Nintendo finally unveiled the next iteration of Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS at E3 2013. To properly prepare for the reveal, we've once again updated our list of the smashing roster with confirmed characters and all the characters we hope to see join the game. Keep throwing in your suggestions in the comments, and we might just add them to our next update!

One of Nintendo’s consistently highest-selling franchises of the last decade, Super Smash Bros has been used sparingly, only appearing once on each home console starting with N64. With so few releases, the years-long wait between sequels is filled with people dreaming up the rosters for the next entry in the fan-service drenched series. It's felt so long since 2008’s Brawl that simply hearing Nintendo’s President Satoru Iwata mention a new Smash Bros was the highlight of the company’s E3 press conference, even without a single screen to show the audience. Now Smash Bros development has begun in earnest for the Wii U/3DS sequel, that gets our imaginations going.

After two years of waiting, Nintendo revealed Super Smash Bros. for Wii and 3DS at E3 2013, and the trailer didn't disappoint. A dozen fighters have already been confirmed for both versions of the game, including three brand new characters. And obviously we'll keep updating this the moment a new fighter is confirmed for the game. So let's start with the most obvious character...

First appeared: Donkey Kong (1981)

As they've done with all their previous Smash Bros reveals, the trailer started right with an appearance by Nintendo mascot, Mario. The character seems to have all the same abilities from the previous games, only he looks more snazzy than ever in HD. But will the mustachioed one have new moves or a bigger Final Smash? We'll hopefully know soon.

First appeared: Animal Forest (2000)

The Animal Crossing series isn't known for its violence, so its previous appearances in Super Smash Bros. had been relegated to the background. But no more! Now the simply named Villager is joining the fray with moves based on his many moves that were once relegated to town upkeep. Will the roster be limited to him, or is it too much to hope Tom Nook will appear as well?

First appeared: Mega Man (1987)

To be honest we were a little dumbstruck that ol’ Mega hadn't appeared in Brawl as one of the first ever third party fighters, but that confusing omission ends now. The Blue Bomber is joining the Wii U and 3DS entry and he's bringing all his most famous moves with him. Not only the Mega Buster and the slide for normal attacks, he can seemingly call on all of the abilities he stole from robot masters he's defeated. Additionally, Smash creator Sakurai is a big videogame music buff, and gaming tunes don't get much better than the Mega Man 2 soundtrack. We can not wait to play as him!

First appeared: Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Poor Bowser didn't even get a formal reveal in the first trailer, but rest assured that Bowser is totally playable in the game. The red-haired tyrant has the same crushing moves as before, but we think he's taken on a decidedly cartoonier look in the first gameplay footage when compared to Brawl. But no matter how he looks, Smash Bros. will once again give the perennial loser a chance to get the best of Mario, one smash at a time.

First appeared: Kirby's Dream Land (1992)

Kirby was created by Smash Bros director Masahiro Sakurai, so when he created Smash Bros., he made sure the pink puffball was welcome. The happy little guy has appeared in every entry, which he's continuing in the new entry on Wii U and 3DS. The character's new movve includes transforming into a Thwomp from Mario Bros. What other new attacks has the notorious copycat borrowed?

First appeared: Pokemon Red/Green (1996)

Originally just one of 151 different pocket monsters, the electric rat Pikachu quickly became the international icon for the series. The lovable creature has appeared basically everywhere over the last 17 years, and that includes Smash Bros., where he's been electrocuting opponents since the N64. Whether you love his lightning attacks or dub him "Pika-cheap," it wouldn't be a new Smash Bros. game without him.

First appeared: The Legend of Zelda (1987)

"Hero of Time" almost isn't a powerful enough title for someone as prolific as Link. Over the years the fantasy star has saved princesses, his world, other dimensions, and the very nature of time. Link and his iconic set of weapons are a constant in Smash Bros., though his look shifts to fit his most recent incarnation. Obviously he's taking on his Skyward Sword appearance in this installment.

First appeared: Kid Icarus (1986)

The pseudo-Grecian hero Pit defends Angel Land under the watchful eye of Palutena, as seen is his triumphant return in 3DS's Kid Icarus: Uprising. That game was made by the Smash Bros. team and Pit made his first appearance in years in Brawl, so we all knew he'd be included in the next smashing title. But now that his alternate costume of Dark Pit became a full character in Uprising, will he be a separate fighter in this game?

First appeared: Metroid (1986)

Samus is one of the biggest badasses in gaming, and was the top space marine years before Master Chief or Marcus Fenix were even created. Her Varia is strong enough on its own, but it's almost unstoppable when fully powered up with bombs and electric whips. She's been blasting fools off screen since the first Smash outing, and will continue to do so on Wii U and 3DS. But has she brought along the Zero Suit that appeared in Brawl?

First appeared: Star Fox (1993)

He's an anthropomorphic fox that flies a space ship and blows up robots to defend the Lylat solar system. But when the leader of the Star Fox team, Fox McCloud, leaves his ship, he prefers to rough up his fellow Nintendo mascots. Another member of the original Smash Bros. roster, Fox is bringing back his lasers, reflector shield, and general speed will likely keep him as a favorite among fans.

