The forthcoming Super Smash Bros. title on Nintendo's Switch 2 console has the potential to present a dramatically altered roster, reflecting the evolving states of Nintendo's most popular franchises. Each installment in the venerable fighting game series acts as a temporal snapshot, and with a year into the Switch 2's lifecycle, titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, and Splatoon Raiders offer fertile ground for character reimagining.
Splatoon's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. has historically been limited to the basic Inkling characters. However, the recent release of Splatoon Raiders may change this perception. The game's protagonist, known as The Mechanic, has garnered attention from fans on social media platforms. The Mechanic's diverse array of gadgets could translate into a unique fighting style distinct from the traditional Inkling. Possibilities include special attacks derived from tools like the Splatchet, Bombloons, and Booyarang. A mechanic allowing players to switch between different ink tanks on the fly could further enhance the character's dynamism and unpredictability.
Donkey Kong, a consistent presence since the series' inception, is a prime candidate for a significant overhaul. While his appearance is likely to adopt the new toon redesign seen in Donkey Kong Bananza, his moveset could also see substantial changes. The game offers opportunities to incorporate elements from Donkey Kong Bananza, such as DK ripping chunks from stages to use as projectiles or surfing on them. A Final Smash incorporating his Bananza forms, potentially with a Pauline cameo, is also a plausible addition.
Samus Aran is often considered a near-perfect Super Smash Bros. combatant due to the seamless integration of her Metroid abilities into a fighting game format. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond provides avenues for fresh interpretations. Beyond new suit variants, like the potential inclusion of the Vi-O-La Suit, her emerging psychic abilities could be represented. The Control Beam, for instance, could be adapted into a steerable projectile akin to Ness's PK Fire.
Yoshi's moveset has remained largely consistent across Super Smash Bros. entries, centering on his ability to consume opponents and produce eggs. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, however, introduces new possibilities by having Yoshi borrow powers from other creatures. This could lead to fresh attacks, such as tossing Peckadees as darts or utilizing Scatterpuff spores for status effects.
The success of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream suggests that Nintendo may seek to represent the life simulation series in Super Smash Bros. Replacing Mii Fighters with Tomodachis could be a direct route, given their similarities. This would allow for greater personalization on the roster, with players able to import their custom characters.
While rumors of Rhythm Heaven characters appearing in Super Smash Bros. have surfaced in the past, Rhythm Heaven Groove positions the series for a potential fighter. Karate Joe, from the game, presents a clear moveset potential, particularly with the possibility of attacks gaining bonuses when timed to the background music. A 2D fighter style, similar to Mr. Game and Watch, could preserve the game's distinct art style.
Pokémon Pokopia, a highly acclaimed entry in the series, could also influence the Super Smash Bros. roster. Rather than drawing from the mainline RPGs, a fighter based on the spin-off could introduce unique possibilities. Ditto, particularly its humanoid form from Pokopia, offers a distinct visual and mechanical potential. Its noodle-like limbs could be used for attacks, while moves like Water Gun and the ability to transform into other Pokémon, such as Dragonite for recovery, are feasible.