Official Smash Ultimate Discussion

[Mario & Sonic Guy]

He's the first opponent in megaton punch, it's a small role but a role regardless, and then in superstar ultra he's a boss, but he's basically a joke boss who can be defeated in one hit and attacks only by jumping lol.

Bandanna Waddle Dee also served as a joke boss in The Arena, but he was much more resilient against attacks than in Revenge of the King (with the exception of Kirby's Inhale, which can still defeat him instantly).

 

[PLATINUM7]

Yoshi is defeitnly going to get cut because....

Spoiler: Reasoning

He committed tax fraud.

Mmm.... Smash Run would not be bad.
I would prefer Adventure Mode, because I just like how free it was.

Free?

It was the same thing for each character and there was one non linear level.

Compare it with Smash Run where you had some freedom in where you went and enemies were randomised.

Maybe alternate routes would help Adventure Mode. I also wouldn't mind the stat boosts being added to it. I always enjoyed getting heaps of speed boosts in Smash Run and watching characters, even the slow ones, zip around with ease.

 

[Metablaze]

I'm hoping to see Bandana Dee in the Super Smash Bros Switch roster because if you've played him in Smash Flash 2 you would know what I mean.

 

[Camc10]

Well, obviously we'll keep expecting characters that we want to see, and notice elements towards their inclusion that do'nt evne exist to begin with. I'll keep expecting the four horsemen Ridley/K.Rool/Bandana Dee/Waluigi until the end of times!

By the way guys, without necessarily mentioning anyone, of those four characters aforementioned, how many do you think will finally make it as playable this time?

I will say two.

Ill go with 3. Relevance, Ballot, DLC. All 4 of those guys have at least 2 of those 3 reasons to get in.

That's why I hope it isn't like that.... stop capturing replays by just simply putting in the coding.

And since Switch already has an album where you keep screenshots and videos....

This also means Albums won't be needed in game.

So is very safe to speculate is that Album will be removed in the game.

3ds had albums and its own system album

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I think Impa should get in.

But recently, I'm made a theory that Skull Kid of all things, is pretty likely.

Let's go and look at what Skull Kid has going for him.

+ Was an Assist Trophy in Smash 4, showing he has notable popularity and is on Sakurai's radar
+ Had a major role in Majora's Mask 3D, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Had a minor role in Twilight Princess HD, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Was one of the big characters used to advertise Hyrule Warriors Legends and Hyrules Warriors Complete Edition, both games that released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Is very popular as a request and a Zelda character and likely did well on the ballot
+ Easy moveset potential and provides a niche that Smash doesn't have yet both on a gameplay and character level
+ Like Toon Link, he has a design that doesn't clash with Breath of the Wild

Only downsides I can think of are...

- Is not from Breath of the Wild
- Is still a fairly minor character in the Zelda Series
- His popularity has taken a hit in recent years (or his supporters are more quiet rather)





I mean... is my logic faulty here?

I know some people may think remakes mean nothing but...

• Gerudo Valley is a stage on the 3DS version. It's based on Ocarina of Time 3D.
• Pokemon Trainer takes his design from Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Pokemon Trainer was likely chosen due to Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Shadow Moses Island takes the design from Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

I think Skull Kid has a good shot this time guys.

 

[Guybrush20X6]

sees thread title

Posers. I was counting down to E3 back in February.

 

[Deleted member]

I think Impa should get in.

But recently, I'm made a theory that Skull Kid of all things, is pretty likely.

Let's go and look at what Skull Kid has going for him.

+ Was an Assist Trophy in Smash 4, showing he has notable popularity and is on Sakurai's radar
+ Had a major role in Majora's Mask 3D, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Had a minor role in Twilight Princess HD, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Was one of the big characters used to advertise Hyrule Warriors Legends and Hyrules Warriors Complete Edition, yes remakes count
+ Is very popular as a request and a Zelda character and likely did well on the ballot
+ Easy moveset potential and provides a niche that Smash doesn't have yet both on a gameplay and character level
+ Like Toon Link, he has a design that doesn't clash with Breath of the Wild

Only downsides I can think of are...

- Is not from Breath of the Wild
- Is still a fairly minor character in the Zelda Series
- His popularity has taken a hit in recent years (or his supporters are more quiet rather)





I mean... is my logic faulty here?

I know some people may think remakes mean nothing but...

