Introduction
When I first heard about Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3, I’ll be honest—I didn’t even know how to pronounce the title properly. (If you’ve ever stumbled over Japanese game titles, you know the struggle.) But what immediately grabbed my attention was thIn this articlee fact that it was a Naruto Shippūden fighting game exclusive to the Nintendo Wii—and only in Japan. For fans like me outside Japan, that exclusivity made it feel almost like forbidden treasure.
The game was part of the Gekitō Ninja Taisen series (also known internationally as Naruto: Clash of Ninja), and EX 3 marked a turning point by expanding the roster, improving graphics with that bold cel-shaded anime look, and refining its team battle mecIn this articlehanics. Sure, it wasn’t perfect—motion controls could be hit or miss—but it captured the heart of what a Naruto fighting game should feel like: chaotic, fast-paced, and dripping with ninja flair.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3: its gameplay systems, character roster, comparisons to other Naruto games, its place within anime video game history, and why it’s still loved today. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in my own experiences playing the game (both on original hardware and later through less “official” means—don’t worry, I’ll get into that). If you’ve ever wondered why this title stands out in Naruto’s long gaming legacy, grab your headband, charge your chakra, and let’s dive in.
Naruto Shippūden and the Game’s Origins
The Naruto Shippūden anime changed everything about the way Naruto games felt. Gone were the days of a mischievous kid chasing ramen bowls—instead, Shippūden brought a darker, more mature tone. EX 3 reflected this shift perfectly. It wasn’t just about flashy jutsu anymore; it was about recreating pivotal battles from the Kazekage Rescue arc and beyond. When I first loaded up the game, seeing the Shippūden-era Naruto and Sakura on the character select screen gave me chills. It was clear this wasn’t just another “kids’ game”—it was a full Shippūden experience.
Wii Fighting Games and Motion Controls
Let’s be real—the Wii was both revolutionary and frustrating. Swinging the Wii Remote to pull off a Rasengan felt awesome the first time, but sometimes the motion wouldn’t register, leaving you wide open for a counterattack. Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 leaned heavily on the Wii’s fighting game controls, offering a mix of button presses and motion inputs. Compared to traditional fighters on PlayStation or Xbox, it felt less precise but more “party-friendly.” I still remember my cousin accidentally throwing the Wii Remote across the room mid-Chidori—classic Wii era chaos.
Multiplayer Battles and Team Combat
For me, the real magic of Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 wasn’t in the story mode—it was in multiplayer. Up to four players could jump in, and the team-based combat system kept matches unpredictable. One second you’d be in control as Sasuke, the next you’d swap out for Kakashi mid-combo. The chaos, the laughter, the inevitable shouting when someone spammed substitution jutsu—it all made the game unforgettable. Even now, when I think about late-night couch battles with friends, EX 3 sits right up there with Super Smash Bros. as a top-tier party fighter.
Game Requirements for Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3
| Category | Requirement |
| Platform | Nintendo Wii (original release) |
| Media | Wii Optical Disc |
| Controller Support | Wii Remote, Wii Remote + Nunchuk (recommended), GameCube controller (optional) |
| Display | 480p (EDTV/HDTV) via component cable or standard 480i |
| Region | Japan-only release (NTSC-J) |
| Multiplayer | Local multiplayer (2–4 players) |
| Save Data | 1 block on Wii Memory Card (for GameCube controllers) or Wii internal memory |
Recommended PC Emulator Requirements (Dolphin Emulator)
| Category | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
| OS | Windows 7 (64-bit) / Linux / macOS | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3 (2.4 GHz) or AMD equivalent | Intel Core i5/i7 3.0 GHz+ or AMD Ryzen equivalent |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 / AMD Radeon HD 5770 | NVIDIA GTX 1060+ / AMD RX 570+ |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or higher |
| Storage | 2 GB free space for ISO + save files | SSD recommended for faster load times |
| Controller Support | Keyboard & Mouse, Gamepad, or mapped Wii Remote | Wii Remote with Sensor Bar adapter (for authenticity) |
| Emulator Version | Dolphin Emulator 5.0 or later | Latest stable version of Dolphin Emulator |
Naruto Shippūden Wii Game Exclusivity
One of the most frustrating (and fascinating) things about Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 is that it never officially left Japan. Unlike Clash of Ninja Revolution, which got localized for Western Wii consoles, EX 3 stayed firmly as a Japan-only Naruto Shippūden Wii game. As someone living outside Japan at the time, this was both maddening and enticing. I remember watching grainy YouTube gameplay videos and wishing I could play it. Eventually, I caved and imported a Japanese copy—though figuring out how to actually run it on a North American Wii was another adventure entirely. That exclusivity made it feel like a “hidden gem,” a Naruto game only the most dedicated fans managed to experience.
