Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[Gengar84]

well you never know, they could make a new one that does appeal

I think it’s going to be tough to beat the legendary beast trio from Gen 2 for me but the Gallarian birds came close.

 

[BrawlX10]

Honestly, i would pick Glimmora as the Gen 9 rep AND as the next WTF character if it was my choice.
Okay, realistically i think Meowscarada, Tinkaton and Gholdengo are the most likely, maybe Quaquaval after that xD.

 

[dezeray112]

well you never know, they could make a new one that does appeal

I will say that out of the concepts of the Treasure of Ruin Pokemon, Chi-Yu is the ony one that stood out for me.

I would love to see if the series can exploit the history of the Treasures of Ruin Pokemon even further, but I wouldn't mind seeing a new one other than the existing four.

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

I don't think Nintendo asking Sakurai to make a Switch 2 Launch title is far-fetched, even if it isn't Smash. He had probably just been working on YouTube for awhile and they wanted to include him on the new tech so they'd have another big title for the console.

Still, I'd say the current timeframe lines up the best for Smash, given there's not an easy way to imagine a future title in 3 years otherwise, which I imagine Nintendo would want to do to sell the Switch 2.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

I don't think Nintendo asking Sakurai to make a Switch 2 Launch title is far-fetched, even if it isn't Smash. He had probably just been working on YouTube for awhile they wanted to include him on the new tech so they'd have another big title for the console.

Still, I'd say the current timeframe lines up the best for Smash, given there's not an easy way to imagine a future title in 3 years otherwise, which I imagine Nintendo would want to do to sell the Switch 2.

Sakurai was asked specifically to make a launch title for the 3DS that became Kid Icarus Uprising, so it's definitely not outside the realm of possibility.

I could still see Smash happening next year or in 2027 maybe, and he's just kinda doubling up on projects, like the project plan was drafted in late 2023 and development started for Smash like last year (which reminder, the Namco studios were hiring for a 2D AND a 3D action game in December 2023 and stopped hiring like last June), giving it a more typical dev cycle than 2022 giving it like 4+ years, which Smash has never gone that long before.

I also feel like since every Smash has been leaked at some point or another--or at least the Namco developed ones have--a dev cycle that's been going on for this long would almost certainly have had a few leaks, but bs rumors didn't start flying around until the Switch 2's reveal, so that's another thing I've been thinking about in regards to the 2022 project being Smash. Nothing substantial, but just feels weird that it wouldn't have leaked at all considering Smash 4 and Ultimate's development lol

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

but bs rumors didn't start flying around until the Switch 2's reveal

Incorrect.

There have been a number of fake Smash "leaks" on /v/ the past couple years.
It's only that the very first one that happened after the Switch 2 reveal got shared around outside /v/ just because it was the very first one.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

Incorrect.

There have been a number of fake Smash "leaks" on /v/ the past couple years.
It's only that the very first one that happened after the Switch 2 reveal got shared around outside /v/ just because it was the very first one.

Ah okay, fair enough. I hadn't seen those (or at least didn't remember them if I had), hence my probably-nothing-substantial vibes-based assessment on that bit lol

Still, I do think it's possible that either Sakurai is doubling up on projects, or his 2022 project is pretty much finished (the hiring in June would've ended after 2 and a little extra years of development since the 2022 project started in April 2022) and he's working on Smash as of last year. Since the Namco studios are just for working with Nintendo generally and not Sakurai specifically, the 3D action game may be entirely unrelated.

 

[fogbadge]

I will say that out of the concepts of the Treasure of Ruin Pokemon, Chi-Yu is the ony one that stood out for me.

I would love to see if the series can exploit the history of the Treasures of Ruin Pokemon even further, but I wouldn't mind seeing a new one other than the existing four.

there's no reason why they can't make more. which is something I do like the idea of them doing

 

[Godzillathewonderdog]

And Mario 64 sold twice that. On a much less popular system.

Crash was Mario's rival the way the the Washington Generals are the Harlem Globetrotters' rival.

Real rivalries are two-sided.

I mean, he's right about Crash.

