Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[KingofPhantoms]

All other versions of Donkey Kong are inferior to the cartoon version for being a killer singer.

 

[Gengar84]

All other versions of Donkey Kong are inferior to the cartoon version for being a killer singer.

lol, I absolutely hated the cartoon when it came out back but it’s funny to laugh at now. That’s probably the one version of DK I like less than the Bonanza one.

 

[fogbadge]

What I meant is that he was always pretty chill even when he was being dumb. I think what puts me off on the new version is that he’s so hyper. Maybe surfer dude wasn’t the best analogy but it’s the first thing that came to my mind when thinking “dumb and chill”. Kind of like Michelangelo from the 80’s TMNT cartoon.

I’ve never seen any version of TMNT so I can’t possibly say. But just because someone’s a goofball doesn’t mean you can’t still be cool. Look at Sora, he does cool stuff but he’s still a massive goof.

 

[dream1ng]

So, The Duskbloods for Smash Bros?

Obviously not before Dark Souls or Elden Ring, especially as FromSoft is the owner. Though the interviews imply Nintendo might have given funding for the game(hence the exclusivity) similar to Bayonetta 2 and forward. Maybe depending on how the game does, that bit may help this game get an appearance? And it'd be the closest thing to Bloodborne in Smash Bros.
---
That aside, this game easily brought some of the best reactions for a Nintendo Direct. Just the way most reactions start quietly watching the first cutscene, then the moment From Software popped up followed by the clocktower and city, they all were trying to hold back so much from immediately calling it Bloodborne 2 and just keep watching all the footage in almost all silence, just waiting for the title drop.
And despite the focus on PvPvE, I'm still pretty interested as I enjoy FromSoft's Souls-like games, especially as lore has been confirmed for the game and I love the lore aspect of FromSoft games.

I think we'll see the game get some content in the next Smash, though a character seems less than likely. Also, I know it has the Nintendo connection, but Duskbloods before Dark Souls or Elden Ring? At least with Bayonetta, she's basically Platinum's most recognizable character.

Third-party ATs are probably going to keep expanding, and this seems like a plausible candidate to me. It also seems like a good start towards getting the foot in the door with From, which could lead to one of its bigger IPs showing up later as DLC.

 

[DarthEnderX]

That's why it might take 2-3 years before confirmation if Smash Bros is going deluxe on ultimate or resetting the roster (soft or hard) with a new title. I don't think Nintendo is going to give a teaser or ideas this year.

Why would Ultimate S2E take 2-3 years? It's at least 90% done already.

I think consoles in general shouldn’t be bought at launch

Normally I'd agree with this. But with everything coming out for the Switch being forward compatible and probably running better in Sw2, I'll get it at launch just to play Sw1 games better.

Do you all think Nintendo should just release all their big franchises at once?

That would be silly. Then they'd have a whole bunch of dead years with nothing coming out.

I DO think that Mario Kart and Smash should be released as early as possible. Because those are both games that can be supported by constant streams of DLC content for the entire life of the console.

It's kinda weird because they do have fantastical tracks. It's got stuff like Dino Dino Jungle (ft. even more dinos), Wario Shipyard, Sky High Sundae, and even some fantastical new tracks like DK Spaceport and Boo Cinema.

How do they do Squeaky Clean Sprint in World?! Do you have to drive through a shrinking machine?

I'm sure others have noticed, but DK Bananza feels very Minecraft-inspired, in fact that's the number one thing it makes me think of when it comes to all the free digging and terrain manipulation stuff.

Oh man...now I'm jonesing for a Dragon Quest Builders 3.

So, The Duskbloods for Smash Bros?

Obviously not before Dark Souls or Elden Ring, especially as FromSoft is the owner. Though the interviews imply Nintendo might have given funding for the game(hence the exclusivity) similar to Bayonetta 2 and forward.

We got Bayonetta before Dante, almost certainly because of the Nintendo exclusivity. So getting Duskbloods before DS/ER wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[MBRedboy31]

How do they do Squeaky Clean Sprint in World?! Do you have to drive through a shrinking machine?

If they added it (it isn't in the game already, is it?) it could be like Macro Zone in Super Mario Land 2 where you go through a tunnel in a hill/mountain that makes you tiny.
Although, if they're doing that, they might as well make it a fully separate DLC zone and let you explore the entire house and have a bunch of "tiny" tracks in there (probably also GBA Ribbon Road plus a bunch of new ones in other rooms of the house.) I kinda want that now, actually. The verticality of it would make it very distinct for freeroam compared to the rest of the game.

 

[PersonAngelo53]

So, The Duskbloods for Smash Bros?