First appeared: Donkey Kong (1981)

This giant ape was Nintendo's first famous name in gaming, and his arcade hit launched the career of Mario. There are few Nintendo characters more important than Donkey Kong, but he doesn't let it get to his head. He's just a fun-loving gorilla that loves bananas and occasionally carries women to the top of construction sites. But it's all in good fun!

First appeared: Wii Fit (2008)

While the most hardcore of Nintendo fans might have skipped the game (and we could tell by checking their waistline), the Wii Fit franchise was one of the best selling of the last decade. And if the sales didn't show the popularity of the lead character, the titles at least proved that the Wii Fit Trainer is as physically adept as any other member of the Smash roster. Sure, she might not have eyes, but she makes up for it in her skill as a yoga master.

So that's every character that we currently know is in the game, but why stop there? We have dozens of characters we want to see added to the next Smash Bros, and we're sure you do too. What follows are a mix of our picks and reader choices for additions to the 3DS/Wii U smashers. If you have any more suggestions, let us know!

First appeared: Pokemon X/Y (2013)

Mewtwo was one of the most powerful Pokemon of the original set of 151, and he was a much loved character in GameCube’s Smash Bros. Melee. Mewtwo had understated yet powerful attacks, and floated through stages with surprising grace. The next Pokemon game will feature a new evolution or form for Mewtwo that’s currently unnamed (Mewthree?). This new form seems to possess all the skills of his predecessor, only with extra intensity. Maybe Mewtwo could just return and switch between the two forms Zelda/Sheik style.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Many Pokemaniacs were annoyed to see Lucario replace Mewtwo in Brawl’s roster, so it’d certainly please fans to see Mewtwo return, but with some new moves. After losing Mewtwo once, getting a double dose of him would help make up for lost time. Additionally, Mewthree is the star of the next Pokemon film, meaning the character will be hyped constantly to the same kids in Japan that will get Smash Bros. on the Wii U and 3DS.

First appeared: Pushmo (2011)

Our potential Smash Bros. roster is in danger of having too many “normal” looking characters and could use more of the cartoony protagonists Nintendo loves. The squat Mallo looks a bit like a sumo wrestler, and he uses his low center of gravity to push blocks around to solve puzzles. His jumping abilities would translate well into Smash, though Mallo doesn’t exhibit many offensive moves in Pushmo or Crashmo. We’d be fine with the devs simply ripping off the all the moves of E. Honda from Street Fighter.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Nintendo has been extra focused lately on creating downloadable franchises, and Mallo is the star of one of the earliest hits on the 3DS eShop. If Nintendo wants to prove that its eShop franchises are on the level of its retail releases, putting Mallo in the Smash would go a long way. Pushmo has already had one sequel, so appearing in the next Smash would elevate both Mallo and the entire concept of eShop originals.

First appeared: Fire Emblem: Awakening (2013)

Fire Emblem has one of the more complex timelines in gaming history, but a constant throughout almost every game in the series is the blue-haired, chivalrous hero, which Chrom epitomized in the most recent entry. Awakening takes you through years of Chrom’s life, as you watch him grow from impetuous prince to ruler of his country and father to the next generation of royalty. He’s incredibly deft with the legendary Falchion sword, and players really get to know him in the game’s many funny dialogue sequences. Compared to FE heroes Ike and Marth, Chrom has the most personality while being no less heroic.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Fire Emblem would likely never have come to the US had FE characters not appeared in Melee, so the two franchises are closely connected. Plus, Awakening was a huge hit in Japan and the most popular Fire Emblem entry in the US to date. Awakening will make some kind of an appearance in the next Smash--if not with Chrom, then perhaps that game’s version of Marth. Or maybe...

First appeared: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land (2011)

Children of the 1980s might think Magalor is some kind of Orko rip-off, but the cutesy alien is a Nintendo original that made his first appearance in in the Wii platformer Kirby’s Return to Dream Land. This visitor from outer space came to Kirby and his friends looking for help, but *SPOILERS* it turns out he isn’t so innocent after all. Magalor tricked Kirby and his friends into collecting a powerful artifact before turning on them. Kirby managed to defeat him, but Mags has already returned in one Kirby game. Is he officially a member of the Pink One’s rogues gallery now?

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Smash already has Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede, so a fourth character may seem like overkill. However, Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai created Kirby, and often gives his creation special treatment in the Smash games. If any new member of the Kirby-verse is coming, a backstabber like Magalor is more interesting than a goof like Waddle Dee.

