Nintendo Launches Super Smash Bros Charm Offensive

ntendo on Friday released what is expected to be its biggest title for the upcoming holiday season, and it also made a play in the collectible toy market with a line of interactive figurines.

Since the release of its Wii U console, the company has found itself in much the same position as its signature characters -- an underdog fighting for survival against much bigger rivals.

Sales of the Nintendo Wii U have been underwhelming -- only 7.29 million units since its November 2012 release -- compared to sales in excess of 10 million for Sony's PlayStation 4, which arrived last year.

For this holiday season, Nintendo is utilizing a dual strategy: It's going back to what it does best, namely launching a game filled with its signature characters; and it's entering an entirely new market in an attempt to gain creds with the next generation of gamers.

Thus Nintendo has called in Mario, Donkey Kong and Link to work together in Super Smash Bros., the first new title in the franchise in nearly seven years, while also introducing these characters in toy form as the interactive Amiibo figures.