You're sitting there, staring at your Switch 2, and you're thinking one thing: where is the invitation? We've all been there. It’s early 2026, the new console is finally in our hands, and while we're busy playing Donkey Kong Bananza or waiting for the Pokémon Pokopia launch in March, there’s a giant, fist-shaped hole in the library. Everyone wants to know when does Super Smash come out, and honestly, the answer is a mix of "not as soon as you want" and "sooner than you think."
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. Masahiro Sakurai, the man who basically bleeds Smash Bros., just finished his "side quest." For the last couple of years, he’s been head-deep in Kirby Air Riders, which finally dropped late last year.
The Sakurai Factor and the 2026 Reality
If you’re expecting a brand-new, built-from-the-ground-up Smash 6 to land in your lap this holiday season, I’ve got some bad news. It isn't happening. Making these games is a nightmare. Sakurai famously works himself to the point of needing an IV drip, and he only just disbanded the Air Riders team a few months ago.
Usually, a full Smash development cycle takes about three to four years. If they started the "real" work in early 2025—which is the rumor circulating around Tokyo R&D circles—we are looking at a 2028 release window for a true sequel.
But wait. Don't close the tab yet.
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There is a massive rumor, backed by some pretty interesting job listings from late 2023, that Nintendo isn't going to leave us hanging for three more years. They know the Switch 2 needs a "killer app" to keep the momentum going through its second year.
The "Ultimate Deluxe" Theory
When you ask when does Super Smash come out, you might actually be asking when you can play any Smash on your new console. There is a very high probability we see a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Definitive Edition (or whatever they decide to call it) much sooner.
Think about it. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe carried the original Switch for its entire lifespan.
- Release Date Guess: Late 2026 or Early 2027.
- The Content: All previous DLC included, plus maybe 3-5 new "Switch 2 Era" characters.
- The Tech: Native 4K in docked mode, better netcode (please, Nintendo), and maybe some Ray Tracing on the stages.
Honestly, a "Deluxe" version makes way more sense for Nintendo’s current bottom line. They spent years balancing 82 characters. Throwing that away to start over with a roster of 20 seems like a move fans would hate.
What the Insiders Are Saying Right Now
Reece "Kiwi Talkz" Reilly and other industry insiders have been hinting that Nintendo is "in a bind." They can't make Smash without Sakurai, but Sakurai wanted to do his Kirby passion project first. Now that Kirby is done, the gears are finally turning.
If we look at the historical patterns:
- Melee (2001): Came out right at the start of the GameCube.
- Brawl (2008): Two years into the Wii's life.
- Smash 4 (2014): Two years into the Wii U's life.
- Ultimate (2018): One year into the Switch's life.
We are currently in Year 1 of the Switch 2. If the "two-year rule" holds up, 2027 is the sweet spot.
Will We See a Reveal Soon?
There is a rumored Nintendo Direct coming up in February 2026. Don't expect gameplay. If we get anything, it’ll be a "Metroid Prime 4" style teaser. Just a logo. A flickering flame in a character's eye. Enough to make the internet explode, but not enough to give us a real date.
The reality is that Nintendo's 2026 calendar is already pretty stacked. We’ve got Mario Tennis Fever in February and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book in the spring. Dropping a Smash announcement now might actually cannibalize the hype for those games.
Is Super Smash "Retired"?
I’ve seen people on Reddit claiming Sakurai is "done-done." He’s mentioned retirement. He’s mentioned his health. But he also said in his final YouTube video that he’s still working on a project that he wrote the proposal for back in 2021.
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Was that proposal for Smash? Or was it for Air Riders?
The timing suggests he worked on the Kirby project first to clear his head. If he’s back on the Smash train, he’s likely in the "personnel gathering" phase. You can't just flip a switch and have 200 developers ready to go. You have to hire, organize, and get the licenses for characters like Sora and Cloud all over again.
Actionable Steps for the Smash Fan
While you wait for the official word on when does Super Smash come out, here is what you should actually do:
- Don't sell your copy of Ultimate. Even if a new game is announced, the competitive scene will stay on Ultimate for at least a year after the new one launches.
- Watch the February 2026 Direct. This is the most likely place for a "development started" announcement.
- Keep an eye on Bandai Namco. They are the ones who actually build the game for Nintendo. If they start massive hiring for "Action Game Projects," you’ll know the fire is lit.
We’re in the waiting game now. It’s annoying, but the payoff for a Smash game is always worth the silence.
Keep your controllers charged. The invitation usually arrives when you least expect it.
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Next Steps:
If you want to stay ahead of the leaks, set up a Google Alert for "Masahiro Sakurai" and "Project Sora." Most of the real news breaks through Japanese trademark filings and job boards before it ever hits a Nintendo Twitter account. Check back after the February Direct for a full breakdown of any teaser frames.