Naruto Fighting Game Series Legacy
To really appreciate EX 3, you have to understand where it fits in the broader Naruto fighting game series. Before EX 3, the earlier Clash of Ninja titles on GameCube and Wii were lighter, almost experimental fighters. They had decent mechanics, but they didn’t fully capture the intensity of Shippūden’s battles. On the other end of the spectrum, Bandai Namco’s Ultimate Ninja Storm franchise leaned heavily on cinematic visuals and over-the-top cutscenes. EX 3 carved out its own niche. It wasn’t about spectacle—it was about playability. Quick matches, balanced characters, and just enough complexity to keep competitive players hooked. In my opinion, that’s why it holds such a special place in Naruto’s gaming legacy.
Takara Tomy’s Naruto Titles
When people think of Naruto video games, most immediately think of Bandai Namco. But EX 3 wasn’t one of theirs—it was made by Takara Tomy, the same company more famous for toys like Beyblade and Zoids. That alone gives EX 3 a different flavor. Takara Tomy approached the Naruto license with a mindset of fun-first mechanics. Instead of building a massive cinematic spectacle, they focused on making a Naruto fighting game that was easy to pick up, fast-paced, and great for multiplayer.
Was it flashy? Not really. Was it technically polished? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it had soul. And that, more than anything, is why I find myself replaying EX 3 more often than most Naruto games from that era.
Battle System and Mechanics
Here’s where EX 3 really shines: the battle system. Unlike many anime fighters that rely on flashy cutscenes, EX 3 gave you direct control over the action. Combos were straightforward enough for beginners but had surprising depth for advanced players. Guard breaks, substitutions, and chakra dashes gave battles a flow that felt dynamic. I’ll never forget the first time I pulled off Naruto’s ultimate Rasengan chain—it wasn’t just a button press; it felt like an earned victory. Compared to today’s more cinematic fighters, EX 3 feels raw and player-driven, and that’s part of its charm.
Hidden Leaf Village and Story Progression
Of course, no Naruto game is complete without the Hidden Leaf Village. In EX 3, the story mode guided players through the early Shippūden arcs, starting with the Kazekage Rescue Mission. It wasn’t the deepest narrative adaptation, but it hit the key beats: Gaara’s abduction, Naruto’s training, and the reintroduction of Akatsuki. I remember being slightly disappointed that some story segments were abridged, but the chance to actually relive these arcs in playable form more than made up for it. Story mode wasn’t the main attraction—it was more like a warm-up before diving into the real fun: multiplayer battles.
Jutsu Customization and Chakra System
If there’s one mechanic that made EX 3 addictive, it was the chakra system. Chakra wasn’t just a special meter; it dictated the flow of battle. Knowing when to spend chakra on substitutions versus saving it for an ultimate jutsu could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The jutsu customization options also gave players a sense of control. You could tailor your strategy depending on your character—Naruto with his Rasengan spam, or Sasuke with precision Chidori strikes. I’ll admit, I sometimes cheesed matches by hoarding chakra just to land a last-second ultimate, but hey, that’s all part of the fun.
Breaking Down the Title: Naruto, Shippūden, Gekitō, Ninja, Taisen, EX
One thing I love about Japanese games is how the titles often carry layered meaning. Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 is no exception. Let’s break it down:
- Naruto Shippūden – The era of Naruto after the time skip.
- Gekitō – Intense fighting or fierce battle.
- Ninja Taisen – Ninja battle/war.
- EX – Expanded or Extra edition.
Put it all together, and you essentially get “Naruto Shippūden: Fierce Ninja Battle EX 3.” It’s a mouthful, but it captures exactly what the game set out to be: a larger-than-life anime fighter full of intensity.
