Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[Thegameandwatch]

Also worth noting, doesn't Smash Bros already run remarkably smooth? Like 60fps? Would it even need an enhancement update?

Probably 4K or Rollback netcode. Not sure about the latter.

 

[dream1ng]

My prediction is that the Switch 1 version will be delisted or stop updates sometime after the version releases on Switch 2.

Apparently it’s the considered the weakest version of Minecraft outside of very low end phones and discontinued versions.

I think at this point in the Switch's life it'd be easier for Mojang to just keep that one rather than devoting resources to replacing it, because even with the Switch 2 being the focus now, the og isn't going to be deprived of Minecraft yet.

Honestly I was kinda shocked not to see stuff like Doom: The Dark Ages, especially after the Direct was marked RP-M lol

Even with the deluge of third-party reveals, I think we're still set for a lot more to get revealed as we keep going. I mean, even without MS I bet we'll be seeing Ninja Gaiden, Assassin's Creed, MGS Delta, Metaphor, Persona 3 Reload, the new Fatal Fury, probably GTA V and RDR2, maybe Black Myth Wukong, presumably most of those Sega IPs getting revived, and a whole lot from Capcom past SF6. Off the top of my head.

 

[Wunderwaft]

Well with Kirby Air Riders being Sakurai's project, I suppose that means waiting another year or two for Smash. I guess that bumps up the project planning to 2023 which can be a saving grace for some characters.

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

Ultimate was such a massive game that an expansion to it would need to be similarly huge, to the point that I think it'd almost become redundant.

Rollback, presumably a pass worth of new characters, relicensing costs, new stages mirroring the characters, performance enhancements, and for what? 10 bucks to upgrade if you already own Ultimate? If 90$ games are becoming the standard, I think this business strategy would make the opportunity to profit off of Ultimate again difficult, especially considering this hypothetical doesn't get into stuff like gameplay changes and moveset updates. Looking at the current list of Switch 2 Editions, there are current releases with an enhanced version on Switch 2 (Prime 4, Legends ZA), console defining games with remastered graphics and performance boosts (Botw and Totk), and popular newish releases resold with new content (Forgotten Land and Jamboree).

A Smash Ultimate Switch 2 Edition, assuming it would get DLC support, would end up filling all three categories in a way. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's certainly asking to go above and beyond for what's admittedly little payout in the end. As much as I hate to say it, I'd fork over 90$ for Smash day 1 if it happened in any form, but by that same token, I'm also happy to say I'd snag a 10-15$ upgrade to Ultimate for all the expected additions it'd include.

 

[BrawlX10]

I'd rather just wait 2 years for a Smash 6 at this point and let them cook, personally.
I feel like i'll become bored of Ult Nintendo Switch 2 Edition after 2 months and go back to speculate to Smash 6 again, that's just me, of course.
I've been waiting for a Fantasy Life sequel for like 12 years and 9 years for Ace Attorney 7, i'll be fine waiting 2 years for smash xD.

 

[DarthEnderX]

Also worth noting, doesn't Smash Bros already run remarkably smooth? Like 60fps? Would it even need an enhancement update?

Well, 60fps isn't 120. And it's not currently in 4K. Both things the Switch 2 is capable of.

Rollback, presumably a pass worth of new characters, relicensing costs, new stages mirroring the characters, performance enhancements

Would there actually be relicensing costs? It's not a new game. It's possible the original licenses cover ports.

and for what? 10 bucks to upgrade if you already own Ultimate?

$10 from a potential 35 million people. Plus any DLC they sell for it. Plus any systems it manages to sell to people who are holding off until there's more Smash on it.

I feel like i'll become bored of Ult Nintendo Switch 2 Edition after 2 months and go back to speculate to Smash 6 again, that's just me, of course.

I mean, me as well. But that also happened with the original. After I played the hell out of it and did everything there was to do at launch, I'd really only pick it up again when another DLC character dropped. And after a short time, I'd put it down again till the next one.

Nothing would change with the S2E. Unless it adds some new mode or expands WoL or something.

 

[BrawlX10]

Tbh, i still think a Fortnite rep is a sleeper pick.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

I feel like i'll become bored of Ult Nintendo Switch 2 Edition after 2 months and go back to speculate to Smash 6 again, that's just me, of course.

