This screen says otherwise:
If it was Beta, it would make all the difference, but why would it be? If it was Beta then there could have easily been a screenshot of a Beta character select screen...
Still, there's a chance it increases Ness' chances.
Has anyone played Mother 3? Can anyone confirm if Lucas actually uses all of those special moves himself? If he does that makes Ness' revival even more likely. Most of Ness' moves weren't even his, perhaps Ness will reappear dramatically, with a moveset made up of his moves... Wouldn't that be great?