version of Super Smash Bros. would be playable at E3 2018, fans of the fighting game franchise were delighted. Few details were offered up when Nintendo made a surprise announcement of the game earlier this year, so the chance to get some hands-on time with the title seemed especially notable. However, not everyone will get a chance to play the game, and there are some hoops to jump through before getting to take part.

In a press release today, Nintendo explains that E3 2018 attendees can reserve tickets to either play casual matches against other players for fun or they will be able to play for glory and take part in a competitive elimination match. The company says that E3 registrants who have registered by May 31 will receive an email from E3 organizers on June 5 that includes details about reserving Super Smash Bros. tickets. Naturally, tickets will only be available while time slots last, says Nintendo.

If players have successfully registered for a ticket, then they will receive a QR code pattern that can either be stored on their phone or can be printed up. It's important to keep this safe and have access to it come E3 2018 because signing up to play Super Smash Bros. Switch is mandatory and Nintendo won't be offering on-site registration, either.

link super smash bros switch

Given that Nintendo is operating a first-come first-served basis for the other games that it is showing at its booth, it's understandable if some Super Smash Bros. fans are upset that access to the game will be so limited. But Nintendo is likely expecting enormous demand to play the game. After all, this will likely be the first opportunity for fans to see the game's much rumored character roster, putting speculation to rest. As such, the ticketing system may be the best way to keep things organized and civil.

The use of a ticketing system may mean that many Super Smash Bros. fans miss out, but positively, Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of sales and marketing, says that "we want as many people as possible to give [the game] a try." Bowser also says that this year, Nintendo's "focus" is on the upcoming Nintendo Switch title. Nintendo's plans for the rest of the year are not yet clear, but it does sounds as though the company is considering additional opportunities to play Super Smash Bros. Switch ahead of launch.

Super Smash Bros. will be released on Nintendo Switch in 2018.

Source: Nintendo