Masahiro Sakurai Explains Decision Behind Ridley's Role in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

In the world of Nintendo fighting games, few announcements spark as much anticipation as character reveals in Super Smash Bros.

When the Wii U edition of Super Smash Bros.

launched in 2014, fans witnessed the dramatic entry of Ridley, the infamous antagonist from the Metroid franchise, during the now-iconic '50-fact extravaganza' Nintendo Direct.

For a brief moment, many hoped that Ridley, one of Samus Aran's most prominent foes, would finally be joining the playable roster.

However, series creator Masahiro Sakurai soon clarified that Ridley would appear not as a fighter, but as a formidable stage boss on the Pyrosphere arena. In a candid email interview with IGN, Sakurai elaborated on his decision-making process regarding the representation of Ridley in Super Smash Bros.

for Wii U.

He emphasized his commitment to authenticity in character portrayal, noting, "Ridley is undoubtedly a highly anticipated character among fans, but adapting him as a playable fighter would mean compromising his essence.

We would be forced to shrink his size, limit his flying abilities, or alter his design to the point where he would no longer be true to his original form." Sakurai further explained that accurately presenting characters remains a top priority in his development philosophy, stating, "Being true to the source material is crucial.

If we deviate too much, it risks diminishing both the game's balance and the unique characteristics that define these beloved characters.

Making adjustments that stray from established traits can undermine the integrity of the entire game." Instead, Ridley takes center stage as a stage boss in the Pyrosphere level, joined by other legendary non-playable bosses like Yellow Devil.

These boss characters interact with fighters in unique, environment-driven battles that add strategic challenges and pay homage to their original series.

This approach, Sakurai remarked, allows Ridley to "maintain the menacing presence that has defined him in the Metroid series, without forcing unnatural changes that would otherwise compromise his character." Super Smash Bros.

for Wii U, developed by Sora Ltd.

and Bandai Namco Studios, was released globally in November 2014 to critical acclaim, quickly becoming one of the platform’s best-selling titles.

The game’s character roster, balance, and faithful adaptation of Nintendo icons have contributed to its enduring popularity, both on the Wii U and, subsequently, with the franchise’s expansion onto the Nintendo Switch and eShop. Ridley’s unique inclusion as a boss rather than a fighter reflects Sakurai’s deliberate approach in respecting the history and design of Nintendo’s iconic villains.

This development decision continues to resonate with fans and industry observers, fueling ongoing discussions about character authenticity, adaptation, and the evolving legacy of Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros. Ridley Nintendo Masahiro Sakurai Wii U Metroid IGN Pyrosphere