Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[DarthEnderX]

I’m not sure whether they’d want to actually dedicate three movesets to essentially one character again though. It would be really cool if they did.

It would NOT be cool, for that exact reason. You're eating up 3 characters worth of dev resources for 1 goddamn XB character.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Whatever they go with, I think a moveset that borrows from classes that aren't Noah's or Mio's is extremely unlikely because Noah and Mio already have too much going on to complicate it with reclass stuff. Both have their own arts to use, Noah has Lucky 7 to rely on as a mechanic, and either or both of them could use Ouroboros as a mechanic.

Honestly a moveset focused on reclassing is probably the least interesting thing they could do.

 

[Gengar84]

It would NOT be cool, for that exact reason. You're eating up 3 characters worth of dev resources for 1 goddamn XB character.

I meant if we had unlimited resources. I agree that I’d rather see that time go to representing other franchises. There are a few tag duos I’d still love to see like Alphen and Shionne from Tales of Arise. I think the duo should have a strong story and mechanical reason for pairing up and that works for them. It does for Noah and Mio too but Xenoblade just had a tag duo so I’d rather see that concept go to another series this time. I think transform duos are great as long as they’re not overdone.

I get your general point though. I think my reception of duos is probably influenced by how much I would have wanted each character individually. If I really like both, there’s no downside to me if they make sense as a duo. If I really like the less likely character from the duo and that’s the only way to get them in Smash, I’m happy too. I think that likely applies to both Shionne and Mio.

 

[DarthEnderX]

Maybe they don't do a XBC3 Fighter at all, and do a XBCX Fighter instead because of the Switch version coming out.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Maybe they don't do a XBC3 Fighter at all, and do a XBCX Fighter instead because of the Switch version coming out.

I think that's pretty unlikely, especially if the game is already well into development.

 

[Gengar84]

Does anyone have any feedback on the Jinx moveset I posted on the previous page? I’m still tweaking it as I think of new things but I’m pretty happy with the general concept. I think I was able to capture her fighting style pretty well while still feeling like a Smash character and not being overly gimmicky. If not, that’s cool too. She’s another character that would make for an awesome duo character with Vi, who is more a straightforward brawler with a moveset closer to Little Mac but I think Jinx has enough to work with on her own that I’m happy either way.

Whatever they go with, I think a moveset that borrows from classes that aren't Noah's or Mio's is extremely unlikely because Noah and Mio already have too much going on to complicate it with reclass stuff. Both have their own arts to use, Noah has Lucky 7 to rely on as a mechanic, and either or both of them could use Ouroboros as a mechanic.

Honestly a moveset focused on reclassing is probably the least interesting thing they could do.

I respectfully disagree there. We did just get a character that borrowed skills from other characters in Byleth. I’d argue Byleth had even more potential than Noah for a fully unique moveset based on the Sword of the Creator. No one else in Smash had a whip sword like Ivy Valentine but they still gave them the weapons of the other house leaders. I also personally just find Lanz’s moveset much more interesting than Noah’s in XB3. The Lucky 7 thing is cool though. You could argue that Byleth actually makes Noah’s skill borrowing less likely since they just did that but that’s debatable.

 

[Jave]

Okay, so a new rumor has surfaced, so as always, grain of salt.

NateDrake mentions in his podcast (start at the 49 minute mark) that Switch 2 reveal happens in Late January /Early February 2025, followed by a major event in May 2025, and release in June 2025. This is all hearsay from him so nothing official. Don't take it as fact.

(PERSONAL SPECULATION FROM THIS POINT ON) If this is true, however, and assuming the game Sakurai started working on April/May 2022 is Smash 6, I think there's a good chance the reveal might happen in the May event. Game would be in development for 3 years by then which is enough to have footage to show and having Smash revealed right before the console release is a good way to get people hooked on the new system.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

I respectfully disagree there. We did just get a character that borrowed skills from other characters in Byleth. I’d argue Byleth had even more potential than Noah for a fully unique moveset based on the Sword of the Creator. No one else in Smash had a whip sword like Ivy Valentine but they still gave them the weapons of the other house leaders. I also personally just find Lanz’s moveset much more interesting than Noah’s in XB3. The Lucky 7 thing is cool though. You could argue that Byleth actually makes Noah’s skill borrowing less likely since they just did that but that’s debatable.