Crash is only a popular Smash pick because of PS1 Sony marketing. Which is the only place Crash was ever any kind of actual rival to Mario and Sonic.

Last Of Us IS easily more relevant and popular than Crash ever was.

It sold less than half, but whatever. Mario 64 sold more than ALL PS1 games, are you going to deny the impact of games like Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy 7 now too?

Mario 64 outsold every PS1 game, because it was THE game of the generation, and unlike the PS1 which had a huge diverse library of fantastic games which split up sales, the N64 had like 4 games that really appealed to a mass audience.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone during that generation with an N64 who didn’t have Mario 64, Mario Kart, Ocarina of Time or Goldeneye. What PS1 owners had was a lot more varied.

You’re argument for why Crash isn’t a rival to Mario could be said for Sonic too, his Genesis games sold significantly less than Mario Bros. 3 and Mario World, but I really don’t care weather or not Crash was a worthy rival to Mario, he’s much more than his association with Mario. He’s an icon and his games are beloved, his original trilogy wouldn’t have placed in the top 11 best selling PS1 games, and the N. Sane trilogy wouldn’t have sold 20million copies of that weren’t the case.

I also wasn’t arguing that the Crash Bandicoot series had more relevancy and popularity than The Last of Us, it’s hard hard to say for sure, I mean I’d say Crash if not for the if not for success of the tv show which managed to reach a large mainstream audience of non video game players. I was arguing that Crash the character was more relevant and popular at his peak than ****ing Abby from LoU2 ever was.

 

[NotGenerico]

So a new Digimon Story game got announced on the State of Play. I had a good time with Cyber Sleuth and while I don't think it's very likely, I wouldn't mind Agumon getting in the next Smash Bros.

 

[BrawlX10]

So a new Digimon Story game got announced on the State of Play. I had a good time with Cyber Sleuth and while I don't think it's very likely, I wouldn't mind Agumon getting in the next Smash Bros.

He would be cool, but i think a Tales or Dark Souls rep first is more likely. After that i guess it's between Agumon and KOS-MOS and Valkyrie, probably.

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

It'd be cool if there was an item that summoned a random Digimon, like a proper mirror to the PokeBall. I remember seeing a small campaign for Agumon back in base Ultimate days. No matter how unlikely, I think anything should be up for consideration after the constant surprises Ultimate threw out.

 

[NotGenerico]

He would be cool, but i think a Tales or Dark Souls rep first is more likely. After that i guess it's between Agumon and KOS-MOS and Valkyrie, probably.

Yeah, that's why I think Agumon isn't very likely. Tales of and Dark Souls would probably go first. I guess I could see it happening if a Tales of character gets in first and Nintendo decides to go with Elden Ring, which is owned entirely by Fromsoft.

If Agumon actually managed to get in, I'd like for his gimmick to involve digivolving into Wargreymon. I recently saw an Ultimate mod for him and it looks pretty good.

 

[Gengar84]

So a new Digimon Story game got announced on the State of Play. I had a good time with Cyber Sleuth and while I don't think it's very likely, I wouldn't mind Agumon getting in the next Smash Bros.

Yeah, I just saw that. I loved Cyber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory so I’m pretty excited for this. Hope it releases on PS4 or Switch 2.

 

[fogbadge]

So a new Digimon Story game got announced on the State of Play.

finally

 

[BrawlX10]

Asuming Splatoon gets 2 new stages: one from Splat 2 and another one from Splat 3, which ones do you think are the most likely?

 

[fogbadge]

Yeah, I just saw that. I loved Cyber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory so I’m pretty excited for this. Hope it releases on PS4 or Switch 2.

well the good news is I spotted the mega of one of your favourites in the trailer

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Asuming Splatoon gets 2 new stages: one from Splat 2 and another one from Splat 3, which ones do you think are the most likely?

Based on Moray Towers being the Splatoon 1 stage, clearly Sakurai has an eye for the stuff fans absolutely ****ing hate.

As such, I'll throw my bets on Wahoo World and Mincemeat Metalworks.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Asuming Splatoon gets 2 new stages: one from Splat 2 and another one from Splat 3, which ones do you think are the most likely?

