Summary

  • Doomguy could debut as the ultimate slayer in the next Super Smash Bros. Game for Switch 2.
  • Crash Bandicoot's invitation to Smash is long overdue, as his design and status make for an incredible fighter.
  • Shovel Knight, with his unique combat style and indie popularity, would be a spectacular fit for the next Smash game.

It's safe to say that there are three certainties in life; death, taxes and a new Super Smash Bros. Game being developed for a Nintendo console, as this legendary fighting game series has been a major part of the industry for over twenty-five years. First launching for the N64 in 1999, Smash has become one of Nintendo's most ravenously popular franchises, and one of the keys to this has always been its fascinating roster of fighters from all across the industry.

Ridley, Ganon, Metal Mario, Rathalos, Marx
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Players have seen a variety of boss encounters in the Super Smash Bros. Games. Here's how they rank in terms of how memorable they were.

Not just limited to Nintendo characters, Smash has seen Mario battle Joker from Persona 5, the Splatoon kids take on Sephiroth and impossible dreams like Banjo-Kazooie return to where they once called home. And with Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, it probably won't be long before the next Smash game is shown, and the speculation about what new characters might appear as fighters is always one of the most exciting things to take part in.

6 Doomguy

The Ultimate Slayer Of Evil Could Debut In Next Smash Game

DOOM Eternal
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Released
March 20, 2020
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Developer(s)
id Software
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Engine
id Tech 7
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
DOOM
Genre(s)
FPS, Action
How Long To Beat
15 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
File Size Xbox Series
82 GB (December 2023)
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

Although Doomguy appeared in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Mii DLC costume, he has not yet taken to the battlefield, which could change in the inevitable next entry for Switch 2. Nintendo and the Doom franchise go way back, as a completely unique entry in the series was made for the N64 in 1997, and the 2016 reboot was hailed as a miracle port for the original Switch, so the ultimate slayer of evil would be a perfect fit for the next Smash game.

Considering just how many impossible dreams are becoming a reality in the industry today, Doomguy making the leap from slaying demons to battling it out with Mario and Link doesn't seem that out of the realm of possibility anymore. Doomguy would make an excellent member of the first wave of Smash's next roster, and revealing his debut in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which is scheduled for April 2nd, could make for one of the best announcements in the show.

5 Crash Bandicoot

90s Video Game Icon Is Long Overdue For A Smash Invitation

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
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Released
June 30, 2017
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Developer(s)
Vicarious Visions
Publisher(s)
Activision
Engine
Alchemy Engine
Franchise
Crash Bandicoot
PC Release Date
June 29, 2018
Nintendo Switch Release Date
June 29, 2018
Genre(s)
Platformer
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
How Long To Beat
15 Hours
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

After calling the PlayStation brand home for the first three entries, the Crash Bandicoot franchise would begin making its way to other systems starting with The Wrath of Cortex in 2001, and has become one of the most popular IPs in the industry. And despite rumors of Crash debuting in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with the Fighters Pass, the iconic marsupial hasn't got his invitation to the franchise, which is a real shame.

Crash would be an outstanding fit for Smash, as his cartoony design and legendary status would make for one of the most incredible fighter reveals of all time. And considering how often Smash pays homage to fighters with custom stages, introducing battle arenas based on N. Sanity Beach or Cortex Castle could make Crash one of the most intriguing fighters for a potential new entry for the franchise.

4 Shovel Knight

The Shovel Of Justice Could Come To Smash Bros.

Shovel Knight
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Released
June 26, 2014
ESRB
E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Yacht Club Games
Publisher(s)
Yacht Club Games
Engine
GameMaker Studio
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Franchise
Shovel Knight
Genre(s)
Platformer
How Long To Beat
7 Hours
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

Despite being one of the most successful indie games on the market, a completely new Shovel Knight entry has remained on the back burner outside a few spin-offs and remasters. While developers Yacht Club Games continue to work on Mina the Hollower and an undisclosed new Shovel Knight game set for an unknown release date, the character remains one of the most beloved in the indie game scene, making him an absolutely spectacular fit for the next Smash game.

