How Super Smash Bros. Fans Gaslit Themselves Into a Nintendo Direct Disappointment
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Super Smash Bros. fans experienced a wave of community disappointment after convincing themselves that Nintendo's latest Direct would feature a new game announcement. Instead, the showcase focused on ports and a new Kirby title, leaving viewers to commiserate over the internet hype cycle.
Leading up to the latest Nintendo Direct, rumor mills were working overtime with predictions that a brand new Super Smash Bros. game was finally on the horizon. Fans had plenty of reasons to connect the dots. The last entry dropped back in 2018, and series director Masahiro Sakurai had teased a new project in 2024. Never mind the fact that Sakurai previously insisted Ultimate would be his final ride, or that he has a history of saying that after every single installment. Hope springs eternal in the gaming community, and millions of players tuned into the 45-minute showcase with massive expectations.
Instead of a blockbuster brawler announcement, viewers sat through a steady parade of ports, remakes, and smaller titles that left YouTube chat completely aghast. Even as the runtime ticked away with little fanfare outside of a sleek new Metroid reveal, optimistic fans convinced themselves that Nintendo was simply saving the heavy hitters for the very end. That collective delusion finally shattered when the final segment revealed Kirby and the World Beyond, leaving communities across Reddit and social media to collectively process another major L.
While the internet mourning is currently in full swing, stepping back reveals that a break from the franchise might be for the best. Sakurai's legendary dedication to the series has historically taken a severe toll on his health, involving punishing schedules and grueling crunch periods. A new Smash Bros. will almost certainly happen eventually because the commercial demand is simply too high, but until then, players are left laughing at their own collective hype cycle.
Tags: Nintendo, Super Smash Bros, Switch 2, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon