Super Smash Brosremains one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises over twenty years after its first release. Every time a new entry is announced, the Internet goes wild with speculation over which characters will make their debut in the all-star fighter. However, it’s quite easy for Photoshop experts to exploit fans' excitement.
Over the years, but especially with the two most recent titles,Super Smash Bros 4andSuper Smash Bros Ultimate, the Internet is no safe place. There have been many rumors and alleged leaks that have proven to be 100% true. Others, such as these hoaxes, didn’t come to fruition, to the disappointment of many gamers.
8Sonic & Tails In Melee
This was one of the oldest rumors spread by word of mouth in the days ofSuper Smash Bros Melee. Thanks to an April Fools' Day prank byElectronic Gaming Monthly, many fans believed there were secret characters to be unlocked.These characters were Sonic and Tails, who would have beenSmash’s first third-party characters.
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According to the hoax, Sonic and Tails would be unlocked if players defeated 20 enemies in Cruel Melee. Despite the magazine’s reputation for hoaxes, many fans still fell for this rumor, but were never able to accrue 20 defeats in the sub-game. In hindsight, it’s pretty funny that so many kids fell for a poorly-edited magazine hoax.
7Gematsu Leaks
During the lead-up toSuper Smash Bros 4, many fans became aware of the infamous Gematsu leaks. Gaming website Gematsu’s owner allegedly had a source who knew the upcoming title’s roster. This source was proven correct when Villager, Mega Man, Wii Fit Trainer, Little Mac, Mii Fighters, and Pac-Man were confirmed.
Gematsu’s owner later leaked characters like Palutena, Shulk, and a Pokemon fromPokemon X & Y. However,the confirmation of Robin & Lucina contradicted his claim that Chrom would be added. When the game released, Chorus Kids from Rhythm Heaven were also absent, proving not all of Gematsu’s info was reliable.
6Rayman In Super Smash Bros 4
Rayman’s appearance inSuper Smash Bros for Wii U & 3DSwas highly speculated prior to the game’s release. Confirmation seemed to finally come when a poster on 4chan leaked several screenshots ofSSB4’s menu. These images showed Rayman on the character select screen, his unlock screen, and even a DLC shop icon.
Because this followed Mewtwo’s confirmed DLC appearance inSSB4, many fans believed the leak was legitimate. However, it was debunked when its creator uploaded a video showing how he created it. It was all a publicity stunt for his new web series,Smashified, where he created artwork for potentialSmash Brosfighters.
5Tower Of Smash
Prior to the release ofSuper Smash Bros for Wii U, a rumor circulated on theSmashcommunity site Smashboards. This rumor contained detailed information about the differences between the already-released 3DS version and the upcoming Wii U edition. The biggest claim of this rumor was a mode called “Tower of Smash.”
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According to the rumor, the Tower of Smash was a 100-floor tower where players take on various one-on-one battles. This mode would also include several boss fights withcharacters like Dyna Blade fromKirby.The rumor also alleged that characters added to the Wii U version would include Chorus Kids, Ridley, Dixie Kong, and Impa.
4Vergeben Leaks
One of the most popular leaks to occur during the lead-up toSuper Smash Bros Ultimatecame from a user on GameFAQs known as Vergeben. Unlike mostSmash Brosrumors that circulate message boards, most of Vergeben’s leaks came true. This included the game’s newcomers as well as the return of every previous fighter.
However, by the time DLC began to roll out forUltimate, Vergeben’s credibility began to waver. Vergeben’s claim thatSteve fromMinecraftwould appear in Fighters Pass Vol. 1seemed to not pan out, until the character was finally confirmed for Vol. 2. However, his sources alleging the addition of Master Chief never came true.
34Chan Roster Hoax
4Chan was often the source of many unconfirmedSmashleaks due to the anonymous nature of the site. In August 2018, several months prior toUltimate’s release, several photos of yet-unconfirmed characters began to circulate. The leak gained credibility due to the unknown origin of many of these characters' renders.
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These characters included Skull Kid, Isaac fromGolden Sun, Ken, Shadow the Hedgehog, Chorus Kids, Isabelle, and Agnes fromBravely Default. However, the leak was debunked when its creator revealed the hoax on Twitter in September. Isabelle and Ken would go on to be confirmed as playable fighters in the game.
2The Grinch Leak
One of the most popular leaks during the lead-up toUltimate’s release was titled the “Grinch leak.” This leak contained a supposed final version ofUltimate’s banner, featuring unconfirmed characters, including Banjo & Kazooie, Geno, and Mach Rider. It was dubbed the “Grinch leak” for the images' connection to the 2018 animated film.
Unfortunately, a Nintendo Direct in November 2018 surprised fans by debunking the rumor with the confirmation of Incineroar. While Ken was playable, other alleged characters like Isaac and Shadow would be confirmed as Assist Trophies.Banjo & Kazooie wouldn’t make the roster until their release in Fighters Pass Volume 1.
1Mii Costume Leak
Even a year afterUltimate’s release, fake leaks didn’t slow down.With the addition of DLC characters and Mii Fighter costumes, there was all the more reason to exploit fan speculation. One 4Chan user stirred up conversation with an image of Mii Fighters wearing costumes based on characters fromSuper Mario RPGandDoom.
These Mii Fighter costumes led some fans to speculate the addition of Geno and Doom Slayer as potential DLC fighters. However, several fans in the modding community doubted the legitimacy of the leaks. Eventually, they were debunked when the director ofDoom Eternalshut down rumors of Doom Slayer’s addition.