• Gerudo Valley is a stage on the 3DS version. It's based on Ocarina of Time 3D.
• Pokemon Trainer takes his design from Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Pokemon Trainer was likely chosen due to Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Shadow Moses Island takes the design from Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

I think Skull Kid has a good shot this time guys.

Broken Image.
Also going to tag NintenRob because he would like this.

I would not mind Skull Kid and I think your logic is right. However, I think the BOTW champions or some other BOTW character will be a priority, and then maybe Skull Kid. Either way, good job.

 

[Cyn]

sees thread title

Posers. I was counting down to E3 back in February.

I can only do so much!!!

 

[Bradli Wartooth]

I think Impa should get in.

But recently, I'm made a theory that Skull Kid of all things, is pretty likely.

Let's go and look at what Skull Kid has going for him.

+ Was an Assist Trophy in Smash 4, showing he has notable popularity and is on Sakurai's radar
+ Had a major role in Majora's Mask 3D, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Had a minor role in Twilight Princess HD, a game released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Was one of the big characters used to advertise Hyrule Warriors Legends and Hyrules Warriors Complete Edition, both games that released in the Post Smash 4 and Pre Smash 5 period, yes remakes count
+ Is very popular as a request and a Zelda character and likely did well on the ballot
+ Easy moveset potential and provides a niche that Smash doesn't have yet both on a gameplay and character level
+ Like Toon Link, he has a design that doesn't clash with Breath of the Wild

Only downsides I can think of are...

- Is not from Breath of the Wild
- Is still a fairly minor character in the Zelda Series
- His popularity has taken a hit in recent years (or his supporters are more quiet rather)





I mean... is my logic faulty here?

I know some people may think remakes mean nothing but...

• Gerudo Valley is a stage on the 3DS version. It's based on Ocarina of Time 3D.
• Pokemon Trainer takes his design from Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Pokemon Trainer was likely chosen due to Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green.
• Shadow Moses Island takes the design from Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

I think Skull Kid has a good shot this time guys.

While she makes appearances in less games overall, I think we could share at least several of those reasons for MIdna as well.
-AT in Smash 4
-Decently popular
-Could have a cool gimmick with Wolf Link
-(Obviously) A very major role in Twilight Princess/TPHD
-Has been in Hyrule Warriors since the very start of it, and received a full alternate character within the game
-Due to her imp design, she wouldn't clash with BotW appearances
-While Midna just got the helmet through DLC, Wolf Link has been in BotW since the start

The downsides are basically the same as Skull Kid.

Either one would be really cool, but I'd prefer Midna personally.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

While she makes appearances in less games overall, I think we could share at least several of those reasons for MIdna as well.
-AT in Smash 4
-Decently popular
-Could have a cool gimmick with Wolf Link
-(Obviously) A very major role in Twilight Princess/TPHD
-Has been in Hyrule Warriors since the very start of it, and received a full alternate character within the game
-Due to her imp design, she wouldn't clash with BotW appearances
-While Midna just got the helmet through DLC, Wolf Link has been in BotW since the start

The downsides are basically the same as Skull Kid.

Either one would be really cool, but I'd prefer Midna personally.

That's a fair point.

At this point, I think Midna and Skull Kid could be dark horse candidates.

 

[Deleted member]

My biggest issues with people who usually want Rex and Pyra are that they claim that no one from ARMS can get in because the game is new. Blind to their own wants

Tbf Xenoblade 2 has been in development since 2014. It's entirely possible Sakurai was made aware of Rex & Pyra when development started. ARMs is also a new franchise, and Mr. Yabuki has said that he thinks the series is too young to get a character in Smash. We've seen Sakurai's wait and see approach to new franchises before, with series like Splatoon and Pikmin. The situations aren't similar at all, although I think we'll get both of them as DLC if they're excluded from the base roster (with Spring Man being extremely likely for that imo).

_____

My personal dark horse for a Zelda newcomer is Midna & Wolf Link. From what I can tell she's fairly popular among Zelda fans which would've shown on the ballot, she was an AT in Smash 4, and TP HD's timing was perfect, releasing in March 2016 only a little bit after development likely started. Hyrule Warriors obviously helps too, but that can be said for any Zelda character. Then she has the benefit of being a quadraped without the grab problems since she'd just use her hair, so she'd be pretty unique on that front alone.

Edit: Lol everyone else started talking about this before I posted

 

[Guybrush20X6]

Midna and Skull Kid could make the jump from Assist Trophy to Character.

Wouldn't put money on it but then again I am still broke from my crippling amiibo habit.

