Anyone damaging their circle pad was hitting it too hard, you didn't need to do that. I almost did it myself, until I realized it's way more fluid than you'd think and you don't have to slam it around so roughly.
Thank you all for your input! I see that many of you enjoy it single player, and if I ever get bored with it, I can play with you guys online. I'll definitely try to get it by Christmas.
this is such a weird question cause has any smash bros not been 1 player friendly before? at least there's online too you can enjoy for ages if the subspace stuff is gone