In the most recent Nintendo Direct, multiple games were released for both the switch and the 3ds. However one announcement stood out among all the rest. Smash Bros for the Nintendo Switch being announced at the end of the direct. However the trailer only announced one new character, being the inkling kids from Splatoon. When considering the amount of hype Sakurai has to live up to, it is safe to assume that the next game is going to be big, which has brought up the question on everyone's minds: who else will be in it? Likely the best way to determine the roster is through characters popularity. With this smash game likely being on the Nintendo Switch and confirming breath of the wild Link and Inklings, characters from switch games, we can assume that popular characters who have debuted on the system will be seen on the roster.
Spring Man/Ribbon Girl
The most bought game on the switch after Splatoon 2 is Arms, and with Nintendo trying to get more people unfamiliar with such a unique type of fighting game, adding the main characters of the game to Super Smash Bros would boost their popularity, as can be seen by shulk in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS. Their playstyle would have to likely pull mechanics from other characters in the game such as Twintelle’s ability to slow down incoming objects as a possible down special or Barq as an up special, similar to Megaman's Rush Coil from BYTE & BARQ. It may take a lot of creativity. But, if the developers can figure out a moveset, it is very likely to see an Arms character in the upcoming Super Smash Bros.
Rex
The most bought switch came after Arms is Xenoblade chronicles 2, featuring Rex as the main character. Rex could easily be incorporated into Super Smash Bros as a pseudo clone of Shulk via his unique sword and possibly using his unique ability to change the type of his sword as a parallel to Shulk’s Monado Arts. There are many moves to pull from for Rex and, as such, I can almost guarantee that he will show up the upcoming game.
Decidueye
Every smash game has introduced a new Pokemon character to the roster (Pichu and Mewtwo for Melee, Pokemon trainer and Lucario for Brawl, and Greninja for Smash 4) based on the popularity and most recent Pokemon. With Decidueye being the fan favorite starter from Pokemon Sun and Moon, he may make an entrance into Super Smash Bros. Utilizing it's wings for an obvious multiple jump mechanic and form of recovery, spirit shackle as a neutral special, and other iconic moves for it's arsenal, Decidueye would make a great Smash Bros character.
Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight has been a top pick for a smash character ever since the DLC fighter ballot for smash 4, and with it having a port to the Switch and Nintendo looking to include more third party games for the switch, our prayers may be answered. With an expansive arsenal of relics and attacks to draw from, he can become an excellent choice for a fighter true to his game.
Crash Bandicoot
It seemed quite odd to me that they announced three crash bandicoot games to the switch in the Nintendo Direct, even more strange that Crash hasn't been in smash bros yet. With some of, if not the, most iconic video game characters being in smash (Mario, Pikachu, Sonic, Megaman and Pac-Man) it seems about time that Crash Bandicoot makes his entrance on Nintendo's third party console as a character in smash.
With the hype being the highest that I've seen in a while, Sakurai has a lot to live up to but after being in development for so long and with a more open mind towards third party games, I think we'll be happy with the end result.
Article written by Ashkid848