Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[Opossum]

Octolings are far from a lock. That isn't because locks don't exist (they absolutely do), but because there are other, better options than the Octolings just within their own series.

 

[RileyXY1]

Octolings are far from a lock. That isn't because locks don't exist (they absolutely do), but because there are other, better options than the Octolings just within their own series.

And the possibility of them being just alts for the Inklings instead of their own separate characters.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

No the Octolings are definitely a lock.

They're an extremely important add from a series that is very important to Nintendo at the moment and would take very little work to implement. Even assuming they want to add someone else and don't want to spend any resources on making any variations on Inklings moveset for the character, this is the sort of thing they could just add as an Echo Fighter, or even just an alternate costume since they're functionally identical to the Inklings in Splatoon. In fact, given how popular they are within the Splatoon series, it would be extremely weird if they didn't get at least an alt.

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

At the very least something else from Splatoon I think is coming. A series that's gotten that big, with that variety of character designs, and range of weapons would be one of the most practical inclusions for the next Smash. I know that "it just makes sense" can be one of the most fallible beliefs for SSB invites, but given how much Nintendo has done with Splatoon it would be surprising that that wouldn't include a stronger presence in their big crossover series.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

 

[Watuna4343]

With first parties going from close to a lock to fairly likely I'd say Inkling from Splatoon, a Pokémon from a contemporary Gen, a Fire Emblem avatar character, BWD, and a Xenoblade rep. Various others like (non Tri-Force trio) Zelda characters, Dixie Kong, Waluigi, King Boo, E.M.M.I/Raven Beak, Oatchi, feel a bit more in flux for different reasons but the aforementioned five I can easily imagine showing up in the next game.

Hot take... but the more I think about it the less and less I see a Fire Emblem character debuting in the next Smash game, at least base roster. Like I would absolutely put Waluigi (who's in the same vein as Bandana Waddle Dee) or a new Zelda character (who is also a very big request and after BoTW/ToTK's success feels like it's finally the time) above a Fire Emblem newcomer

 

[BrawlX10]

It probably won't happen, but I'm still kinda hoping they rework some of Sonic's normal attacks to be more similar to his attacks from Sonic Battle instead of just having him roll up into a ball. I know that's basically what his games kinda have him do most of the time, but creativity and innovation are part of what Smash movesets are all about, as well as the source material.

Oh, and I've said this plenty of times before, but I'm still hoping they change his side special to Light Speed Dash with Spin Dash as his down special.

Sonic Battle looks like a fun af game, but i've never tried it. I think there's a chance they'll give him some Sonic Frontiers moves at least, if they dont give him SB moves.

Also, i want to talk about something. What are the chances this becomes Fatal Fury stage if Terry returns in Smash 6? I like KoF Stadium don't get me wrong, but this stage is iconic.

 

[Godzillathewonderdog]

Nice picks. I don't know who the girl in the blue beret and the guy at the bottom right are. I want to say the guy is Frank West, but I don't think that's right.

It is Frank West, Dead Rising is one of my all time favorite games. The other is Jill Valentine, Resident Evil is also another one of my all time favorite games, actually the series is probably my favorite without a fighter in Smash, Silent Hill is a close second, but I think I’m good with that series not having a fighter in Smash.

 

[Master Hero Sock-on-Rye]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Hear me out, but I actually think it's time for Toad to be his own shroom. Now that Peach has a lot more move potential thanks to Showtime, especially with a new Final Smash contender, I think Toad would see a moveset all to himself.

Then again, that would mean Daisy gets decloned, meaning we really have one-and-a-half newcomers in this case.

