Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[pitchfulprocessing]

I'm glad Tropical Freeze has been looked back on more favourably and recognised for its quality, cause it really was just the absolute worst game at the worst time. Retro doing something more traditionally hardcore obviously wouldn't have saved the Wii U or whatever but having another platformer in the lineup from a studio like that combined with the Cranky Kong thing really was such a blow to how the Wii U was perceived.

Based on interviews it seems like Retro in general is kind of a disaster studio management wise and constantly needs outside intervention for projects to go somewhere if they're jumping to something new, they were apparently working on some music RPG prior to Prime 4 that was years in progress but had basically no central vision or direction.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

I’m curious who specifically people would like to see from the last few years.

• TotK Ganondorf (I would accept further decloning of Falcondorf if that's the only way)
• Alear (unironically my most wanted first-party)
• Raven Beak

Bonus: Octoling getting Splatoon 3 weapons.

 

[pitchfulprocessing]

I’m curious who specifically people would like to see from the last few years.

Not a character specifically introduced recently, but I think the TOTK version of Riju would be really fun to see. Dual scimitars plus lightning powers kind of writes itself for a moveset and she'd be very unique and flashy visually. Everybody always gravitates to fast DPS for a reason lol.

 

[ninjahmos]

I'm still hoping the next game has more music from the Donkey Kong Country series, especially Tropical Freeze. Give us Big Top Bop and Busted Bayou.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

So, what time was the original Switch announcement... errr announced?

 

[Laniv]

So, what time was the original Switch announcement... errr announced?

8:30 PM, EST, which should give us just under an hour

 

[Jave]

I’m curious who specifically people would like to see from the last few years. The main one everyone seems to agree on is Noah and/or Mio from Xenoblade 3. I’m not sure many people are clamoring for Rauru, Elfis, or Alear, though I think each could be cool if they were added. Then there’s Oatchi from Pikmin people bring up but I don’t know enough about Pikmin to know how much sense it makes as a Smash fighter. I personally think Elfis could be an awesome Smash fighter but Bandana Dee is the clear favorite among most Smash fans.

Alear is unironically my most wanted character, and I feel they have a legit shot if the game Sakurai is working on is Smash, as FE Engage was already finished by the time of the pitch and Intelligent Systems has worked with Sakurai before with pre-released games.

 

[Ivander]

8:30 PM, EST, which should give us just under an hour

Imagine if they post the announcement just at 11:59pm before 12am, when most people over in the West are in bed, and then they post the video around 7am, before most people wake up.

 

[Kirbeh]

I’m curious who specifically people would like to see from the last few years. The main one everyone seems to agree on is Noah and/or Mio from Xenoblade 3. I’m not sure many people are clamoring for Rauru, Elfis, or Alear, though I think each could be cool if they were added. Then there’s Oatchi from Pikmin people bring up but I don’t know enough about Pikmin to know how much sense it makes as a Smash fighter. I personally think Elfis could be an awesome Smash fighter but Bandana Dee is the clear favorite among most Smash fans.

If you mean characters introduced in Switch games specifically and not counting characters with renewed relevance then:

Spoiler

- In order; Daruk, Kohga, Urbosa, Riju, Paya, Purah, Mipha, Sidon, Yunobo, Revali/Teba (as an alt.), Tulin
- Raven Beak, E.M.M.I.
- Galar Dex: Urshifu (both styles as separate characters/semi-clones), Grimmsnarl, Polteageist, Falinks
- Paldea Dex: Armarouge, Ceruledge, Houndstone, Cetitan, Baxcalibur, Meowscarada, Ogrepon
- Bloodmoon Ursaluna (I didn't know where to put them)
- Alear, Demitri, Edelgard, Rhea, Claude
- From Heroes: Veronica/Thrasir (as an alt. or even second character), Alfonse/Lif (ditto), Sharena, Fjorm, Reginn, Freyja, Nifl, Laegjarn, Laevatein, Nott, Thorr, Loki, Dagr, Peony, Ash, Triandra/Plumeria (as an alt/echo) Eir, Ymir, Ginnungagap
- Oatchi
- XC2: (Drivers and Blades are separate characters) Rex, Pneuma, Nia, Dromarch, Morag, Brighid, Zeke, Pandoria, Poppi QTπ, Wulfric, Praxis, Theory, Perun, Ursula & Beary, Newt, Sheba, Zenobia, Herald, Vale, Perceval
- XC3: Noah, Mio
- Marina, Pearl, Shiver, Frye, Big Man
- Spring Man, Ribbon Girl, Twintelle, Helix, Master Mummy, Max Brass, Lola Pop, Kid Cobra, Dr. Coyle, Mechanica, Ninjara

New Series

Astral Chain - Akira Howard
Ring Fit - Ring Fit Trainee, Dragaux

I now realize you literally meant just the last couple years and not the entire lifespan of the Switch...but I already made the list, so I'm not changing it.

