The excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 has reached new heights, especially after Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai shared the announcement of the upcoming Nintendo Direct with a simple yet thrilling "Ooh!" This has sparked intense speculation among fans who are eager for a new entry in the beloved Super Smash Bros. series.
As reported by Automaton, Sakurai's post on the Japanese announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, scheduled for April 2, has set the gaming community abuzz. While Sakurai's reaction could merely reflect his personal excitement, fans are hoping it hints at a new Super Smash Bros. game for the next-generation console.
Though the post itself might not carry significant weight, it's part of a series of subtle hints that have been dropping. Sakurai launched his YouTube channel in 2022, which he later paused, but not before assuring fans that he was still involved in game development. In his final video, he teased that he was working on a new project that might be revealed in the near future.
Despite the buzz, no official announcements have been made about a new Super Smash Bros. game. Sakurai himself has previously expressed doubts about how the franchise could surpass the monumental success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, which features an expansive roster including characters from outside the Nintendo universe such as Sephiroth from Final Fantasy 7, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, Joker from Persona 5, and Steve and Alex from Minecraft.
However, given the phenomenal sales of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with over 35.88 million copies sold, the likelihood of a new game for the Nintendo Switch 2 seems high. Nintendo's history of releasing a new Super Smash Bros. title for each of its consoles, starting with the original on the N64 in 1999, further fuels this anticipation.