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[[File:ESRBleak3.png|thumb|175px|The infamous ESRB Leak for ''Smash 4'' which revealed the game's roster and all unannounced characters at the time.]]
[[File:ESRBleak3.png|thumb|175px|The infamous ESRB Leak for ''Smash 4'' which revealed the game's roster and all unannounced characters at the time.]]
A '''leak''' is a premature revelation of information about a game, especially without prior permission to release such information. While many measures are taken to prevent leaks, such as enforcing non-disclosure agreements among parties involved in developing the game, games frequently have important information leaked before its formal reveal.
A '''leak''' is a premature revelation of information, especially without prior permission to release such information. While many measures are taken to prevent leaks, such as enforcing non-disclosure agreements among parties involved in developing the game, games frequently have important information leaked before its formal reveal.


Leaks can either be done intentionally via third-parties for a variety of reasons, such as increasing publicity for a game or for malicious intentions, or unintentionally via oversights in officially released media.
Leaks can either be done intentionally via third-parties for a variety of reasons, such as increasing publicity for a game or for malicious intentions, or unintentionally via oversights in officially released media. Leaks can also be proven fake and created by individuals to receive attention or just to cause commotion, though this article does not cover those instances.
 
Leaks are not to be confused with rumors, though they are frequently paired together. A rumor by definition is secondhand information that no one can confidently confirm or deny due to a lack of evidence beyond hearsay, though leaked information can come from these rumors if someone can find concrete evidence that a rumor is true.


Due to the lack of a developed infrastructure on the Internet prior to their releases, neither ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' nor ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' had any verifiable leaks. Starting with ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', the significantly more developed Internet made them much more common, particularly in pre-release hype. However, a large amount of leaks tend to be invariably sketchy, often with radically different contents from what is actually in the game. The subsequent large amount of rumors makes it very difficult to pinpoint legitimate leaks before their contents are officially confirmed; this is especially a concern with purely textual leaks, as the modes of discourse with these kinds of posts tend to differ very little. In spite of this, a varying number of real leaks can emerge, though they have been historically met with backlash upon their initial posting, often either for being deemed too outlandish to be true or for "parroting" claims made by other posts.
Due to the lack of a developed infrastructure on the Internet prior to their releases, neither ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' nor ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' had any verifiable leaks. Starting with ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', the significantly more developed Internet made them much more common, particularly in pre-release hype. However, a large amount of leaks tend to be invariably sketchy, often with radically different contents from what is actually in the game. The subsequent large amount of rumors makes it very difficult to pinpoint legitimate leaks before their contents are officially confirmed; this is especially a concern with purely textual leaks, as the modes of discourse with these kinds of posts tend to differ very little. In spite of this, a varying number of real leaks can emerge, though they have been historically met with backlash upon their initial posting, often either for being deemed too outlandish to be true or for "parroting" claims made by other posts.


==''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' leaks==
==''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' leaks==
As stated prior, the pre-release period of ''Brawl'' began a trend in which posts regarding unrevealed content would overwhelm forums and message boards. The few legitimate ones originated from both slipups by those directly involved in ''Brawl'' and from people who managed to obtain information about the game. Upon ''Brawl's'' release in Japan in late January 2008, leaks could then be cross-checked with the actual game; actual screenshots and videos of the game provided considerable information to players outside of Japan, most of which had not yet been revealed by the [[DOJO!!]].
As stated prior, the pre-release period of ''Brawl'' began a trend in which posts regarding unrevealed content would overwhelm forums and message boards. The few legitimate ones originated from both slipups by those directly involved in ''Brawl'' and from people who managed to obtain information about the game. Upon ''Brawl''{{'}}s release in Japan in late January 2008, leaks could then be cross-checked with the actual game; actual screenshots and videos of the game provided considerable information to players outside of Japan, most of which had not yet been revealed by the [[DOJO!!]].


===ChaosZero leak===
===ChaosZero leak===
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*{{SSBB|Final Destination}} returning as a stage.
*{{SSBB|Final Destination}} returning as a stage.


Despite leaking 100% correct information, ChaosZero was treated as a troll, and was largely derided by GameFAQs users and disbelieved in general. However, after the Dragoon item was confirmed, his reputation became more positive, and he earned the nickname "The Dragoon Prophet."
Prior to his information being proven correct, ChaosZero was treated as a troll, and was largely derided by GameFAQs users and disbelieved in general. However, after the Dragoon item was confirmed, his reputation became more positive, and he earned the nickname "The Dragoon Prophet."