My opinion is that Splatoon 2 will get a single player based stage (either from the main campaign or Octo Expansion) while Splatoon 3 will get something from Multiplayer.

Unrelated but Inkling’s alts will likely get overhauled since Ultimate only used the designs from the first game.

 

[Gengar84]

well the good news is I spotted the mega of one of your favourites in the trailer

Titamon is one of my favorites itself actually if that’s the one you’re referring to. I think my number one favorite right now might be Tyrantkabuterimon but I still love Ogremon and Meramon.

 

[fogbadge]

Titamon is one of my favorites itself actually if that’s the one you’re referring to. I think my number one favorite right now might be Tyrantkabuterimon but I still love Ogremon and Meramon.

that is who I was referring too

 

[BrawlX10]

My opinion is that Splatoon 2 will get a single player based stage (either from the main campaign or Octo Expansion) while Splatoon 3 will get something from Multiplayer.

Unrelated but Inkling’s alts will likely get overhauled since Ultimate only used the designs from the first game.

A Octo Expansion stage would be a nice throwback.

 

[fogbadge]

I’m still rooting for a Salmon Run stage

 

[Lionfranky]

I know Nintendo ultimately wields character selection authority, but will Microsoft have more negotiation power since it's apparently the best third party supporter of Nintendo?

 

[Garteam]

Asuming Splatoon gets 2 new stages: one from Splat 2 and another one from Splat 3, which ones do you think are the most likely?

This could apply to both games, but Salmon Run. A rundown barge is a pretty unique idea for a stage, we don’t have many Smash stages taking place at sunset, and it would rep a full, new mode starting with Splatoon 2.

 

[Kirbeh]

I know Nintendo ultimately wields character selection authority, but will Microsoft have more negotiation power since it's apparently the best third party supporter of Nintendo?

I don't see why they'd have more or less negotiating power than other dev tbh. It depends more on what both parties are looking to get out of it. Nintendo may want "x", MS could say that they have to represent them in "y" fashion, etc. I could see MS maybe pushing for something in particular but if Nintendo isn't interested or doesn't match Sakurai's vision, they'd ultimately just say no.

If MS were to be particularly difficult about something (and I don't see why they would be) I think it's more likely that Sak/Nin just back out of negotiations to work with a company that's more cooperative. Again though, outside of the normal back and forth regarding a franchise's handling or possible suggestions, I don't see what MS would do with "more negotiating power." I think you'd have to be a bit more specific about the context you're using for that.

Outside of standard negotiations/promotional content or something, anything else would potentially be overstepping their boundaries and be seen as trying to meddle with the project too much.

 

[Lionfranky]

I don't see why they'd have more or less negotiating power than other dev tbh. It depends more on what both parties are looking to get out of it. Nintendo may want "x", MS could say that they have to represent them in "y" fashion, etc. I could see MS maybe pushing for something in particular but if Nintendo isn't interested or doesn't match Sakurai's vision, they'd ultimately just say no.

If MS were to be particularly difficult about something (and I don't see why they would be) I think it's more likely that Sak/Nin just back out of negotiations to work with a company that's more cooperative. Again though, outside of the normal back and forth regarding a franchise's handling or possible suggestions, I don't see what MS would do with "more negotiating power." I think you'd have to be a bit more specific about the context you're using for that.

Outside of standard negotiations/promotional content or something, anything else would potentially be overstepping their boundaries and be seen as trying to meddle with the project too much.

"Oh you want to put Dragonborn? Then, you also have to put Master Chief!" Something like this.

 

[Kirbeh]

"Oh you want to put Dragonborn? Then, you also have to put Master Chief!" Something like this.

That's standard negotiation though. Nintendo still accepts or refuses based on their own interests. The only way for MS to really have "more" negotiating power would be if Nintendo were actually desperate for a specific character/franchise for whatever reason and were willing to accept terms they normally wouldn't just to get that particular thing.

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

"Oh you want to put Dragonborn? Then, you also have to put Master Chief!" Something like this.

