Official Smash Ultimate Discussion

[NonSpecificGuy]

And Young Link doesn't?

At least, Wild Link would do some stuff other Links won't do. Young Link, on the other hand, is a Link clone.

I strictly said tolerate. I wouldn't be happy with it but at least he's a veteran. I would prefer that neither of them get in.

Young Link is at least a veteran so bringing him back is more so for his fans rather than "Welp out of ideas"

Yeah, basically this.

 

[Curious Villager]

I think an angel just coughed.

Pit really only got some of his specials changed as far as I know (Maybe a few other attacks here and there too). Nothing completely drastic like Link suddenly using a moveset entirely based off Breath of the Wild.

 

[ItsMeBrandon]

If they did bring back Young Link, then I'd want to see a major moveset update. It's true he's a veteran, but the fact he's been only a semi-clone so far means that as long as his moveset were to stay the same, I'd rather we get BotW Link instead because of his unique moveset potential. That's just my two cents.

And yeah, I'm surprised at how seldom the Smash games make reference to Epona. It'd be cool to see the games do a little more with her.

 

[Luminario]

I think an angel just coughed.

How much of Pit's moveset was changed though? The specials and FS are all I can think of, and even then B still shoots an controllable arrow and down B is still a defensive shield/reflector.

On the topic of BotW, it's a shame there's no clear choice for a BotW newcomer. Link and Zelda are already established fighters, the Champions are all equal so you can't exactly pick one, Impa's an old lady, and bringing in Wild Link would bring about complaints of there being too many Links in the game. I'd say we'll likely get a ton of non-fighter content from BotW instead.

They shouldn't being back Young Link though. He was replaced by Toon Link, and we have no idea if transformations will return so we can't exactly say a Majora's Mask moveset overhaul would even work. Even if transformations did return, I'd rather we get multiple different characters rather than 4 movesets of Regular, Deku, Zora, and Goron Link. It's just not practical.

 

[AwesomeAussie27]

A Champion > Wild Link

Sure he's the main character, but that means we would need Odyssey Mario too.

 

[Ura]

And Young Link doesn't?

At least, Wild Link would do some stuff other Links won't do. Young Link, on the other hand, is a Link clone.

With Young Link you can incorporate all sorts of Majora's Mask elements in to his moveset to make him hardly anything like the other Links.

Standard Link can just incorporate some of BoTW Link's moves in to his moveset. Almost like how Mario's moveset in Brawl was slightly rehauled to incorporate Sunshine.

 

[GolisoPower]

With Young Link you can incorporate all sorts of Majora's Mask elements in to his moveset to make him hardly anything like the other Links.

I agree with you there. Maybe we can also give him his ocarina and have it give him a different buff every time it plays. The buffs would cycle through, similarly to Olimar's Pikmin.

 

[NintenRob]

Personally I'd pick Skull Kid as next Zelda newcomer but thats just me.

To me, Skull Kid has two very stiff competition to keep him from getting in.

Impa and Tingle.

Both characters are more recurring tham he is.

Impa has one obstacle to overcome and that's her inconsistency in the Zelda series. Her most common appearance is an elderly lady that is not suited for smash.

Tingle debuted in the same game as Skull Kid and went on to have more appearances with a pretty consistent design. But his main obstacle is that he is incredibly unpopular. His inclusion could cause riots. Plus aside from his occasional own game (which did poorly), he has never been that important.

Skull Kid main obstacle is that he isn't as recurring as other characters, but he is recurring. The Majora's Mask has popped up a lot recently, it was even the first Mask decided on for DLC in Breath of the Wild. Its even showing up in Monster Hunter (specifically paired with Skull Kids hat). The Majora's Mask is a very iconic part of Zelda, probably more iconic than Impa and Tingle.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Breath of the Wild Link can easily become the next Zelda character. He can have variety of movements and ways to interact with the stage to reflect the open, expanse world exploration in his latest game.