First appeared: The Wonderful 101 (2013)

Platinum Games is one of the top independent developers in Japan, and the team’s next franchise launches in September with Wii U exclusive The Wonderful 101. The game features an army of costumed heroes fending off an alien invasion, and the group consists of colorful, Power Ranger-style fighters as well as weird members made of sushi and washing machines. Together they can transform into various massive weapons like a sword or a fist, and if they were included in Smash, the Wonderful 101 would use those abilities to work similarly to the Pikmin in Brawl, but with 20-plus team members instead of four.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Wonderful 101 was one of the earliest exclusive announced for the Wii U, and Nintendo has gotten pretty close with Platinum lately, agreeing to also exclusively publish Bayonetta 2. Nintendo would no doubt like to keep that friendship going by adding the the stars of 101 to Smash, and it would help establish the game as the start of a franchise, not just another one-off from Platinum.

First appeared: Bayonetta (2010)

Created by many of the developers behind the first Devil May Cry games, Bayonetta is a sassy witch that kills demons and angels with equal panache. She doesn’t care what side of Heaven or Hell she’s fighting, so long as she’s paid. Bayonetta’s weapons of choice include her four favorite guns--two of which are attached to her heels--as well as her enchanted hair. Her flowing locks can transform into giant fists or gnashing fangs to destroy her enemies, and the rest of the time her mane takes the form of the clothes on her body. Like we said, sassy.

Chance she’ll be in SSBWU: Up until a few months ago Bayonetta seemed firmly established as a Sega franchise, but then came the shocking announcement that Bayonetta 2 is a Wii U exclusive. Now that Nintendo seems so firmly behind our favorite witch, the odds of her showing up in Smash Bros. have increased substantially. Yes, she’d have to leave some of her more risqué moves at the door, but with the kind of arsenal she’s packing, she’d be a great addition.

First appeared: Xenoblade (2010)

Shulk would be the next great sword master to join the series, but he’s got more than enough skills to separate himself from guys like Link and Marth. Shulk’s unique edge comes from his sword, the powerful Monado that’s imbued with multiple magic spells and techniques learned throughout Xenoblade Chronicles. A strong fighter with an interesting background, Shulk would also make a great addition because his stage has the potential to look fantastic and have some of the best music in the game.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Shulk’s case is looking better every day. SSB needs some fresh blood, and Xenoblade is one of Nintendo’s most popular new franchises--in Japan at least. If Nintendo wants to keep that series alive, adding Shulk to Smash while fans hold out hope for a Wii U sequel is a great idea. Shulk is one of Nintendo’s best chances to bring something truly new to SSB, so we hope the devs don’t pass up this opportunity.

First appeared: Densetsu no Starfy (2002)

One of Nintendo’s most recent additions to its mascot pantheon, Starfy is cut from the same cloth as Kirby, in that he’s a puffy cute thing, only yellow instead of pink. In the place of sucking down enemies and stealing their powers, Starfy is more at home floating around underwater like the starfish he’s styled after. He did appear in Brawl as an Assist Trophy, but now that Western audiences got a chance to play as the five-pointed hero in The Legendary Starfy, it’s time he got the star treatment (PUN!!!!).

How they should play: Since Starfy spends so much time below the waves, perhaps his movements should reflect more of his under the sea motions, feeling very light and floaty. Seeing as how most of Starfy’s moves in his own game involve spinning, we’re guessing that’ll be the source of many of his attacks. We just hope his stage includes the adorable space rabbit from his one English language game.

First appeared: Star Fox Adventures (2002)

Fox and Falco are already part of Smash Bros., but there are other members of the Star Fox crew we’d like to see in SSB, with Krystal at the top of the list. Krystal has proven herself to be more than capable, thanks in large part to her magical staff. She’s first introduced as the protector of a dinosaur planet Fox McCloud crashes on, and she’s also blessed with telepathic abilities. Krystal joined the Star Fox team when she and Fox became an item, though in a later game Krystal left to be a part of the rival Star Wolf Team.

Chance she’ll be in SSBWU: Krystal may have been introduced in a game that was barely a Star Fox title, but at this point Nintendo has proven to be pretty committed to the character. In fact, given her melee skills, she’s arguably the most fitting member of the Star Fox crew for a fighting game, and SSB could always use more ladies on the roster. Unless Nintendo has totally turned its back on the newer Star Fox characters, we think the odds are in her favor.

First appeared: Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (2010)

Son of the stars of the original Golden Sun for GBA, Matthew takes after his father Isaac a lot. Wielder of the famous Sol Blade, Matthew is a master of earth magic like his papa, often calling upon the ground in his mystical battles. Like most RPG protagonists, he teamed up with his childhood friends to save the world. Including him would not only add a newer character to the mix, but also finally give Golden Sun some real recognition in the SSB series.

How they should play: Given his potent mix of sword and sorcery, we see Isaac playing like a combination of characters. Obviously he’d have sword-heavy attacks similar to Link and Marth, but based on the number of spells he knows, we could see him using area-effecting magic attacks ala Zelda or Gannon.