Unless they add new modes, a theoretical Switch 2 Edition basically be the equivalent of Fighters Pass 3 and more spirits which feels boring.

Not even sure if they can get all of the IPs because it’s possible that they need to contact all of them including the ones for spirits and Mii Costumes. Or at least for the harder ones.

 

[BrawlX10]

Unless they add new modes, a theoretical Switch 2 Edition basically be the equivalent of Fighters Pass 3 and more spirits which feels boring.

Honestly, a Fighter Pass 3 for a N2E would still be fun to speculate about to me (for the first 3 characters at least), but yeah, i don't imagine myself buying it at all. (tbf, I'm not even sure if im picking up the Switch 2 lol), so i'll probably become a bystander.
Like i said previouslly, i'd rather have a new game, altrough it's understable some people want Ultimate to keep going, i'm just not the target audiencie of "Forever games" personally.

 

[DarthEnderX]

Tbh, i still think a Fortnite rep is a sleeper pick.

I mean, its a lot less of a sleeper now that it's coming to Switch 2.

Unless they add new modes, a theoretical Switch 2 Edition basically be the equivalent of Fighters Pass 3

 

[SharkLord]

I was kinda expecting more first-party games, but Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza look awesome. The prices, not so much. I suspect they're holding out on some reveals until the summer direct. I'm also hoping they keep supporting the Switch as a cheaper, more casual console and have the Switch 2 as their dedicated hardcore system, because a lot of people genuinely can't afford $80 games on the regular.

On a less dour note, Elden Ring was widely predicted, but who was expecting a FromSoft exclusive? That's a whole new level of connections to Nintendo, and I think the likelihood of a FromSoft fighter just went up. Nothing guaranteed, of course, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on.

The Chosen Undead has been a relatively common name tossed around here, but Elden Ring's success has been absolutely meteoric, and with it being a big third-party game for the Switch 2's launch, it's definitely something worth considering. The question is, who would be added? The Tarnished is the obvious option, but to my knowledge, there's a wide range of builds you can pull off in Elden Ring and not much in the way of a "default/canon" incarnation, and that might make settling on a moveset tricky. The image of a knight in armor who dodges and parries is still pretty strong for representing soulslikes, but it's still worth noting.

I've also heard that ER has a lot of beloved boss fights, with Radahn and Malenia being especially popular. Similarly, Ranni is a very popular NPC who (I believe) has actual combat capabilities and an important place in the story and the lore. Out of them all, I've seen Malenia tossed around the most; I believe she's marketed enough to be something of a mascot for the game, and is considered one of the most dificult and iconic fights in the game. That said, I'm an outsider to the series so I can't give much input on this. So to everyone who's actually played Elden Ring, who would you use for a Smash rep? Who's depicted the most in the marketing? Fill me in on the details.

 

[Watuna4343]

If Sakurai doesn't return as a director, do you think it makes some characters less likely to return? Like i could see a new director not puting Palutena or Sheik in very high priority, for example.

Palutena is easily the biggest example here. Even with Sakurai, if things get tight (like if there are 50 returning vets or god forbid below 50), she'd already be in a lot of trouble but if someone else gets in helm, I imagine even in a generous roster she'd be in danger.

Apart from that the other unknowns from a new director I think would be the retro reps and maybe the 3rd party policy.

 

[dream1ng]

Tbh, i still think a Fortnite rep is a sleeper pick.

Maybe, though it has been entertained since last game. I think it's more an unpopular pick than an unexpected one, which is why it doesn't receive much discussion and therefore seems like more of a dark horse than it is.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Maybe, though it has been entertained since last game. I think it's more an unpopular pick than an unexpected one, which is why it doesn't receive much discussion and therefore seems like more of a dark horse than it is.

Probably for the game’s reputation because of it’s popularity like how lot of people dismissed Steve for example.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Yeah, I’m not saying that we definitely won’t get a new Smash this generation, just that I think it’s a possibility. I do think if we get one, it will be several years away.

Which was my initial point.

Even by factoring in Sakurai's workaholic tendencies and going with the assumption that Air Riders won't have any post-launch support, we're looking at a late 2028 release at the earliest. If Air Riders does get some post-launch stuff, it'll come out even later than that.