 

[Bradli Wartooth]

Midna and Skull Kid could make the jump from Assist Trophy to Character.

Wouldn't put money on it but then again I am still broke from my crippling amiibo habit.

I had broken my horrible Amiibo purchasing addiction, but Nintendo/IS bamboozled me with Fire Emblem Heroes. Still trying to recover from that...

 

[Jak_spoon]

If any Zelda characters should get in it should be Midna and Skull Kid. Everyone else are fads.

 

[Wyoming]

Never bought an amiibo. The price for one was absurd and scalping made it worse.

 

[Bradli Wartooth]

I got rid of most of my amiibo, only keeping the important ones. 2 Mega Mans (One boxed, one unboxed), Wolf Link/Midna, Chibi Robo, Shulk, and the green Inkling Squid. I had way more than that at one point, though.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

3rd party characters are apart of Smash now whether you like it or not. They bring a certain amount of hype and excitement with a range of reactions.

There’s the:

• God Tier: Sonic and Megaman who were heavily requested and desired by Smash fans across the board prior to their inclusions. Their appearance created large amounts of hype and paved the way for more 3rd party characters.
• WTF Tier: Characters such as Snake and Cloud who not only brought in insane amount of hype but also controversy in that “Where they ever in a Nintendo game?” Like Sonic and Mega Man, they changed how we think about 3rd party inclusions.
• NO DUH Tier: only one character fits this their and that’s Pac-Man. They were very likely 3rd party candidates before their inclusion and various sources such as Pac-Man’s Namco-Bandai helping with development and numerous leaks.
• Midzone Tier: These Characters I would be Ryu and Bayonetta whoose inclusions make sense in the grand scheme of things but they weren’t considered likely prior to their inclusion for a number of reasons. But not Snake/Cloud Tier. They also brought a certain amount of hype but nothing like a Sonic/Mega Man.

I imagine theirs other tiers to discover and these are obviously my own observations on both the games and fan base. That being said, where do you think other 3rd party characters fit in? Which ones will bring God-Tier hype or which ones are the most likely? Here’s some potential 3rd party characters of the top of my head:

• Rayman
• Doomguy
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Shovel Knight
• Dovakin (Elder Scrolls)
• Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)
• Shantae
• Crash Bandicoot
• Spyro
• Ryu Hayabusa
• Dante
• Phoenix Wright
• Professor Layton
• Jin Kazuma
• KOS-MOS
• Master Chief
• Steve (Minecraft)
• Lara Croft
• Travis Touchdown

 

[TumblrFamous]

While she makes appearances in less games overall, I think we could share at least several of those reasons for MIdna as well.
-AT in Smash 4
-Decently popular
-Could have a cool gimmick with Wolf Link
-(Obviously) A very major role in Twilight Princess/TPHD
-Has been in Hyrule Warriors since the very start of it, and received a full alternate character within the game
-Due to her imp design, she wouldn't clash with BotW appearances
-While Midna just got the helmet through DLC, Wolf Link has been in BotW since the start

The downsides are basically the same as Skull Kid.

Either one would be really cool, but I'd prefer Midna personally.

That's a fair point.

At this point, I think Midna and Skull Kid could be dark horse candidates.

I agree with both of you.

I think Midna and Skull Kid are likely candidates, and Impa is pretty overestimated.

Now I'm a huge fan of Midna, but what do we think about Ganon? Is that too much of a stretch as well?

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Is that too much of a stretch as well?

Yes.

And on a personal level, the idea of a standalone Ganon is kind of lame.

 

[PLATINUM7]

sees thread title

Posers. I was counting down to E3 back in February.

Real fans start counting down the second the previous one ends.

 

[NintenRob]

Broken Image.
Also going to tag NintenRob because he would like this.

I would not mind Skull Kid and I think your logic is right. However, I think the BOTW champions or some other BOTW character will be a priority, and then maybe Skull Kid. Either way, good job.

Why thank you

I agree with most of the points given as well as a few of my own

The impact and cult status of Majora's Mask
Skull Kid seemingly being a favourite of Aonuma, the mask was the first DLC armour decided on for BOTW.
Nintendo actually recognising it's popularity and cult status with the game receiving far more references and nods in recent years, most of the mask and Skull Kid. Even Monster Hunter had a Skull Kid outfit.

 

[Deleted member]

And on a personal level, the idea of a standalone Ganon is kind of lame.

