Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Legacy: What's Next for the Franchise in 2027?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launched in 2018 with the slogan “Everyone is here!”—and it delivered. The game’s roster of 74 fighters, plus 12 DLC characters, became a defining feature, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the fighting-game genre. Nearly eight years later, the game’s influence remains unmatched, setting an impossible standard for any sequel to follow.

Rumors of a 2027 Release Spark Excitement

A recent rumor claims that the next Super Smash Bros. game is in development and could launch as early as 2027. While unconfirmed, the timeline isn’t entirely unrealistic. Series director Masahiro Sakurai recently completed Kirby Air Riders in November 2025, leaving room for a new project to take shape.

For context, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launched just four years after the Nintendo Switch debuted, suggesting that a new entry could align with the console’s lifecycle. However, the bigger question isn’t if a new game is coming—it’s how it could possibly follow up on Ultimate’s legacy.

Can a Sequel Top Ultimate’s Roster and Impact?

Over the years, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been compared to Avengers: Endgame—a definitive culmination of the series’ decades-long journey. It brought back nearly every fighter, including third-party legends, and felt like a final statement. Simply trying to go bigger risks overwhelming the game’s design, leaving fans cautious about the franchise’s future.

In a Reddit thread, players debated how a new Smash Bros. game could stand out. Many agreed that the roster size shouldn’t be the focus. Some suggested trimming the roster to Brawl’s 35 fighters, allowing developers to prioritize gameplay innovation and new mechanics.

"Ultimate's roster is the massive draw for that game and a sequel will have a hard time matching it in that regard (especially when it comes to guest characters). The main way a new Smash can actually attract a new playerbase is through innovative gameplay." — Reddit user Rbespinosa13

Another fan pointed out that iconic characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, and Zelda have starred in numerous games since their Smash Bros. debuts. A new entry could reimagine their movesets or introduce fresh mechanics to keep the series evolving.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

While the 2027 rumor remains unconfirmed, the conversation around Super Smash Bros.’ future highlights the challenges ahead. Can a sequel match Ultimate’s roster? Should it? Or should Nintendo focus on refining gameplay and introducing bold new ideas? One thing is certain: the pressure is on, and fans are watching closely.