NieR: Automatadirector, Yoko Taro, has revealed in a new interview that he wanted characters from the game inSmash Bros. While sitting down to discuss the Switch release ofNieR: Automata, which launched on June 12, 2025, over five years since the game’s initial release on other platforms, Taro discussed the legacy of the game over these past few years. Taro also went on to detail why the game was ported to the Switch, but ultimately, he also revealed that he wished the team had the game on Switch sooner, so characters could have been inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Even though being on a Nintendo platform may have given the game an edge for the likes of 2B or 9S to appear on theSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateroster, it’s worth noting that other characters that appeared on the final roster for that game were not all available on Nintendo platforms, to begin with. For example, the first DLC character forSuper Smash Bros. UltimatewasJoker fromPersona 5, which did not release for Switch until October 2022. So, there may have been more to that business and licensing decision than the game just appearing on the console.
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In an interview with Nintendolife, Taro was questioned about the success ofNieR: Automataand his response was, “you might not believe this everyone, but the real reason whyNieR: Automatawas such a big hit is… complete chance!!” Yosuke Saito, the producer ofNieR: Automata, was also interviewed, and he said he believed it was a combination of great characters, an interesting world, eccentric music, and a sublime action game feel that made the game successful. When asked what it was like to finally seeNieR: Automataon Switch, Taro’s reply was more focused onSmash Bros.than on the game itself. “I am hugely disappointed that we did not make it in time to get intoSmash Bros…,” said Taro.
While it remains unclear if 2B or 9S or even A3 would have had a spot inSmash Bros.if the game had been released on Switch sooner, the game remains popular nonetheless. There is even aNieR: Automataanime seriesin development that will release in January 2023. Its popularity also led to the originalNieRgame, getting a remaster back in 2021, calledNieR Replicant.
Characters like 2B, 9S, and A3 would have likely been perfect fits forSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.There is so much variety on that roster. Even withNieR: Automatacharacters being able to self-destructand still exist, seeing one of the major characters fromNieR: Automatadoing battle with the likes of Sora, Cloud, and Sephiroth would have made most Square Enix fans happy. Though DLC support forSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatehas come to an end, it seems likeNieR: Automatais still on a lot of gamers' minds.
Nier Automatais available on Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