Basically, if Air Riders gets nothing after it comes out, that's a sure sign Sakurai's working on Smash.

In terms of character speculation, this also means a Gen 10 Pokemon's chances are either completely dead on arrival or Smash Donnybrook releases late enough into Gen 10's lifespan but soon enough before Gen 11 that popular non-starter picks are possible.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Something to note that I'm not sure was already said and I'm too lazy to check.

Bandai Namco is also pre-occupied with Air Riders.

 

[fogbadge]

I have no idea what I’m going to do with my free time now.

you could take up drawing

Yeah, unless we get a new director, I think we just might not get a new Smash at all this generation. Like I was saying before, it’s probably going to be around 2030 if we do. They didn’t even show any gameplay of Air Ride so it’s probably nowhere near finished

it's slated for this year

Did anyone else feel like the Kirby Air Riders trailer was intentionally meant to look as if it was going to be a Smash cinematic, only to fake us out?

nope

I want to see a new Smash happen soon, but it almost feels weird to me to think that it's been so long since Ultimate has been out.

think of it instead from when ultimate ended

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Bandai Namco is also pre-occupied with Air Riders.

They are but there's now two whole studios dedicated to helping Nintendo and we can assume the team that worked on Smash wasn't the one that joined Sakurai on Air Riders or else he probably wouldn't have gotten that short vacation.

Nintendo would likely want Sakurai's involvement... or perhaps his approval for getting a new director if Sakurai outright says he doesn't want to make a new Smash. So even if it's not the Smash team helping out with Air Riders, it doesn't really matter because they don't have Smash's director.

Still a solid point though.

 

[WeirdChillFever]

I’m reminded of something Mark Rosewater from Wizards of the Coast said in response to complaints about their price gouging in Magic: the Gathering. “Maybe this product just isn’t for you.” That’s about how I’m feeling right now about the Switch 2 and, honestly, Nintendo in general.

It’s crazy that I just made the decision to finally stop watching wrestling after over 30 years of never missing a Monday Night RAW due to politics. I’m giving it until WrestleMania this month and then I’m cancelling Netflix and giving up on wrestling. Now it looks like I might have to do the same tho g with Nintendo. It’s sad because most of the entertainment in my life has come from WWE, Nintendo, or Magic and they’re all falling apart for me at once. Making things even worse, I get into constant fights with my father over politics. These things used to give me an escape from all that but not so much anymore. I have no idea what I’m going to do with my free time now.

Personally I might press the nuke button (Buying Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition with its I-don’t-know-how-many-hours of gameplay to tide me over.) Hades II is also releasing on the OG Switch apparently so I’m super looking forward to that one

 

[fogbadge]

Personally I might press the nuke button (Buying Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition with its I-don’t-know-how-many-hours of gameplay to tide me over.) Hades II is also releasing on the OG Switch apparently so I’m super looking forward to that one

well over a hundred

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

well over a hundred

You could easily add another zero to that if you're going completionist on it.

This game is ****ing BEEFY.

 

[fogbadge]

You could easily add another zero to that if you're going completionist on it.

This game is ****ing BEEFY.

very

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

Something to note that I'm not sure was already said and I'm too lazy to check.


View attachment 400998

Bandai Namco is also pre-occupied with Air Riders.

Huh. I'm guessing HAL's not involved in this much then? Bummer as that might put a big damper on me hoping for much Modern Kirby-related stuff or characters being part of this after all...

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Huh. I'm guessing HAL's not involved in this much then? Bummer as that might put a big damper on me hoping for much Modern Kirby-related stuff or characters being part of this after all...

Although not much about the game is known so it could still be possible or at least for the unlockable characters.

 

[SuperMasterHand]

Not gonna lie I feel kinda sad Smash was not Sakurai’s secret project
Even though I’m pretty sure he needed to take a break from Smash
I can’t see Nintendo not releasing a Smash for this generation
So what now ?
A brand new one by Sakurai in 3-4 years ?
Or maybe already a new one directed by someone else sooner ?
Maybe a switch 2 edition of Ultimate ? (It’s weird how it’s not yet mentionned in enhanced Switch 1 game)
What do you all think?

 

[DragonRobotKing26]

For this to be the case, Sakurai CANNOT be director.