 

[Watuna4343]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Hmmm... tough to say honestly. Despite the plethora of characters in Mario, if it came down to only 1 newcomer I don't see how it's not Waluigi. Now in the event that someone else does get in or if we simply get 2 Mario newcomers, I think there are some candidates that have serious pros and cons:

Toad: Toad is always an option. A huge part of Mario, one of the core members and is everywhere. From mainline games, to spin-offs, to marketings to TV shows, to the movie with a big role etc. It's just impossible to argue against Toad's significance in the franchise as a whole. The one sticking point is that... despite that he hasn't been added, despite being a sensible and logical addition already from freaking Melee (like even that far back Toad could've gotten in and make sense), and so one has to wonder why add him now. Of course the same argument applies to Waluigi but the thing is... Toad doesn't feel like he has this outcry that Waluigi had, nor his popularity (I don't argue that Toad doesn't have fans, of course he has, it's just that there are characters who absolutely have more), and with Sakurai obviously taking that into account, I don't know if he'll consider Toad now.

Pauline: Pauline saw a pretty big revival in the Mario games after Odyssey obviously as the breakout star. Super Mario Odyssey was absolutely a big success and it even landed a stage in Ultimate with Pauline herself being included! After that Pauline has started making her debut in all kinds of spin-offs and is confirmed for the next Mario Kart, so it's safe to say she'll be a Mario spin-off mainstay going forward. There are definitely people who make comparisons between her circumstances with Rosalina's back in the day and that might translate to Smash, but I have a bit of a reservation. For one, even with Pauline having seen a big, big boost in popularity, it still feels like it didn't reach Rosalina's level (which is more of a testament to how popular the latter became) and Rosalina's popularity holds up damn well to this day even whereas I think after Odyssey, Pauline didn't quite reach those levels, and certainly not in terms of fan demand for Smash. However the big thing that makes the comparisons with Rosalina end in regards to Smash is that Rosalina had confirmedly a very unique concept as a fighter that covered an archetype not yet seen in Smash. Pauline doesn't have that uniqueness potential that Rosalina had, which makes her inclusion while still not impossible, at least content of doubt.

Toadette: I know, I know. Toadette getting in on her own may seem unrealistic at first and might genuinely not happen but, I would still like to talk about her. For one, Toadette has absolutely been boosted a ton in terms of significance and popularity. I mean, at this point she is a main character at least among the likes of Daisy, Wario, Waluigi and Rosalina and with 3/4 of them being in Smash, Toadette definitely has the content to back her up. Now why would she get in over Toad? Let alone Waluigi? If the possibility arises that Sakurai wants to add a Toad, why not find Toadette as the perfect vehicle to combine the attributes of the regular Toad, Captain Toad and the rest of the Toads along with her own little quirks for a fun moveset (or even play around with her transforming into Peachette? who knows...) That's definitely an out-there scenario but Sakurai has shown to be unpredictable at times so I wanted to at least entertain the idea. Why would she not get in over Toad? Well... simply because Toad is a far bigger character than her and if Sakurai wants to combine Captain Toad and Toad he could just do it with a normal Toad and see Toadette better fit as an alt. Out of the 3 this is definitely the wildest scenario but I wanted to at least entertain the idea of a left field inclusion and Toadette makes sense as a bit of a left field/surprise pick which also makes sense.

I know that the fandom speculates/wants characters like King Boo, Kamek, Paper Mario and Geno etc. but imo, these aren't happening for a variety of reasons, and seeing that the comment is already really long, I'll just say that outside of Geno, none of these have fan demand behind them, even with Geno, I can't see a world where, if Nintendo and Square negotiate for their characters' inclusions for Smash, they negotiate for Geno of all people when the company has so many bigger names. Paper Mario is a 2nd version of Mario that is actively going to take the spot from an original character just to represent a small niche that only a certain part of the fandom wants to give an unreasonably big spotlight and without the ease of development of clones, I don't see how the time and resources that go into making a unique character go into making a 2nd version of Mario. King Boo and Kamek are just names that some people in the fandom throw around but their best shot is getting in as a Piranha-Plant-style wild pick which I don't see happening for the Mario series 2 times in a row.

 

[Diddy Kong]

people said the same thing about Rex

I actually think Rex might have a shot. XBC3 had a very popular DLC, especially cause of Rex, and I guess Shulk a little.

 

[Perkilator]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Either Toad or Pauline. The former so he can free up space for a new neutral special for Peach (plus giving some of her old throws back) and the latter because of how much she’s been pushed within Mario recently.