First appeared: Scribblenauts (2009)

One of the key ingredients to a successful Smash fighter is variety, like the diverse number of moves each character has using different items from their games. Since Maxwell’s main skill is the ability to create nearly anything using his magical notepad, that puts few limits on the number of things he could conjure on the battlefield for any number of attacks. And though Maxwell may look like an unassuming little boy, anyone that’s played his games knows he’s deadly with whatever weapon you put in his hand.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Not too long ago, Maxwell met with Nintendo’s stable of characters for the first time in Scribblenauts Unlimited making for one of the strangest Nintendo cameos in recent memory. However, while it’s promising that Nintendo is already interested in sharing gaming space with a series that’s always been associated with Nintendo systems, that doesn’t guarantee anything. Super Smash Bros. may be an international hit, but it has always been a very Japanese franchise, so it would be surprising to see a Western-developed character get one of the precious few spots for new characters. Then again, Nintendo appears more inclusive than ever these days.

First appeared: Super Mario Bros 2/Doki Doki Panic (1988)

Since her first appearance as an egg spitting mid boss, Birdo has stuck in the minds of players everywhere. Though somewhat ignored directly after Mario 2, over the last decade or so, Birdo started popping up in Mario spin-offs until eventually she became a regular in most Mario sports and party games. Often used as the feminine counterpart to Yoshi, Birdo’s got a big enough fan base that she deserves to be playable in SSB instead of restricted to the cameo roles she’s had to put up with. If nothing else, she’d be a welcome female addition to a rather male-oriented roster.

How they should play: Since Birdo has been symbolically intertwined with Yoshi for years, why not use the green dino as a starting place for controls? She should have the flutter jump or a variation on it, though her egg attacks would obviously be a straight shot instead of Yoshi’s arc. Initially we thought you should be able to stand on her eggs if you time the jump right, but that seems like it might break the whole “throw your opponent off the stage” concept to the battles.

First appeared: Advance Wars (2001)

In real life the thought of young adults fighting wars is a tragedy, but in the World of Nintendo it makes for some of the best and most approachable strategy games to date. There are tons of COs to choose from in Advance Wars' history, but none have stuck with us more than the core trio in the first English-language release for the GBA. Andy, Sami and Max all had their qualities and together made an unbeatable team, so why can’t that be the same in Smash Bros? Also, since the Smash Bros is going portable in the next iteration, it’d be nice to recognize such a well-known handheld series.

How they should play: There’s a precedent for a set of interchangeable characters acting as one in SSB, with each having their own qualities that could be useful at any given moment. The gruff Max would be your offensive heavy, Sami’s fast troop movement abilities would translate to high agility, and Andy would be the all-around character who could occasionally pull off a special move that would heal the team. And all of them could call in infantry for help every now and then, with their bigger moves calling bombers and tanks.

First appeared: Professor Layton and the Curious Village (2009)>

Professor Hershel Layton is one of the most well-known characters introduced in the last five years, having starred in multiple hit puzzle games. Layton is famous for using his ample intelligence and good manners to solve ancient mysteries all over the world, often finding the logical explanation for some supernatural occurrence. And while Layton strives to be a gentleman at all times, if he’s forced to defend himself, he’s more than skilled at that too.

Chance he’ll be in SSBWU: Layton seems like a shoe-in given the brand’s closeness to Nintendo systems, SSB’s Japanese development, and the fact that the next SSB will be on 3DS and needs guest characters famous on handhelds. Additionally, Layton just appeared in his first crossover game, Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, a good sign developer Level-5 might share the character again in the future. The biggest strike against Hershel appearing is that his next game for 3DS is rumored to be his last, so if Level-5 is set on retiring him, it’s possible the publisher won’t want Layton appearing in SSB so soon afterwards.

First appeared: Punch-Out!! (1987)

The hefty, seemingly invincible boxer from Hippo Island might be the most famous Nintendo character to never get his due. Certainly the most memorable opponent in NES classic Punch-Out!!, Hippo also gained fame as a recurring villain on 80s Saturday morning cartoon Captain N. After that, he almost disappeared completely until his return in 2009’s Punch-Out!! for Wii. Now a new generation knows how awesome this chunky boxer is, they’re ready for him to be playable in the next Smash Bros.

How they should play: King Hippo’s flurry of jabs, hooks, straights and uppercuts will work fine for normal attacks, but what about the moves demanding more visual flourish? We trust Sakurai and the rest of the team to properly embellish some of his more famous attacks from the games. However, if you choose Hippo for a one-on-one match, be sure to defend your stomach.

First appeared: The Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures (2004)

Zelda takes up a fair share of the roster already, but it’s mainly variations on the tried-and-true trio of Link, Zelda, and Ganon. Those guys are great, but we’d love to see the developers reach a little deeper into Zelda’s history. Though there are tons of great bad guys Link’s faced over the years, we think Four Swords/Minish Cap’s Vaati is of the most distinct and deserving of a slot on the roster. A malevolent sorcerer out for god-like power, he turned Zelda into stone and his former teacher Ezlo into a hat. That’s pretty evil.

