Let me reiterate something. I'm not ignoring anything that anyone who disagrees with me is saying. I'm thinking about it. I'm considering the possibilities. However, the difference is that I'm basing my inferences on information that is out there.
Saying, "They could just put the original 8 on the back" is not.
More than anything, I don't think you're stupid or in total denial if you don't agree with me. I don't want anyone to feel that way. Nobody should.
I am inferring my theory with the box art on symmetry of design, and the information posted on Twitter, as well as the other coincidental pieces of information. I will compile that into the following list.
1) Incineroar and Ken have been leaked by Vergeben. While not confirmed, it conveniently falls into line based on what has been shared from Twitter, implying that a remaining fighter would have to be between Palutena and Cloud, which pairs perfectly with a Ken Echo Fighter with Ryu. Likewise, with Isabelle placed next to K.Rool, Incineroar would perfectly fit next to Isabelle as the next character in line.
2) Sakurai specifically covered the total 103 stages in Smash Ultimate. Should Ken and Incineroar be the final remaining fighters, they don't necessarily require a stage. That would maintain a stage total of 103, while Sakurai could avoid going back on that number. This has been a common thought in the community: That the stage total would be final if there were no characters from new series.
3) When the game was first revealed, Sakurai specifically stated that he hopes, "You aren't expecting as many newcomers as previous games in the series". In terms of newcomers, this is, I believe, less than if not on par with Melee. That is, if you don't include returning veterans like Snake and the others.
4) While the Box art could be edited and changed to move characters around, the fact is that a 72 character roster would fit perfectly the way it stands now. With there being 2 unknowns, and Isabelle missing, the 3 characters, Isabelle, Incineroar, and Ken, conveniently fit into a perfect 36 and 36 side cover combination.
If I'm wrong about all this, then great. I WANT THERE TO BE MORE CHARACTERS. I don't ****ing care about being right about speculation for a ****ing game with strangers. I am breaking this down because every time a seemingly disappointing discussion with a good amount of information backing it comes up, it is instantly met with massive amounts of denial.
The things i've listed matchup and seem convincing. No offense to anyone making the case, but I don't see a compelling reason as to why the Original 8 would be placed on the back of the box, or that an additional group of 3 or more newcomers would be placed on the back. The entire theme of the game is that "Everyone is here!". Why would a select group randomly be on a third side when everyone can fit on two?
If someone can create a compelling case, I will listen to it. Simply saying, "Well, the boxart isn't final and they COULD do X" isn't compelling. It's not convincing for me at this point in time.
Now, I'll again apologize if people are thinking I'm testy. But I'll admit, I don't appreciate that a lot of people are shooting down what i'm putting out there with statements saying, "THEY WOULDN'T LEAK THAT, YOU'RE CRAZY" or giving some sort of snark. Or, "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. YOU DON'T HAVE EVIDENCE"
That last one irks me. I'm actively TRYING to compile a case, and being met with arguments that argue the other side (which, again, I'm willing to listen to) that don't have similar evidence. Nobody is saying something like, "Look at it this way. If they put the OG 8 on the back, it will still work" or, "there's clear evidence that there are more newcomers after Ken and Incineroar". That isn't being used to support the other argument, which is why I haven't accepted any of it yet. It's not convincing enough besides saying those types of things to keep hopes alive.
I don't blame anyone for not wanting to believe this. All I want people to do is to consider it in case it turns out to be true, instead of disregarding it completely.
Smash 4 speculation started using arguments to prove certain things by saying, "ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! THEY CAN MAKE MY PICK THAT ENDED UP AN ASSIST TROPHY INTO A PLAYABLE CHARACTER!" "RIDLEY CAN BE A BOSS AND A PLAYABLE CHARACTER!"
Look what happened there?
For now, I'll shut up. I want to keep talking characters, so at this point because I'm rather convinced for a number of reasons (some I haven't mentioned but I've gotten tired at this point) I'll refer to my choices for DLC.
I appreciate everyone for reading what I've had to say, and I appreciate those who are responding and asking questions.