 

[fogbadge]

I actually think Rex might have a shot. XBC3 had a very popular DLC, especially cause of Rex, and I guess Shulk a little.

well I'm not gonna get my hopes up. got burned before

 

[Nabbitfan730]

people said the same thing about Rex

That's nowhere near the same thing and you know that.

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Geno, Pauline, Kamek and surprisingly, my pfp, Nabbit.

He honestly is a sleeper pick in the community despite being a mainstay Mario throughout the Switch era alongside Daisy and Pauline.

He could be our first Thief archetype if even possible and/or even Smash 6's surprise character like Plant when he(unfortunately) gets replaced

 

[Dinoman96]

people said the same thing about Rex

tbf we'd probably gotten Rex if the Driver/Blade idea Sakurai initially wanted to go with was actually technically feasible.

I actually think Rex might have a shot. XBC3 had a very popular DLC, especially cause of Rex, and I guess Shulk a little.

imo the only chance there would be if they could make him a quick n' dirty echo fighter, similar to Chrom back in Ultimate. Otherwise he's basically in the same tier with like, Lyn and those older Pokemon gens that missed their shot at getting a rep.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Incalculable really. Far to many options with very different circumstances. There's:

• Pauline if Sakurai has an idea for her.
• Geno if he's finally proven popular enough to add.
• Kamek and King Boo as crazy options that also shed spotlight on.
• (Captain) Toad could still come at any point.

 

[fogbadge]

tbf we'd probably gotten Rex if the Driver/Blade idea Sakurai initially wanted to go with was actually technically feasible.

or if he’d gone with the ideas that included him

 

[DynamicSmasher]

It is Frank West, Dead Rising is one of my all time favorite games. The other is Jill Valentine, Resident Evil is also another one of my all time favorite games, actually the series is probably my favorite without a fighter in Smash, Silent Hill is a close second, but I think I’m good with that series not having a fighter in Smash.

Oh, that makes sense. I've morseo seen remake Jill without the beret. She would be cool, could have the railgun for her final smash.

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

The fan favourite, Pink Gold Peach.

 

[Louie G.]

Calling Rex (and Spring Man) a lock was specifically a fallacy of timing. The community wasn’t even wrong in their judgement - such notable omissions that Sakurai effectively said they’d have been in under better circumstances. Which of course, to some extent or another, was validated further during DLC.

But anyway, someone like Octoling doesn’t have that problem. The only thing that will pose an obstacle to this character is whether or not Sakurai sees them as distinct enough to be a separate fighter, or if they will be regulated to a crop of costumes. Which is why I usually say Octoling will 100% be playable, but their exact role is far from guaranteed.

By the way, Ultimate had locks that did get into the game too. Inkling and Isabelle were obvious to anyone paying attention. I’m not sure Ultimate has anyone at their level of synonymity to Nintendo, but there are a couple I’d voice a similar confidence in.

 

[BritishGuy54]

I actually think Rex might have a shot. XBC3 had a very popular DLC, especially cause of Rex, and I guess Shulk a little.

XBC3 Rex would be very fun to play as. But he’s
not feasible as an echo fighter.

Though if we ever get a more traditional Nintendo fighting game, XBC2 Rex would be perfect for that with the Driver/Blade mechanic.

 

[Garteam]

Imma have to HARD disagree on this one. Limiting the secondary characters for first-parties while opening the gates for third-party ones will only fuel the idea that there's nothing left from the former's side of options.

Is it really fair to either limit franchises like Sonic or Castlevania from getting their A-listers in the interest of changing the perception of the fan base?

Even then, wouldn’t it be better to either be a little more selective regarding when first-party franchises get secondary characters or to look series that haven’t received representation yet like Golden Sun, Famicom Detective Club, or Mysterious Murasame Castle if you want to demonstrate the range of options for Nintendo?

I disagree with the notion that there’s nowhere go to with Nintendo’s offerings, but I also understand that a lot of that sentiment comes from people feeling that many Nintendo newcomers are there to fill quotas (even if things are a lot more complex than that). Is that really going to change if we start doing things like holding that Metroid or Kirby has to get a character for the sake of having a character?