How they should play: Early in Minish, Vaati proves himself to be pretty good at sword fighting, so the devs could use the similarly small in stature Toon Link as a starting point for controls. However, his abilities as a sorcerer adds some flexibility to possible ranged and defensive moves, while his more powerful attacks could include transforming people into stone or, more interestingly, a hat. Finally, if you’re wondering what his Final Smash would be, he does change into a snazzy, giant monster at the end of Minish Cap…

First appeared: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

If you’re looking for a new form to give Link in the fourth Smash Bros, look no further than 2006’s Twilight Princess. Every time Link entered the Twilight Realm, he was transformed into a wolf, controlling very differently than he did in human form with more ferocious attacks. His constant companion, whether he liked it or not, was Midna, an imp that wields powerful magic and holds a dark secret.

How they should play: Despite being two separate characters, this duo would be better off playing more like a single character and less like the Ice Climbers. The combination of the wolf’s practical attacks (mostly involving biting jugulars) would mix with Midna’s mysterious powers that could be used for ranged and defense. Obviously Midna’s transformative abilities could come in handy too, especially with regards to a Final Smash.

First appeared: Animal Crossing (2001)

Super Smash Bros has always been light on your options to play as a bad guy, and few in the Nintendo pantheon are more evil than Tom Nook. Don’t let his furriness fool you; this raccoon controls your life in Animal Crossing with an iron fist. You’re constantly pushing yourself to escape the grip of your many debts to Nook, and even when you finally do, he has a monopoly over your town's businesses, so you still have to give him your money. Truly one of Nintendo’s most evil characters.

How they should play: Probably working similar to Mr Game & Watch, Nook’s moves would be based around his random uses of items from AC. A shovel here, an apple tree there, and his best power would be burying his enemies in crushing debt. He’d be a wonderful fighter in the “joke” character tradition of SSB.

First appeared: Pokemon Black/White (2010)

Pokemon has had a long and close relationship with the Smash Bros franchise, with multiple playable pocket monsters on top of the dozens that explode out of Pokeballs and a big chunk of stages based on the series too. With Gen IV’s Lucario playable in Brawl, Gen V deserves a shot, and why not the first monster revealed for Black/White, Zoroark? The mysterious, shape-changing Pokemon is often found hiding in plain sight and isn’t the easiest to catch, but is a great addition to SSB and your Poke squad.

How they should play: Maybe it isn’t as famous as Reshiram or Zekrom, or as cute Victini, but Zoroark has more gameplay potential than the almost any other new Pokemon. Not only do his lanky proportions and bipedal movement fit well with Smash Bros style (like Mewtwo and Lucario before him), but Z’s special ability to transform into different Pokemon, including Legendaries, opens up even more Poke-cameo potential than the random Pokeballs. Imagine doing a combo that ended with transforming into Entei or Kyogre and blasting away at your opponent.

First appeared: Pokemon Black & White (2011)

The Pokemon series is more than just a monster-collecting RPG, it’s a way of life. And as fun as it is to play as you favorite Pokemon (be they Pikachu or Jigglypuff) it can be even more fun to play as the lead trainer from the main games. The Poke Trainer made a great addition to Brawl, so why not update him with the newest generation of Pokemon?

How they should play: As our image suggests, we assume the devs will stick with using the three BW starter Pokemon, as Oshawott, Snivy and Emboar would fit with Brawl’s trio. Of course they wouldn't be exactly the same, as the BW trio has more diverse capabilities. Then again, maybe they’ll surprise us and use a combination of four or more. We’d love to see new Mon like Beartic and Emolga appear.

First appeared: Kirby’s Epic Yarn (2010)

Everyone is familiar with Kirby’s love of eat his enemies and steal their powers, but in 2010 Nintendo got experimental with the Pink One’s look and abilities with the rather unique Kirby’s Epic Yarn. Our hero became a yarn outline of himself and the old school 2D platforming stages were built around the theme of quilts, threads, and other fabric creations. Even though Kirby’s returned to form in his later releases, this look has stuck with us and the game is one of the high points of the Wii’s library.

How they should play: Kirby’s yarn form diverged so much from his classic look that even if the movement would be similar, his move set would be wholly different. Kirby would lasso enemies with string, he’d glide through the air instead of floating while holding his breath, and he could transform into things for combat purposes, including a car, dolphin or tank. That’s way more nuance than most character variations in Smash offer.

First appeared: Rayman (1995)

The armless French creation is enjoying a renewed relevance these days. Following years of being upstaged by Rabbids, Rayman and his lovably goofy friends returned in the gorgeously 2D platformer Rayman Origins. Based on Rayman’s history with the Wii and 3DS, plus Ubisoft’s dedication to the Wii U, if any guest character would appear in the next Smash Bros, it’d be Rayman.

How they should play: The Origins update to Rayman works almost perfectly for Smash. He’s got tons of different melee attacks, transformative powers, and can hover with his propeller head. As for his design, we’d hope for a mash-up between his colorful 2D self in Origins and his 3D looks from Rayman 2 and 3.