Obviously not before Dark Souls or Elden Ring, especially as FromSoft is the owner. Though the interviews imply Nintendo might have given funding for the game(hence the exclusivity) similar to Bayonetta 2 and forward. Maybe depending on how the game does, that bit may help this game get an appearance? And it'd be the closest thing to Bloodborne in Smash Bros.
---
That aside, this game easily brought some of the best reactions for a Nintendo Direct. Just the way most reactions start quietly watching the first cutscene, then the moment From Software popped up followed by the clocktower and city, they all were trying to hold back so much from immediately calling it Bloodborne 2 and just keep watching all the footage in almost all silence, just waiting for the title drop.
And despite the focus on PvPvE, I'm still pretty interested as I enjoy FromSoft's Souls-like games, especially as lore has been confirmed for the game and I love the lore aspect of FromSoft games.

Let’s hypothetically say we end up getting an Elden ring dlc character in the next smash. I feel duskbloods could still end up being represented with music and maybe a mii costume. I also feel Dark souls would end up getting some music or mii costumes as well.

 

[Will]

At this point, considering the new Smash’s development is in its infancy, I think a Duskbloods rep would be the most prominent FromSoftware choice as of right now.

I even argue that Elden is off the table now in favor of something that isn’t wholly tied to non-gaming mediums. Chosen Undead is probably a stronger contender than Elden character at this stage, in my opinion.

I would at least very much like a stage based on Duskblood if we get nothing playable at all. I feel the same way about Daemon X Machina.

 

[fogbadge]

At this point, considering the new Smash’s development is in its infancy

infancy? we don't even know it's been greenlit

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

If we do get any further first party games this year, my dark horse choice is Luigi's Mansion 4. It would be a short development cycle for Next Level Games after Strikers, though we're close to six years since LM3 and hypothetically it could be that game has been a strong foundation for a sequel built on top of it. 4 wouldn't do 3D Mario or Zelda numbers, but it would be easily strong enough to bolster Nintendo's overall sales in the that last quarter of 2025.

As far as DK's level of goofiness prior to Bananza, it's definitely a case of your mileage my vary. I tended to view him as closer to what Gengar84 has, with a mix of occasional goofball energy tempered with a cool confidence much of the time. The current game going all in on a more emotive/cartoony version of him is absolutely fine, but it does feel like a different setting on the proverbial dial than something like the 1994 SNES release. It's like the characterization of Sonic in something like Black Knight vs that of Colors; neither are wrong nor are a betrayal of the character, just at opposite ends in what they're emphasizing.

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

I wonder when we're due for another Direct besides Mario Kart. They swapped their release cycle into announcing and showcasing games more on their own in the back half of the Switches life, but it seems like the wheel spinning back into motion post covid and us getting three directs in about a month suggests they want to go back to something around 2017-2019 in terms of speed.

I'm approaching any new showcases with a lot of cautious optimism after the pricing announcements, but assuming they still announce their plans for Smash going forward within the first year of the Switch 2's life, I think we'll see a teaser for it around December. Hoping to see Kirby Air Riders gameplay in at least a couple months.

 

[RileyXY1]

My attempt at guesstimations for 2025 and beyond:

Spoiler: 2025

• Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza we know for certain are coming this year in June and July respectively.
• Kirby Air Riders I’d wager will come in December.
• Mario’s 40th Anniversary will be a big celebration, and I can see either a New Super Mario All-Stars OR even a 3D All-Stars Switch 2 Edition drop not long after September. Maybe it’s their way of compromising on no 3D Mario this year?
• Metroid Prime 4 may come later than expected, in August. Pokémon Z-A will clearly take that coveted November slot.

Spoiler: 2026

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will come at latest in February.
• Pikmin 4 is a game I’m confident in will get a Switch 2 Edition, considering how long it took between 3 and 4.
• Super Mario Maker 3 feels like a good bet with or without a 2D Mario port(s). March or April would be my bet to coincide with Movie 2.
• Splatoon 4 might end up fitting well in 2026 after all. With Tomodachi Life, I think there’s less need for Animal Crossing. Maybe a Splatoon 1 port if the Switch is on its last legs.
• With less development time needed for a simple upgrade pack over a remaster, I think Xenoblade 2 could also be in line for a Switch 2 Edition, especially improving QOL and adding an epilogue relating to the series’ future.
• Next Level Games has been quiet since Mario Strikers in 2022. I’d think King Boo has a good shot at appearing in a Mario Movie 2, and Luigi’s Mansion 4 would just make sense at that point.
• WarioWare is likely.
• 3D Mario could come in 2026 if the team is simply split between DK Bananza and 3D Mario.
• Pokémon Gen 10 will undoubtedly come in November 2026.

Spoiler: 2027

• Fire Emblem would come here if it hasn’t already.
• 3D Mario would come here at the latest.
• Smash also feels likely for 2027 now that Air Riders is coming.
• Beyond 2027, I can see new 3D Zelda and 2D Mario as likely candidates, as well as Animal Crossing, Xenoblade 4, etc.