Spoiler

B Magnesis: Creates a magenta arc of magnetic power that curves into the floor. While holding B, Link can push around a mound of dirt/terrain which can pop enemies up. After a set time of using the attack, a treasure chest pops out. (This has KO potential). Whoever gets to the chest first and presses A, opens it and gets a Guardian sword. (This sword has similar properties to the beam sword and can be thrown).

Side B Stamina Wheel: When side B is used Link can run even faster in a direction, scale walls and glide on his parasol in the air. A small stamina wheel appears above Link that drains. After depletion, it takes awhile to regenerate.

Down B Weapon Switch: Link can toggle between a spear, warhammer and sword. This changes Smashes (all forward Smashes are the weapon charged attacks in the game), tilts, and some aerials such as Down A (which are all the jump attacks in the game). Weapons can break and have a refresh time. If all break, all regenerate instantly.

Up B Lord of the Mountain: Link mounts the spirit stag as it leaps in an arc. The stag can pop people up like Wario's bike if it collides with them. When the stag lands on the floor, you can charge left and right. Press of A shoots off an ancient arrow. If you jump off the stag, it vanishes. This does not give great recovery distance and Link cannot grab the ledge while mounted. Link has lag if he is knocked off.

Down Smash can be lighting a fire. This creates a current of air that can push anyone using a parasol/parachute upwards. The fire itself is a damaging hazard.

Neutral A and Neutral Aerial A both fire an arrow. Both can be held.

Dash is shield surfing.

All these Sheikah Slate abilities could easily be given to Impa. Same as how Rosalina uses a couple of moves Mario used, and creative liberty as in adding Luma.

Link wouldn't be Link without his trademark moveset. A few moves could be changed, but Link already gained new moves in Smash 4. I think it's unlikely he will get new moves.

Of course this is all based on my personal opinion and personal preferences in choice and respect for the original moves of Link.

Impa is best choice but she can also be a semi clone, which I wouldn't mind as long as she gets in. Skull Kid can also get in as unique character

 

[Swamp Sensei]

With Young Link you can incorporate all sorts of Majora's Mask elements in to his moveset to make him hardly anything like the other Links.

People keep saying this.

We got rid of transformation characters, adding another will simply not happen.

Unless you are saying he only uses a mask for a few attacks but that seems bonkers and not in a good way.

 

[NintenRob]

People keep saying this.

We got rid of transformation characters, adding another will simply not happen.

Unless you are saying he only uses a mask for a few attacks but that seems bonkers and not in a good way.

I agree, and this is someone who would love Masked Link with Deku, Zora and Goron Link. The most we'll ever get though is Young Link coming back for some reason unchanged with a Fierce Deity Final Smash.

Maybe Hyrule Warriors can add more masks for him in the next one.

 

[PeridotGX]

People keep saying this.

We got rid of transformation characters, adding another will simply not happen.

Unless you are saying he only uses a mask for a few attacks but that seems bonkers and not in a good way.

Has it been confirmed that Transformations weren't just removed because the 3ds couldn't handle it? If not, I could see them putting a new one in, albeit much more balanced so one doesn't kill of the other ala /. The only examples I can think of them adding are Lycanroc and maybe reintroducing Tetra/Toon Zelda from the Forbidden 7.

 

[Staarih]

Yeah, I bet transformation characters are back on the table once we continue on from the 3DS. That said, I doubt any past transformation characters like ZSS and Sheik would revert back to that. But a new Pokemon Trainer or something? Maybe. With better tech, who knows what skills new characters could have.

 

[Diddy Kong]

People keep saying this.

We got rid of transformation characters, adding another will simply not happen.

Unless you are saying he only uses a mask for a few attacks but that seems bonkers and not in a good way.

Am also not for this. Surely they can make a Young Link moveset based on Majora's Mask without all these transformations, and just a regular semi-clone as Toon Link. I don't want a cluster **** moveset for Young Link. If you wanna incorperate a mask into a moveset, just choose Skull Kid instead.

 

[NintenRob]

With Skull Kid, I'd basically just want him to use Majora's Powers, and maybe the Oot flute and TP puppets

 

[Verde Coeden Scalesworth]

Has it been confirmed that Transformations weren't just removed because the 3ds couldn't handle it? If not, I could see them putting a new one in, albeit much more balanced so one doesn't kill of the other ala /. The only examples I can think of them adding are Lycanroc and maybe reintroducing Tetra/Toon Zelda from the Forbidden 7.

