Look, everyone is desperate for a new Smash. I get it. We’ve been living in the shadow of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate since 2018, and while that game is basically a miracle of licensing and game design, the "new toy" itch is getting real. Especially now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is basically the worst-kept secret in the industry.
But here is the thing: the internet is currently a mess of fake "leaks" and 4chan fever dreams. If you spend five minutes on Reddit or X, you’ll see people claiming everything from a 2026 release date to a roster that includes Goku and your neighbor’s cat.
It’s exhausting.
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I’ve spent the last few weeks digging through actual development timelines, Masahiro Sakurai’s recent comments, and the few credible breadcrumbs we actually have. If you’re looking for the truth behind the Super Smash Bros 6 leaks, we need to separate the hype from the hardware reality.
The Sakurai problem and the Kirby Air Riders detour
Most people forget that Masahiro Sakurai doesn't just sit in a room waiting for Nintendo to say "Go." He’s a freelance creator who runs Sora Ltd., and he just finished a major project.
Earlier this month, in January 2026, it was confirmed that the team behind the Kirby Air Riders remake (or sequel, depending on who you ask) is officially disbanding. This is huge. For the last couple of years, Sakurai has been deep in the weeds with that project.
Honestly, he’s been pretty vocal about how "frustrating" it is to work on massive AAA teams. He told 47NEWS that the bigger the team, the harder it is to feel like you’ve actually accomplished something personal.
"The sense of fulfillment gained from making something by yourself is different to something made as part of a group." — Masahiro Sakurai, January 2026.
This matters because it tells us two things. One, he wasn't working on Smash while Kirby was in the oven. Two, if he is taking the lead on the next Smash—and Nintendo basically admitted they can't imagine doing it without him—development is likely only in its infancy.
Basically, anyone telling you the game is "mostly finished" is lying to you.
Why the 2026 release rumors don't add up
There’s a specific "leak" floating around from 4chan that people keep citing. It claims a Summer 2026 release. It sounds great on paper because it aligns with the Switch 2’s early lifecycle.
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It's also almost certainly fake.
Smash games have a very predictable rhythm. Brawl took about three years. Ultimate took about three. If the Kirby team just disbanded at the end of 2025, a 2026 release would mean they developed a massive fighting game in about six months. Even if they used the Ultimate engine and just ported it over, Nintendo doesn't usually dump their biggest evergreen titles that quickly.
A more realistic timeline? We might see a "development has started" logo—think Metroid Prime 4 style—at a Nintendo Direct later this year. But a playable game? You're likely looking at 2028.
The "Everything is different" roster theory
One of the most persistent Super Smash Bros 6 leaks involves the "Full Reboot" theory.
Let's be real: Ultimate was a trap. By bringing back every single character, Sakurai created a ceiling that is impossible to break. You cannot have 100+ characters with unique balance, 4K textures, and complex physics on a new console without something breaking.
There are credible whispers that the next game will "trim the fat." We’re talking a roster reset.
- The "Safe" list: Mario, Link, Samus, Pikachu—the OGs.
- The "Chop" list: We might lose some of the redundant Fire Emblem reps or niche third-party characters whose licensing deals have expired.
- The Newcomers: Everyone wants Waluigi. He’s the meme that won’t die. But names like Noah and Mio from Xenoblade 3 or a Gen 10 Pokémon are much safer bets.
I’ve seen some "leaks" suggesting a shift to a more 3D-heavy fighter style, similar to Tekken. While Bandai Namco (who helps develop Smash) knows that world well, changing the core 2D platform-fighter DNA would be a massive risk. It’s more likely they’ll focus on "moveset overhauls." Mario has had basically the same kit since the N64. It’s time for some Odyssey or Wonder inspiration.
What we actually know about the hardware
The Switch 2 (or whatever they call it) is the real catalyst here. We know it has more RAM and better DLSS support. This means the next Smash won't just be "Ultimate but shinier."
It means better netcode. (Please, Nintendo, we are begging.)
It means more complex stages with dynamic physics that don't chug at 20fps.
It means the "World of Light" style modes could actually be expansive.
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There’s a rumor that Nintendo is looking at a "Deluxe" version of Ultimate as a stopgap. This would be the "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" strategy. Port the game to Switch 2, add 5 new characters, and call it a day. While some fans would be mad, it’s the only way to keep the "Everyone is Here" promise alive while they spend five years building the true Smash 6 from scratch.
Actionable steps for the Smash community
If you're trying to keep your sanity during this leak season, here is how you should actually handle the news:
- Ignore 4chan text dumps. If there isn't a screenshot or a CoroCoro scan, it’s fan fiction. Every single time.
- Watch Sakurai’s YouTube channel archives. He often drops hints about his philosophy on game bloat. If he says "big games are unsustainable," expect a smaller roster for the next entry.
- Check Bandai Namco's job listings. They are the muscle behind the modern Smash games. When "Studio S" starts hiring for a "2D Action Project," that’s your starting gun.
- Manage your expectations for 2026. We are in a transition year. Nintendo wants to sell consoles with Mario and Metroid right now. Smash is the "Year 3" heavy hitter.
The wait is going to be long. But honestly? I’d rather wait four years for a balanced, reimagined masterpiece than get a rushed port in six months.
We’ve got Ultimate to keep us busy, and let's face it, most of us still haven't mastered half the roster anyway. Stay skeptical, stay hyped, but keep your feet on the ground.