Should I pre-order Super Smash Bros. Wii U?

Well, if you're that concerned about not being able to get a copy on the release date, I would pre-order it and then pick it up at the store. However, as of my own case, when the 3DS version got released last week on the 3rd, I was able to pick up a copy without a problem; and I didn't even pre-order a copy! I went into a Walmart at around 1PM in the afternoon and it had appeared I was the first to get a copy there :|

I would assume most people would prefer getting the game at an actual game store like Gamestop and of the sort, but there's also the chance that people wouldn't expect to get copies at stores like Walmart or Target on the release date either (which could explain why I got one of the first copies there?)

And as pre-orders go, someone suggested that you usually get bonuses when preordering games. Not in this case for Smash Bros., so don't get your hopes high. The only extra thing Nintendo's giving out is the Soundtrack to the game to those who have bought both the 3DS and WiiU versions (after registering both on Club Nintendo, of course).

Back on track, I suggest if you can pre-order online for pick up, then yes, I suggest you go for that. Otherwise, if there is no option to pick up in store from the online pre-order, it wouldn't hurt to physically go to the store to ask for a pre-order. However, I'd be wary for such as many games these days have small pre-order fees (in the form of cards) which can vary (usually $1-$5) but in my opinion I wouldn't bother to pay just to get a pre-order (unless if I'd want to get it at a midnight release, which you said you don't care for).

As for the guarantee of getting the game on the day of release, I'd you're good if you pre-order. In special cases where something goes horribly wrong where there's not enough copies is something I would not expect to happen, but overall I'd say pre-orders are quite trustworth. And even if you don't pre-order, I'd say your chances are pretty high as long as you don't take too long trying to avoid getting the game (as my example, getting it before getting out of school for most kids would be an excellent time!) ;)

One last thing, pre-orders usually aren't a hassle unless if you're doing it in the days most stores/websites are now booked on all their pre-orders, so I suggest you buy the physical copy (as I can say for quite a few, physical copies of games feel much better than having digital ones, but that's just my own personal preference.)

Anyhow, I hope this whole rant helps on your decision!

It's likely that if you pre-order you will get some sort of bonus.... That's the way it's been happening with other recent headline releases... You probably will be able to stroll in and pick it up off the shelf, but compared to buying on-line that usually means paying a premium!

Very unlikely, they will most likely be all sold out. I HIGHLY suggest you pre-order, preferably for a physical store, as you can then get a mid-night release or get it as soon as the store opens.

Yes, why not? the game would be good,.