A collage of various Shovel Knight games arrayed around a confused Shovel Knight
Every Shovel Knight Game, Ranked

Coming from humble beginnings, the Shovel Knight series has expanded into a variety of genres and Knight tales, but which game is the series' best?

Shovel Knight appears as an assist trophy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but the next mainline entry in the series is the best time to give him an invitation to the grand stage. His ability to use a shovel to hop around, bounce off enemies and deliver powerful attacks would make him a perfect fighter for Smash, as the kinetic nature of his combat style matches the energy of Nintendo's fighting game franchise perfectly.

3 2B

The Lead Of NieR: Automata Would Do Well In A Smash Debut

NieR: Automata
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Action RPG
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Released
March 7, 2017
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Platinum Games
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Franchise
NieR
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
How Long To Beat
22 Hours
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

The Smash franchise has never been one to turn down a character with a sword, as characters like Cloud Strife and Shulk have proven, which makes the inclusion of 2B from NieR: Automata a no-brainer for the next entry on Switch 2. This fast and furious warrior from Yoko Taro's masterful action JRPG would fit in perfectly with Smash, and considering how well Nier: Automata did on Switch, now is the time to give 2B an invitation.

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Along with her incredible potential for combat, as her incredible speed with swords and melee combos would put her a cut above other sword fighters on the roster, 2B could bring some truly epic stages to the game as well. Recreating parts of NieR: Automata's post-apocalyptic landscape could make for some incredible arenas, and easily make 2B one of the most exciting possible new additions for Smash's next outing.

2 The Knight

The Adorable Savior Of Hallownest Could Make His Debut In Smash

Hollow Knight
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Metroidvania
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Released
February 24, 2017
ESRB
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
Developer(s)
Team Cherry
Publisher(s)
Team Cherry
Engine
Unity
Franchise
Hollow Knight
Genre(s)
Metroidvania
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux
How Long To Beat
27 Hours
X|S Optimized
No
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
File Size Xbox Series
7 GB (November 2023)
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

While the long wait for Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, continues, the tiny warrior from Team Cherry's debut title is doing a lot of waiting behind the scenes. And there's no better way to pass the time waiting for Silksong than to bring The Knight to Smash, as this brave little hero would make for one of the most exciting additions to the roster for its next entry.

As Hollow Knight is built around fast-paced, energetic combat and brutally satisfying player feedback, he would be a killer choice to add to the roster, as his fierce, no-nonsense attitude is perfect for Smash. Seeing The Knight in 3D for the first time would also be a delight, as the talented Smash team could also recreate parts of Hallownest for custom battle stages. Hollow Knight has been one of the most impressive success stories on the indie scene, and seeing it get rewarded with proper Smash representation would be wonderful.

1 Master Chief

The Holy Grail Of Super Smash Bros. Fighters

Halo: The Master Chief Collection
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First-Person Shooter
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Released
November 11, 2014
ESRB
M for Mature: Violence, Blood and Gore, Language
Developer(s)
343 Industries
Publisher(s)
Xbox Game Studios
Engine
Saber3D Engine for the single player portion of Halo: CE Anniversary and Halo 2 Anniversary; Unreal Engine 4 for UI and player customization; Halo Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PC, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Franchise
Halo
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical Or Horizontal
Genre(s)
First-Person Shooter
How Long To Beat
60 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
115 GB (November 2023)

In the wake of Microsoft's ongoing transition from software to hardware, numerous impossible scenarios are starting to become possible, and consistent rumors surrounding Halo and Master Chief indicate that's not going to change anytime soon. With rumors of Microsoft bringing Halo: The Master Chief Collection to rival platforms, now is the time to give players the holy grail of video game dreams by bringing the star of the franchise to Smash for the first time ever.

Master Chief in Smash has been in the rumor mill ever since Ultimate was released in 2018, and with good reason, as the iconic hero of the UNSC and Spartan warrior would be the most incredible new addition to the series since Cloud debuted in 2015. His incredible collection of weapons, from the plasma blade to the legendary pistol, would give him a fantastic range of attacks and combat potential from the outset, while legendary Halo locations like the Library and High Charity would be perfect for custom stages.