===NyaseNya leak===
===NyaseNya leak===
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==''Super Smash Bros. 4'' leaks==
==''Super Smash Bros. 4'' leaks==
Many fake leaks were spread around during the prerelease of ''SSB4''. Several of these fakes would go on to have correct information despite being fake, such as [[List of rumors#Palutena rumor|one showing Palutena as a playable character]] that the creator later admitted was a hoax.
Many fake leaks were spread around during the prerelease of ''SSB4''. Several of these fakes would go on to have correct information despite being fake, such as [[List of rumors#Palutena rumor|one showing Palutena as a playable character]] that the creator later admitted was a hoax.


The largest ''SSB4'' leak was the [[ESRB leak]] in August 2014, which leaked almost the entirety of the game including all playable characters as well as many stages, modes and trophies with clear screenshot and video footage. The leaked media was subsequently taken down by Nintendo due to copyright claims, followed by the official confirmation of {{SSB4|Shulk}}, who was implicated by the leaks. The leak is one of the largest, if not the largest leak, in ''Smash'' history.
The largest ''SSB4'' leak was the [[ESRB leak]] in August 2014, which leaked almost the entirety of the game including all playable characters as well as many stages, modes and trophies with clear screenshot and video footage. The leaked media was subsequently taken down by Nintendo due to copyright claims, followed by the official confirmation of {{SSB4|Shulk}}, who was implicated by the leaks. The leak is one of the largest, if not the largest leak, in ''Smash'' history.


Leaks for the post-release of a game became possible with the advent of [[downloadable content]].
Leaks for the post-release of a game became possible with the advent of [[downloadable content]].
===Base game leaks===
===Base game leaks===


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The Gematsu leaks were a series of major and seemingly credible leaks of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''{{'}}s playable roster reported by Sal Romano of the gaming site [http://gematsu.com/ Gematsu], who was being given information from an anonymous tipster via email. Romano would initially leak {{SSB4|Villager}}, {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}}, {{SSB4|Mega Man}}, {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, and {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}} being in the game shortly before [[E3 2013]], though initially stated as a "prediction" on a NeoGAF forum thread, with him coming out afterward about the source of their information when the former three characters were revealed at E3 2013. Romano would later leak "[[Greninja (SSB4)|Pokemon from X/Y]]", {{SSB4|Palutena}}, {{SSB4|Shulk}}, [[Chrom]], and [[Chorus Kids]] being newcomers shortly before the April 2014 [[Nintendo Direct#Super Smash Bros. Direct (April 8, 2014)|Smash-centered Nintendo Direct]]. Then shortly before [[E3 2014]], Romano would provide another update, though with the only new information being that "{{SSB4|Lucas}} was likely to get cut" and that there would be post-launch paid character [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|DLC]].
The Gematsu leaks were a series of major and seemingly credible leaks of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''{{'}}s playable roster reported by Sal Romano of the gaming site [http://gematsu.com/ Gematsu], who was being given information from an anonymous tipster via email. Romano would initially leak {{SSB4|Villager}}, {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}}, {{SSB4|Mega Man}}, {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, and {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}} being in the game shortly before [[E3 2013]], though initially stated as a "prediction" on a NeoGAF forum thread, with him coming out afterward about the source of their information when the former three characters were revealed at E3 2013. Romano would later leak "[[Greninja (SSB4)|Pokemon from X/Y]]", {{SSB4|Palutena}}, {{SSB4|Shulk}}, [[Chrom]], and [[Chorus Kids]] being newcomers shortly before the April 2014 [[Nintendo Direct#Super Smash Bros. Direct (April 8, 2014)|Smash-centered Nintendo Direct]]. Then shortly before [[E3 2014]], Romano would provide another update, though with the only new information being that "{{SSB4|Lucas}} was likely to get cut" and that there would be post-launch paid character [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|DLC]].