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Calling Rex (and Spring Man) a lock was specifically a fallacy of timing. The community wasn’t even wrong in their judgement - such notable omissions that Sakurai effectively said they’d have been in under better circumstances. Which of course, to some extent or another, was validated further during DLC.

I feel like one of the few examples that wasn’t timing was a Xenoblade X character for example since the game released before Splatoon released in Japan.

I feel a character from that game would have been chosen if there were more new characters in the base roster in general.

 

[BrawlX10]

Figured I’d share some of my most wanted newcomers at the moment.

View attachment 399145

I also really want Chibi-Robo, but I couldn’t find good 2D art of them.

God, those Project x Zone renders are making me feel nostalgic af.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

Here's an idea: The Octoling has been selected to be a clone character, and you have been put in charge of designing the new take on Inkling's moveset. However, due to the nature of clones, the amount of changes you can make are limited. You have 10 points to spend on this redesign:

• Replacing a special move with a new one is worth 3 points.
  • EX: Lloyd Rocket and Fishing Rod are two very different moves.
• Replacing a normal move (includes grab) is worth 2 points.
  • EX: Fox's up tilt is a combo starter that hits behind him while Wolf's is a K.O. move that hits more in front of him.
• Adjusting any move is worth 1 point.
  • EX: Palutena Bow and Silver Bow are the same move, but Silver Bow's arrows travel faster in exchange for not being super angleable, which gives it a mostly different use case.
• Changing purely aesthetic stuff is worth 0 points.

Which changes do you make?

 

[ninjahmos]

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Toad, Pauline, Kamek, King Boo or Geno.

Sonic Battle looks like a fun af game, but i've never tried it. I think there's a chance they'll give him some Sonic Frontiers moves at least, if they dont give him SB moves.

Also, i want to talk about something. What are the chances this becomes Fatal Fury stage if Terry returns in Smash 6? I like KoF Stadium don't get me wrong, but this stage is iconic.

I'd love to see that.

 

[NotGenerico]

Anyone here from Spain? Apparently Nintendo Spain screwed up yesterday and sent a notification for a Xenoblade X trailer before privating the video. Not sure if it'd be a standalone trailer or meant for a Nintendo Direct.

 

[HyperSomari64]

Anyone here from Spain? Apparently Nintendo Spain screwed up yesterday and sent a notification for a Xenoblade X trailer before privating the video. Not sure if it'd be a standalone trailer or meant for a Nintendo Direct.

There was Jotadé (They are from the Canary Islands), but i'm not sure what happened to them.
Pretty sure they created a new account, but no one knows they are still here.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

Anyone here from Spain? Apparently Nintendo Spain screwed up yesterday and sent a notification for a Xenoblade X trailer before privating the video. Not sure if it'd be a standalone trailer or meant for a Nintendo Direct.

Probably standalone unless it’s also getting a version on Switch 2.

 

[ninjahmos]

Alright, I've decided to do a moveset for a Namco character, who goes by the name...Rick Taylor. Here it is:

Rick Taylor Moveset

I've made a small addition to Rick's Forward Smash.

 

[Kirby Dragons]

On one-time characters getting into Smash, I guess I understand why there's a pattern with them not making it. But it'd be nice to have more of them in consideration. One-time characters can be interesting and leave a big impact on players, even if they only get one game to do it. And since Smash is a fighting game, a character with unique moveset potential could be a great newcomer even if they're not a mainstay in their series.

 

[ninjahmos]

On one-time characters getting into Smash, I guess I understand why there's a pattern with them not making it. But it'd be nice to have more of them in consideration. One-time characters can be interesting and leave a big impact on players, even if they only get one game to do it. And since Smash is a fighting game, a character with unique moveset potential could be a great newcomer even if they're not a mainstay in their series.

I still think either Skull Kid or Midna would make an interesting addition to the Smash roster.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

I still think either Skull Kid or Midna would make an interesting addition to the Smash roster.

They are probably the most likely non-Triforce characters alongside Impa and a BOTW character.

 

[Louie G.]

Which changes do you make?