Why “Wii” Defined the Experience
There’s no escaping it—EX 3 was a Wii game through and through. That meant motion controls, family-friendly marketing, and of course, endless debates about whether it worked well for fighters. Personally, I had a love-hate relationship with it. On the one hand, swinging the Wii Remote to execute a jutsu was immersive. On the other, it sometimes failed at crucial moments, costing me matches. But here’s the thing: that’s also what made the Wii era unique. Imperfect, experimental, sometimes frustrating—but unforgettable.
Comparing Related Games
Earlier Titles: EX 1 and EX 2
To really understand what EX 3 brought to the table, you have to look at its predecessors. EX 1 was basically a Shippūden refresh of the Clash of Ninja formula—new character designs, but not much else. EX 2 started expanding things: larger rosters, tighter mechanics, and the early inklings of team-based gameplay. But it was EX 3 that felt like a true leap. It refined the mechanics, balanced the roster more effectively, and added smoother animations. I remember booting up EX 2 right before trying EX 3, and the difference in polish was immediately obvious. It wasn’t just “another update”—it felt like a proper evolution.
Other Naruto Games: Clash of Ninja & Ultimate Ninja Storm
This is where things get interesting. On one side, you had the Clash of Ninja Revolution titles that made it to the West, which were solid but never quite as refined as the Japanese exclusives. On the other side, you had Bandai Namco’s Ultimate Ninja Storm series, which absolutely wowed fans with cinematic cutscenes and larger-than-life visuals. Comparing EX 3 to Storm feels a little unfair—it’s like comparing a fast-paced arcade brawler to a playable anime movie. Still, there’s a charm to EX 3’s simplicity. Where Storm overwhelmed with spectacle, EX 3 thrived in accessibility and local multiplayer fun. For me, it wasn’t about which was “better”—it was about which mood I was in: cinematic drama or chaotic fun.
Broader Gaming Categories
Fighting Games and Arena Fighters
At its core, EX 3 is a 3D arena fighter. That puts it in the same family as games like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi and even Power Stone from the Dreamcast era. Arena fighters often get flak from competitive gaming circles for being “less skill-based” than traditional 2D fighters like Street Fighter or Tekken. But in my experience, they’re just a different flavor. EX 3 wasn’t designed for esports—it was designed for living rooms, for chaotic four-player matches where strategy and improvisation mattered as much as technical skill. And honestly? That’s part of why it’s still so fun today.
Anime Video Games as a Whole
The early 2000s were a golden age for anime-based video games. Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, One Piece—they all got multiple adaptations. Some were cash grabs, sure, but others became cult classics. What set EX 3 apart was how faithfully it captured the feel of the anime. The cel-shaded graphics weren’t just for style—they made you feel like you were inside the anime world. Looking back, EX 3 holds its ground alongside some of the best anime fighters ever released, even if it never reached the global recognition of Ultimate Ninja Storm.
The Larger Universe
Part of the Naruto Franchise
It’s impossible to separate EX 3 from the broader Naruto franchise. By the time of its release, Naruto had become a global phenomenon—anime fans around the world were glued to their screens watching Shippūden arcs unfold. EX 3 wasn’t just a game; it was another way to live inside that world. When you picked up the Wii Remote, you weren’t just controlling polygons—you were embodying your favorite ninjas, clashing in battles that mirrored the anime’s most iconic fights. That’s a huge part of why Naruto games, even lesser-known ones like EX 3, remain beloved.
Nintendo Wii Library and 2000s Gaming Culture
EX 3 wasn’t just part of Naruto’s legacy—it was part of the Nintendo Wii library, and that meant something back then. The Wii was the console of experimentation. While PlayStation and Xbox chased high-end graphics, Nintendo doubled down on motion controls and accessibility. EX 3 fit right into that cultural moment: colorful, chaotic, and fun for a crowd. When I think back to the late 2000s, I picture living rooms packed with friends, Wii Remotes flying (sometimes literally), and games like EX 3 being the centerpiece of the fun. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s part of the Wii’s DNA.
