The most recent Smash Bros Ultimate leak hinted at 7 new characters. This included popular, highly-demanded fighters like Banjo-Kazooie, Shadow the Hedgehog, and Isaac. But the most obscure roster inclusion to appear was by far Mach Rider. So is Mach Rider in Smash Bros Ultimate?
While this might make the leak questionable, it isn’t impossible. Every Smash Bros game features one character that represents retro Nintendo, such as Mr. Game and Watch and Duck Hunt Duo. Mach Rider is from a classic NES game, and may appear as a Nintendo throwback.
Who Is Mach Rider?
Mach Rider is a 1985 game from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Set in the year 2112 where the world has been overrun by evil characters riding quad bikes. The titular character rides their motorbike through various tracks, gunning down obstacles and enemies.
The game is as simple as that and never saw a sequel, although it’s considered a spiritual predecessor to F-Zero. The original game was re-released on the Virtual Console for Wii, WiiU, and 3DS.
Interestingly, Mach Rider’s origin goes all the way back to 1972 when it was released as a Nintendo toy. This makes Mach Rider somewhat similar to R.O.B., the Nintendo toy who became a surprise reveal for the Smash Bros Brawl roster.
Mach Rider in Smash Bros Ultimate?
If the latest promotional art Smash Bros Ultimate leak, also known as the Grinch leak, is real, we’ll see Mach Rider in Smash Bros Ultimate.
It wouldn’t be the first appearance for Mach Rider in Smash Bros. He previously featured as a Trophy in Super Smash Bros Melee and a sticker in Super Smash Bros Brawl.
It seems like an unlikely inclusion. Of all the characters requested by fans, he barely got a mention. However, Smash Bros games often include surprise retro inclusions such as R.O.B. and Duck Hunt Duo. These serve as relics of Nintendo’s past, and Mach Rider would fit the bill.
Fans won’t have to wait long to find out. The final Smash Bros Ultimate direct starts today at 7 am ET/10 pm ET. Click here for how to watch and what else to expect.