While fans continue to go over the new Super Smash Bros. information that dropped during the latest Nintendo Direct for the impending Wii U and 3DS iterations, one of the more interesting aspects of the presentation came in the form of two returning stages. As confirmed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai, Wii U owners will be treated exclusively to Brawl's Halberd stage, while Melee's Jungle Japes will only be available for selection on the 3DS installment.

This got us at Game Rant thinking about other classic stages that we want to make a return in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, so we've created a list of battlegrounds that should make their triumphant return in the forthcoming Smash titles. While classic stages will be exclusive to one version or the other, we've made a total of six selections in order to keep everything balanced and ensure that there's enough room for these beloved fields of battle to return.

Without any further ado, here's our list of the top six stages that should return in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS.

Pirate Ship — Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros Pirate Ship

Based on the The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Pirate Ship brought an extra dose of the cel shaded graphics that made Toon Link such a standout fighter to begin with. The level itself varied up the action quite nicely, and had everything from cannon fire to a hurricane interrupt combatants as they battled for supremacy. The aesthetic, coupled with the overall zaniness of the stage hazards, made Pirate Ship a great level for those just looking to have some fun.

Besides, with the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, not to mention the return of Toon Link, its appearance seems very likely in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Onett — Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros Onett

Based on the hometown of Earthbound's Ness, Onett is an iconic area from the most well known iteration of the series. What makes this stage - that originally debuted on the Nintendo GameCube in Super Smash Bros. Melee - so important is that it's one of the few locales that's familiar with the series' Western audience. Couple that with the craziness of constantly flowing traffic that makes battles akin to a game of road hockey, and this is a fun stage that deserves another appearance.

Combine all that with the fact that Earthbound has successfully landed on the Wii U Virtual Console after years of fan demand, and the Onett stage appears to be an obvious choice to bring back. Now, if only Nintendo could finally get around to confirming Ness.

Temple — Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros Temple

Based on an ancient Hyrulian temple, the appropriately titled Temple offered players an immense field in which to do battle on with Nintendo's iconic characters. Despite being banned from tournament play as a result of its sheer scale, this Melee original allows for some of the most enjoyable games with friends and allows less experienced players to gain some distance from their more experienced and relentless rivals.

Since the stage appeared in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it's entirely possible that it'll rear its Zelda-themed head once again on Wii U or 3DS.

Saffron City — Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros Silph Co

Known as the largest city in the Kanto region from Pokemon Red and Blue, Saffron City is home to a plethora of memorable battles and moments in the original games. Whether it was taking on the gym leader Sabrina or forcing Team Rocket out of the Silph Co. building, Saffron is an iconic part of the original Pokemon titles. This particular stage made its debut in the original Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 and it hasn't been seen since, but we feel that it's more than time to bring the Pocket Monster-filled stage back into the limelight.

With the recent confirmation of Charizard's return, not to mention the obvious inclusion of series' mascot Pikachu, a return to Kanto seems like a no-brainer.

Hyrule Castle — Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros Hyrule Castle

Modeled after the in-game castle from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Hyrule Castle instantly became one of the favorite levels in the Nintendo 64 version of Super Smash Bros.. Oddly enough, the stage was never seen again after its initial debut, but fans of the series have been clamoring for its return ever since. Given the iconic status of the title it originates from, now is as good a time as ever to resurrect the stage and add some much needed high-definition shine in the process.

Nintendo already has a stage dedicated to the Ocarina of Time in the 3DS version, but since it's exclusive to the 3DS it just makes sense to give console gamers a battlefield dedicated to such a fan-favorite video game.

Sector Z — Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros Sector Z

Appearing in the original N64 fighter as Sector Z, before later appearing in Melee as Corneria and Brawl as a classic stage, this is the only stage in on our list that's appeared in every iteration of Super Smash Bros. in one form or another. Proving to be one of the simpler stages with a handful of stage hazards, there's no question that the Star Fox-based battleground deserves a spot in the new games coming to Wii U and 3DS.

It doesn't matter if it appears in the form of Sector Z or Corneria, we just want to brawl on top of the Great Fox once again.

Conclusion

Leaked emails reveal Sony hopes to make 'Super Smash Bros.' movie - Super Smash Bros. roster

There are a number of popular stages that have appeared throughout the Super Smash Bros. franchise, which means there are plenty of other battlefields that could make the transition to the 3DS or Wii U installments of the series. With that in mind, what classic stage would you like to see make its triumphant return?

___

Follow Riley on Twitter @TheRileyLittle.