Nintendo’s 45-minute Direct leaves Smash Bros. fans feeling trolled.

The buzz was palpable leading up to Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct, with many in the gaming community speculating that Nintendo might unveil the first new Super Smash Bros. game in almost seven years. While some were skeptical about the rumors, there was a glimmer of hope among fans. After all, the timing felt just right for a new entry in the beloved franchise.

The last installment, Smash Bros. Ultimate, launched in 2018. Series director Masahiro Sakurai had previously labeled the prospect of a new title as “impossible” back in 2021, claiming that Ultimate would be his final contribution to the series. However, dedicated fans recalled that Sakurai had made similar statements after each Smash Bros. release. He had hinted at working on a new game set for 2024, leading many to wonder if it could be a new Smash Bros. title.

As fans tuned into Wednesday’s Direct, they were filled with anticipation. However, the showcase turned out to be a lengthy display of ports and remakes that felt more like a chore than an exciting reveal. Despite the underwhelming start, many fans held out hope that Nintendo was simply saving the best for last, expecting a grand finale that would blow everyone away.

Midway through, Nintendo revealed the visually stunning Metroid Ravenous, which fans hoped would signal a shift in momentum. Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last, as the showcase continued with smaller announcements that felt increasingly disappointing, especially after the recent hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6. Gamers were coming off a high from witnessing groundbreaking technical feats, only to be met with a slew of older titles that struggled to maintain a stable frame rate.

Then came the final reveal. Even before the iconic pink puffball made an appearance, fans sensed it was something related to Kirby. Some still clung to the hope that this was a clever misdirection by Nintendo, anticipating a surprise announcement. As the footage rolled on, fans imagined Kirby could somehow break the game’s confines to unveil a different title altogether.

But that hope was dashed when the logo for Kirby and the World Beyond appeared, confirming that a new Smash Bros. announcement was not on the way.

The reaction in the YouTube chat was one of disbelief. Long after the showcase concluded, viewers were expressing their disappointment, with many labeling it a colossal letdown. The absence of a Smash Bros. reveal was a common theme in the complaints, with some fans dubbing it the worst show ever.

In dedicated Smash Bros. communities, fans shared their frustrations or playfully scolded each other for getting their hopes up.

“I really let the internet gaslight me into thinking we were getting Smash 6,” one fan lamented on Reddit.

Perhaps it’s for the best. Sakurai’s intense commitment to the Smash Bros. series has led to numerous health challenges over the years. Reports indicated that he would often forgo sick days, opting instead to work while hooked up to an IV drip. Eventually, he began to prioritize his well-being, which meant allowing himself to leave work by 10 p.m.

A new Smash Bros. announcement could still be on the horizon. It’s a flagship Nintendo franchise, and the demand for a new title is evident. Until that day comes, fans can only chuckle at their own overzealous expectations.