First appeared: Tekken (1994)

Since way back when Soul Calibur II came out with the earth-shattering appearance of Link, Namco has been needing to return the favor by lending one of its characters to a Nintendo fighter, but at first it was tough to decide who. You might think Pac-Man, but traditionally he doesn’t really have any arms or legs, and we’d rather Nintendo ignore the middling Pac-Man Worlds of a few years ago. No, Namco should instead go with its premier fighting game, one that that’s already appearing in another crossover, and was one of the few franchises to appear in the Wii U reveal trailer. We’re obviously referring to Tekken, and Namco’s got to go with the series’ anti-hero Kazuya.

How they should play: Obviously his move set will be simplified a little from the Tekken games, but all of his marquee attacks should be there. Perhaps the platforming aspects of the combat might seem odd at first, but we’d get used to it. Plus he could have a Zelda/Sheik-type transformation into his Devil form. Perhaps his style would be a little too rough for the good-natured thrashing of Smash Bros, but it’d certainly make him standout from the crowd.

First appeared: Dragon Quest (1986)

Fans may want one of the many memorable characters from Final Fantasy to appear in Smash Bros, but it’s much more likely that its sister series would cross over. In the last few years, Nintendo has become very close with the Dragon Quest side of Square-Enix, publishing a few DQ games in the US and UK, lending Mario characters to the Wii game Fortune Street, and eventually the two companies will publish Dragon Quest X together. It only makes sense to add a DQ character to Smash Bros, even if most of the series’ heroes are pretty non-descript. It doesn’t matter how bland he is; as long as a Slime accompanies him, he’ll have all the charm he needs.

How they should play: It depends on which hero they use, but we think it would most likely be the hero from the first DQ or whoever the hero in DQX ends up being. Most likely they’ll play similar to Marth or Link, with tons of sword and shield attacks, with move variations reliant on the character using famous DQ spells like Bang or Buff. Meanwhile, the Slime could make random appearances with some joke moves that play up the comic sensibilities of the series.

First appeared: Nobunaga’s Ambition (1983)

A famous Japanese Shogun from the 1500s and a leader during a time of intense struggle in the country, Nobunaga is most famous to gamers thanks to his appearances in Koei series Samurai Warriors and Nobunaga’s Ambition. A strong fighter, Nobunaga’s plays a pivotal role whenever he appears in games and given Koei’s friendliness with Nintendo of late, his appearance in SSB seems likely. He’s already teamed up with Zekrom in Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition, so appearing in the next Smash is hardly a stretch.

How they should play: Another strong, evil-ish character, Nobunaga would make a good teammate for Gannon or Bowser. He’d have heavy sword attacks, plus he could call in support from troops, plus he could reuse famous combos from the Samurai Warriors games. We’re not sure how he’d pull off a triple jump, but we trust Sakurai could figure it out.

First appeared: No More Heroes (2008)

One of the few M-rated standouts on the Wii, No More Heroes was an oddball, violent game with a devoted cult audience. That sounds like a perfect fit for SSB, and since Snake already broke the M-rated barrier in Brawl, Travis’ sexy/bloody adventures shouldn’t ban him from the game, though they would have to be toned down some. And since he hasn’t had a new game in years, the otaku/pro wrestling fan/world’s greatest assassin and his beam sword could use the kind of notoriety this cameo would provide.

How they should play: The multiple, upgradable versions of the beam sword (don’t call it a lightsaber) could appear in multiple melee attacks. And we’d love to see more involved attacks using the multiple wrestling moves and vehicles Travis uses in NMH. Plus, any tribute to Pure White Lover Bizarre Jelly would be greatly appreciated.

First appeared: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)

Following Sonic’s long awaited appearance in Brawl, it’s only a matter of time before his shitty friends got into the mix, it’s just inescapable. So we had to pick the least shitty for inclusion, and that came down to Tails or Knuckles. And even though Tails is cuter and is Sonic’s classic sidekick, Knuckles is a much better fit for a fighting game, so he gets our blessing for SSB insertion.

How they should play: Knuckles’ knuckles give him an edge in the punch-and-kick side of Smash, certainly in a more straightforward way than Sonic’s speedy qualities. Plus his gliding ability would work great as a third jump for players trying to get back to the platform. His attitude even fits, as it’s in Knuckles nature to be a scrapper, starting a fight with friend or foe. Our one condition for Knuckles being playable is that he’s the last Sonic character to appear in Smash Bros ever. No Big the Cat or Cream the Rabbit allowed.

First appeared: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (2005)

Phoenix Wright is rarer than a dozen elf boys and giant lizards: he’s a defense lawyer that wants to help. An attorney that continually gets assigned the most impossible cases and the flimsiest defenses, he’s used to proving innocence with a smattering of evidence, contradictions, and one lawyer’s badge. Backed up by a supporting cast of ghosts and clairvoyants, Phoenix saves the innocent and punishes the guilty in his humorous series of adventure games.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Even though his games have recently been ported to iOS, Phoenix has a long history of appearing on Nintendo systems. Despite that closeness, if Capcom is allowed only one guest character, we bet it’d be Mega Man or even Ryu before Wright. Then again, many didn’t think Phoenix would be in Marvel vs Capcom either, so who knows?

