Im in the assumption that Smash Ultimate is only gonna feature Third Party DLC franchises new to Smash. Because of this, Golden Sun and Rhythm Heaven are out. Sad because those 2 were frontrunners for base game in my eyes. There's Startropics but the fact that it wasn't even represented in Smash says that in the eyes of Smash, it doesn't exist.
Anyway, moving on to possible candidates.
-Ninja Gaiden is the number one here. I usually am not a fan of M Rated franchises in Smash, i always think that they just clash with Smash is meant to be, and no, just because we have them in the roster doesn't change this in my eyes (in fact it has made me dislike them more, thanks Bayo) but i give this one an OK becuase of 1 reason: The more family friendly yet mature in tone NES installments. This is in my opinion, the next step to take after Mega Man and Castlevania beign represented in Smash. Another Classic Side Scrolling Third Party series that was heavily associated with the Nintendo Entertaintment System (it even got advertised via Nintendo Power with its own cover to boot) while i respect the 2000's version of the franchise, my heart goes to the classic trilogy, and i hope Sakurai at least takes inspiration for at least half of the representation should Ninja Gaiden debut in Smash. Plus, Tecmo Koei is a company that has supported Nintendo's systems for a while, Including the Switch, a character in Smash is a fitting Collaboration, and what better character to be their ambassador than one of Tecmo's earlier successes and mascots in the gaming world? (no Kasumi, you wait in line)
-Crash Bandicoot is second spot. Crash was one of my earlier gaming memories. He actually was the first character i ever wanted in Smash, but as time went on, i gave up on it. Now with the N. Sane Trilogy in action, i see Crash not as likely. but plausible. For one, he's basically the PS1 equivalent of Sonic, highly influential and popular mascot to 90's western gamers, so much so that he was also seen as Mario's rival in that era during the 64 VS PS1 battle, but now he's a multiplat hero like the blue blur yet still fondly remembered by many gamers. Second, unlike many other western characters like Doom Guy, Crash has a following in Japan, that alone is a great advantage against ANY other character that comes from the U.S of A, plus he's an easier transition from the first western character we just got (the British Bear and Bird:Banjo & Kazooie) so it will not feel jarring. The only thing i really hope for Crash's representation in Smash is some Twinsanity music, please.
Thats's pretty much it, really. Some honorable mentions:
-Tales. I recently have played Tales of Vesperia, and i can see that this franchise, while not as mainstream as Tekken, is so easy to implement in Smash that it's absurd that it hasn't gotten a character yet if we talk from a gameplay perspective. It's decently big (around 20 million copies worldwide) I like Yuri Lowell, but i know that if anyone's gotta come and be the Tales Guy in Smash, it better be that guy from Super Smash Flash 2. Just please no Velvet, Cress or anyone not named Yuri or Lloyd.
-I have seen some people talk about a potential third Capcom franchise via DLC. All of the choices people have proposed bore me.......except fot everyone's favorite hard as nails Monster-Themed Platforming series not named Castlevania: GHOSTS N GOBLINS. I would love to have a Sir Arthur V.S Simon Belmont match up. Also Bionic Commando but that's not gonna happen in this plane of existence (please somone visit my Rad Specner thread *sniff*)
-I.....don't care about SNK, but i guess something like King of Fighters would be nice.
-Professor Layton.....nuff said. I know of much of Professor Layton as i know about Quantum Physics, but he would be cool for his fans.