It would end up proving to correctly leak most of the newcomers, and nearly all of its claims about the roster would prove correct, though two of its claimed newcomers, Chrom and the Chorus Kids, notoriously ended up wrong. Why the Gematsu Leaks was wrong with those two characters has not been confirmed, though it's theorized that the discrepancy with the two wrong characters was a result of the source having information from the early planning stages for ''Smash 4'', supported by Greninja being listed in the leak as "Pokémon from X/Y", while Sakurai would later confirm he reserved a placeholder slot for a Pokemon from the then-unreleased ''Pokemon X and Y'' before settling on Greninja <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150307075513/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/10/super-smash-bros-characters-decided-upon-early-development/ Siliconera: "All The Super Smash Bros. Characters Were Decided Upon Early In Development"]</ref>. Additionally, Sakurai would talk about his heavy consideration for Chrom and how he even devised a moveset for him, before ultimately rejecting him in favor of {{SSB4|Robin}} because of his similarity to {{SSB4|Ike}} and {{SSB4|Marth}} <ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/06/28/sakurais-famitsu-column-vol-457-abilities-unlike-any-other/</ref><ref name="sourceChrom">{{cite web |url=https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/04/chromsmash4/ |title=Chrom Almost Had His Day |accessdate=2018-04-19 |author=PushDustIn |date=2014-06-04 |publisher=''Source Gaming'' }}</ref>, and datamining would turn up an [[Unused content (SSB4)#Scrapped|unused emblem reference]] for ''Rhythm Heaven'', suggesting that a ''Rhythm Heaven'' character, such as the Chorus Kids, was planned for inclusion before being scrapped at some point in development for unknown reasons.
It would end up proving to correctly leak most of the newcomers, and nearly all of its claims about the roster would prove correct, though two of its claimed newcomers, Chrom and the Chorus Kids, notoriously ended up wrong. However, later evidence shows that both of the wrongly predicted characters were indeed planned to be playable, suggesting that this was a true leak from early planning stages. This is supported by Greninja being listed in the leak as "Pokémon from X/Y", while Sakurai would later confirm he reserved a placeholder slot for a Pokemon from the then-unreleased ''Pokemon X and Y'' before settling on Greninja.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150307075513/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/10/super-smash-bros-characters-decided-upon-early-development/ Siliconera: "All The Super Smash Bros. Characters Were Decided Upon Early In Development"]</ref> Additionally, Sakurai would talk about his heavy consideration for Chrom and how he even devised a moveset for him, before ultimately rejecting him in favor of {{SSB4|Robin}} because of his similarity to {{SSB4|Ike}} and {{SSB4|Marth}} <ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/06/28/sakurais-famitsu-column-vol-457-abilities-unlike-any-other/</ref><ref name="sourceChrom">{{cite web |url=https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/04/chromsmash4/ |title=Chrom Almost Had His Day |accessdate=2018-04-19 |author=PushDustIn |date=2014-06-04 |publisher=''Source Gaming'' }}</ref>, and datamining would turn up an [[Unused content (SSB4)#Scrapped|unused emblem reference]] for ''Rhythm Heaven'', suggesting that a ''Rhythm Heaven'' character, such as the Chorus Kids, was planned for inclusion before being scrapped at some point in development for unknown reasons.


====Battlefield Ω leak====
====Battlefield Ω leak====
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====Wario leak====
====Wario leak====
 
Starting on July 24, 2014, the game was listed on the Nintendo eShop in a list of games featuring [[Wario]] before his formal reveal.<ref>[https://mynintendonews.com/2014/07/24/nintendo-eshop-listing-says-wario-is-going-to-be-in-smash-bros-3ds/ MyNintendoNews - "Nintendo eShop Listing Says Wario Is Going To Be In Smash Bros 3DS"]</ref> Three days later, a [https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/821/530/954.png supposed email from the Australian classification boards], OFLC, had claimed to leak Wario due to his use of flatulence [http://en.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/2bwy5x/report_from_the_australia_classification_board_on/ contributing towards the game's rating]. Wario's playable appearance in the game was later confirmed by the ESRB leak.
Starting on July 24, 2014, the game was listed on the Nintendo eShop in a list of games featuring [[Wario]] before his formal reveal<ref>[https://mynintendonews.com/2014/07/24/nintendo-eshop-listing-says-wario-is-going-to-be-in-smash-bros-3ds/ MyNintendoNews - "Nintendo eShop Listing Says Wario Is Going To Be In Smash Bros 3DS"]</ref>. Three days later, a [https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/821/530/954.png supposed email from the Australian classification boards], OFLC, had claimed to leak Wario due to his use of flatulence [http://en.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/2bwy5x/report_from_the_australia_classification_board_on/ contributing towards the game's rating]. Wario's playable appearance in the game was later confirmed by the ESRB leak.


