Yoko Taro reveals disappointment over 2B’s Smash Bros. exclusion and what it means for crossover potential
The Director’s Crossover Dream
In a revealing discussion with NintendoLife, NieR Automata’s visionary director Yoko Taro openly expressed his frustration about protagonist 2B’s absence from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s legendary fighter collection.
Since its groundbreaking 2017 debut, NieR Automata has consistently earned widespread critical praise throughout the gaming industry, with numerous publications and players alike recognizing it as one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant role-playing experiences of the modern era.
The recent Nintendo Switch adaptation arriving five years post-launch opened doors for an entirely new demographic of portable gamers to immerse themselves in the game’s philosophical narrative and fluid combat mechanics.
During promotional interviews celebrating both NieR Automata’s enduring legacy and its Switch debut, the famously enigmatic director took a poignant moment to voice his genuine disappointment about 2B’s missed opportunity to join gaming’s ultimate crossover celebration.
Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Character Politics
When questioned by NintendoLife.com about his feelings regarding the long-awaited Switch port, Taro delivered his trademark blend of humor and sincerity, stating: “I am hugely disappointed that we did not make it in time to get into Smash Bros…” This candid admission highlights the complex timing challenges facing third-party character inclusions.
As dedicated Smash Bros. Ultimate enthusiasts well know, Kingdom Hearts protagonist Sora secured the final DLC slot, concluding the game’s massive 89-character roster and leaving numerous highly-requested crossover contenders permanently on the sidelines.
While lacking direct Nintendo platform representation historically hasn’t automatically disqualified DLC candidates—Persona 5’s Joker notably headlined the first Fighters Pass without prior Nintendo presence—having established Switch availability undoubtedly strengthens a character’s negotiation position.
The selection process involves intricate negotiations between Nintendo, development studios, and IP holders, with timing, market relevance, and promotional synergies all weighing heavily in final decisions. Missing the DLC window by even a few months can permanently exclude otherwise qualified characters.
Character Design Challenges
2B consistently ranked among the most fervently requested potential fighters within the Smash Bros. community, as evidenced by years of meticulously crafted fan concepts, elaborate mockup videos, and persistent online campaign movements advocating for her inclusion.
However, 2B’s distinctively mature visual presentation—particularly her signature blindfold and form-fitting combat attire—presented significant adaptation hurdles for Smash Bros.’s family-oriented environment. Series director Masahiro Sakurai has repeatedly emphasized that “Smash Bros. Ultimate is for good boys and girls of all different ages,” establishing clear design boundaries.
This philosophy previously resulted in SNK’s Mai Shiranui receiving complete exclusion from the roster despite her Fighting game legacy, establishing precedent for character design modifications or omissions based on age-appropriateness concerns.
Successful third-party inclusions like Bayonetta demonstrate that mature characters can join the roster with careful design adjustments, though each case requires individual evaluation and potential visual compromises that may conflict with original character vision.
Community Impact and Legacy
The longing for 2B’s Smash Bros. participation extends well beyond the development team, with the gaming community maintaining persistent hope for the combat android’s eventual crossover appearance.
While Smash Bros. enthusiasts may have missed their chance to main 2B in Ultimate, Nintendo Switch owners now have unrestricted access to experience NieR Automata’s celebrated narrative journey and revolutionary gameplay systems firsthand.
2B’s crossover presence continues expanding through appearances in games like Soulcalibur VI and various mobile collaborations, demonstrating her enduring appeal and recognition beyond her original franchise. This establishes strong foundation for potential future Smash considerations.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » NieR Automata director “hugely disappointed” 2B didn’t make it into Smash Bros. Yoko Taro reveals disappointment over 2B's Smash Bros. exclusion and what it means for crossover potential