Super Smash Bros on Wii U has sold nearly half a million copies in the US

The Wii U version of Super Smash Bros has got off to an excellent start in the US.

Polygon reports that the game sold 490k units, spread across physical and digital, in its first three days on sale in the US.

That makes it the fastest selling Wii U game in the country ever.

Fellow Wii U titles Mario Kart 8 sold 2.82m copies worldwide in its first month. Analysts pegged the game’s three day US sales figure at 450k.

What now remains to be seen is whether Smash Bros can provide a similar boost to Wii U hardware sales, or if instead it just appeals to existing owners already lured in by Mario Kart.

Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing Scott Moffitt called the numbers a "great start”, adding: "But there’s a lot of work left to do and a few more surprises in store for our fans.

"With great deals coming on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and great content like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker launching next week, Nintendo will offer shoppers the best combination of fun and value this holiday season."

Super Smash Bros will be released on Wii U in the UK this Friday (November 28th).