THANK YOU.
I never liked the idea of another standalone pig looking Ganondorf.
I think one Ganondorf is fine.
Before you say "Doctor Mario", another standalone pig looking Ganondorf is not my cup of tea.

 

[Danpal65]

3rd party characters are apart of Smash now whether you like it or not. They bring a certain amount of hype and excitement with a range of reactions.

There’s the:

• God Tier: Sonic and Megaman who were heavily requested and desired by Smash fans across the board prior to their inclusions. Their appearance created large amounts of hype and paved the way for more 3rd party characters.
• WTF Tier: Characters such as Snake and Cloud who not only brought in insane amount of hype but also controversy in that “Where they ever in a Nintendo game?” Like Sonic and Mega Man, they changed how we think about 3rd party inclusions.
• NO DUH Tier: only one character fits this their and that’s Pac-Man. They were very likely 3rd party candidates before their inclusion and various sources such as Pac-Man’s Namco-Bandai helping with development and numerous leaks.
• Midzone Tier: These Characters I would be Ryu and Bayonetta whoose inclusions make sense in the grand scheme of things but they weren’t considered likely prior to their inclusion for a number of reasons. But not Snake/Cloud Tier. They also brought a certain amount of hype but nothing like a Sonic/Mega Man.

I imagine theirs other tiers to discover and these are obviously my own observations on both the games and fan base. That being said, where do you think other 3rd party characters fit in? Which ones will bring God-Tier hype or which ones are the most likely? Here’s some potential 3rd party characters of the top of my head:

• Rayman
• Doomguy
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Shovel Knight
• Dovakin (Elder Scrolls)
• Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)
• Shantae
• Crash Bandicoot
• Spyro
• Ryu Hayabusa
• Dante
• Phoenix Wright
• Professor Layton
• Jin Kazuma
• KOS-MOS
• Master Chief
• Steve (Minecraft)
• Lara Croft
• Travis Touchdown

I could see characters like Banjo bringing crazy levels of hype to the older Nintendo crowd and someone like Steve being hype inducing to the younger crowd.

Personally my bets are on someone like Sora being a big 3rd party for this game. I feel that he would be a God Tier WTF character who probably could not be matched by anyone.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Sepaking of Classic Ganon, how do you guys feel about his chances? Cause it is hard to form an in-depth stances on his chances, and I have written my RTC analysis of him too many times. The key question I have is what factors will aid him into Ganon being considered by Sakurai.

 

[TumblrFamous]

Yes.

And on a personal level, the idea of a standalone Ganon is kind of lame.

I like the idea of Ganon. But if anything, I'd be pretty pressed if they added a Ganon(dorf) without changing the current Ganondorf we have now.

 

[Bradli Wartooth]

Pig Ganon has always felt kinda uninteresting to me. I get why people want him, but I'm just not a fan. I'd rather get a Midna or Skull Kid than another alternate version of an existing character (Sheik/Zelda, Link/Toon Link)

 

[Imadethistoseealeak]

Sepaking of Classic Ganon, how do you guys feel about his chances? Cause it is hard to form an in-depth stances on his chances, and I have written my RTC analysis of him too many times. The key question I have is what factors will aid him into Ganon being considered by Sakurai.

I feel as if I've said this earlier on this thread...but Ganon honestly feels like a character concept made up for the sake of a Zelda rep. I understand that obviously the character does exist, but I think if Zelda received frequent newcomers, Smash speculation wouldn't being pushing Ganon as hard as a character that is technically relevant. Impa makes more sense than Ganon, and as people just pointed out a lot of Impa hype also comes from Zelda being underrepresented.

 

[YoshiandToad]

3rd party characters are apart of Smash now whether you like it or not. They bring a certain amount of hype and excitement with a range of reactions.

There’s the:

• God Tier: Sonic and Megaman who were heavily requested and desired by Smash fans across the board prior to their inclusions. Their appearance created large amounts of hype and paved the way for more 3rd party characters.
• WTF Tier: Characters such as Snake and Cloud who not only brought in insane amount of hype but also controversy in that “Where they ever in a Nintendo game?” Like Sonic and Mega Man, they changed how we think about 3rd party inclusions.
• NO DUH Tier: only one character fits this their and that’s Pac-Man. They were very likely 3rd party candidates before their inclusion and various sources such as Pac-Man’s Namco-Bandai helping with development and numerous leaks.
• Midzone Tier: These Characters I would be Ryu and Bayonetta whoose inclusions make sense in the grand scheme of things but they weren’t considered likely prior to their inclusion for a number of reasons. But not Snake/Cloud Tier. They also brought a certain amount of hype but nothing like a Sonic/Mega Man.