He's still on Air Riders, so a new Smash would need to be HELLA crunched if they want a 2027 release with Sakurai as its director.

I can agree, Ultimate is probably a last game from the series,but maybe Smash got a reboot or another director do a Smash 6, even that Ultimate is a finale, like Mega Man X 5 is the final game and then MMX6 is made

 

[Hadokeyblade]

It would be funny if the new Air ride kind of misses why people liked the first one and just doesn't bring back the city trial.

 

[BuckleyTim]

Though about it good and hard yesterday and I think I'll finally delete my account and move on. If the price hikes don't make me try and replace the "obsesses over Nintendo games" part of my pysche with something more productive then the worrying possibility that smash ultimate might get a switch 2 edition will.

It's been fun for the most part. Find a way to contact me if Zoroark somehow gets into the next game instead of one of the fifty other contenders for the next pokemon slot. And uh.... Wishlist the indie game Steel Carnelian on steam because I did the majority of the soundtrack for its upcoming demo.

I don't know if it'll automatically remove my posts when I slash the account. We'll find out. Peace.

 

[Gengar84]

I don’t doubt that there will eventually be another Smash game at some point down the line but I’m beginning to think that this is the end of an era. I suspect if there is another Smash, it will be radically different than Ultimate and probably led by a new director. Logically, Smash is too profitable to stop making the games entirely but it’s possible Sakurai is content with where he ended in Ultimate. Whether or not Ultimate was Sakurai’s last Smash, I’m not terribly confident in getting an entirely new game this generation. Either he’s still on the series and starts as soon as he finishes up with Air Ride and any potential DLC, whenever that is, or they need a new director and probably huge new direction for the series, which is going to take a lot of time too. We’ll see what happens. I always say don’t think in absolutes. I don’t think another Smash game is a guarantee nor do I think the series is definitely over.

 

[fogbadge]

Geez he making Kirby air raid and all of a sudden he’s never making smash again? Talk about jumping the gun

 

[Gengar84]

Geez he making Kirby air raid and all of a sudden he’s never making smash again? Talk about jumping the gun

Nothing’s set in stone for sure. I did say it’s possible he may go back to Smash. It’s not just that he’s making Kirby Air Ride but the feeling that if they were going to make a “final” Smash game, Ultimate is pretty much exactly what it would be. It makes sense for a series to celebrate its history and go out with a bang if it’s going to go out at all. Like I said, I’m not going to speak in absolutes but I can definitely envision a scenario where Ultimate was meant to be the last Smash game. Fan demand and looking at sales may change that and maybe it was never meant to be final at all. I’m just not ruling out the possibility.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

It would be funny if the new Air ride kind of misses why people liked the first one and just doesn't bring back the city trial.

It would be but this is SAKURAI we’re talking about

I very much doubt he would be so unaware that it’s THE reason most people play it that he wouldn’t at least TRY to do City Trial 2.

Nothing’s set in stone for sure. I did say it’s possible he may go back to Smash. It’s not just that he’s making Kirby Air Ride but the feeling that if they were going to make a “final” Smash game, Ultimate is pretty much exactly what it would be. It makes sense for a series to celebrate its history and go out with a bang if it’s going to go out at all. Like I said, I’m not going to speak in absolutes but I can definitely envision a scenario where Ultimate was meant to be the last Smash game. Fan demand and looking at sales may change that and maybe it was never meant to be final at all. I’m just not ruling out the possibility.

People could have also thought the same after MK8 Deluxe provided us with an insane 96 tracks, to the point where there are more tracks IN the game than not.

And yet Nintendo stepped the **** up with LITERALLY AN OPEN-WORLD RACING GAME that shamelessly rips off All-Stars Racing Transformed’s plane and boat modes (which are very cool, so I’m glad to see them) while also featuring stuff like grind rails and wall riding.

Just because you feel something is over doesn’t mean it will be.

 

[Gengar84]

It would be but this is SAKURAI we’re talking about

I very much doubt he would be so unaware that it’s THE reason most people play it that he wouldn’t at least TRY to do City Trial 2.



People could have also thought the same after MK8 Deluxe provided us with an insane 96 tracks, to the point where there are more tracks IN the game than not.

