Over the past few months rumors have been mounting that Nintendo is gearing up to release a Super Smash Bros. game on Nintendo Switch. Just two weeks ago an industry tipster suggested that the game could even be released as soon as this year. While fans were optimistic, many were patiently waiting for an official announcement from Nintendo before they truly believed the whispers.

During a Nintendo Direct livestream today, Nintendo finally announced Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch with a brief teaser that was enough to get everyone feeling giddy about the game. The video, which is just over a minute long, opened with two Inkling characters from Splatoon running around and firing their ink guns at each other and jumping through the colored puddles that decorate the open white space. But the screen soon darkens significantly and a giant, burning symbol appears. The Inkling stands with her mouth agape and stares.

The camera cuts again and as the fire and ash from the burning symbol floats in the air, several Nintendo characters including Mario and Link can be seen standing in the shadows. Then, the characters and the burning symbol begins to fade, the Super Smash Bros. logo appears on screen and it is confirmed that the game will be released on Nintendo Switch in 2018.

Nintendo fans have been waiting a long time for this announcement and although the video was brief, many are excited that the game has finally been confirmed. Many have also begun to speculate about the game's roster, noting that in front of the burning symbol a row of characters can also be seen (although the shadow hides their faces). The Nintendo Switch has introduced several new characters since the last Super Smash Bros. game (Super Smash Bros. 4 for 3DS and Wii U) released in 2014. Characters Switch-exclusive fighting game ARMS are just one example.

Fans are also discussing whether the Nintendo Switch version of Super Smash Bros. will be an all-new game or whether it will be an improved version of Super Smash Bros. 4, akin to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe which was just an updated version of Mario Kart 8 for Wii U. Several rumors and reports had suggested that this would be the case and that burning symbol did seem to represent the number four, even if it wasn't totally clear.

In any case, with a 2018 release date Nintendo will likely be shedding more light on the game soon. E3 2018 is only a few months away after all and fans can expect plenty more information on Super Smash Bros. and all of the other Nintendo Switch titles soon.

Super Smash Bros. will be released on Nintendo Switch in 2018.