I think that 2027 is too early for Smash unless either it winds up extremely rushed with only a fraction of the content that Ultimate had, or is just a rerelease of Ultimate and not a new game.

 

[Thegameandwatch]

I think that 2027 is too early for Smash unless either it winds up extremely rushed with only a fraction of the content that Ultimate had, or is just a rerelease of Ultimate and not a new game.

One fact is that if it’s 2028 then it would be the same gap as between Brawl to Ultimate. The gap between Sora and 2028 is the same as Melee to Brawl.

I think that’s when Smash 6 is happening since it would be the same amount of time that Ultimate was developed if development starts directly after Kirby Air Riders.

 

[SharkLord]

Hmm... Predictions? I'll bet good money we'll see something big for the later half of the year this summer. Even though E3's gone, it's still tradition to save all the big stuff for June, even towards the end of the Switch's lifespan.

1. For 2025, we know for a fact we have a new Mario Kart, DK, Metroid, and Pokemon, plus some spinoffs and expansions for Zelda and Kirby.
2. We're also due for a new Fire Emblem, and since we don't have any spinoffs or expansions to tide us over, I'd be genuinely shocked if we wen't without a new FE this year
3. I was expecting a new mainline Kirby this year, but it seems we've got Air Riders and the Forgotten Land expansion instead. In that case, I'm expecting a new Kirby for next year. Not sure how I feel about the release gaps going from every two years to every four, though. If only Nintendo was fine with not making everything the same price, we could still see smaller games for $30-40...
4. Pokemon's Gen X is probably either next year or 2027
5. Similarly, Smash 6 is probably a 2027-2028 release, as per the usual pattern
6. My gut feeling is a new Zelda around 2026-2027 too, be it 2D or 3D. I'd imagine Nintendo would want a big 3D Zelda fairly early on, but depending on how they manage it, it could take another 5-6 years to make one, just like with the BotW-TotK gap. In that case, another Grezzo game would be a safer bet.
7. Going off of Splatoon 3's dev cycle, a new Splatoon around 2027 sounds reasonable. Though, given that Splatoon 3 was made during COVID, we might see a faster development, since we're no longer under lockdown. Plus, I'd imagine Nintendo would want to push out one of their biggest online games fairly quickly
8. After that... I dunno. I'm bad with planning ahead like this.

I think we'll see the game get some content in the next Smash, though a character seems less than likely. Also, I know it has the Nintendo connection, but Duskbloods before Dark Souls or Elden Ring? At least with Bayonetta, she's basically Platinum's most recognizable character.

Third-party ATs are probably going to keep expanding, and this seems like a plausible candidate to me. It also seems like a good start towards getting the foot in the door with From, which could lead to one of its bigger IPs showing up later as DLC.

Yeah, Dark Souls defined an entire subgenre, and Elden Ring's success has been absolutely insane. Even so, the fact that FromSoft is making a launch exclusive for the Switch 2 is pretty notable, and I could see that at least opening the door for further negotiations regarding Smash.

 

[Noipoi]

Here’s what I’m thinking

2025: We already know about Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, Metroid, and Pokemon. I also think we’ll get one more big Switch 2 game for the holiday season.

2026-2027: Between these two years I think we’ll see 3D Mario, Smash, Pokémon’s probably gonna drop Gen 10 on their 30th anniversary, and either Animal Crossing or Splatoon 4.

Beyond that: Hell if I know lol

 

[fogbadge]

I wonder when we're due for another Direct besides Mario Kart. They swapped their release cycle into announcing and showcasing games more on their own in the back half of the Switches life, but it seems like the wheel spinning back into motion post covid and us getting three directs in about a month suggests they want to go back to something around 2017-2019 in terms of speed.

I'm approaching any new showcases with a lot of cautious optimism after the pricing announcements, but assuming they still announce their plans for Smash going forward within the first year of the Switch 2's life, I think we'll see a teaser for it around December. Hoping to see Kirby Air Riders gameplay in at least a couple months.

Part of my thinks we won't get another full direct until September. but I imagine we may get a mini, probably an indie showcase and a partner showcase

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

I don't know if Nintendo views the current discourse about the Switch as necessitating a PR fix, but a Direct mini/Partner Showcase in June/July showing of something exciting either by first and/or third parties could make for some decent press at least. Notable third-party ports especially could at least give some a bit more confidence in picking up the console, especially its from series with little or no presence on Nintendo systems.

 

[SharkLord]

I don't know if Nintendo views the current discourse about the Switch as necessitating a PR fix, but a Direct mini/Partner Showcase in June/July showing of something exciting either by first and/or third parties could make for some decent press at least. Notable third-party ports especially could at least give some a bit more confidence in picking up the console, especially its from series with little or no presence on Nintendo systems.