Honestly my mindset with these two is that they should remain fairly similar to account for preference. Just like in the actual games, allowing players to pick their favorite type of Splat-ling without needing to feel alienated at notable differences between the two. That said, for the sake of conversation, here are some that might be interesting to explore.

(-2) FSmash is changed to a Splatana, to easily cover a bit more weapon variety. Stronger and slower than Inkling's Brush but is also further reaching.

(-3) Brush is moved over to Side B, which delivers far lighter damage than Roller and does not ground opponents but allows Octoling to cover ground faster, and can be acted out of more quickly to start combos. Has an aerial variant that causes Octoling to stumble forward into a multihit spin combo.

(-1) Splat Bomb is changed to Burst Bomb. It explodes on impact instead of bouncing, but sends opponent at a stronger launch angle.
(-1) Super Jump travels slightly less distance, but Octoling spins during ascension and can deliver multihit damage to opponents (think Lucas PK Thunder).

(-3) Octoling transforms into the Kraken for their Final Smash. The vicinity is covered in a coat of ink and Octoling is given free reign to quickly swim around, splash opponents in ink and deliver a strong spinning melee attack.

Can't think of that many ways to change up the normals that are either whacking you with a gun or doing little breakdance moves, both of which fit Octoling just fine. Trying to think this out just kind of further emphasizes to me why I feel a semiclone is the most unique Octoling will feasibly get. Maybe one of the Smash attacks could have been a Splatbrella but I personally designate that for Marina or Marie if they were to be added.

 

[DarthEnderX]

I wonder if they'll add Bub from the Bubble Bobble series as a newcomer to Super Smash Bros., will they have Bob with him like the Ice Climbers or as an alternative costume? How would you prefer it?

Alt costume/Echo for sure.

I hate how Ice Climbers play. That's not even how their game works!

Silent Hill is a close second, but I think I’m good with that series not having a fighter in Smash.

Pyramid Head should be an AT.

Outside of Waluigi, who is the most likely Mario character to be included in Smash 6 in your opinion.

Captain Toad/Toadette.

In fact I put them ahead of Waluigi. Cause they have their own game.

 

[Watuna4343]

Captain Toad/Toadette.

In fact I put them ahead of Waluigi. Cause they have their own game.

I highly doubt the fact that Captain Toad having his own game would put him above Waluigi. It was a game released for the Wii U and it wasn't enough to get him in Ultimate, so why consider that one game now?

 

[Stratos]

Alt costume/Echo for sure.

I hate how Ice Climbers play. That's not even how their game works!

You're right.

 

[fogbadge]

I highly doubt the fact that Captain Toad having his own game would put him above Waluigi. It was a game released for the Wii U and it wasn't enough to get him in Ultimate, so why consider that one game now?

switch port?

 

[Watuna4343]

switch port?

A port's never helped anyone get in and besides the port was released so early in the Switch's lifespan and left very little impact compared to many other games that I don't see how it's any different compared to most other ports. Disregarding Captain Toad's chances as a character, the game is something I legit doubt would be a factor that Sakurai would consider in favor of his inclusion

 

[Louie G.]

I've spoken on it before but I feel like "Captain" Toad sort of missed his window. Which is unfortunate because I felt like that really was the best angle to incorporate Toad into Smash and give him a strong character hook during a period where that was a clear priority. I think had Ultimate been given a normal amount of unique newcomers we might have seen him there.

If any variant of Toad got in now, I think it would just be normal Toad. Captain Toad was arguably the most prominent Toad around the Wii U and early Switch era but as of now after a prominent movie role, theme park presence etc your average run of the mill Toad is the figurehead of his race once more. While Captain Toad hasn't had all that much to do outside a sort of easter egg appearance in Mario Wonder. And I think he's playable in MK Tour?

 

[fogbadge]

A port's never helped anyone get in and besides the port was released so early in the Switch's lifespan and left very little impact compared to many other games that I don't see how it's any different compared to most other ports. Disregarding Captain Toad's chances as a character, the game is something I legit doubt would be a factor that Sakurai would consider in favor of his inclusion

How do you define impact?