Tetra was never among the Forbidden 7. It was blatantly and intentionally a toon clone of Sheik. In the end, yes, Sakurai probably would've eliminated the clone idea and went for Tetra, but that depends if he had the time. We have the facts, and there is nothing whatsoever to suggest Tetra was ever even considered once for Brawl. The file name specifically says Toon Sheik for a reason, and it's pretty blatant what it was. It was pretty clearly just a straight clone of the duo, just like Toon Link is for Link(with mostly aesthetic chances and a few effect changes, rarely any move differences otherwise). Tetra had no actual real moves until Hyrule Warriors anyway, so her potential was less than a clone of a character with an actual moveset. It made sense what he went with as an idea, being clones were easy padding to a roster.

--------------

Anyway, Tingle, Impa, and Moblin Ganon are currently the most viable options we have. Sakurai has shown he really doesn't take one-shot characters into account unless they're the Triforce Trio, and he clearly considers recurring characters to be a lot more important. I wouldn't even put any of these 3 with a very good chance either. Impa is entirely inconsistent design-wise and he couldn't even be bothered to mention her fully till Smash 4 with just some trophies. He blatantly has ignored Moblin Ganon since forever(he hasn't had a trophy or sticker, with at best a song referencing one of his battles). Tingle's bigger issue is creating a fun moveset(compared to the other 2), but notably still has a large hatebase(not as large as it once was, due to Hyrule Warriors as well as not shoehorning him into Zelda games with poor roles like WW did), enough to make him unlikely.

Zelda newcomers don't have a large chance at this point. In addition, besides Tingle(who he spoke on), all we've seen so far is the Toon Zelda/Toon Sheik information, and being he already incorporated Toon Zelda's only unique gimmick into regular Zelda, they're likely eliminated as ideas. For the most part, Tingle is about the only candidate that hasn't been entirely eliminated but at least thought on. We can hope others were considered, but there's nothing to really suggest that is the case.

 

[NintenRob]

I just had a thought, does anyone want to start up the "rate their chances" thread again from Smash 4 hype train? I had loads of fun with that and I'm pretty sure it was quite popular, and gave us a good idea on what Smashboards wanted.

I'd do it myself, but I don't have that sort of commitment.

 

[Kirby Dragons]

In general, I'm against multiple versions of the same character.

 

[Curious Villager]

I just had a thought, does anyone want to start up the "rate their chances" thread again from Smash 4 hype train? I had loads of fun with that and I'm pretty sure it was quite popular, and gave us a good idea on what Smashboards wanted.

I'd do it myself, but I don't have that sort of commitment.

Probably for the best to wait until the game actually gets announced so we know whether we are actually dealing with a port or a brand new game as well as getting a good idea on when approximately development started/game's coming out. As a lot can change between now and whenever the Switch game comes out.

Just my two cents on that...

 

[Kirby Dragons]

I just had a thought, does anyone want to start up the "rate their chances" thread again from Smash 4 hype train? I had loads of fun with that and I'm pretty sure it was quite popular, and gave us a good idea on what Smashboards wanted.

I'd do it myself, but I don't have that sort of commitment.

There's absolutely no reason to do it until Smash is actually announced. We need actual new information so it's not just the same as the last version.

 

[Bowserlick]

I would not rule out Breath of the Wild Link. The game is a departure from the traditions of other Zelda games. Wild Link can cover enough new ground to be a character that plays vastly different from his other Link counterpart.

I would rate him as the most likely new Zelda character, if in fact there is one.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Tetra was never among the Forbidden 7. It was blatantly and intentionally a toon clone of Sheik. In the end, yes, Sakurai probably would've eliminated the clone idea and went for Tetra, but that depends if he had the time. We have the facts, and there is nothing whatsoever to suggest Tetra was ever even considered once for Brawl. The file name specifically says Toon Sheik for a reason, and it's pretty blatant what it was. It was pretty clearly just a straight clone of the duo, just like Toon Link is for Link(with mostly aesthetic chances and a few effect changes, rarely any move differences otherwise). Tetra had no actual real moves until Hyrule Warriors anyway, so her potential was less than a clone of a character with an actual moveset. It made sense what he went with as an idea, being clones were easy padding to a roster.

