Game's official blog says American gamers can now expect it on March 9th. Japan is pushed back for a week to Jan. 31st.
After we reported last week that Wal-Mart's corporate database was essentially confirming a delay for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the game's blog site has now made the delay official. Brawl's new American release date is March 9, a full month later than its previous date. Director Masahiro Sakurai's explanation is that the game simply needs more time to be completed:
Due to delays in the completion of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, we’ve had to change the release date of the game to Sunday, March 9th.I deeply apologize to the people who have looked forward to playing the game for so long and ask that you hold on just a little longer. Thank you for your patience.
A glance at the Japanese version of the blog confirms that region has also been handed a delay, though much less of one, as the date in that region has been delayed just one week to January 31st.
In somewhat happier news, the blog also posted a regular update today, this time revealing a Pikmin-themed level for the Pikmin/Olimar character announced last week. The new level includes giant enemies, unpredictable showers of heavy rain, and numbered pellets that fall from the sky. These pellets can be thrown into the Pikmins' onion nest to generate battle items. The level's graphics clearly maintain the photo-realistic style of both Pikmin games.