I feel like that was kinda the point of the reveal direct; Showing off the hardcore specs and 9th gen ports like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk, and Street Fighter 6. I think a Summer direct would be better suited to expanding on the first-party reveals and showing off some more exclusives.

Given how strong the backlash to the prices has been, I feel like Nintendo's at least aware of them, and has to consider how much backlash they can take vs the tarrifs. Obviously 20-40% tarrifs will eat into their profits, but so will their playerbase just not buying their games.

 

[HyperSomari64]

What I meant is that he was always pretty chill even when he was being dumb. I think what puts me off on the new version is that he’s so hyper. Maybe surfer dude wasn’t the best analogy but it’s the first thing that came to my mind when thinking “dumb and chill”. Kind of like Michelangelo from the 80’s TMNT cartoon.

now I wanna see a version of that creepy old Mikey animatronic meme but with DK

 

[Ivander]

It'll be very interesting to see what happens after the Switch 2 release and if we'll get a Nintendo Direct for June/July afterwards. Like besides showing some more of Kirby Air Riders, Hyrule Warriors and potentially more Donkey Kong before it's release, I'm certainly interested if they have any surprises they didn't reveal in the Switch 2 Direct(part of it probably because of them showing the specs and features of the Switch 2).

On more Nintendo news, clears throat
We are gathered here today...., to mourn the cancellation of a potential new Nintendo IP, a Retro Studios game and a potential character for Smash Bros.

Spoiler

Yep, apparently Project Harmony, a game that was rumoured to be the game being made by Retro Studios before they went to Metroid Prime 4 has been found among a Switch Devkit leak, which included debug builds for Splatoon 2 and ARMS, an unreleased LEGO game and an unreleased Ridge Racer game. And that's not even the shocking bit.....there's gameplay footage. There's actually gameplay footage.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1jtcjcr/several_switch_dev_builds_has_leaked_from_devkit/

 

[Noipoi]

I think there has to be some kinda presentation in June. Or at least some shadow dropped trailers.

Firstly, I keep mentioning the lack of a Switch 2 holiday game. I think that’ll be addressed.

Secondly, and this is veering into DK Bananza spoilers, but the fact that Nintendo has key art of Pauline/Smalline ready to go means they’re probably gonna reveal her before the game comes out. Likely in another trailer, similar to the second Odyssey trailer that revealed the capture mechanic.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

I think there has to be some kinda presentation in June. Or at least some shadow dropped trailers.

Firstly, I keep mentioning the lack of a Switch 2 holiday game. I think that’ll be addressed.

Secondly, and this is veering into DK Bananza spoilers, but the fact that Nintendo has key art of Pauline/Smalline ready to go means they’re probably gonna reveal her before the game comes out. Likely in another trailer, similar to the second Odyssey trailer that revealed the capture mechanic.

Could Age of Imprisonment not be the Holiday game? I dunno if it is necessarily, but it comes out in Winter and Age of Calamity came out in late November 2020.

 

[dream1ng]

On more Nintendo news, clears throat
We are gathered here today...., to mourn the cancellation of a potential new Nintendo IP, a Retro Studios game and a potential character for Smash Bros.

Spoiler

Yep, apparently Project Harmony, a game that was rumoured to be the game being made by Retro Studios before they went to Metroid Prime 4 has been found among a Switch Devkit leak, which included debug builds for Splatoon 2 and ARMS, an unreleased LEGO game and an unreleased Ridge Racer game. And that's not even the shocking bit.....there's gameplay footage. There's actually gameplay footage.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1jtcjcr/several_switch_dev_builds_has_leaked_from_devkit/

Retro taking the Rare comparisons to heart, tryna make their own Kameo after finishing DK.

Pour one out for who would've been a notable Smash request unless the game had bombed. Which I guess is possible if Nintendo didn't have faith to see it through til the end despite being pretty far in development.

 

[Ivander]

Retro taking the Rare comparisons to heart, tryna make their own Kameo after finishing DK.

Pour one out for who would've been a notable Smash request unless the game had bombed. Which I guess is possible if Nintendo didn't have faith to see it through til the end despite being pretty far in development.

The thing I heard an remember was that it was mainly because they were trying to a musical rhythm/action-like game with the gameplay being music/action-like, but could not figure out how to meld them together or something. And because they look a long time, the game was stopped and they were brought for Metroid Prime 4 after Nintendo wanted them to redevelop Metroid Prime 4.

Granted, it could also be on the shelf in the meantime, especially with how much time there is on the animations, currant models and whatnot. Also when you remember how long Metroid Dread was on the shelf for after their first couple attempts with it before they eventually did Samus Returns with Mercury Steam and realised, "Hey, we can make Metroid Dread work now."

