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Super Smash Bros. on Switch 2 could look totally different
With Nintendo's Switch 2 having reinvigorated franchises such as Donkey Kong, Pokémon and Splatoon over the past year, speculation is growing about how a new instalment of Super Smash Bros. might reflect these changes. Polygon has compiled a wishlist of characters and redesigns it believes could feature, arguing that Smash Bros. has traditionally served as a "time capsule" reflecting the current state of Nintendo's biggest series.
The piece highlights several possible additions and reworks drawing on recent Nintendo releases, including a new fighter from Splatoon Raiders and overhauled movesets for existing characters inspired by games such as Donkey Kong Bananza and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
– The Mechanic from Splatoon Raiders is suggested as a new fighter, using gadgets such as the Splatchet and Booyarang for varied attacks– Donkey Kong could get a major overhaul, incorporating his new toon design and Bananza-style terrain-smashing abilities– Samus Aran might gain new suit variants and psychic powers, such as a steerable Control Beam, inspired by Metroid Prime 4: Beyond– Yoshi could be reworked using ideas from Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, potentially borrowing creature powers in a Kirby-like manner
In short
- Polygon speculates on characters for a future Switch 2 Super Smash Bros. game
- Suggestions include new fighter The Mechanic and a reworked Donkey Kong
- Samus and Yoshi could also gain new abilities from recent Nintendo titles
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those advocating for significant updates to Smash Bros. argue that the series serves best as a living 'time capsule' of Nintendo's current gaming landscape. By regularly refreshing rosters and redesigning characters to reflect recent releases, they contend the franchise remains vibrant and relevant, allowing players to engage with the heroes and mechanics they're actively enjoying across Nintendo's portfolio. This approach treats Smash Bros. as a celebration of where Nintendo stands now, rather than as a museum of its past.
The case against
Those concerned about wholesale redesigns emphasise the value of competitive integrity and player investment in existing character movesets. They argue that Smash Bros.' strength lies in its established competitive community and sophisticated meta-game, where dramatic character overhauls could destabilise competitive play and alienate players who have invested considerable effort mastering particular fighters. Additionally, they contend that respecting the game's legacy and maintaining familiar characters preserves what makes Smash Bros. beloved, rather than constantly pursuing novelty at the cost of stability.
Explained simply
Super Smash Bros. is a fighting game series that brings together characters from across Nintendo's franchises to battle one another. The games have been popular on Nintendo consoles since the late 1990s, and a new instalment on the Switch 2 would be eagerly anticipated by fans.
Nintendo's Switch 2 console has reinvigorated several of the company's long-running series over the past year, with new versions of games like Donkey Kong, Pokémon and Splatoon. This success has led to speculation about how a new Super Smash Bros. might reflect these developments in Nintendo's bigger franchises.
Gaming outlets have noted that Super Smash Bros. has traditionally served as a reflection of the current state of Nintendo's most important series, incorporating their latest designs and gameplay mechanics. This means a new instalment could feature redesigned characters and new fighters drawn from Nintendo's recent releases.