--------------

Anyway, Tingle, Impa, and Moblin Ganon are currently the most viable options we have. Sakurai has shown he really doesn't take one-shot characters into account unless they're the Triforce Trio, and he clearly considers recurring characters to be a lot more important. I wouldn't even put any of these 3 with a very good chance either. Impa is entirely inconsistent design-wise and he couldn't even be bothered to mention her fully till Smash 4 with just some trophies. He blatantly has ignored Moblin Ganon since forever(he hasn't had a trophy or sticker, with at best a song referencing one of his battles). Tingle's bigger issue is creating a fun moveset(compared to the other 2), but notably still has a large hatebase(not as large as it once was, due to Hyrule Warriors as well as not shoehorning him into Zelda games with poor roles like WW did), enough to make him unlikely.

Zelda newcomers don't have a large chance at this point. In addition, besides Tingle(who he spoke on), all we've seen so far is the Toon Zelda/Toon Sheik information, and being he already incorporated Toon Zelda's only unique gimmick into regular Zelda, they're likely eliminated as ideas. For the most part, Tingle is about the only candidate that hasn't been entirely eliminated but at least thought on. We can hope others were considered, but there's nothing to really suggest that is the case.

How exactly where Impa and Ganon's changes entirely eliminated?

 

[UserKev]

Honestly, Toon Link blows Young Link to oblivion for me. In comparison of the two, Toon Link is just more fun and beneficial to use.

Young Link with mask transformations, I don't care for anymore, would have been a nice add, character with a mask based move set but, "advertisement" completely blew his chances.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Daily reminder that a Skyward Sword HD is highly possible and if released, would probably fit as 'relevant' whenever Smash Switch comes around...

 

[Verde Coeden Scalesworth]

How exactly where Impa and Ganon's changes entirely eliminated?

Reread it again. I never said that. I said they were vastly unlikely due to how little they're cared about among the series.

I only said Toon Zelda's chances were eliminated due to Phantom Zelda being thrown onto regular Zelda.

Impa's chance was always fairly low as is due to more than one issue with her. First, Sakurai blatantly doesn't view her as that important from what we can observe, despite being far more important than, say, Tingle to the series as a whole, has so few appearances in Smash and took all the way till Smash 4 to even get trophies. She doesn't appear to be on the table thusfar. Tingle has appeared since Melee, suggesting at the very least he's important/notable enough to appear in Smash. Moblin Ganon has zero appearances whatsoever among Smash(and may have been at best referenced in a sticker/trophy textual entry, but that's it). There's no actual information among these 3, beyond Tingle being talked about by Sakurai as a character concept, being considered as playable. This makes their likelihood naturally lower than Tingle's of the current information available. In addition, when you consider the other factors of appearances, you can only observe that Impa and Moblin Ganon aren't really paid much attention to. Do note that Impa's only trophies are of two different forms each among the two Smash 4 games. Even her appearances aren't consistent in Smash. Tingle at best got one design change and stayed that way. Ganon didn't appear outside of his TP boar form(compared to his Moblin variations or his Puppet form), so that's consistent, even if obviously not applicable as a playable option alone.

 

[Deleted member]

beyond Tingle being talked about by Sakurai as a character concept, being considered as playable.

People keep saying Sakurai discussed about Tingle before, but I have yet to see an actual source on this.

 

[Diddy Kong]

No that's not true. It's

Reread it again. I never said that. I said they were vastly unlikely due to how little they're cared about among the series.

I only said Toon Zelda's chances were eliminated due to Phantom Zelda being thrown onto regular Zelda.