 

[dream1ng]

The thing I heard an remember was that it was mainly because they were trying to a musical rhythm/action-like game with the gameplay being music/action-like, but could not figure out how to meld them together or something. And because they look a long time, the game was stopped and they were brought for Metroid Prime 4 after Nintendo wanted them to redevelop Metroid Prime 4.

Granted, it could also be on the shelf in the meantime, especially with how much time there is on the animations, currant models and whatnot. Also when you remember how long Metroid Dread was on the shelf for after their first couple attempts with it before they eventually did Samus Returns with Mercury Steam and realised, "Hey, we can make Metroid Dread work now."

Tbf I think the only thing actually on the shelf for Dread was the name and the fact that it was 2D, it's not like they continually returned to the same build.

But yeah, Nintendo does often return to ideas years later, and from the limited information we get, I do think they kick around tech demos for a long time sometimes before an actual game comes of it. Dunno to what degree Retro also works that way, but sure, the game may not be dead forever. Though it might also look quite different if it ever surfaces.

I'm sure it'll be right after Raven Blade

 

[Shinuto]

I wonder when we're due for another Direct besides Mario Kart. They swapped their release cycle into announcing and showcasing games more on their own in the back half of the Switches life, but it seems like the wheel spinning back into motion post covid and us getting three directs in about a month suggests they want to go back to something around 2017-2019 in terms of speed.

I'm approaching any new showcases with a lot of cautious optimism after the pricing announcements, but assuming they still announce their plans for Smash going forward within the first year of the Switch 2's life, I think we'll see a teaser for it around December. Hoping to see Kirby Air Riders gameplay in at least a couple months.

Speaking of that direct what could they end it on? The direct has to end with some big reveal...

 

[dream1ng]

I wonder when we're due for another Direct besides Mario Kart. They swapped their release cycle into announcing and showcasing games more on their own in the back half of the Switches life, but it seems like the wheel spinning back into motion post covid and us getting three directs in about a month suggests they want to go back to something around 2017-2019 in terms of speed.

I'm approaching any new showcases with a lot of cautious optimism after the pricing announcements, but assuming they still announce their plans for Smash going forward within the first year of the Switch 2's life, I think we'll see a teaser for it around December. Hoping to see Kirby Air Riders gameplay in at least a couple months.

Summer Direct post-release pre-Bananza seems plausible to me. There's usually a summer something, and it would give an opportunity to establish what the holiday lineup looks like a bit more clearly, both in terms of first and third-parties. Then a fall Direct could further showcase the holiday games while the summer one gives us our better look at Bananza, which, whether in a general Direct or its own, has to be getting further focus.

Air Riders also strikes me as an August/September kinda game. Plus I'll be honest, none of the Prime 4 trailers have been amazing imo, so it would be a good chance to see more of the game if it's not releasing too late in 2025.

Also wouldn't be surprised if that's when we see MK World's first DLC revealed. Unless they do it during the actual MKW direct.

It's also a good opportunity for damage control if the prices, compounded by the tariffs, are truly inhibiting their projections.

I know that might seem a little early to get another big Direct, but I also can't see waiting all the way to the fall, and given history, June/July seems likelier than August.

Speaking of that direct what could they end it on? The direct has to end with some big reveal...

Probably something releasing in the first half of 2026. Most of Nintendo's teams aren't currently accounted for, and are in the window where a reveal could be possible.

Conversely they also probably have at least one or two more notable third-party exclusives cooking. Things are real open-ended right now.

 

[DarthEnderX]

If they added it (it isn't in the game already, is it?) it could be like Macro Zone in Super Mario Land 2 where you go through a tunnel in a hill/mountain that makes you tiny.

Or Tiny-Huge Island in Mario 64, which just uses pipes.

Although, if they're doing that, they might as well make it a fully separate DLC zone and let you explore the entire house and have a bunch of "tiny" tracks in there (probably also GBA Ribbon Road plus a bunch of new ones in other rooms of the house.) I kinda want that now, actually. The verticality of it would make it very distinct for freeroam compared to the rest of the game.

Yep. That sounds awesome actually.

Give us an entire F-Zero cup too. They're already halfway done.

infancy? we don't even know it's been greenlit

 

[SharkLord]

The thing I heard an remember was that it was mainly because they were trying to a musical rhythm/action-like game with the gameplay being music/action-like, but could not figure out how to meld them together or something. And because they look a long time, the game was stopped and they were brought for Metroid Prime 4 after Nintendo wanted them to redevelop Metroid Prime 4.

Granted, it could also be on the shelf in the meantime, especially with how much time there is on the animations, currant models and whatnot. Also when you remember how long Metroid Dread was on the shelf for after their first couple attempts with it before they eventually did Samus Returns with Mercury Steam and realised, "Hey, we can make Metroid Dread work now."

