The 5 Biggest Reasons Why Goku Will (and Won't) Be In The Next Super Smash Bros. Game
The debate over Son Goku's inclusion in the *Super Smash Bros.* roster is arguably the single longest-running, most passionate, and most frustrating discussion in all of gaming. As of late 2025, with the final DLC for *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* long concluded and the anticipation for the next Nintendo console and its inevitable fighting game successor reaching a fever pitch, the question has re-emerged with fresh urgency: Will the iconic Saiyan warrior finally join the battle? The answer remains complex, rooted deeply in creator Masahiro Sakurai’s philosophy, yet constantly challenged by the overwhelming commercial success of the *Dragon Ball* video game franchise.
The latest news confirms the original, hardline stance: Goku was not included in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* and there has been no official reversal of the core rule for the next installment. However, the landscape of gaming and the sheer influence of *Dragon Ball* video game sales make the argument for his inclusion stronger now than ever before. We break down the definitive reasons for and against the most requested character in *Smash* history.
The Definitive Stance: Why Goku Was Excluded from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The definitive reason for Goku's absence in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* and all previous iterations comes directly from the series' creator, Masahiro Sakurai. This single, non-negotiable rule is the foundation of the entire roster philosophy.
The "Video Game Origin" Rule
Sakurai has stated repeatedly and consistently that *Super Smash Bros.* is fundamentally a celebration of video game history and culture. Therefore, every playable character must originate as a character from a video game franchise.
- Goku's Origin: Son Goku is the main protagonist of the *Dragon Ball* manga series, created by Akira Toriyama. His debut was in the manga in 1984, followed by the anime adaptation. He did not originate in a video game.
- The Exception Myth: Many fans point to characters like *Joker* from *Persona 5* or *Banjo-Kazooie* as exceptions. However, both of these characters originated in their respective video games (*Persona 5* and *Banjo-Kazooie* on Nintendo 64). They are not manga or anime originals.
- The Mii Fighter Compromise: The closest the franchise has ever come to including Goku is through the *Mii Fighter* costumes. *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* includes a variety of Mii costumes, and fans frequently use the Mii Brawler class to create their own custom Goku, complete with custom moves that mimic his abilities like a powerful beam attack or a quick recovery.
This rule is a matter of principle for Sakurai, who views *Smash* as a unique tribute to the gaming industry. As long as this philosophy stands, the door to *Dragon Ball* characters like Goku, *Vegeta*, *Piccolo*, or *Frieza* remains officially closed.
The Counter-Argument: Dragon Ball's Irrefutable Video Game Authority
Despite the official stance, the argument for Goku's inclusion is stronger today than ever before, largely due to the monumental and undeniable success of the *Dragon Ball* video game catalog. This is the heart of the "Will Goku be in the next *Smash*?" question, which is speculated to launch around 2025–2027.
1. Massive Commercial Success
The *Dragon Ball* franchise is no longer just an anime property that happens to have games; it is a top-tier video game powerhouse. The sales figures for recent titles are staggering and place the franchise's gaming presence on par with any other major *Smash* third-party inclusion:
- The *Dragon Ball Xenoverse* series has sold over 14 million units globally.
- *Dragon Ball FighterZ*, a critically acclaimed fighting game, has surpassed 10 million units sold.
- *Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot*, an action RPG, has also sold over 10 million copies.
- The recent release, *Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero*, has already sold over 3 million copies, making it one of the fastest-selling *Dragon Ball* games.
These numbers prove that Goku is a central figure in a video game franchise that has generated tens of millions of sales, making him a gaming icon in his own right, similar to *Sonic* or *Mega Man*.
2. The "Kid Goku" Loophole
A popular fan theory suggests that if any version of Goku were to be included, it would be *Kid Goku* from the original *Dragon Ball* series. This version is often associated with the early, more whimsical fighting games on the NES and other classic consoles. This version of the character, whose Final Smash could be the *Great Ape* transformation, is seen by many as a thematic fit for the classic Nintendo-era spirit of *Smash*.
Hypothetical Moveset: What Goku Would Look Like in Super Smash Bros.
If Nintendo and Bandai Namco (the developers of many *Dragon Ball* games) were to ever strike a deal, Goku’s moveset would be rich with LSI keywords and iconic abilities drawn directly from the fighting games like *Dragon Ball FighterZ* and the *Budokai* series.
Goku’s Potential Special Moves
A proper Goku moveset would revolve around energy blasts and rapid, close-quarters combat, often utilizing a "charge" mechanic to represent his power-ups like *Kaioken* or *Super Saiyan* transformations.
- Neutral Special: Kamehameha. This is his signature move. It could function as a chargeable projectile, similar to *Samus's* Charge Shot, but with the distinct blue beam effect. Charging it could temporarily shift him into *Super Saiyan* form for increased power.
- Side Special: Instant Transmission Kick. Goku would vanish and reappear instantly, delivering a powerful kick. This move would be a high-risk, high-reward attack, similar to *Captain Falcon's* side-B, allowing for quick horizontal recovery or a surprise attack.
- Up Special: Instant Transmission. A simple, non-damaging recovery move where Goku teleports straight up a significant distance. This would be one of the best recoveries in the game, balancing his typically light-to-middleweight status.
- Down Special: Ki Charge / Power-Up. A unique mechanic where Goku can charge his Ki meter. This meter could be used to enhance his other special moves, giving the *Kamehameha* greater range or allowing for a second, more powerful *Instant Transmission* kick.
The Final Smash: Spirit Bomb
Goku’s Final Smash would undoubtedly be the *Spirit Bomb*. After activating the *Smash Ball*, a cinematic sequence would begin where Goku gathers energy from the surrounding stage and background, culminating in a massive, slow-moving projectile that deals devastating damage and is nearly impossible to avoid. This move is a staple in almost every *Dragon Ball* video game, from *Xenoverse* to *Kakarot*.
The Future: A New Smash Game and the Hope for Change
The conversation about "Goku on *Super Smash Bros.*" is now shifting its focus entirely to the next installment of the series. With *Ultimate* being the definitive, all-inclusive entry, the next game—whether it's a sequel or a soft reboot—will have to redefine its philosophy.
If a new director takes over from Masahiro Sakurai, or if Nintendo decides to push the "celebration of gaming" concept into a "celebration of pop culture icons who have massive gaming influence," the rule could be broken. The inclusion of *The Hero* from *Dragon Quest* in *Ultimate* was a massive win for the *Dragon Ball* camp, as *Dragon Quest* is also a manga/anime property that is primarily known for its video games.
For now, Goku remains the ultimate dream fighter, a symbol of the line between video game tradition and modern pop culture ubiquity. Until an official announcement is made, fans will continue to perfect their *Goku Mii Fighter* and hold onto the hope that the world's strongest warrior will one day join the greatest crossover in gaming history.
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