Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

I think there were some hints that he would have some announcement in the direct if I remember right.

The only thing he said is that news of it would come "soon"

It's easy to assume it'd be a Direct because he typically works on Nintendo projects (though we have seen instances of it not being the case) and Nintendo usually reveals stuff in Directs. But he never said that, only that it would be revealed "soon"

Though being fair, with now NDA-heavy Nintendo is, he probably wouldn't be allowed to say that something would come in a Direct.

 

[NintenRob]

I'm honestly not expecting anything Smash Bros related in the presentation. Feels too soon. I expect to see Smash in the second or third year

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I kinda hope we don't get Smash news.

I want it to simmer more.

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

On one hand, I want to say that it won't happen so we get some time not being Smash-brained.

On the other, my predictions are always wrong so.....

 

[Among Waddle Dees]

I'm not gonna be happy if Smash gets announced at this upcoming Direct. For a number of reasons, but mainly because it might make SmashBoards too late for adding its individual character threads before the next Smash cycle.

 

[Perkilator]

I'm not gonna be happy if Smash gets announced at this upcoming Direct. For a number of reasons, but mainly because it might make SmashBoards too late for adding its individual character threads before the next Smash cycle.

?

I mean I want character support threads back as much as the next guy, but how would it be “too late” if a new Smash game gets announced at the Direct?

 

[NintenRob]

I'm not gonna be happy if Smash gets announced at this upcoming Direct. For a number of reasons, but mainly because it might make SmashBoards too late for adding its individual character threads before the next Smash cycle.

Nah, that's not gonna happen. Even if Smash Bros shadow drops, you'll still have character threads for dlc

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

I'd be okay with Smash just being mentioned in passing by Sakurai or someone else, especially if something else from Sora Ltd. gets shown instead, like a Kid Icarus remaster or something that I think would fit much better with Sakurai making a "lightning-fast" project proposal, as well as making more sense imo with the timeline based on the limited info we have.

Melee was announced at E3 in 1999 as "a Smash game on the Gamecube", Brawl was announced before E3 2005 which was even a surprise to Sakurai, and Smash 4 was announced in 2011 when the Wii U was unveiled, so I could see them just mentioning it's in development, which would allow character threads to open presumably and more people to come in and make discussion topics potentially. I mean not long after Smash 4's announcement is when I joined here, so I wouldn't mind that tactic again lol

 

[MBRedboy31]

If the next Mario Kart is indeed this year, I’m not expecting them to bring up Smash yet. Given how much of an ultra-megaton series Mario Kart is, they’d probably want to maximize attention for it first.

Maybe they’ll tease the next Smash near the beginning of 2026, much like how Ultimate was first teased at the start of the year it released.

 

[AreJay25]

If the next Mario Kart is indeed this year, I’m not expecting them to bring up Smash yet. Given how much of an ultra-megaton series Mario Kart is, they’d probably want to maximize attention for it first.

Maybe they’ll tease the next Smash near the beginning of 2026, much like how Ultimate was first teased at the start of the year it released.

I mean, Smash 4 and Mario Kart 8 both got revealed within the same year and then got released within the same year.

Not saying they'll both release in 2025, but I don't think one stops the other from being announced.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

So, what do you think is happening in the April 2 presentation regarding Smash Bros.?

1.- Full reveal trailer similar to the Brawl and Smash 4 first reveals. Includes cutscenes, gameplay footage, and at least one newcomer. Game title is shown in full.
2.- Teaser trailer similar to the initial Inkling reveal for Ultimate. Only cinema, no gameplay.
3.- Confirmation that new Smash Bros. is in the making along with several details such as Sakurai and Bandai Namco returning. No footage, outside of maybe a piece of artwork.
4.- "Yes, we are making Smash Bros. for Switch 2", and that's all we get.
5.- Nothing. No mentions, not even a hint.

Assuming Smash Bros. is the game Sakurai is working on then I think there's a decent chance of option #2, as the game should be in a state where footage can be shown, although I suppose they could do #3, with #1 being saved for a big reveal in June or later. If the game is not Smash I'm leaning towards #4, since even if Sakurai's game wasn't Smash I doubt Nintendo hasn't done the necessary paperwork to have Smash ready for Switch 2.

That said I'm absolutely setting myself up for option #5, although I hope we get at least #4 so that the Character Support threads can be reopened.

My opinion is that it’s either 4 or a 5 and that depends on if the secret game by Sakurai is a Smash game.

There are cases where Smash is revealed early or even before launch of a console such as for Brawl and Smash 4 but the launch reveal is generally a 4 with Sakurai involvement being mentioned.

 

[Watuna4343]

So, what do you think is happening in the April 2 presentation regarding Smash Bros.?

1.- Full reveal trailer similar to the Brawl and Smash 4 first reveals. Includes cutscenes, gameplay footage, and at least one newcomer. Game title is shown in full.
2.- Teaser trailer similar to the initial Inkling reveal for Ultimate. Only cinema, no gameplay.
3.- Confirmation that new Smash Bros. is in the making along with several details such as Sakurai and Bandai Namco returning. No footage, outside of maybe a piece of artwork.
4.- "Yes, we are making Smash Bros. for Switch 2", and that's all we get.
5.- Nothing. No mentions, not even a hint.

Assuming Smash Bros. is the game Sakurai is working on then I think there's a decent chance of option #2, as the game should be in a state where footage can be shown, although I suppose they could do #3, with #1 being saved for a big reveal in June or later. If the game is not Smash I'm leaning towards #4, since even if Sakurai's game wasn't Smash I doubt Nintendo hasn't done the necessary paperwork to have Smash ready for Switch 2.

That said I'm absolutely setting myself up for option #5, although I hope we get at least #4 so that the Character Support threads can be reopened.

Yeah, I am in agreement that it's either 4 or 5. Though I am leaning towards 4 tbh. I think that a confirmation of a Smash 6 coming eventually seems plausible (especially if we assume that Smash 6 will come in late 2026-early 2027, a confirmation of it coming is very probable) but I could see Nintendo waiting if Smash releases too deep in the next console's cycle.