First appeared: Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

After Nintendo basically invented the 3D platformer with Super Mario 64, there were dozens of clones and titles inspired by it, but few got as close to SM64’s greatness as Banjo-Kazooie. The unlikely team of a doofus bear and the bird that lives in his backpack battled witches, helped their animal friends and collected thousands of doodads in their day. Though the series has been quiet for a few years, they still have a devoted following.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Nintendo no longer owns any part of these characters, and despite appearing in on the Game Boy Advance, Banjo was absent from the DS remake of Diddy Kong Racing, making odds of a Nintendo published return slim. Then again, it seems like Microsoft has basically zero plans for the characters these days, so why not share them with Nintendo? BK already appeared in Sega All-Star Racing for 360, why not a cameo in the next Smash? Wouldn’t it be grand to drive your friends crazy with Banjo’s no doubt annoying taunts?

First appeared: Bomberman (1987)

Mascot of the now defunct Hudson, Bomberman’s a strange mix of cuteness with explosive death, which is why many love him. His adorable, modest design is fitting with his NES background, and the simple multiplayer joy of blowing people up in Bomberman games could translate to fun in Smash Bros. Wouldn’t it be fitting if he appeared alongside his 8-bit mascot brothers?

How they should play: Like Banjo, Bomberman has been dormant the last couple years. Perhaps you can blame that on Konami purchasing Hudson and so far having little need for the cute powder keg, so he could use the kind of boost a Smash Bros cameo would provide. If Konami isn’t into the character right now, who would it harm to lend him to Nintendo, especially given Nintendo’s history with Bomberman crossovers? (See Wario Blast)

First appeared: Kingdom Hearts (2002)

The type of upbeat, friendly, “believe in yourself” kind of kid that appears in Disney films or JRPGs, Sora is already the star of his own crossover series bringing together the unlikely worlds of Final Fantasy and Disney. In Kingdom Hearts, Sora uses his Keyblade to explore many different worlds based on classic Disney cartoons, all while battling the Heartless alongside Donald and Goofy. Soon he’ll be playable alongside his friendly rival Riku in the 3DS game Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance (yes, that’s really the name).

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Though it started as a Sony exclusive, KH spin-offs have appeared on Sony and Nintendo handhelds for years, with the Kingdom Hearts 3D being the most recent addition. Given their similarly devoted fan bases, it would be fitting to add Sora to Smash Bros, but that situation probably hinges on one important factor: What system is the eventual Kingdom Hearts III on? If Square Enix makes it a PS3-exclusive, then we doubt Sora will be in Smash. But if KHIII appears on Wii U, then it seems more likely than ever.

First appeared: Viewtiful Joe (2003)

When he was first introduced, it seemed like Viewtiful Joe was going to be Capcom’s big star for the new millennium. An ironic hero for our times, Joe was obsessed with classic monster movies and Japanese superhero shows like Ultra 7, which made his transformation into a colorful superhero fitting. Joe jumps into the movie screen and battles his enemies with cinematic powers, like the ability to slow down, speed up, or zoom in on a film. Based on how he plays (and the fact he starred in a Smash Bros rip-off of his own) Joe would fit in the roster viewtifully.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Nintendo and Capcom seem to be on good terms at present, so we could imagine them sharing Joe, but not before a few other characters. Joe did appear in the last couple of VS fighters Capcom put out, but he was hardly the lead in those. Unless Nintendo makes a ton of room in the roster for several Capcom characters before him, we bet we won’t see Joe.

First appeared: Dragon Ball (1984)

Born Kakarot on the planet Vegeta, Goku made his home on earth and was dedicated to one thing: becoming the greatest fighter of all time. Starting his life as a stronger young man with a tail and a love for fighting, he eventually became a character that could move faster than light and destroy planets with a thought. His natural abilities as a fighter, his famous Kamehameha Wave, and the ability to transform into a giant space gorilla would all make many wish Goku would join the roster.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Though he’s not technically a video game character, Goku has appeared in games dating back to the NES, so it’s not a total stretch. Seeing as how Super Smash Bros is a very Japanese series, it isn’t impossible to imagine one of the most famous characters in the history of manga/anime appearing in the game. It all comes down to Namco’s willingness to share the rights to the character and if Sakurai enjoys DBZ.

First appeared: Earthbound (1995)

Pokey, also known as Porkey, also known as that jerk from Earthbound and Mother 3, has had many different forms throughout the Earthbound series, though we imagine it’s his final form that would make the best SSBWU character.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Not as startlingly low as you might expect. Lucas, Mother 3’s protagonist, already made his way into Smash Bros before despite his game never getting a US release, and if Nintendo has any intent on ever resurrecting the series it would likely start by adding new characters to Smash. Though some others in Mother 3 might be more deserving, Pokey be good, too, since his status as “villain” would help fill out the roster’s quote of evil characters.