====Ninka/Vaanrose leak====
====Ninka/Vaanrose leak====
Prior to E3 2014, a SmashBoards user by the name of Ninka Kiwi posted in a forum group centered around Smash leaks that he knew a friend who was playtesting ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', though he did not divulge any specific information, other than {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Charizard}} having new [[palette swap]]s, with Mario in particular having a new blue palette swap. While Mario having a new blue alt was confirmed true at [[E3 2014]], the leak wasn't discussed much, as Ninka had no real info to dissect and leaking Mario's new blue alt wasn't considered a big prediction, especially as it was overshadowed by the then strong [[Gematsu leaks]].
Prior to E3 2014, a SmashBoards user by the name of Ninka Kiwi posted in a forum group centered around Smash leaks that he knew a friend who was playtesting ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', though he did not divulge any specific information, other than {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Charizard}} having new [[palette swap]]s, with Mario in particular having a new blue palette swap. While Mario having a new blue alt was confirmed true at [[E3 2014]], the leak wasn't discussed much, as Ninka had no real info to dissect and leaking Mario's new blue alt wasn't considered a big prediction, especially as it was overshadowed by the then strong [[Gematsu leaks]].


Later on in July, Ninka came forward with new specific information, which included [[Lucas]], [[Wolf]], the [[Ice Climber]]s, and [[Snake]] being cut, while {{SSB4|Shulk}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} in the [[Koopa Clown Car]] (with all seven [[Koopalings]] as alternate costumes), and the [[Duck Hunt (SSB4)|Duck Hunt Dog]] being new characters. While initially disbelieved and seen as too outlandish, a friend of Ninka who gave him the information, named Shun, contacted a SmashBoards user by the name of Neo Zero, who revealed to Neo that he got the information he revealed to Ninka from his own friend, and revealed that his friend recreated and posted two of the [http://i.imgur.com/vs3UPDc.jpg new] [http://i.imgur.com/2ekzmPt.jpg palettes] on imgur, before E3 2014. While this was going on, an apparently completely independent source posted a supposedly leaked newcomer list on 4chan (containing Shulk, Chorus Men, [[Mewtwo]], [[Ridley]], [[Dixie Kong]], Duck Hunt Dog, and Bowser Jr.), containing the two characters unique to the, at the time, completely disbelieved Ninka leak. In addition to this, a person in the ''Smash'' community by the tag Vaanrose, known prior for his involvement with the development of [[Project M]], came forward to Neo Zero that he knew a friend who knew someone who worked at Nintendo of America's offices in Redmond, Washington, who disclosed to him that {{SSB4|Robin}}, Bowser Jr., and the Duck Hunt Dog were playable before Robin's reveal. With the screenshot proof of prior exact knowledge of the new palettes, and these new independent sources backing up a completely disbelieved leak, the people involved publicized this additional information legitimizing the leak in a [http://smashboards.com/threads/the-ninka-vaanrose-leak-discussion-theory.362684/ thread on SmashBoards] (which is now hidden by the SmashBoards moderation from public view).
Later on in July, Ninka came forward with new specific information, which included [[Lucas]], [[Wolf]], the [[Ice Climber]]s, and [[Snake]] being cut, while {{SSB4|Shulk}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} in the [[Koopa Clown Car]] (with all seven [[Koopalings]] as alternate costumes), and the [[Duck Hunt (SSB4)|Duck Hunt Dog]] being new characters. While initially disbelieved and seen as too outlandish, a friend of Ninka who gave him the information, named Shun, contacted a SmashBoards user by the name of Neo Zero, who revealed to Neo that he got the information he revealed to Ninka from his own friend, and revealed that his friend recreated and posted two of the [http://i.imgur.com/vs3UPDc.jpg new] [http://i.imgur.com/2ekzmPt.jpg palettes] on imgur, before E3 2014. While this was going on, an apparently completely independent source posted a supposedly leaked newcomer list on 4chan (containing Shulk, Chorus Men, [[Mewtwo]], [[Ridley]], [[Dixie Kong]], Duck Hunt Dog, and Bowser Jr.), containing the two characters unique to the, at the time, completely disbelieved Ninka leak. In addition to this, a person in the ''Smash'' community by the tag Vaanrose, known prior for his involvement with the development of [[Project M]], came forward to Neo Zero that he knew a friend who knew someone who worked at Nintendo of America's offices in Redmond, Washington, who disclosed to him that {{SSB4|Robin}}, Bowser Jr., and the Duck Hunt Dog were playable before Robin's reveal. With the screenshot proof of prior exact knowledge of the new palettes, and these new independent sources backing up a completely disbelieved leak, the people involved publicized this additional information legitimizing the leak in a [http://smashboards.com/threads/the-ninka-vaanrose-leak-discussion-theory.362684/ thread on SmashBoards] (which is now hidden by the SmashBoards moderation from public view).
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====ESRB leak====
====ESRB leak====
{{main|ESRB leak}}
{{main|ESRB leak}}
One of the most notable leaks in ''Super Smash Bros.'' history took place shortly before the Japanese release of {{For3ds}}. This leak managed to reveal the entire base roster of characters, including {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, {{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSB4|Wario}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}, {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, and {{SSB4|Shulk}}, none of whom were announced at the time. Although initially considered obviously fake by many, the leak gained momentum and popularity after several gameplay videos featuring Shulk, Bowser Jr., and Ganondorf were released and, shortly thereafter, Shulk was officially announced. YouTube video footage of these characters was shortly taken down by Nintendo of America, further confirming its legitimacy.
One of the most notable leaks in ''Super Smash Bros.'' history took place shortly before the Japanese release of {{For3ds}}. This leak managed to reveal the entire base roster of characters, including {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, {{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSB4|Wario}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}, {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, and {{SSB4|Shulk}}, none of whom were announced at the time. Although initially considered obviously fake by many, the leak gained momentum and popularity after several gameplay videos featuring Shulk, Bowser Jr., and Ganondorf were released and, shortly thereafter, Shulk was officially announced with the same render from the leak. YouTube video footage of these characters was shortly taken down by Nintendo of America, further confirming its legitimacy.