 

[cashregister9]

For like the last 5 years Nintendo has consistently posted updates after 9 PM EST, so I am not betting on 8:30 specifically

EDIT: 8:00 PM EST forgot about Daylight savings, stupid ass thing. Forget this part

they could also very well just shadow drop it, I think that is how they announced the OLED and Lite.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

For like the last 5 years Nintendo has consistently posted updates after 9 PM EST, so I am not betting on 8:30 specifically

they could also very well just shadow drop it, I think that is how they announced the OLED and Lite.

There's a big difference between shadow dropping a new version of a system and shadow dropping an entire new platform.

I don't think there's any chance that they shadow drop this announcement.

 

[cashregister9]

There's a big difference between shadow dropping a new version of a system and shadow dropping an entire new platform.

I don't think there's any chance that they shadow drop this announcement.

Normally I would agree, but also I've learned to never count anything out with this company

like them announcing Donkey Kong NSO Icons

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

Normally I would agree, but also I've learned to never count anything out with this company

like them announcing Donkey Kong NSO Icons

I mean I expected NSO icons, they happen for most new releases lol

I just think it would be generally bad marketing for the first ever official look at a brand new console to be a shadow dropped trailer.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I knew it. They're all liars. The Switch 2 isn't real, guys. We need to pray to the Switch 1 for forgiveness.

Spoiler

Obviously joking. Nothing but respect for those guys

 

[Laniv]

Normally I would agree, but also I've learned to never count anything out with this company

like them announcing Donkey Kong NSO Icons

Oh thank God we have another cranky kong icon

 

[pitchfulprocessing]

The next 15 minutes are gonna be make-or-break for the day of unemployed people.

 

[Laniv]

Hold on! We have an announcement!

There was a problem fetching the tweet

...of Donkey Kong-themed apparel and accessories.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Hold on! We have an announcement!

There was a problem fetching the tweet

...of Donkey Kong-themed apparel and accessories.

Laniv how dare you.

Pray to the Switch 1 for forgiveness right now. You gave me a heart attack.

 

[cashregister9]

Donkey Kong right now after everyone berated him because his game isn't the Switch 2

 

[Garteam]

It also kinda leaves us with a big question mark on who will actually be added when most of the candidates we're thinking of aren't actually eligible.

There are still plenty of characters that could be added if any characters past mid-2021 (barring Pokemon and maybe Xenoblade and Fire Emblem) aren't eligible:

• Long-time Nintendo fan favourites (Waluigi, Bandana Waddle Dee, Skull Kid, Isaac, etc.)
• Switch-era rising stars that predate 2021 (Octoling, Ring Fit Adventurer, Tom Nook with a New Horizons moveset, etc.)
• Retro and WTF characters (Excitebiker, Takamaru, Ayumi, etc.)
• Third parties from new series (Bomberman, Arale, etc.)
• Third parties from existing series (Shadow, X, Chun-Li, etc.)
• Whatever the **** you want to consider Geno (assuming the rights for Mario RPG remake were negotiated alongside a Smash appearance)

Factor in a Gen 9 Pokemon and one of Noah, Mio, and Alear, you've got more than enough potential for plenty of fun newcomers.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

We must appease the ape.

 

[Guynamednelson]

Donkey Kong right now after everyone berated him because his game isn't the Switch 2

"I don't know what everyone wants me to be"
I'm pretty sure you do.

 

[pitchfulprocessing]

This is bananas. I'm going ape. Nintendo needs to stop monkey-ing around. Simi-after class. No more kong-ratulations. They didn't prime-ate with this one.

 

[Laniv]

Well, everyone, it's 8:34 on the East Coast of the United States. Still no Switch 2. Barring any miracles, I think it's safe to say that it's (Nintend)over.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a Nintendo Switch to genuflect before.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

one of Noah, Mio, and Alear

It would have to be Alear by default solely because Intelligent Systems were already sitting on a finished version of Engage by the time Sakurai made the project plan (if leaks are true on this), giving Sakurai the chance to actually play the full game to see the moveset potential.

Noah and Mio are absolutely NOT happening if Smash was Sakurai's secret project. We saw how well things went for Rex due to his game coming out much later than Ultimate's project plan, after all.

Not to mention we know the timing of an Awakening's inclusion in Smash 4 was a matter of months, so Xenoblade 3 coming out a whole year after the project plan pretty much puts a hard stop on the chances of any character from that game.

