Now that Starfield is out (well, almost), it’s back to the usual cycle of Bloodborne, GTA 6, and Super Smash Bros. rumors once again. Just like clockwork, everyone is scratching their heads, wondering what could be coming next for the best-selling franchise. What’s sparking this frenzy, you ask? None other than Papa Genos, a Nintendo leaker who is either a messiah of truth or a conjurer of disappointment, depending on who you ask. The track record is spotty, but some info like the Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 leak and Metroid Prime Remaster has been on point. So, while some loathe his smug demeanor, others are keen to see if the rumors hold any water.
Now, let’s get to the meat of it. Papa Genos has been touting some pretty vague claims, only noting that the franchise could be “returning in some capacity sometime soon.” A new game? Probably not. Series director Masahiro Sakurai has been vocal about not even having started development on any fresh installment. And let’s be real; Sakurai sees Super Smash Bros. as his baby, a game tied to his identity. He’s expressed a strong sentiment that it would be a herculean task to separate him from the franchise. At the same time, there’s been no official peep from Nintendo, so we’re in the realm of rumor and conjecture here.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the game that’s practically a video game crossover encyclopedia, has been out for a while, and Nintendo seemed pretty clear about being done with it. So, are we getting DLC? That idea might not be entirely out of left field. Mario Kart 8 got DLC that’s been wildly successful, so why not Smash? And here’s the kicker – fans are more than ready to splurge.
Whether it’s additional skins or crossover costumes, Nintendo is in a position where fans will willingly throw money at any new content released that’s related to the Super Smash Bros. franchise.
It’s hard NOT to want anything that Nintendo could come up with, like maybe putting Zelda (yes, the princess, not Link) in a Zero Suit like Samus Aran or seeing Donkey Kong in Mario’s hat and overalls.
Ultimately, it’s about time Smash got the Mario Kart treatment, extending its lifespan with a punch of fresh content.
This, then, brings us to what’s likely going to happen – a new Ultimate Deluxe edition specifically for the next Nintendo console, which, by the way, has been compared to the PlayStation 5.
A loaded pack with all the fighters, stage DLC, and updates, perhaps even a new expansion fighter pass? It makes sense, to some extent. Smash Ultimate is too huge a game to simply fall by the wayside. If Mario Kart 8 can get an extended life, why not Super Smash Bros.? If anything, the game deserves a similar, if not more, impressive encore.
While the idea of an Ultimate Deluxe sounds fantastic, it also pushes the notion that the game will stay relevant for the next-gen Nintendo console. With the entire roster and all the DLC bundled in, plus additional fighters slated for future release, the title would be more than just a rehashed version for a new system; it’d be a complete experience worth sinking your teeth into all over again. If this hypothetical Ultimate Deluxe also keeps Mii fighter costumes as paid DLC, then it adds another layer of customization and longevity to the game. So, even if we don’t get an entirely new game anytime soon, an upgraded edition would be a sweet deal.
But for now, all we have are riddles wrapped in mysteries inside an enigma – or whatever Churchill said. Every fan is now holding their breath for official announcements, sifting through leaks and rumors with the hope that, just maybe, this is one of the few times that the oracle is speaking the truth.
Either way, what we know is this – Super Smash Bros. has a fan base that’s ready for more. Whether it’s a new game or a DLC or even both, this franchise isn’t going anywhere. It has built a legacy, and whatever comes next is only going to add to its legend.
