The “3D” suffix has led to rampant speculation. Some believe Update 1.1.7 is a testbed for Super Smash Bros. 6, which could feature full 360-degree movement akin to Power Stone or Pokkén Tournament. Others argue that depth-based mechanics will remain niche, similar to Street Fighter V’s poorly received “Z-switch” mechanic in Season 3.
However, Sakurai’s final column in Famitsu (translated by Source Gaming) hinted at a philosophy shift: “Fighting games are spatial puzzles. We had only two dimensions for 20 years. Why not explore the third?”
In the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of fighting games, few titles carry the weight of Dairantou Smash Brothers
(known internationally as Super Smash Bros.). While major roster expansions often capture the headlines, minor technical updates are what sustain a game's longevity. One such instance is Update 1.1.7, released on July 18, 2017, for the Nintendo 3DS version of the game. The Core of the Update: Amiibo Expansion
The primary focus of Version 1.1.7 was expanding the physical-to-digital bridge via amiibo compatibility. This patch officially enabled support for three specific, highly anticipated figures: Cloud Strife (from Final Fantasy VII) (from Fire Emblem Fates) (from the Bayonetta series)
By implementing this support, players could finally train and fight alongside "Figure Player" versions of these DLC fighters, including their "Player 2" alternate costume variants. Impact on the 3DS Meta and Gameplay
Unlike earlier, more disruptive patches, Update 1.1.7 was notably narrow in scope. Expert analysis and community reports from Smashpedia
confirmed that the patch contained zero character balance changes. There were no buffs to struggling fighters nor nerfs to the top-tier dominance of characters like Bayonetta , much to the chagrin of some competitive players. Technical Prerequisites and Compatibility Dairantou Smash Brothers- DLC Update 1.1.7 3D...
To maintain the integrity of the online environment, Nintendo mandated this update for all players wishing to access online features. This created a "compatibility wall":
Local Wireless: Players on Version 1.1.7 could no longer engage in local wireless matches with those still running Version 1.1.5 or earlier.
Replay Data: As is standard for the series, installing the update rendered replays created in version 1.1.5 or earlier unplayable, though replays from version 1.1.6 generally remained functional. A Quiet Milestone
Version 1.1.7 serves as a quiet but necessary milestone in the history of Dairantou Smash Brothers for Nintendo 3DS. While it didn't reinvent the mechanical wheel, it finalized the integration of the game's final DLC cast into the amiibo ecosystem, ensuring that the "3D" Smash experience was feature-complete before the series transitioned fully to its next chapter on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS: A Guide to the 1.1.7 DLC Update
For many players, Dairantou Smash Brothers (known in the West as Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS) remains a definitive portable fighting experience. While the competitive meta shifted significantly during its peak years, minor updates continued to refine the experience long after the final DLC fighters were released.
The 1.1.7 update, released on July 18, 2017, represents one of the final technical steps in the game's lifecycle. While it didn't introduce new playable fighters, it provided the essential technical bridge for the latest physical hardware to interact with the 3D fighting game. What’s New in Version 1.1.7? The “3D” suffix has led to rampant speculation
The primary purpose of Version 1.1.7 was to implement full amiibo support for the final wave of fighters released for the 3DS and Wii U versions. Specifically, this update added data for: Cloud Strife (including the Player 2 variant) Corrin (including the Player 2 variant) Bayonetta (including the Player 2 variant)
By downloading this patch via the Nintendo 3DS HOME menu or the eShop, players can scan these specific amiibo figures to train them as "Figure Players" (FPs) within the game. Key Technical Details and Compatibility
While this is a minor update, it carries several technical implications for your save data and online play:
Online Requirement: You must have the 1.1.7 update installed to access the game's Online Smash and other internet-connected features.
Local Wireless: Once you update to 1.1.7, you can only play local wireless matches with other players who are also on version 1.1.7. It is incompatible with players on version 1.1.5 or earlier.
Replay Data: Unfortunately, installing this update renders any replays created in version 1.1.5 or earlier unusable. If you have classic matches you wish to keep, you should record them externally before updating.
No Balance Changes: Unlike earlier updates (such as 1.1.5), Version 1.1.7 contains no character balance adjustments, damage tweaks, or frame data changes. How to Access DLC Content (A semi-3D battle system layered over classic 2D
Although 1.1.7 is a free software update, it does not grant access to the DLC fighters themselves. To play as Cloud, Corrin, or Bayonetta, you must still purchase them through the in-game DLC Shop using your Nintendo eShop funds. Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS 1.1.7 Firmware Update Patch
N. Sanity Beach (3D Depth Mode)
(A semi-3D battle system layered over classic 2D Smash gameplay)
| Mechanic | Pre-1.1.7 | Post-1.1.7 3D | |----------|-----------|----------------| | Shield parry window | 5 frames | 4 frames (but now depth-sensitive) | | Ledge grab priority | First come, first served | Z-depth nearest wins | | Projectile reflection | Angle-based | Angle + depth distortion | | Air dodge intangibility | Frames 1-26 | Frames 1-22 + depth vanish on 23-26 |
The most controversial change is the depth vanish on late air dodges. During frames 23-26 of any directional air dodge, the character becomes intangible but also “phase-shifts” 0.5 units backward on the Z-axis. This allows skilled players to dodge through certain depth-specific hitboxes—but also makes them vulnerable to moves that cover multiple depth layers (e.g., Sephiroth’s Scintilla).
New Stages
New Mii Costume