Impa's chance was always fairly low as is due to more than one issue with her. First, Sakurai blatantly doesn't view her as that important from what we can observe, despite being far more important than, say, Tingle to the series as a whole, has so few appearances in Smash and took all the way till Smash 4 to even get trophies. She doesn't appear to be on the table thusfar. Tingle has appeared since Melee, suggesting at the very least he's important/notable enough to appear in Smash. Moblin Ganon has zero appearances whatsoever among Smash(and may have been at best referenced in a sticker/trophy textual entry, but that's it). There's no actual information among these 3, beyond Tingle being talked about by Sakurai as a character concept, being considered as playable. This makes their likelihood naturally lower than Tingle's of the current information available. In addition, when you consider the other factors of appearances, you can only observe that Impa and Moblin Ganon aren't really paid much attention to. Do note that Impa's only trophies are of two different forms each among the two Smash 4 games. Even her appearances aren't consistent in Smash. Tingle at best got one design change and stayed that way. Ganon didn't appear outside of his TP boar form(compared to his Moblin variations or his Puppet form), so that's consistent, even if obviously not applicable as a playable option alone.

This is only because Melee and Brawl.only had the most recent trophies for Zelda. And Impa wasn't around for that. She's got two different trophies in Smash 4 alone IIRC and her OOT model in the 3DS version. Tingle was just an ideal stage 'hazard' and AT. He doesn't even appear in mainline Zelda games no more due to lack of popularity.

 

[Verde Coeden Scalesworth]

No that's not true. It's

This is only because Melee and Brawl.only had the most recent trophies for Zelda. And Impa wasn't around for that. She's got two different trophies in Smash 4 alone IIRC and her OOT model in the 3DS version. Tingle was just an ideal stage 'hazard' and AT. He doesn't even appear in mainline Zelda games no more due to lack of popularity.

Doesn't change he appears more than Impa ever did. And Impa was among OOT, so very much was around there for Melee. Only one you can really make an excuse for is Brawl, and the stickers spanned multiple eras of games anyway. There's no excuse for that.

People keep saying Sakurai discussed about Tingle before, but I have yet to see an actual source on this.

I'll have to look for it, but I do remember him noting that. I'll edit it in later or reply depending how long it takes.

 

[Deleted member]

He doesn't even appear in mainline Zelda games no more due to lack of popularity.

Correction: he doesn't appear as an NPC in mainline Zelda games anymore.

There are still numerous cameos and nods/references to him. Wanted posters, Zelda's doll of him in SS, the Tingle outfit DLC for BotW....

He's still around. He's just not put in prominence after Wind Waker.
And even in the case of Twilight Princess, Purlo was designed specifically in mind as a "realistic Tingle".

 

[Cutie Gwen]

Tingle was just an ideal stage 'hazard' and AT. He doesn't even appear in mainline Zelda games no more due to lack of popularity.

HOLD IT! Tingle's actually a very popular character in Japan, his hate is almost exclusively from American fans of Zelda, Tingle even had quite a few of his own games, with one of them even being released in Europe! His hatedom is very noteworthy to the point he was scrapped for Hyrule Warriors' base game, though he ended up being DLC

 

[Curious Villager]

Tingle's last physical appearance in a canon/non-remake Zelda game was in the Minish Cap. As said though, he still makes cameo's though and even got a few games starring him and eventually became playable in Hyrule Warriors.

I also wouldn't exactly say that the Phantom Slash eliminates Toon Zelda as she'd most probably be using it herself too as it just looks to be a sort of puppet that Zelda can summon, not her summoning Phantom Zelda herself as evident by the dark smoke whenever it gets destroyed rather than a spirit coming out.

As for a potential Zelda character entirely, unless A Link Between Worlds is considered still relevant to Sakurai (He considered Spirit Tracks still relevant enough to include it as a stage and a new move for Zelda etc) or a Skyward Sword remake comes up. I'm not sure who exactly they can include from Breath of the Wild as the champions are pretty much treated as equals. The best I can really see happening for it is a stage, an assist trophy, a number of items and maybe a move change or pallet swaps here and there for some of the Zelda cast. Kind of like what they did with Skyward Sword really...

