'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Release Time: When Can You Play The Nintendo Switch Exclusive?

GettyImages-973829948 — Dexter Darden gets a look at the Super Smash Bros. game on the Nintendo Switch system during the 2018 E3 Gaming Convention at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Nintendo

After years of waiting, the latest and biggest game in the venerable “Super Smash Bros.” franchise is almost here. The Nintendo Switch-exclusive “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” launches on Friday, but people in different time zones might be able to play it before then, as is usually the case with downloadable games.

Those who pre-ordered the digital version of the game on the Switch eShop can most likely play it starting on midnight ET on Friday, or 9 p.m. PT on Thursday, according to Shack News. If it does not work at 9 p.m. for players on the west coast, it should be available at midnight in their time zone, at worst.

The subreddit for “Super Smash Bros.” claimed some individual GameStop stores might let those who pre-ordered the physical version of the game pick it up before midnight on Thursday, as well, per Shack news.

Nintendo claimed in November that “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” was the most pre-ordered game in the series. It is expected to be a top seller for the Japanese gaming giant.

Super #SmashBrosUltimate is punching its way into the record books! Thank you to all the amazing fans for your support in making this a fight for the ages! Be sure to have your #NintendoSwitch ready to experience the action when the game launches on 12/7.https://t.co/z26JLSHE3W pic.twitter.com/AqkeDlKYSb
— Nintendo Versus (@NintendoVS) November 23, 2018