I think a good part of that decision was a response to the crowd that was yelling about Fire Emblem anime swordsmen and how the weapon triangle doesn't see any use. There isn't really any pressure on a Xenoblade Chronicles character to try and break the mold in this manner with not a lot to work with. In fact, if they were worried about "Xenoblade Sword Bois" becoming the next Smash bugbear, Mio is right there; Just add her instead of Noah.

 

[The Prankster 16]

Okay, so a new rumor has surfaced, so as always, grain of salt.

NateDrake mentions in his podcast (start at the 49 minute mark) that Switch 2 reveal happens in Late January /Early February 2025, followed by a major event in May 2025, and release in June 2025. This is all hearsay from him so nothing official. Don't take it as fact.

(PERSONAL SPECULATION FROM THIS POINT ON) If this is true, however, and assuming the game Sakurai started working on April/May 2022 is Smash 6, I think there's a good chance the reveal might happen in the May event. Game would be in development for 3 years by then which is enough to have footage to show and having Smash revealed right before the console release is a good way to get people hooked on the new system.

Would that be too early for the new game tho? Ever since Brawl, smash has been a second console year release, and I feel that Nintendo would want to use the first year of the Switch 2 to promote stuff like a new Mario Kart, 3D Mario, or a new IP. Maybe they'd just say "smash is coming at some point soon" like they did when they revealed the Wii U. That would give more dev time before it's fully revealed in like a March 2026 direct or something.

 

[Gengar84]

Who do we think is going to be the first revealed newcomer with the game announcement? They just did Inklings last time so I’m not expecting it to be another Splatoon character even though I think it’s extremely likely we’ll get one. Do you think it will be a first party character like Inklings in Ultimate or a third party character like Snake in Brawl?

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Who do we think is going to be the first revealed newcomer with the game announcement? They just did Inklings last time so I’m not expecting it to be another Splatoon character even though I think it’s extremely likely we’ll get one. Do you think it will be a first party character like Inklings in Ultimate or a third party character like Snake in Brawl?

The first revealed newcomer for Brawl was .

Snake was the 5th reveal.

 

[Gengar84]

The first revealed newcomer for Brawl was .

Snake was the 5th reveal.

Oh yeah, I guess you’re right. Hard to remember that far back but the Snake reveal stood out to me. Were the others just revealed in the cinematic cutscene opening or did they actually show gameplay too before Snake? Either way, that means there’s a really good chance it will be a first party character.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Oh yeah, I guess you’re right. Hard to remember that far back but the Snake reveal stood out to me. Were the others just revealed in the cinematic cutscene opening or did they actually show gameplay too before Snake? Either way, that means there’s a really good chance it will be a first party character.

Meta Knight and Pit had brief gameplay. Zero Suit and Wario did not and neither did Snake, with the three first showing gameplay in that trailer that revealed Fox coming back.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Oh yeah, I guess you’re right. Hard to remember that far back but the Snake reveal stood out to me. Were the others just revealed in the cinematic cutscene opening or did they actually show gameplay too before Snake? Either way, that means there’s a really good chance it will be a first party character.

Yes and yes. This was Brawl's first gameplay trailer that switched to a CGI trailer halfway through once they started rapid firing character reveals.

Snake's part of the trailer was kind of like Ryu/Corrin's trailers where there was some special stuff done, but it wasn't a CGI trailer either save for a very short animation at the end.

 

[Guynamednelson]

Would that be too early for the new game tho? Ever since Brawl, smash has been a second console year release, and I feel that Nintendo would want to use the first year of the Switch 2 to promote stuff like a new Mario Kart, 3D Mario, or a new IP. Maybe they'd just say "smash is coming at some point soon" like they did when they revealed the Wii U. That would give more dev time before it's fully revealed in like a March 2026 direct or something.

That's not what would make it too early.

What would is that half of the people who could develop Smash 6 throughout 2022-23 were busy with Tekken 8.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

To answer the question, either someone from a newly represented IP like and such as Ring & Trainee or a secondary but popular pick like and such as....I dunno, I guess the likes of Waluigi, Dixie or Funky, or Bandana Dee.

My thoughts on the individual picks' odds notwithstanding, just examples of who would probably lead the charge.