 

[The Stoopid Unikorn]

Toon Zelda has better chances as Tetra, because it would offer unique things and Toon Link's design is inspired from Wind Waker anyway because Master Sword.

 

[Luminario]

Toon Zelda also doesn't only need to use the Phantom armour. Where's that concept of her using the magic rods from across the Zelda games? Seeing as how every mage we currently have is slow as ****, Toon Zelda can be the quick and weaker mage who adds on damage with a constant barrage of weaker spells as opposed to "everything's a kill move" regular Zelda.

 

[Cutie Gwen]

Toon Zelda also doesn't only need to use the Phantom armour

This gave me a different idea. Toon Zelda AS the phantom Armour. ****, that's a fun idea that'll never happen

 

[Luminario]

This gave me a different idea. Toon Zelda AS the phantom Armour. ****, that's a fun idea that'll never happen

Make her a D.Va mech type user that gets ejected from the armour after a certain amount of damage.

tbh there is a lot of potential in the unexplored magic of the Zelda series. With the rods, magical arrows, spirit Zelda, and the Phantom armour, there's good potential for a unique moveset.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Doesn't change he appears more than Impa ever did. And Impa was among OOT, so very much was around there for Melee. Only one you can really make an excuse for is Brawl, and the stickers spanned multiple eras of games anyway. There's no excuse for that.

Except that there is.

Melee's most recent Zelda game actually wasn't OOT, but Majora's Mask. You'll see this with the trophies. There's literally NO Ocarina of Time specific trophy outside of the playable Zelda cast.

With Brawl, the last two recent games where obviously Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. Impa doesn't appear in either game, but in fact DOES get a cameo appearance in Wind Waker, and is mentoined and referenced a lot in Twilight Princess. Impaz had a trophy in Brawl even. Is she suddenly more important than Impa herself?

Tingle's notable hatebase will keep him out of Smash. Trust me on that one.

Alongside Link, Zelda and Ganon, Impa is just about the only mainstay in the franchise. Yeah she changes appearances, but you seen Ganon's latest design? Think he'll be changed to Calamity Ganon instead of Ganondorf next Smash? Zelda was no princess in Skyward Sword, still was one in Smash 4... Impa could easily have a combined appearance and moveset consiting of abilities and designs of Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, and Hyrule Warriors. Even Breath of the Wild's Sheikah Slate magic can be used. As I doubt it very, VERY strongly they are gonna change up a N64 Smash veteran's moveset just for ONE game.

Impa will make the most sensible Zelda newcomer and the day it happens it's the day you'll realise.

 

[Deleted member]

Toon Zelda has better chances as Tetra, because it would offer unique things and Toon Link's design is inspired from Wind Waker anyway because Master Sword.

There's literally only one of two ways Toon Zelda will get in Smash.

1. Zelda clone, just as she was supposed to be in Brawl. Which goes against your "offer unique things" argument.
2. The Hyrule Warriors route (the first time the "Toon Zelda" name was actually used outside Brawl's data) where it's the Spirit Tracks ghost Zelda as Phantom Zelda. Which would be rather awkward with Zelda's Phantom Slash move, and isn't quite as unique as how HW handles Tetra with the water pistol and cutlass combo.

Anything else simply will not happen.

Impa will make the most sensible Zelda newcomer and the day it happens it's the day you'll realise.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Or need I remind you that you said the same thing about the idea of Impa replacing Sheik in Smash 4?

The most sensible newcomer at this point in time is......

Spoiler

No one. There isn't any option that's the most sensible due to various circumstances.

 

[Verde Coeden Scalesworth]

Except that there is.

Melee's most recent Zelda game actually wasn't OOT, but Majora's Mask. You'll see this with the trophies. There's literally NO Ocarina of Time specific trophy outside of the playable Zelda cast.