Shōnen Jump Anime Game Lineup
Finally, it’s worth placing EX 3 in the broader Shōnen Jump lineup. Naruto wasn’t alone—games based on Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, and One Piece were all fighting for shelf space. What Naruto had going for it, though, was its sheer popularity. At the time, Naruto was arguably the flagship of Shōnen Jump’s anime empire, and EX 3 reflected that. Bigger roster, polished mechanics, and an intensity that matched the anime’s growing stakes. If you were a Shōnen Jump fan, owning this game felt almost mandatory.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3
1. Is Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 available outside Japan?
Sadly, no—it was a Japan-only release. Unlike Clash of Ninja Revolution, which was localized for North America, EX 3 never made it west. When I was younger, this drove me crazy because I desperately wanted to play it without hacking or importing. That exclusivity made it something of a “holy grail” for Naruto fans abroad. These days, the only way to play outside Japan is by importing a Japanese copy or… let’s just say, getting creative with emulators.
2. How does EX 3 compare to Ultimate Ninja Storm?
That’s the million-dollar question. Ultimate Ninja Storm games are visually stunning—they feel like you’re playing the anime itself. EX 3, on the other hand, is a more stripped-down fighter that emphasizes gameplay over spectacle. If Storm is like watching a narutosenkiapk.net movie, EX 3 is like inviting friends over for a Friday night brawl. Personally, I find Storm more impressive in single-player, but EX 3 wins when it comes to multiplayer fun.
3. Can EX 3 be played on modern systems or emulators?
Officially? No. Unofficially? Yes. Since the Wii is long past its prime, many fans use Dolphin Emulator to play EX 3 on PC. I’ll admit—I tried it that way after losing access to my Japanese Wii, and it works surprisingly well. The only catch is mapping motion controls, which can be a bit clunky. If you want the “real” experience, nothing beats the original hardware (Wii Remote flings and all).
4. What makes EX 3 different from Clash of Ninja Revolution?
The key difference is polish and roster size. Clash of Ninja Revolution was the version tailored for Western audiences, but it always felt one step behind the Japanese releases. EX 3 had a larger cast of characters, smoother mechanics, and better integration of Shippūden’s story arcs. Playing the Revolution games felt like eating a fast-food version of Naruto—fun but a little watered down. EX 3, in contrast, felt like the full-course meal.
5. Is Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 worth playing today?
Honestly? Yes—if you’re a Naruto fan, it’s worth experiencing at least once. It may not have the jaw-dropping visuals of Storm, but it has an energy and charm that still hold up. Multiplayer battles remain chaotic and fun, and the roster captures a great slice of early Shippūden. That said, if you’re expecting deep story content or competitive balance on the level of Street Fighter, you’ll probably be disappointed. It’s best enjoyed casually—with friends, snacks, and a bit of nostalgia.
6. How big is the character roster in EX 3?
Pretty impressive for its time. EX 3 expanded significantly compared to EX 2, featuring over 35 characters from the Shippūden era, including fan favorites like Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, Gaara, Itachi, Deidara, and more. At the time, it was the largest roster in the Gekitō Ninja Taisen series, and unlocking each ninja kept me glued to the game for weeks.
7. Does EX 3 have online play?
Unfortunately, no. Like most Wii fighters of the era, it was limited to local multiplayer. I know—that’s a bummer. Imagine if it had even basic online matchmaking! Still, the local play was where the magic happened. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, screaming at each other after a last-minute ultimate jutsu—that’s the experience you can’t replicate online anyway.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3
When I look back at Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3, I don’t just see a fighting game—I see a time capsule of what it meant to be both a Naruto fan and a gamer in the late 2000s. It was messy in places (motion controls weren’t always reliable, and the story mode was admittedly shallow), but it was also bold, colorful, and wildly fun.
The fact that it was a Japan-only Wii exclusive makes it all the more intriguing today. It’s the kind of title you talk about with other hardcore fans, and there’s a certain pride in being able to say, “Yeah, I played EX 3 back in the day.” Even now, with high-definition fighters and sprawling anime adaptations everywhere, there’s something refreshingly simple about booting up EX 3 for a few chaotic multiplayer matches.
Was it the most polished Naruto game ever? No. Was it the most cinematic? Definitely not. But for me, it hit that sweet spot between faithfulness to the anime and raw, pick-up-and-play fun. And sometimes, that’s all you really need.
If you’re a collector, a Naruto die-hard, or just someone who loves revisiting quirky gems from gaming history, Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 is worth tracking down. Dust off your Wii (or fire up an emulator if that’s your only option), gather some friends, and dive back into the chaos of the Hidden Leaf. Because at the end of the day, few things are as satisfying as yelling “Believe it!” while spamming Rasengan at your buddies on the couch.
