New Super Smash Bros. and Nintendogs reportedly in development for Switch 2
A new Super Smash Bros. installment is reportedly in development for Nintendo’s next-generation console. installment is reportedly in development for Nintendo’s next-generation console, alongside a revival of the beloved pet simulator Nintendogs. The claims originate from an online leaker known as ‘malo932’, an account that has previously, and accurately, revealed information about the company’s plans before official announcements.
The rumors, which first surfaced in the comments section of YouTube videos, have quickly gained traction due to the source’s purported credibility. If true, the development of two major, fan-favorite franchises would represent a significant early statement of intent for the console currently dubbed the ‘Nintendo Switch 2’.
Evaluating the source of the new Super Smash Bros leaks
In the often-murky world of video game leaks, the track record of the source is paramount. The latest information comes from a user named ‘malo932’, who is credited with previously leaking the existence of a *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* remake and, more recently, the scheduling of a double Nintendo Direct event before other prominent insiders.
This history lends a degree of weight to the new claims that might otherwise be dismissed. The unusual method of dissemination—random YouTube comments rather than a dedicated social media account or blog—adds a layer of mystique, with online communities having only recently discovered and compiled the posts. While Nintendo has not commented, the company is notoriously silent on rumors and speculation, regardless of their accuracy.
The timing of these leaks coincides with widespread anticipation for a Nintendo Direct presentation, where the company is expected to outline its upcoming software slate. This is a common pattern where insider information surfaces just before official events, similar to how publishers like Square Enix build hype for their TGS 2026 lineup.
Until an official confirmation from Nintendo, these claims remain firmly in the realm of speculation. However, the leaker’s past accuracy has convinced many fans that an announcement for at least one of these titles could be imminent, possibly during the rumored Direct on Wednesday.
A successor to the ultimate crossover fighter
A new *Super Smash Bros.* game is an almost inevitable development for any new Nintendo hardware, but it comes with immense expectations. The previous entry, *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* for the Switch, was a monumental success, celebrated for its exhaustive roster featuring every character in the series’ history, which culminated in 89 fighters.
The challenge of following ‘Ultimate’
Series creator Masahiro Sakurai has repeatedly spoken about the difficulty of topping *Ultimate*, suggesting that a future installment would likely need to reboot the series rather than attempt to expand the roster further. A new title for the Switch 2 could represent that fresh start, potentially focusing on a smaller, more curated cast of characters with deeper move sets or new gameplay mechanics.
Development of a new *Smash Bros.* is a massive undertaking that would likely be handled by Bandai Namco Studios, which co-developed the last two entries. The financial incentive is undeniable; the franchise is a system-seller and a cultural phenomenon, driving hardware sales and online subscriptions.
Major first-party titles are critical for platform holders, much like how new games drive revenue growth for digital storefronts like Steam.
A potential Switch 2 entry could leverage the new console’s increased processing power for more detailed stages, improved visual effects, and a more robust online infrastructure. Fans will be watching closely for any changes in direction, especially concerning whether the game continues *Ultimate’s* ‘everyone is here’ philosophy or charts a new course for the venerable fighting game series.
Nintendogs revival signals a broader strategy
Perhaps the more surprising element of the leak is the reported development of a new *Nintendogs* title. The original game, released for the Nintendo DS in 2005, was a runaway success that perfectly utilized the handheld’s unique features, such as the touchscreen and microphone, to create an immersive pet simulation experience.
The franchise was instrumental in attracting a vast casual audience to the DS, selling over 23 million copies worldwide. A sequel, *Nintendogs + Cats*, was a launch title for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011 but failed to recapture the same level of cultural impact, and the series has been dormant ever since.
Reviving it for the Switch 2 suggests Nintendo is looking to replicate its past success in the casual market.
A modern *Nintendogs* could take advantage of significantly more advanced technology. Enhanced AI could lead to more realistic and varied puppy behaviors, while superior graphics could render the virtual pets with lifelike fur and animations. The hardware’s potential new features, which remain unconfirmed, could also be integrated into the gameplay in a similar fashion to the original’s use of the DS touchscreen.
Reconnecting with the casual audience
Bringing back *Nintendogs* points to a two-pronged software strategy for the Switch 2. While a new *Smash Bros.* would cater to the core gaming audience and competitive scene, *Nintendogs* would appeal to families, younger players, and the massive casual market that made the Nintendo Wii and DS global phenomena.
This dual approach could be key to ensuring the new console enjoys the same broad appeal as its predecessor.
This strategy also involves leveraging both internal studios and external partners. While Nintendo’s own teams would likely handle a title like *Nintendogs*, major collaborations are becoming more common across the industry, with some analysts pointing to rumors of a Nexon and Blizzard deal as a sign of this trend. Nintendo could pursue similar partnerships to bolster the Switch 2’s lineup.
What this means for Nintendo’s next generation
The rumored development of these two titles, if accurate, provides the first glimpse into Nintendo’s vision for its next-generation hardware. The company appears focused on leveraging its most powerful and beloved intellectual properties to ensure a strong start for the Switch 2, combining core gamer appeal with a renewed push into the casual market.
A new *Super Smash Bros.* would serve as the flagship title for dedicated fans, a technical showcase that drives early adoption and online engagement. Meanwhile, *Nintendogs* represents an effort to recapture a different, but equally lucrative, demographic that may have been less engaged with the current Switch’s library. It’s a formula that has served Nintendo well in the past.
As the industry awaits official word, these leaks have ignited widespread discussion and excitement. For now, they paint a compelling picture of a company preparing to launch its next major console with a potent combination of nostalgia and innovation, leaning on the franchises that have defined its success for decades.