7 Switch 2 characters Nintendo should add to Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 era has already refreshed several major series, including Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. Whenever the next Super Smash Bros. arrives, its roster should reflect that changing landscape.
That is part of the appeal of Nintendo’s crossover fighter. Each entry acts as a snapshot of the company’s active franchises, updating familiar characters while making room for new faces. These seven candidates could bring recent Switch 2 ideas, overlooked series and inventive movesets into the next game.
1. The Mechanic from Splatoon Raiders
The Inkling already represents Splatoon, but Splatoon Raiders could provide a very different kind of fighter. The Mechanic’s large collection of gadgets would suit a technical character who plays nothing like a standard Inkling.
The Splatchet, Bombloons and Booyarang could become special moves, while switching ink tanks might let players change equipment during a match. That would create a flexible and unpredictable fighter. Fans have already discussed the idea in the Splatoon subreddit.
2. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong has appeared in every Super Smash Bros. game, yet his appearance and core moveset have changed surprisingly little. The next entry is an ideal opportunity to connect him more closely with Donkey Kong Bananza and its newer cartoon-inspired design.
He could tear pieces from stages, throw them at opponents or ride them across the arena. A Final Smash based on his Bananza forms would also be a natural fit, particularly if Pauline joined the sequence. The aim would be to preserve DK’s traditional power while adding the destructive ideas of his latest adventure.
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3. Samus Aran
Samus is already one of the most complete fighters in the series. Her upgrades, weapons and abilities translate naturally from Metroid into a platform fighter, so any revision could focus on material from Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
New suit variants such as the Vi-O-La Suit would add visual variety, while Samus’ psychic abilities could expand her options. The Control Beam, in particular, could work as a steerable projectile with a feel closer to Ness’ attacks.
4. Yoshi
Yoshi’s traditional abilities are clear: he eats objects, produces eggs and uses them as weapons. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book offers a way to broaden that familiar formula by allowing him to borrow powers from creatures he encounters.
In a new Smash moveset, Yoshi could throw Peckadees like darts or use Scatterpuff spores to inflict status effects. Those additions would refresh the character without abandoning the playful skills that define him.
5. Tomodachis
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream could be represented by turning its customisable residents into playable fighters. The most straightforward approach would be to replace Mii Fighters with Tomodachis, which are effectively enhanced versions of Miis.
Their basic moves could remain familiar, while importing unusual player-created characters would give the roster a stronger sense of personal expression. It would also provide a natural way for players to bring their own creations into battles.
6. Karate Joe
Rhythm Heaven has long seemed suitable for Super Smash Bros. representation. Earlier rumours for the Wii U era suggested that the Chorus Kids might become playable, but that never happened. With Rhythm Heaven Groove now providing fresh momentum, Karate Joe could be the more practical choice.
His martial-arts attacks would be easy to build around, but timing could make him special. Strikes performed in rhythm with the stage music might receive a boost. A 2D presentation inspired by Mr. Game & Watch would also preserve the series’ distinctive visual identity.
7. Ditto
Although Pokémon already has several representatives, its spin-offs remain less visible in the roster than the mainline role-playing games. Pokémon Pokopia is an important recent release and could be represented by a deliberately unconventional fighter: Ditto.
The humanoid Ditto seen in Pokopia could attack with stretchy limbs, use Water Gun as a projectile and transform into Dragonite for an up-special recovery move. It would be an opportunity to add a strange, comic character rather than another powerful monster.
These choices cover a broad range of possibilities: a gadget-focused shooter character, major redesigns for established heroes, customisable fighters and representatives from rhythm, lifestyle and spin-off games. They would help the next roster acknowledge where Nintendo’s series have moved during the Switch 2 generation.
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