 

[Guynamednelson]

This is bananas. I'm going ape. Nintendo needs to stop monkey-ing around. Simi-after class. No more kong-ratulations. They didn't prime-ate with this one.

Become the Kong. Be the Kong. The hunter will become the hunter-ed. The chaser will become the chost. The reverser will become Ɉʜɘ ɿɘvɘɿƨɘb.

 

[Perkilator]

There was a problem fetching the tweet

Pic unrelated idk

 

[Noipoi]

Unless they intend on shadow dropping a reveal tomorrow, I guess we aren’t seeing the Switch 2 this week.

RIP NateTheHate’s credibility.

 

[Garteam]

[T]he amount of time between July 2021 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3's release is about the same amount of time between Ultimate's project plan and Xenoblade 2's release...

That's not true. Ultimate's project plan was complete at the end of 2015 and Xenoblade 2 released at the end of 2017. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was released in July 2022. That's only a year's difference. , , and all had a year between their debut Smash's project plan being completed and their debut game's release.

Noah and Mio are eligible. It's a question of whether Sakurai left a spot for an additional Xenoblade character in the project plan to be filled in at a later date.

 

[ninjahmos]

Donkey Kong right now after everyone berated him because his game isn't the Switch 2

Jokes and memes aside, it'll probably never happen, but I think they should officially make that into a full song (with new verses, of course).

 

[pitchfulprocessing]

All jokes aside I could still see a shadowdrop tomorrow, and even if it's not then it will just be eventually anyways, so I don't find it a big deal lol, it's just a console announcment.

The fun part is getting to ****post, it is actually pretty enjoyable to act like a lunatic.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

, , and all had a year between their debut Smash's project plan being completed and their debut game's release.

Noah and Mio are eligible. It's a question of whether Sakurai left a spot for an additional Xenoblade character in the project plan to be filled in at a later date.

So....no.

 

[Guynamednelson]

Nintendo just dropped their January 2025 newsletter.

It's a monke month.

 

[cashregister9]

Unless they intend on shadow dropping a reveal tomorrow, I guess we aren’t seeing the Switch 2 this week.

RIP NateTheHate’s credibility.

He has doubled down saying that a shadow drop is a possibility, and is pretty confident saying things like "Do you know how to read a calendar?"

so in about 24 hours we will all either be grovelling or banishing him to the underworld.

 

[pitchfulprocessing]

I have faith, Nate was always one of my favourite West Coast 90s rap artists.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

That's not true. Ultimate's project plan was complete at the end of 2015 and Xenoblade 2 released at the end of 2017. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was released in July 2022. That's only a year's difference.

Yeah, I realized that and edited it.

, , and all had a year between their debut Smash's project plan being completed and their debut game's release.

Pokémon has always been a known exception and the only case of Sakurai keeping a futureproof slot outright. It also helps that new generations release every 3-4 years like clockwork so Sakurai can actually plan several years ahead for adding a new Pokémon. Comparing Greninja and Incineroar to literally any other series is comparing an Applin with an actual apple.

And Mother 3 is a weird case because Lucas was planned in Melee (back when it was EarthBound 64) and the game was very much in dev hell. And also, his semi-clonish nature made him much easier to figure out than something as complex as Noah or Mio since Ness could be (and was) used as a foundation.

The literal only situation where a Xenoblade 3 character gets in if the next Smash had its project plan written in 2021 is Noah showing up as a Shulk Echo and that will make a grand total of zero people happy.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Interestingly, Nate the Hate is doubling down and saying a shadow drop will happen tomorrow.

I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[dream1ng]

Interestingly, Nate the Hate is doubling down and saying a shadow drop will happen tomorrow.

I'll believe it when I see it.

if its false im mad at leakers

if its true im mad at nintendo

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Yeah, I realized that and edited it.


Pokémon has always been a known exception and the only case of Sakurai keeping a futureproof slot outright. Comparing Greninja and Incineroar to literally any other series is comparing an Applin with an actual apple.

And Mother 3 is a weird case because Lucas was planned in Melee (back when it was EarthBound 64) and the game was very much in dev hell. And also, his semi-clonish nature made him much easier to figure out than something as complex as Noah or Mio since Ness could be (and was) used as a foundation.

There's also the fact Mother 3 was publicly announced to be in development for GBA in 2003, years before the project proposal for Brawl.

Lucas is a very odd case in general. Especially when factoring that he wouldn't even have been in Brawl if Sakurai knew ahead of time Mother 3 wouldn't release outside Japan.

x.com

twitter.com

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

Interestingly, Nate the Hate is doubling down and saying a shadow drop will happen tomorrow.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Okay, but what if the 16th is actually when the announcement of the trailer happens, and that one leak about it being revealed on the 17th was actually the right one?

Comedy gold, right there.