Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS -- Meta Knight Confirmed, Special Move Changed

Today, Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS game director Masahiro Sakurai announced that Kirby franchise character Meta Knight has joined the roster for the upcoming mascot fighting game. This is not Meta Knight's first appearance in a Smash Bros. game, as he was also featured in 2008's Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii.

The version of Meta Knight in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS has been changed significantly, Sakurai writes on Miiverse. "Meta Knight's Up Special Move, Shuttle Loop, changed quite a bit in this game," Sakurai says. "The glide is gone, and the attack slashes opponents twice while spinning in a large loop. This has turned into a highly technical and effective move."

Meta Knight was deemed too powerful for competitive play in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and was thus barred from official competitions.

In other Super Smash Bros. news, Nintendo today announced a lovely-looking 3DS XL bundle for Europe, which I certainly hope finds its way to North America some day. Super Smash Bros. for 3DS launches on October 3, while the Wii U version is coming sometime later this year.

Meta Knight for Super Smash Bros. brings the game's total roster to 37 characters, ten of which are new to the series. You can see the full roster below, with fighters new to the franchise in bold.

• Pac-Man
• Palutena
• Ike
• Mii Fighters
• Greninja
• Charizard
• Yoshi
• Sheik
• Zero Suit Samus
• Diddy Kong
• Little Mac
• Lucario
• King Dedede
• Zelda
• Rosalina & Luma
• Marth
• Sonic
• Toon Link
• Peach
• Luigi
• Pikmin & Olimar
• Mario
• Donkey Kong
• Villager
• Mega Man
• Link
• Wii Fit Trainer
• Samus
• Kirby
• Fox
• Pikachu
• Bowser
• Pit
• Captain Falcon
• Robin
• Lucina
• Meta Knight