I wonder how they felt when Hi-Fi Rush came out. Hell, after MP4 is finally out, maybe they'll go back to Harmony and use Hi-Fi as a reference point for action-rhythm gameplay, since that's gotten critical acclaim and merged both genres pretty seamlessly

 

[Shinuto]

Summer Direct post-release pre-Bananza seems plausible to me. There's usually a summer something, and it would give an opportunity to establish what the holiday lineup looks like a bit more clearly, both in terms of first and third-parties. Then a fall Direct could further showcase the holiday games while the summer one gives us our better look at Bananza, which, whether in a general Direct or its own, has to be getting further focus.

Air Riders also strikes me as an August/September kinda game. Plus I'll be honest, none of the Prime 4 trailers have been amazing imo, so it would be a good chance to see more of the game if it's not releasing too late in 2025.

Also wouldn't be surprised if that's when we see MK World's first DLC revealed. Unless they do it during the actual MKW direct.

It's also a good opportunity for damage control if the prices, compounded by the tariffs, are truly inhibiting their projections.

I know that might seem a little early to get another big Direct, but I also can't see waiting all the way to the fall, and given history, June/July seems likelier than August.


Probably something releasing in the first half of 2026. Most of Nintendo's teams aren't currently accounted for, and are in the window where a reveal could be possible.

Conversely they also probably have at least one or two more notable third-party exclusives cooking. Things are real open-ended right now.

Uhh it's a Mario kart focused direct...

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

I think there has to be some kinda presentation in June. Or at least some shadow dropped trailers.

Firstly, I keep mentioning the lack of a Switch 2 holiday game. I think that’ll be addressed.

Secondly, and this is veering into DK Bananza spoilers, but the fact that Nintendo has key art of Pauline/Smalline ready to go means they’re probably gonna reveal her before the game comes out. Likely in another trailer, similar to the second Odyssey trailer that revealed the capture mechanic.

This is very convincing logic to me. Makes use of the Summer time slot and increases hype around launch, fills the empty holiday slot we basically always see filled, and incorporates content we know is confirmed one way or another with DK.

Speaking of that direct what could they end it on? The direct has to end with some big reveal...

I imagine they'd announce the Holiday release either first or last depending on how they feel in this hypothetical direct. Could be copium, but a Smash
teaser is definitely on brand to end a show with. Unless you mean the Mario Kart Direct, in which case I think we'll probably see a Season Pass of sorts.

Summer Direct post-release pre-Bananza seems plausible to me. There's usually a summer something, and it would give an opportunity to establish what the holiday lineup looks like a bit more clearly, both in terms of first and third-parties. Then a fall Direct could further showcase the holiday games while the summer one gives us our better look at Bananza, which, whether in a general Direct or its own, has to be getting further focus.

Not sure on a fall Direct tbh. I think they might lay off after a row of Summer announcements and let those releases and 3rd Parties carry them into the new year. Would let any potentially behind releases lock in a couple more months of dev time and they could follow up with a January or February Direct quite easily.

Air Riders also strikes me as an August/September kinda game. Plus I'll be honest, none of the Prime 4 trailers have been amazing imo, so it would be a good chance to see more of the game if it's not releasing too late in 2025.

I think Prime 4 looks fantastic but it does feel like they're choosing not to show a big chunk of what we'd usually see for a game of this scale. That and the release date still just being 2025 is starting to worry me. I do also see Air Riders as an August-September game, although I could also see a world where it gets the Holiday release slot, though it would be kinda weird to see another racing title get top billing after Mario Kart already released.

Also wouldn't be surprised if that's when we see MK World's first DLC revealed. Unless they do it during the actual MKW direct.

I think we'll see them mention DLC during the Direct since this is our one on one showcase with the game. It makes sense to announce it pre release so people can patch up any shortcomings on launch with hopes of future content.

It's also a good opportunity for damage control if the prices, compounded by the tariffs, are truly inhibiting their projections.

True. It'd be ideal to say they might need to scale plans back while they still have a backlog of titles to work on and release.

 

[SMAASH! Puppy]

If they added it (it isn't in the game already, is it?) it could be like Macro Zone in Super Mario Land 2 where you go through a tunnel in a hill/mountain that makes you tiny.
Although, if they're doing that, they might as well make it a fully separate DLC zone and let you explore the entire house and have a bunch of "tiny" tracks in there (probably also GBA Ribbon Road plus a bunch of new ones in other rooms of the house.) I kinda want that now, actually. The verticality of it would make it very distinct for freeroam compared to the rest of the game.

An entire DLC map that's just someone's house. Nathaniel Bandy would explode with hype. lol

 

[dream1ng]

Uhh it's a Mario kart focused direct...