Just no leading with a third party since those are generally not leads but on the order of "but wait, there's more" type reveals at the end. Also no Pokémon due to their nature as later finalized decisions, or someone meant to be the token "surprise character" ( ) since they're meant to be discovered after release barring Plant who was instead a pre-order bonus since Ultimate didn't do "secret" characters for once.

 

[Gengar84]

I suppose a third party first reveal isn’t completely off the table just because it hasn’t happened before. A major third party character would probably be the easiest way to build hype for the game though it’s not a requirement. You’re probably right though that they tend to work better as the final reveal of an announcement trailer so I’m not really expecting it.

If I had to go with a character from an unrepresented franchise, I like the thought of Officer Howard from Astral Chain. While the game itself is relatively niche, they have a really exciting moveset and the tone and music from the game are pretty easy to get hyped over.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

I suppose a third party first reveal isn’t completely off the table just because it hasn’t happened before. A major third party character would probably be the easiest way to build hype for the game though it’s not a requirement. You’re probably right though that they tend to work better as the final reveal of an announcement trailer.

It technically isn't off the table, but they're better as the hook at the end rather than the lead since that's more impactful.

 

[Gengar84]

It technically isn't off the table, but they're better as the hook at the end rather than the lead since that's more impactful.

Yeah, I added to my previous post as I thought more about it. I think you’re right about saving that reveal for the end of the announcement trailer. I feel like they won’t repeat the same series for the initial reveal of Smash 4 just for variety so I’m not expecting Splatoon or Animal Crossing as the first reveals.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Just realized something after editing an earlier post.

Do you think the next Smash would just have all characters on the base roster officially known about by the release of the game like Ultimate did and do away with keeping any characters "secret" from this moment on, or would they go back to having certain unlockable fighters unknown prior to release (barring leaks)?

 

[Gengar84]

Just realized something after editing an earlier post.

Do you think the next Smash would just have all characters on the base roster officially known about by the release of the game like Ultimate did and do away with keeping any characters "secret" from this moment on, or would they go back to having certain unlockable fighters unknown prior to release (barring leaks)?

I think that depends if they’re doing EiH2 or not. If they aren’t, I could see veterans get slowly rolled out again like they did for previous games. They could still keep things fresh and exciting for veteran reveals by hi lighting how they changed from the previous games.

 

[The Prankster 16]

Who do we think is going to be the first revealed newcomer with the game announcement? They just did Inklings last time so I’m not expecting it to be another Splatoon character even though I think it’s extremely likely we’ll get one. Do you think it will be a first party character like Inklings in Ultimate or a third party character like Snake in Brawl?

I think it'll be Waluigi. He's like the new Ridley for this game and he was one of the first reveals for ultimate, but he also has that recognizability that won't have people watching the trailer and saying "who?"

 

[YeppersPeppers]

The first revealed newcomer for Brawl was .

Snake was the 5th reveal.

Technically, Snake was the first reveal.

(Goofin', of course.)

 

[Wonder Smash]

Who do we think is going to be the first revealed newcomer with the game announcement? They just did Inklings last time so I’m not expecting it to be another Splatoon character even though I think it’s extremely likely we’ll get one. Do you think it will be a first party character like Inklings in Ultimate or a third party character like Snake in Brawl?

Whatever it is, I do expect them to be from a new series.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Technically, Snake was the first reveal.

View attachment 396682

(Goofin', of course.)

Missed opportunity to have Snake in the box as a random aesthetic on Battlefield when he's not in a match lol.

Doing his....reconnaissance duty.


But yeah, very subtle teasing not unlike the Substitute Doll gag in the April 2014 Smash Direct that no one knew was a hint at until after the fact.

 

[Louie G.]

I think it'll be Waluigi. He's like the new Ridley for this game and he was one of the first reveals for ultimate, but he also has that recognizability that won't have people watching the trailer and saying "who?"

This works in theory but hinges on a few things - how many characters will appear in the first trailer? You’d at least want Luigi and Wario around - not that their inclusion would be a surprise to anyone, but just comes down to how they choose to handle the rollout. I think Waluigi will be, at the soonest, the second reveal anyway since the excitement around him likely constitutes his own trailer.