And yet Nintendo stepped the **** up with LITERALLY AN OPEN-WORLD RACING GAME that shamelessly rips off All-Stars Racing Transformed’s plane and boat modes while also featuring stuff like grind rails and wall riding.

Just because you feel something is over doesn’t mean it will be.

Yeah, all I’m saying is that it’s a possibility, not that it’s definitely over. I think it would be wrong to say “Smash makes money so it’s guaranteed to go on forever.” Sure, it would be logical to keep making the games and they very well could, I just don’t think it’s a guarantee. That’s all.

Just to clarify, I’ve thought this since Ultimate released and I’ve brought it up a few times on these boards previously. I was convinced I was wrong when Sakurai announced his project and the timing lined up for a new Smash game but this isn’t really a recent thought just because he made Air Ride.

 

[fogbadge]

Nothing’s set in stone for sure. I did say it’s possible he may go back to Smash. It’s not just that he’s making Kirby Air Ride but the feeling that if they were going to make a “final” Smash game, Ultimate is pretty much exactly what it would be. It makes sense for a series to celebrate its history and go out with a bang if it’s going to go out at all. Like I said, I’m not going to speak in absolutes but I can definitely envision a scenario where Ultimate was meant to be the last Smash game. Fan demand and looking at sales may change that and maybe it was never meant to be final at all. I’m just not ruling out the possibility.

I have to disagree that ultimate is the perfect end for the series for one thing there’s no toad I think we all get caught up in the size of the roster and the old hype cycle. ultimate still has a lot of recycled assets and a greater focus on what came before. sure whatever comes after is gonna feel wildly different but I think that’s always been the case for smash.

 

[Idon]

Personally I might press the nuke button (Buying Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition with its I-don’t-know-how-many-hours of gameplay to tide me over.) Hades II is also releasing on the OG Switch apparently so I’m super looking forward to that one

Lemme tell ya the thing with these Nintendo licensesd Warriors games...
The grind never ends. Somehow there's always some chore that you can spend time doing until the end of time.



... Unless it's Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.
For some reason, that game is super barebones when it comes to... any postgame content.
Extremely uncharacteristic of them, I must say.

 

[Hadokeyblade]

Lemme tell ya the thing with these Nintendo licensesd Warriors games...
The grind never ends. Somehow there's always some chore that you can spend time doing until the end of time.



... Unless it's Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.
For some reason, that game is super barebones when it comes to... any postgame content.
Extremely uncharacteristic of them, I must say.

Three Hopes was part of their new approach to making these warriors games, where it's very clearly more story based than mission based.

Like the Persona 5 one which for all intents and purposes was Persona 5 2, (technically Persona 5 3 now given that Tactica exists inbetween the two games)

 

[Gengar84]

My biggest issue with Three Hopes is you spend so much time micromanaging at your base and not nearly as much time actually fighting. I tried playing through with my brother and he got really bored just watching me do everything at the base when he just wanted to play. We got to the last chapter of Edelgarde’s story but dropped it after that. I was still enjoying it for the most part but I moved onto other games.

 

[Idon]

Three Hopes was part of their new approach to making these warriors games, where it's very clearly more story based than mission based.

Like the Persona 5 one which for all intents and purposes was Persona 5 2, (technically Persona 5 3 now given that Tactica exists inbetween the two games)

I can't speak for P5S, but Age of Calamity, another in the approach of being more in-line with the source material, also has a TON of postgame content.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Lemme tell ya the thing with these Nintendo licensesd Warriors games...
The grind never ends. Somehow there's always some chore that you can spend time doing until the end of time.

It definitely felt like that trying to do all o the missions in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. It was starting to feel kinda grating at the end so finally finishing them all was like:

relieved sigh
"I'm finally free..."

 

[DarthEnderX]

Geez he making Kirby air raid and all of a sudden he’s never making smash again? Talk about jumping the gun

Yeah. The doom & gloom taking place here because Smash wasn't announced in the very first Direct for a new console is ridiculous.

And yet Nintendo stepped the **** up with LITERALLY AN OPEN-WORLD RACING GAME that shamelessly rips off All-Stars Racing Transformed’s Diddy Kong Racing's plane and boat modes (which are very cool, so I’m glad to see them) while also featuring stuff like grind rails and wall riding.

Fixed.