Sakurai Will be Aware of "Groundswell" of Support for Waluigi in Smash Bros. Ultimate, Reggie Fils-Aime Says

The Year of Luigi, Nintendo's efforts to popularize the green brother in the Mario series, lent itself to plenty of jokes and memes. But there's nothing funny about how badly Nintendo fans want to see Waluigi in Super Smash Bros Ultimate. And the surge of popularity for Waluigi will certainly be known to Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai, according to Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime.

In an interview with Waypoint, the publication asked Fils-Aime whether or not Waluigi will make it into Smash Bros. after the boost in popularity. In fake exhaustion, Fils-Aime responded, "You would think that would be enough to satisfy the fans. But nooooo! The fans have to focus in on one character that isn't part of the series and demand their inclusion," he said referring to Waluigi's absence even as Smash Bros. Ultimate added all the characters from the past games.

In a more serious answer however Fils-Aime doesn't discount what the E3 of Waluigi means for the character. "So, one of the good things about the way we approach E3 is when it's all said and done we step back. We look at all of the feedback and share with the devs and certainly Mr. Sakurai will be aware of the groundswell of support that appeared for a Waluigi," said Fils-Aime. "And in the end it's his decision to make."

At E3 2018, the noticeable absence of Waluigi in the Smash Bros. Ultimate drew ire from fans. Hell, even the Washington Post wrote about Waluigi's absence. The outrage over Waluigi's absence felt like part shared joke, part genuine affection

So, does Waluigi have a shot at making it into Smash Bros. Ultimate? Maybe, it depends on how series director Sakurai feels about the recent reactions to the character's exclusion from the game.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the next entry into the Smash Bros. series for the Nintendo Switch. Smash Bros. Ultimate is a proper sequel, not a port, and it will include all the characters from past Smash Bros. games plus Ridley.

For more on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, check out our complete Super Smash Bros. Ultimate guide for full character roster, release date info, and trailers.