My go-to has always been Tom Nook. He’s a more lowkey, shrug and say that makes sense kind of newcomer for most people. Not too bombastic where he absolutely needs his own trailer, and is recognizable to virtually everyone at this point where casual fans can be happy with it too. The only problem I have with that is it breaks the streak of introducing a new series right out the gate - but I also don’t think someone like Ring Fit Trainee is the kind of eyecatching newcomer that Inkling, Villager or even Pit were.

To be honest, I’d really like a rapidfire Brawl kind of trailer where we pile on a few new faces at a time. But I dunno how feasible that is anymore, I think they’ve found their groove giving every newcomer their own distinct trailer.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

Just realized something after editing an earlier post.

Do you think the next Smash would just have all characters on the base roster officially known about by the release of the game like Ultimate did and do away with keeping any characters "secret" from this moment on, or would they go back to having certain unlockable fighters unknown prior to release (barring leaks)?

Depends on what happens to unlockables I figure and how much of a deal they wanna make of them.

I could genuinely see it going either way, like back to Dojo style updates since it's unlikely to be EiH2, but at the same time, the fact that that trailer was so positively received means I could also see them doing that again with whoever's base game in this one, though if there are substantial cuts I could see them not wanting to essentially highlight who's not here compared to Ultimate.

I'm kinda leaning more towards the Dojo style updates, though I imagine they'll be more frequent than Smash 4 Dojo's updates.

 

[Kirby Dragons]

I see Waluigi as the first reveal. His popularity is clear and he already has a history in Smash.

 

[Louie G.]

I think all of the newcomers may be revealed pre-launch, but some straggler veterans may be revealed in post like Game & Watch, Jigglypuff and so forth.

Bowser Jr and Duck Hunt were notably post-launch reveals / secret characters, but the roster leaked before people could unlock them anyway. If Sakurai doesn’t care then I could see one or two more new characters occupying this role, but I can see that being frustrating and the surprise element of Smash reveals being more treasured now than ever.

Sakurai clearly likes keeping the unlockable aspect of the series, something I value too. But Smash is perhaps the only fighting game that still does this. I think something would be lost if we abandoned the classic Challenger Approaching routine but I wouldn’t be shocked or that upset if they adopted the industry standard of a full roster immediately.

What would be cool is more stuff like Sephiroth Challenge, though. I wouldn’t mind having to fight each DLC character before I get to play them.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

This works in theory but hinges on a few things - how many characters will appear in the first trailer? You’d at least want Luigi and Wario around - not that their inclusion would be a surprise to anyone, but just comes down to how they choose to handle the rollout. I think Waluigi will be, at the soonest, the second reveal anyway since the excitement around him likely constitutes his own trailer.

My go-to has always been Tom Nook. He’s a more lowkey, shrug and say that makes sense kind of newcomer for most people. Not too bombastic where he absolutely needs his own trailer, and is recognizable to virtually everyone at this point where casual fans can be happy with it too. The only problem I have with that is it breaks the streak of introducing a new series right out the gate - but I also don’t think someone like Ring Fit Trainee is the kind of eyecatching newcomer that Inkling, Villager or even Pit were.

To be honest, I’d really like a rapidfire Brawl kind of trailer where we pile on a few new faces at a time. But I dunno how feasible that is anymore, I think they’ve found their groove giving every newcomer their own distinct trailer.

Tbh, I've been thinking about the first reveal for a while now but never knew exactly how to word the question, but I am kind of curious about something, Louie.

If it were to happen, could you see Rhythm Heaven as a possible first reveal candidate? Kind of a more low-key series that hasn't done a lot in a while with a lot of distinct identity and charm.

Like obviously I'd love for Rhythm Heaven to get its own trailer, but I've been thinking if it's a potential candidate for a while now lol

 

[Louie G.]

If it were to happen, could you see Rhythm Heaven as a possible first reveal candidate? Kind of a more low-key series that hasn't done a lot in a while with a lot of distinct identity and charm.

I feel like Rhythm Heaven more occupies the quirky, unconventional newcomer role that someone like Wii Fit Trainer would, so maybe as an add-on to whoever else is shown off with more mass appeal or current relevance. Or perhaps as a later reveal akin to Little Mac or Shulk if they don’t appear on reveal day.