Pretty good way to make sure neither get in.

 

[Hydreigonfan01]

Did we really just go from arguing that Kingdom Hearts isn't a big franchise to arguing that Crash Bandicoot isn't a big franchise/not a rival to Mario during the 1990's?

 

[BrawlX10]

"Oh you want to put Dragonborn? Then, you also have to put Master Chief!" Something like this.

I could see Microsoft suggesting Master Chief if Nintendo wants Steve and/or Banjo to come back, but i don't think they'll be pushy about it, through...like i don't think they'll be like that.

 

[Nabbitfan730]

The guy who said Crash Bandicoot is only a popular Smash demand due to bandwagoning and that “Abby from The Last of Us 2 is a lot more relevant and popular than Crash probably ever was” is denying the popularity of Sora among Smash fans now?

I have a name y'know. If you have proof for Crash's geniune support and relevancy before Banjo's reveal or the remasters i'm all ears.

The first TLOU game sold 30 million with the second game selling 10 million. One game outsold 90% of Crash's output and still getting support with TV shows and remasters from Sony favorably

Lot more vitality than Crash who basically dead in the water at Microsoft. US marketing from 30 years can only hold for so long

Lol, and Alex Kidd was Sega's answer to Mario in the 8-bit era.

Just because a company wants their mascot to be a legitimate rival to their competition's mascot, doesn't mean they are.

Crash was never any real rival to Mario outside of the commercials Sony made.

None of so-called platformer rivals were really, not even Sonic in the long-term. Blast Processing was great marketing phrase but by the time of Sonic 3, Sonic himself was already being fazed out like others in sales and with Sonic Team themselves wanting to move on from him into other projects like Nights. Even with first 2 games, Mario and Nintendo still came out on top regardless. Guy was on another level especially with Mario 3 and World, SNES/Super Famicom destroyed the Genesis/Mega Drive and outside the Saturn, Sega and Sonic never caught up since.

The only one that was rivalling Mario at the time was Donkey Kong with the Country series. Others never stood a chance. American marketers were practically magicians in making it seem otherwise. Effect lasting narratives to this day

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Did we really just go from arguing that Kingdom Hearts isn't a big franchise to arguing that Crash Bandicoot isn't a big franchise/not a rival to Mario during the 1990's?

I guess this is now the Next Smash - Gatekeeping Discussion Thread

I have a name y'know. If you have proof for Crash's geniune support and relevancy before Banjo's reveal or the remasters i'm all ears.

The first TLOU game sold 30 million with the second game selling 10 million. One game outsold 90% of Crash's output and still getting support with TV shows and remasters from Sony favorably

Lot more vitality than Crash who basically dead in the water at Microsoft. US marketing from 30 years can only hold for so long

It's almost as if sales aren't everything when it comes to a character's notoriety.

But nah, that must be crazy talk. After all, bigger number makes dopamine part of brain feel good.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Double post, my bad

 

[Nabbitfan730]

I probably argue Sora is more popular than Crash. Either way, i don't why it matters for both of them. It isn't what gives any of them the edge in why they are favorable picks

All wants for Smash are popular in some way or fashion. I don't why it's catch-all card that shut down all detractions against them especially when there are bigger fish in their own oceans.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Who is the most likely character that isn’t discussed much?

 

[GoldenYuiitusin]

Did we really just go from arguing that Kingdom Hearts isn't a big franchise to arguing that Crash Bandicoot isn't a big franchise/not a rival to Mario during the 1990's?

Give it time. Soon we'll get a whole another thread of bad takes.

 

[Nabbitfan730]

Who is the most likely character that isn’t discussed much?

Ring Fit Trainer, Tetris Block(seriously), Abby, Another Arms rep, Pauline, Elma

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Who is the most likely character that isn’t discussed much?

Alear due to being a Fire Emblem character

Unless I keep missing like, every instance of them being talked about which would hurt my soul

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Alear due to being a Fire Emblem character

Unless I keep missing like, every instance of them being talked about which would hurt my soul

Probably have backslash from not just Smash players because their design is very controversial even by FE fans.