Update: You can watch the Direct video below:
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. According to official statistics from Twitter, Ultimate was the most talked about game of E3. (It even beat Kingdom Hearts III.) While a ton of new information was unveiled at E3, there is still a lot we don't know about Ultimate. That looks to change in a couple of days. Nintendo confirmed that on August 8th (that's right, just two days), there will be a Nintendo Direct dedicated to Ultimate.
That is the only piece of information we have on this Direct. What new information can we expect to see? It's tough to say. The E3 presentation talked about the game's new gameplay mechanics, announced that every playable fighter in the series history would be returning, and a couple of newcomers. To recap, these newcomers are Daisy and Ridley. (Inkling was also formally inducted, but we already knew she was going to be in it thanks to the original teaser.)
Single player modes have yet to be unveiled. It wouldn't be a surprise to see if a new kind of Classic or Adventure mode is talked about in the Direct. Many fans would greatly anticipate a new story-based mode, similar to 'The Subspace Emissary.'
Although Sakurai said he's hoping we're not expecting too many newcomers, there will most likely be more than the ones already announced. With "Echo Fighters" being a concept in this game, a character like Shadow or Galacta Knight are quite possible. Of course, more brand new characters are expected - King K. Rool is one character many are hoping to see announced. There's also the old Reddit rumor stating that Simon Belmont would be in the game. The Reddit user, DasVergeben, claimed that a source said that Belmont would be coming. In that same Reddit post, it was stated that every character would return, and Ridley would be announced at E3. Obviously, these things ended up being accurate. So, maybe we'll see Belmont confirmed in two days.
No matter what, this Direct should prove to be interesting. Sakurai is clearly passionate about the series, and has given his all into Ultimate. It will be fascinating to see what other new things will be in the game, whether it be a single player mode, new character, or gameplay mechanic.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be released on December 7th. The Direct will be on August 8th, at 7:00 am PT/10:00 am ET.