Nintendo confirms 8-player mode in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will allow for eight-player simultaneous play, Nintendo confirmed today.

In a Nintendo Direct video (below) the company unveiled a host of features for the game. "In a major first for the franchise, a special mode lets eight players fight simultaneously in local multiplayer," stated the company. "This option appears only in the Wii U version, and lets players compete on even larger stages to accommodate all the characters."

This option will only be available on "certain stages" and is not available online. Those larger stages were created in order to accommodate the larger numbers of players.

The new Nintendo Direct looks at specific new sections in the game, compared to the previously released 3DS version. Nintendo Direct also talked about extras like custom stage creation, controlling the Wii U version using 3DS controls; importing fighters from the 3DS version and various modes.

"Super Smash Bros. fans got a full look today at the unbelievable variety of options and surprises that await them in the Wii U version of the game," said Nintendo's Scott Moffitt. "Millions of fans around the world already can't get enough of the Nintendo 3DS game, and we want the Wii U version to build on that momentum."

Metroid villain Ridley has also been confirmed in the fighting game, appearing in the Metroid series-inspired Pyrosphere stage. Character Mewtwo and the game's soundtrack will be made available as free downloadable content in spring of 2015 for anyone who buys both versions of the game. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is out on Nov. 21.