Although maybe I’m selling it short a bit. I think Rhythm Heaven is more popular and recognizable than it often gets credit for. But I’m also not sure if there’s a singular character as immediately identifiable and all-encompassing as Villager or Inkling in this context… I certainly wouldn’t complain if they showed up that early, and I can’t imagine many people would if they got Waluigi and some big third party in tow, but I’m not sure I’m totally convinced.

 

[ninjahmos]

Who do we think is going to be the first revealed newcomer with the game announcement? They just did Inklings last time so I’m not expecting it to be another Splatoon character even though I think it’s extremely likely we’ll get one. Do you think it will be a first party character like Inklings in Ultimate or a third party character like Snake in Brawl?

I suspect it'll either be a character from a new franchise or a secondary character from an already represented franchise.

 

[Gengar84]

I suspect it'll either be a character from a new franchise or a secondary character from an already represented franchise.

I like those odds. I’d say that’s pretty much guarantee lol.

 

[DarthEnderX]

They'll never go back to "secret" newcomers.

Reveal trailers have become an industry of their own at this point.

 

[Gengar84]

They'll never go back to "secret" newcomers.

Reveal trailers have become an industry of their own at this point.

Yeah, I think you’re right. It’s also really hard to have secret characters these days even if they wanted to because of the internet. It’s kind of a shame because those “challenger approaching” silhouette screens were so exciting back in the day when you didn’t know who it was.

 

[ninjahmos]

Yeah, I don't think "secret" characters are gonna stop leakers from leaking.

 

[ScrubReborn]

I think they only revealed everyone pre-release in Ultimate 'cause

• A: EIH meant none of the vets were a secret, and
• B: There weren't many newcomers.

With both of these likely not being true for Smash 6, we may go back to the status quo. Granted, I expect more unlockables to be revealed pre-launch than before, but not all. I imagine it'd be mostly lower priority veterans held off, not many newcomers (if any). Sure the internet means they wouldn't be secret, but even during Smash 4, when there were leaks and stuff, Sak still held some characters back, I don't think he cares.

--

...Since someone else brought up Waluigi, he's interesting to me 'cause he'd for sure be one of the first reveals and prolly heavy in the marketing, but I think he'd be unlockable regardless. Especially if Luigi's unlockable again (likely), I don't think they'd let you play Waluigi first. Can't think of many other characters in that position. Even if Luigi isn't though, I could see Waluigi inheriting that status.

 

[Louie G.]

I don’t think Luigi will be unlockable anymore. We have more Mario veterans that would feel more suited for that role now (Rosalina, Bowser Jr) plus Luigi’s Mansion is straight up a headlining, multi million selling Nintendo franchise at this point. I’m sure Year of Luigi was not the only reason he made the bump to starting roster in Smash 4.

 

[ScrubReborn]

I’m sure Year of Luigi was not the only reason he made the bump to starting roster in Smash 4.

Honestly I think it was, given what Sakurai said about him when revealing him (Something like "We wouldn't usually reveal Luigi before release but it's the year of Luigi so why not"). Given they've never hidden starting characters in Smash, I interpret that as "He would have been unlockable otherwise."

I feel like him going out his way to address that suggests he views Luigi as a quintessential unlockable... But you do have a point on Luigi's Mansion being huge. And I guess Luigi isn't much of a underdog anymore (still have trouble getting used to that lol). Still, old habits die hard with Sakurai, so IDK. I still have a gut feeling Smash 4 is a fluke but I guess I'll go 50/50 on his unlockable odds.

 

[Oracle Link]

So Considering were Nearing Smash 6 Let me quickly Acsses This:
The 8 ZElda Chars For Smash and their Designs (if we only get one):

Do you agree with these? The Bottom 4 are probably the least controversial as we obviously want canon sheik, and the other 3 are very popular, Canon and represnt a lot of difffrent 3d Zeldas!
Link is chosen because hes the smash og design (also the most easiest to put alt skins on), Zelda because Apparently lil Zelda from Her own game is poisonous so this is the closest we get without making a design up (which would be dumb IMO), Lil Link is instead the modern and classic 2d Zelda Rep (and reps Eow), ASnd GAnondorf TOTK expalins Himself!

The Only huge hole would be Toon Link (which could be fixed by lil link becoming a costume for him) and maybe Ganon from EOW! (as thats the best blue pig ganon design i guess he could be a boss?)

Other Than more Costumes what should be changed? Is this the perfect 8 Char one design Lineup for smash 6?