Nintendo characters appearing in Scribblenauts Unlimited for the Wii U won't be in the game's 3DS version due to "timing," developer 5th Cell told IGN.
"The 3DS version was already finished and moving into manufacturing (cartridges take longer to produce) by the time the deal was signed with WB & Nintendo," said creative director Jeremiah Slaczka.
Slaczka added that once the deal with Nintendo was signed, only the Wii U and PC versions were still in development, and "obviously Nintendo would only want their IP on their platform." For now only the Mario and Legend of Zelda franchises are included, but many objects unique to both game worlds can be found throughout Scribblenauts Unlimited.
Scribblenauts Unlimited will launch alongside the Wii U on Nov. 18.