Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Alph Screenshot

The Japanese version of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS has been sold early in Japan and many diehard fans are frantically searching the internet in hopes of finding out every detail about the new game. Since live streams have been running since late last night, fans have already been well acquainted with a new playable character hailing from the Pikmin series.

Originally making his debut in Pikmin 3, Alph will be the latest character joining the fight in the new Super Smash Bros. games on Wii U and 3DS. While Alph will be playable, featuring a custom intro and text on the character select screen, he will be offered as an alternate character skin for Capt. Olimar – meaning he won't be occupying his own spot on the actual roster.

Despite being leaked earlier, Masahiro Sakurai took to MiiVerse to formal introduce fans to the new fighter and explain some the mechanics behind the Pikmin protagonist.

According to the developer, the newcomer will fight very similarly to the original Smash combatant he's based on. Apparently there will be slight differences, but Rock Pikmin will have absolutely no role in the hero's move set. It's very odd that the rock-solid minions are the only types missing from both characters' move sets, but the fact that Sakurai has acknowledged the expendable friendlies demonstrates that he was at least thinking of them during development.

"Pic of the day. The hero from Pikmin 3, Alph joins the battle!! He has pretty much the same set skills as Olimar since he's basically just his variation. He can't use Rock Pikmin either."

Super Smash Bros 3DS Wii U Alpha Alternate Costume

"They are different characters, so they each get their own title treatment on the character-selection screen. See? It says Alph."

With Alph joining as an alternate skin, fans will likely be more at ease with the character's inclusion than the likes of Dark Pit or Dr. Mario. Since clones will apparently be playing a prominent role this time around, having fewer of them will allow those agitated by having their favorite character left out of the initial roster to be more accepting of the fighter.

What do you think of Alph's inclusion as a playable character? Will you be deflowering opponents with the Pikmin protagonist? Let us know in the comments.

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Super Smash Bros. will be released for the Nintendo 3DS on October 3, 2014. A Wii U version of the game will follow sometime this holiday season.

Follow Riley on Twitter @TheRileyLittle for more news on Super Smash Bros., as well as everything else in gaming.

Source: Masahiro Sakurai – MiiVerse