Oh, my bad. "That Direct" referring to the "besides Mario Kart" caveat and not the main part about the next general direct is a little confusing.

Not sure on a fall Direct tbh. I think they might lay off after a row of Summer announcements and let those releases and 3rd Parties carry them into the new year. Would let any potentially behind releases lock in a couple more months of dev time and they could follow up with a January or February Direct quite easily.

It's the console's first holiday on the market, I think they're going to want to remind people why you should pick it up. I mean they do summer and fall Directs in years far less crucial than a console's first. Promoting your holiday games in July and then going "well that's that" for the rest of the year is self-sabotaging given Q4 is the most lucrative.

Plus I think there's only so much of a deep dive Nintendo is going to do with their November/December titles mid-summer.

I think Prime 4 looks fantastic but it does feel like they're choosing not to show a big chunk of what we'd usually see for a game of this scale. That and the release date still just being 2025 is starting to worry me.

Well a lot in the second half is still undated, which I think is just a function of leaving it til later presentations. And I don't think the game will be bad by any means, I just don't think the advertising has been as good as it can be. Like TotK before they actually started showing stuff.

Also I don't think they were going to re-reveal MP4 until they were confident in its ability to hit its release date, given its history. I'm not worried that it will still show up this year.

I do also see Air Riders as an August-September game, although I could also see a world where it gets the Holiday release slot, though it would be kinda weird to see another racing title get top billing after Mario Kart already released.

I mean it's a Kirby spin-off; the only way it would be the big holiday game is if Nintendo were shifting to a new console. Like, it could be the big Switch holiday game. But Switch 2 will have something a little bigger. I mean, Pokemon is already one.

I think we'll see them mention DLC during the Direct since this is our one on one showcase with the game. It makes sense to announce it pre release so people can patch up any shortcomings on launch with hopes of future content.

Announcing it seems possible during the MKW Direct, showing it may not happen til later. Or if they do show something, it'll be very brief/vague.

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

Nintendo Music just updated, and it added the original Luigi's Mansion.

Nice and fitting after we saw it on the list of future games for Gamecube NSO.

3DS version is also shown in the Search menu but it doesn't have any specific tracks listed as far as I can see (since I don't know if that version has any unique music since I didn't play it lol).

 

[Þe 1 → Way]

I mean they do summer and fall Directs in years far less crucial than a console's first. Promoting your holiday games in July and then going "well that's that" for the rest of the year is self-sabotaging given Q4 is the most lucrative.

Plus I think there's only so much of a deep dive Nintendo is going to do with their November/December titles mid-summer.

I don't really see this as the business suicide you seem to think it is. If we get Air Riders and Prime 4 shown off in Summer and given release dates to account for September and August, then with MKW and DKB, that's a major release in the first 4 of the 7 months accounted for in this year without any new titles. Throw in a couple new announcements and a few more Switch 2 Editions of already beloved titles, and I feel like the back three months can be pretty safely stacked in just one direct, with maybe a specialized showcase for whatever the Holiday title is.

Regardless, I'm not saying a Fall Direct is impossible or even unlikely, but I definitely wouldn't categorize not having one as self sabotage.

Well a lot in the second half is still undated, which I think is just a function of leaving it til later presentations. And I don't think the game will be bad by any means, I just don't think the advertising has been as good as it can be. Like TotK before they actually started showing stuff.

Also I don't think they were going to re-reveal MP4 until they were confident in its ability to hit its release date, given its history. I'm not worried that it will still show up this year.

Well said. Reflecting on it more, my concerns might just be a result of Prime 4 not ending up a launch title like I thought it would be.

I mean it's a Kirby spin-off; the only way it would be the big holiday game is if Nintendo were shifting to a new console. Like, it could be the big Switch holiday game. But Switch 2 will have something a little bigger. I mean, Pokemon is already one.

I think labeling Air Riders as just a 'Kirby Spinoff' is a bit of a downplay, even if accurate. The original game being on GameCube was definitely one of the more noteworthy things happening for Kirby at the time given a lot of his mainline releases were on Handheld. Even when looking at the current title, Sakurai described it as a big project and Nintendo considered it worthy enough to close out the big show with. I will concede that Pokemon by far has the bigger audience, but it's also cross gen and might not be what Nintendo wants to put at the forefront of marketing this year. I don't think Air Riders will end up being the Holiday release, but it definitely has more going on than Dream buffet or Fighters 2 did, y'know?

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Nintendo Music just updated, and it added the original Luigi's Mansion.

Nice and fitting after we saw it on the list of future games for Gamecube NSO.

3DS version is also shown in the Search menu but it doesn't have any specific tracks listed as far as I can see (since I don't know if that version has any unique music since I didn't play it lol).