Who said OOT Impa? I said Impa should've had a trophy. That's not the only game she was in. Young Link was mentioned to be thought as the original Link from Zelda I. She couldn't have been a simple trophy due to that, akin to the original Dr. Mario and other sprite-based trophies? That doesn't really make sense for her. She was always relevant to the Zelda series as a recurring story character in some way. She's the only character besides Tingle and the Triforce Trio that had enough natural importance to get a mention. But she didn't. It isn't just because of Melee's timing, after all. Also, Octoroks first got their 3D design in OOT, not MM. You think it's because of MM it got in? No. It's because of both games, which were very important to the series and Melee. Young Link was also based upon his obvious Melee design, and Temple was Zelda II-based. OOT had multiple music too. You're downplaying how important it was to Melee. This only really applies to Brawl at best.

With Brawl, the last two recent games where obviously Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. Impa doesn't appear in either game, but in fact DOES get a cameo appearance in Wind Waker, and is mentoined and referenced a lot in Twilight Princess. Impaz had a trophy in Brawl even. Is she suddenly more important than Impa herself?

In TP? Yep.

Tingle's notable hatebase will keep him out of Smash. Trust me on that one.

I concur. Although it won't keep him entirely out of the series, just as playable. But only if his hatebase stays extremely strong, and it's been slowly dying out.

Alongside Link, Zelda and Ganon, Impa is just about the only mainstay in the franchise. Yeah she changes appearances, but you seen Ganon's latest design? Think he'll be changed to Calamity Ganon instead of Ganondorf next Smash? Zelda was no princess in Skyward Sword, still was one in Smash 4... Impa could easily have a combined appearance and moveset consiting of abilities and designs of Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, and Hyrule Warriors. Even Breath of the Wild's Sheikah Slate magic can be used. As I doubt it very, VERY strongly they are gonna change up a N64 Smash veteran's moveset just for ONE game.

Ganon has never been playable, so that point doesn't mean much. Only Ganondorf has. Overall, it's clear Sakurai is basing the trio(as in the Triforce Trio, minus the younger Link)'s design off of the ones all 4 options can work with. So them staying TP design is likely.

Impa will make the most sensible Zelda newcomer and the day it happens it's the day you'll realise.

Doubt it. Until she has a consistent design or is in a main series game where Ganondorf, Link, Zelda, and Sheik appear, she has far less chances. At some point, you just gotta admit she's not that likely or big. MInd you, I think she'd make a cool addition. But that doesn't make her likely.

@GoldenYuiitusin Still looking for that citing. I don't take TVTropes "Americans Hate Tingle" page as a proper citing, of course. Could be a guess, even if it a reasonable one. His hatebase is definitely big in America, so the idea that Sakurai doesn't want to add him to avoid fanbase issues is possible. Not saying it's true(until I can get a citing, in which case, if I can't, I'll just chalk it up to a misunderstanding on my part).

 

[Luminario]

There's literally only one of two ways Toon Zelda will get in Smash.

1. Zelda clone, just as she was supposed to be in Brawl. Which goes against your "offer unique things" argument.
2. The Hyrule Warriors route (the first time the "Toon Zelda" name was actually used outside Brawl's data) where it's the Spirit Tracks ghost Zelda as Phantom Zelda. Which would be rather awkward with Zelda's Phantom Slash move, and isn't quite as unique as how HW handles Tetra with the water pistol and cutlass combo.

Anything else simply will not happen.

Option 3: Toon Zelda gets in with the various magical items of the Zelda series past, complete with a magic gauge for added uniqueness, and is beloved by all. Toon Link is there to represent the younger versions of Link in the Legend of Zelda games, but Toon Zelda has been there throughout most of them too. Besides Wand of Gamelon, Toon Zelda was the version used for her playable debut in her own series thanks to Spirit Tracks. I'm certainly not saying she's likely, but she is a candidate with a lot of history and a lot of potential.

 

[Deleted member]

Option 3: Toon Zelda gets in with the various magical items of the Zelda series past, complete with a magic gauge for added uniqueness, and is beloved by all. Toon Link is there to represent the younger versions of Link in the Legend of Zelda games, but Toon Zelda has been there throughout most of them too. Besides Wand of Gamelon, Toon Zelda was the version used for her playable debut in her own series thanks to Spirit Tracks. I'm certainly not saying she's likely, but she is a candidate with a lot of history and a lot of potential.

Not a legitimate option when basic logic is applied.