I imagine theirs other tiers to discover and these are obviously my own observations on both the games and fan base. That being said, where do you think other 3rd party characters fit in? Which ones will bring God-Tier hype or which ones are the most likely? Here’s some potential 3rd party characters of the top of my head:

• Rayman
• Doomguy
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Shovel Knight
• Dovakin (Elder Scrolls)
• Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)
• Shantae
• Crash Bandicoot
• Spyro
• Ryu Hayabusa
• Dante
• Phoenix Wright
• Professor Layton
• Jin Kazuma
• KOS-MOS
• Master Chief
• Steve (Minecraft)
• Lara Croft
• Travis Touchdown

From your list, at least in the west:

God Tier: Lara Croft, Crash Bandicoot and Spyro(The ACTUAL Playstation All Stars), Banjo-Kazooie(at least amongst Nintendo fans of the 64 period)

WTF Tier(expanding to sucker punch picks): Master Chief, Dante, Scorpion, Dovakin, Doomguy, Steve, Jin(mostly because Heichachi seems to be the more obvious choice)

No DUH Tier: Rayman(Rabbids who were once a part of his universe teamed up with Mario lately, random trophy in Smash For, was published by Nintendo)

Midzone Tier: Travis, Shovel Knight, Shantae, Layton, Phoenix Wright, Ryu Hayabusa

I don't actually know KOS-MOS so I left them out.

I think Bomberman would possibly end up in Midzone and a second Sonic character would probably generate far more hype than anyone not in God Tier.

 

[Opossum]

I don't understand the Celica following at all. I mean haven't we seen that remakes don't determine anything/increase anyone's chances. I get that it was a remake that was a long time coming but after getting so much up to date FE in the last smash I think were just going to not get any cuts or additions.

That being said I know know spin offs don't determine or increase characters chances but Pokemon Go came out right when Sakurai was making the list right? That had to have put Pokemon/1 Gen on his mind. Right?

- The timing is perfect. SoV entered development right in mid-2015, and was meant to release in late 2016 before it got delayed
- Sakurai is very close to Intellient Systems so he definitely knew about it, I'd wager.
- Fire Emblem 16 recently passed the "450 days since the announcement" mark with nothing to show for it, meaning it was likely incredibly early in development when it was announced, so it was way too late for the base roster.
- Like with Chrom vs Robin, Celica offers a lot more obvious potential than her costar Alm. Her magic costs more health the more powerful the spell is, making her a strategic glass cannon powerhouse (essentially being a version of Pichu with an actual payoff).
- Even before SoV, she was decently popular despite being a character from one of the least played games (her CYL1 rating placed her a little past the top 100 out of 800 or so options, making her the most voted Gaiden character). Though too late to factor in, her placement as the highest voted female character in CYL2 corroborates her popularity.
- Remakes have factored in in the past. Pokémon Trainer was conveniently added after FireRed and LeafGreen and took his design from those games, and Sakurai said he would've given Marth his Shadow Dragon appearance in Brawl had he known earlier. Plus Gerudo Valley 3DS. Add in the fact that for most of the world SoV WAS a new game, and I think this is a non-issue.

She's far from a guarantee, but she's also not a character to write off so easily.

 

[MoonlitIllusion]

- The timing is perfect. SoV entered development right in mid-2015, and was meant to release in late 2016 before it got delayed
- Sakurai is very close to Intellient Systems so he definitely knew about it, I'd wager.
- Fire Emblem 16 recently passed the "450 days since the announcement" mark with nothing to show for it, meaning it was likely incredibly early in development when it was announced, so it was way too late for the base roster.
- Like with Chrom vs Robin, Celica offers a lot more obvious potential than her costar Alm. Her magic costs more health the more powerful the spell is, making her a strategic glass cannon powerhouse (essentially being a version of Pichu with an actual payoff).
- Even before SoV, she was decently popular despite being a character from one of the least played games (her CYL1 rating placed her a little past the top 100 out of 800 or so options, making her the most voted Gaiden character). Though too late to factor in, her placement as the highest voted female character in CYL2 corroborates her popularity.
- Remakes have factored in in the past. Pokémon Trainer was conveniently added after FireRed and LeafGreen and took his design from those games, and Sakurai said he would've given Marth his Shadow Dragon appearance in Brawl had he known earlier. Plus Gerudo Valley 3DS. Add in the fact that for most of the world SoV WAS a new game, and I think this is a non-issue.