The 3DS version has the same soundtrack. If it did, they wouldn't have included it. It's why Wind Waker HD isn't on there for example. The soundtrack is slightly different.

 

[Dukefire]

Out of all the Luigi Mansion series so far. The original on the Gamecube still scares me.

If Luigi wasn't equipped with the Poltergust 3000 from Prof E Gadd, he will say "Goodnight".

 

[TheFirstPoppyBro]

The 3DS version has the same soundtrack. If it did, they wouldn't have included it. It's why Wind Waker HD isn't on there for example. The soundtrack is slightly different.

Right, I just didn't remember if it had anything new, because I remembered Gooigi was in that game because of E. Gadd time shenanigans (it was technically Gooigi's debut) and I didn't remember if it had like a Scarescraper mode added in or not.

Like in my mind I was like "It wouldn't be here if it had remixed music so that's out, but it may have had some specific music if like Gooigi had a character/introduction theme or something".

 

[DemifiendEnjoyer]

So just for fun I did a thing, What games could be listed on each characters trophy. Rules are I can only do two, And I’m using American regional titles when applicable for the sake of simplicity, Here’s the original 12:

1. Mario, Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Odyssey
2. Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country
3. Link, The Legend Of Zelda and The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
4. Samus, Metroid and Metroid Prime 4
5. Yoshi, Super Mario World and Yoshi’s Wooly World
6. Kirby, Kirby’s Dreamland and Kirby And The Forgotten Land
7. Fox, Star Fox and Star Fox Adventures
8. Pikachu, Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu!
9. Luigi, Mario Bros. and Luigi’s Mansion
10. Ness, Earthbound
11. Captain Falcon, F-Zero and F-Zero GX
12. Jigglypuff, Pokemon Red and Pokemon Green

If you couldn’t tell I had a hard time with Jiggleypuff.

 

[dream1ng]

I don't really see this as the business suicide you seem to think it is. If we get Air Riders and Prime 4 shown off in Summer and given release dates to account for September and August, then with MKW and DKB, that's a major release in the first 4 of the 7 months accounted for in this year without any new titles. Throw in a couple new announcements and a few more Switch 2 Editions of already beloved titles, and I feel like the back three months can be pretty safely stacked in just one direct, with maybe a specialized showcase for whatever the Holiday title is.

Regardless, I'm not saying a Fall Direct is impossible or even unlikely, but I definitely wouldn't categorize not having one as self sabotage.

Not self-sabotage in that if they don't do it the Switch 2 will falter, just that it's standard practice even in less important years, so why would you not advertise the games like you usually do in such a critical time in the system's lifespan, its first holiday on the market? You're forgoing useful marketing.

It doesn't really matter if they don't have that many new reveals, the point is they'd show the stuff that holiday again, show more of it, and help build hype for it. Meanwhile you throw in some stuff coming in 2026 to further incentivize people get the system, and to actually have some new reveals.

Well said. Reflecting on it more, my concerns might just be a result of Prime 4 not ending up a launch title like I thought it would be.

Something to keep in mind is that Nintendo probably has a number of these year 1 games ready, or basically ready, but will stagger their releases throughout the year to ensure a steady release. So even if MP4 might very well be done, they could sit on it just for a better time in the schedule for it to launch.

I think labeling Air Riders as just a 'Kirby Spinoff' is a bit of a downplay, even if accurate. The original game being on GameCube was definitely one of the more noteworthy things happening for Kirby at the time given a lot of his mainline releases were on Handheld.

By virtue of being the only Kirby game on a home console that gen, sure. And it's a good game, but... "main holiday title" it is not. Especially not year one.

Even when looking at the current title, Sakurai described it as a big project

If it's a big project, the main holiday titles are just bigger projects. Higher budget, bigger audiences, more sales.

Also Sakurai is not going to call it a small project, is he? They want to actually sell this game, that makes it sound kinda anemic.

Nintendo considered it worthy enough to close out the big show with.

...it didn't close out the show, DK did. I mean Nintendo revealed all of... like... two new first-party games that aren't casual stuff they wouldn't end the show with, Kirby and DK. Hyrule Warriors was there too, but it was probably nestled within the third-party stuff because in Japan it's published by KT.

I will concede that Pokemon by far has the bigger audience, but it's also cross gen and might not be what Nintendo wants to put at the forefront of marketing this year. I don't think Air Riders will end up being the Holiday release, but it definitely has more going on than Dream buffet or Fighters 2 did, y'know?

Agreed it has more than them. Though I'm not sure that's a super high bar.

Nothing against Air Riders, it's just... Kirby is no Mario, Pokemon, Zelda, Splatoon, AC, Smash, even DK. Things like it, FE, Metroid, Xenoblade, Yoshi, Pikmin, etc. would be the game that complements the "main" holiday game, catering its release around the bigger title, rather than vice versa.