First appeared: Star Fox (1993)

Slippy’s high-pitched naggings are essentially synonymous with the Star Fox series . The amphibian is the inventor of the group, tasked with putting together new machinery as well as constantly screaming about enemies being on his tail. And yes, Slippy is a guy.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Low. Smash Bros. already has three Star Fox characters, and if they were to add another we expect it would be another villain or Crystal before they’d slip Slippy onto the roster. Plus, no one really likes Slippy all that much.

First appeared: Cave Story (2004)

Quote’s the lovable shooting lad from the indie megahit Cave Story, who captured our hearts without uttering a word. He’d no doubt be packing his trusty Polar Star peashooter, which he could upgrade by smacking triangular Energy pellets out of his opponents. He’d be like a more adorable, paler version of Toon Link, if Toon Link had a gun and a super missile launcher.

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Smash Bros. is in need of an indie character, and Cave Story’s gotten a lot of love with its Wii/DSiWare and 3DS ports. It’s tough to picture Nintendo giving the spotlight to an off-brand protagonist…then again, they did include Sonic in Brawl. Stranger things have been known to happen.

First appeared: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995)

A commenter pointed out that Baby Luigi and Baby Mario could work together, like some sort of super annoying Ice Climbers, and you know what? That sounds awesome. The baby versions of the plumbing duo have been around for nearly 20 years now and have appeared in a dozen or so games, and it's about time the kids make their way into the fight. Gotta earn their keep somehow, right?

Chances they’ll be in SSBWU: Medium. If the next roster really is a big one Nintendo will need to dig deep, and we'd like to think that the babies aren't that far down the list of easy targets. Plus, they'd add some nice size variety, which makes for more interesting-looking battles.

First appeared: Pac-Man (1980)

We start with the most obvious one, Namco's happy, yellow, circular mascot Pac-Man. One of the most well-known characters in the world, Pac is synonomous with gaming to an entire generation. Though known for his arcade classic, he's also starred in dozens of other games for Namco, including the Pac-Man World platformers, kart racers and party games. We'd say he's earned a spot on the roster.

How they should play: He won't need to drive any goofy mech like he did in Street Fighter X Tekken, that's for sure. His size and stature make him a perfect fit for Smash Bros, plus a Final Smash that involves eating a Power Pellet and transforming every other fighter into a purple ghost is too awesome not to happen. DO IT!

First appeared: Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (1997)

But why stop at Pac-Man, Namco's original mascot? Why not include their attempted furry mascot of the 90s, Klonoa? Though his design might cause a knee jerk reaction to dismiss him as a Sonic clone, give him a chance. This dream traveler's 2D throwback adventures are great tributes to a simpler time. Play the Wii remake of his first game and see if you don't agree.

How they should play: Since the core gameplay of Smash is platforming meets fighting games, Klonoa would transfer perfectly. In fact, his core gameplay involves throwing items at other characters, and his Air Bullets would make a great projectile. Unless he's deemed too obscure, we expect to see him in the game.

First appeared: Tales of Symphonia (2004)

For conspiracy theorists out there, it's not hard to understand why Nintendo wanted to work with Namco: To feed on the popularity of the Tales series. In Japan the Tales of games are million sellers, so it makes sense Nintendo would make it clear to Japanese fans that the Tales devs were working on the next Smash. So if that team gets to add anyone to the roster, how about the star of Tales of Symphonia, the Tales series most famous to Nintendo fans?

How they should play: As you can see from the above image, Lloyd is no stranger to fighting game crossovers, having already appeared in the Wii-exclusive Soulcalibur Legends. Since he's from an RPG and carries a sword, it's easy to imagine him playing like Link or Ike, but we hope Namco is a little more imaginative.

First appeared: Soulcalibur (1998)

Soulcalibur is arguably Namco's most popular fighting franchise, making it clear that some member of the weapons-loving franchise will get their Smash on. Seeing as how the extreme sexualization of every woman in series probably exempts them from being in an E10 game like Smash, we'll go with the most famous male character, the curse knight and holder of the Soul Edge, Nightmare.

How they should play: Pretty similar to how he works in SC. He'll have a deliberate pace, heavy attacks, and works best when he keeps players at a distance.

First appeared: Shonen Jump magazine (1997)

Namco is also pretty famous for the number of games it has created based on hit anime franchises. Not only are there the countless Dragon Ball games, but there's also the Naruto titles. The Harry Potter meets ninjutsu franchise is one of the biggest properties in the world, easily worthy to be in the next Smash Bros.

How they should play: Naruto would be one of the more nimble fighters in the game, light on his feet but strong enough to do some real damage. Naruto pulling out moves like his Sexy Technique, Shadow Clone, Rasengan and other abilities he's learned in the series would be a great move set. And we think it's obvious to fans what his Final Smash transformation would be.

Of course, this is just the beginning. There will likely be characters we never would have suspected in the roster, as well as a few favorites (though we're not going to hold our breath for some of them). Is there anyone else you'd want to see added to Smash's roster?

And if you're looking for more fighting rosters, check out our list of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale characters and the full Dead or Alive 5 roster.