She's far from a guarantee, but she's also not a character to write off so easily.

I feel like being from a remake kinda helps celica, in the sense that she already has a game out so being from an unreleased game is less of a big deal like with rex.

 

[Gumzilla]

I don't see Ganon happening. With Ganondorf at least he's a reasonable size. But looking at Ganon through many of his appearences.

I'm afraid the only two who are at a reasonable size are......

 

[mario123007]

Smash 4 actually used assets from Brawl as well, maybe not to the extent that some speculate it to be with Smash Switch, but it still wasn't made from the ground up either.

Also, the reason Sakurai gives for deciding the roster early is actually because making any changes to the roster afterwards affects workloads and production costs. Even a game that reuses assets like a port would still have to take those into account, so it likely wouldn't change his mindset on the matter.

Let's just Smash Switch will probably be nearly the same as Smash 4, but just with some minor changes on some characters.

And when it comes to deciding roster early, we don't know how early he creates the roster for Smash Switch. Safe bet is 2016, and that's not really that too far off from XC2 going mid development (Started in 2014)

 

[Pazzo.]

I fear the title is caught in a time loop, and it may be terminal.

How many days out until E3?

 

[Icedragonadam]

I wonder if Smash Switch's new boss is Crazy Core. Wonder what forms that will take.

 

[Opossum]

I wonder if Smash Switch's new boss is Crazy Core. Wonder what forms that will take.

Each form is based on a different Labo Toy-Con.

 

[Radical Bones]

Banjo-Kazooie would bring me an absolute God-level of hype and I know a few people around my age would agree. Microsoft could really benefit from allowing both BK and Steve into Smash.

I'd like to see Rayman and Crash in the game too.

It's still so weird to me that Rayman got trophies but no character.

 

[Gumzilla]

I wonder if Smash Switch's new boss is Crazy Core. Wonder what forms that will take.

Crazy Giant
Crazy Beast
Crazy Edges
Crazy Shadow
Crazy Fortess

 

[Arcanir]

Let's just Smash Switch will probably be nearly the same as Smash 4, but just with some minor changes on some characters.

And when it comes to deciding roster early, we don't know how early he creates the roster for Smash Switch. Safe bet is 2016, and that's not really that too far off from XC2 going mid development (Started in 2014)

The thing is we can't say that as we don't really know that. We assume that's the case due to rumors and such, but nothing says that Sakurai and his team didn't go back and redo assets and other such things while he was at it. We already know Link is getting a BotW update for instance, so if other characters follow suit and/or he decides to add new modes or features like Smash Run or SSE, then that's a lot of time and resources being spent and things that are going to separate this game from Smash 4.

That's not to say it can't be Smash 4 with minor changes, but I'd be wary of that conclusion when the information we have on the matter is sparse.

 

[Jak_spoon]

- The timing is perfect. SoV entered development right in mid-2015, and was meant to release in late 2016 before it got delayed
- Sakurai is very close to Intellient Systems so he definitely knew about it, I'd wager.
- Fire Emblem 16 recently passed the "450 days since the announcement" mark with nothing to show for it, meaning it was likely incredibly early in development when it was announced, so it was way too late for the base roster.
- Like with Chrom vs Robin, Celica offers a lot more obvious potential than her costar Alm. Her magic costs more health the more powerful the spell is, making her a strategic glass cannon powerhouse (essentially being a version of Pichu with an actual payoff).
- Even before SoV, she was decently popular despite being a character from one of the least played games (her CYL1 rating placed her a little past the top 100 out of 800 or so options, making her the most voted Gaiden character). Though too late to factor in, her placement as the highest voted female character in CYL2 corroborates her popularity.
- Remakes have factored in in the past. Pokémon Trainer was conveniently added after FireRed and LeafGreen and took his design from those games, and Sakurai said he would've given Marth his Shadow Dragon appearance in Brawl had he known earlier. Plus Gerudo Valley 3DS. Add in the fact that for most of the world SoV WAS a new game, and I think this is a non-issue.

She's far from a guarantee, but she's also not a character to write off so easily.

Sounds like Sceptile to me. Not only that, FE got such a hay day last game and honestly there isnt that much moveset potential to pull from. Making a FE character requires creativity which you could use on other series.

 

[Bowserlick]

The new Zelda character may have already been revealed. Breath of the Wild Link.