The leak additionally featured several photos of the content sent to ESRB, one notably featuring a trophy of the {{uv|Fire Emblem}} character Tharja, which does not appear in the final game. Due to her revealing outfit and her trophy's omission from the game, it is believed that the trophy was cut to maintain a lower content rating.
The leak additionally featured several photos of the content sent to ESRB, one notably featuring a trophy of the {{uv|Fire Emblem}} character Tharja, which does not appear in the final game. Due to her revealing outfit and her trophy's omission from the game, it is believed that the trophy was cut to maintain a lower content rating.
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====Amazon leak====
====Amazon leak====
About a month prior to {{forwiiu}}'s release in North America, online retailer {{s|wikipedia|Amazon.com}} put up a page to allow for consumers to reserve copies of the game. On the product description for the game, however, information was provided that seemed to suggest a variety of new game modes for the Wii U game:
About a month prior to {{forwiiu}}'s release in North America, online retailer {{iw|wikipedia|Amazon.com}} put up a page to allow for consumers to reserve copies of the game. On the product description for the game, however, information was provided that seemed to suggest a variety of new game modes for the Wii U game:
{{cquote|Whether you're creating stages on the GamePad, competing in challenges crafted by Master Hand and Crazy Hand, or outwitting your opponents in a brand new board game mode, there's no doubt that the ultimate Smash Bros. game has arrived.}}
{{cquote|Whether you're creating stages on the GamePad, competing in challenges crafted by Master Hand and Crazy Hand, or outwitting your opponents in a brand new board game mode, there's no doubt that the ultimate Smash Bros. game has arrived.}}


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===DLC leaks===
===DLC leaks===
====Roy and Ryu data====
====Roy and Ryu data====
Contained in version {{H2|List of updates (SSB4-3DS)|1.0.6}} of {{for3ds}} were new, unused, sound files, seemingly implicated DLC that had yet to be announced. These included, among other things, a victory fanfare "snd_bgm_Z83_F_Roy_3DS" for [[Roy]], which was a duplicate of the existing ''Fire Emblem'' [[victory theme]], suggesting he would also return as DLC in the same way [[Mewtwo]] and [[Lucas]] did, and two files named "snd_bgm_Z81_F_Ryu_3DS" and "snd_bgm_SF01_SF2_Ryu_3DS", both named in reference to [[Ryu]] from [[Capcom]]'s famous {{uv|Street Fighter}} series of fighting games; the files contained the victory theme and Ryu's theme, respectively, from ''{{s|wikipedia|Street Fighter II}}''. The discovery of these files was first reported by game modder shinyquagsire23 [http://www.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/32nymz/smash_update_106_decrypted_first_observations/ in a reddit thread] posted on April 15th, 2015, and was corroborated later that same day by homebrew developer [https://twitter.com/crediar/status/588452304539418624 crediar], who confirmed the files were not present in the game's Wii U version, and the staff of [https://twitter.com/CuttingRoomWiki/status/588467223833882627 The Cutting Room Floor], a [https://tcrf.net/ wiki] that specializes in unused video game content.
Contained in version {{H2|List of updates (SSB4-3DS)|1.0.6}} of {{for3ds}} were new, unused, sound files, seemingly implicated DLC that had yet to be announced. These included, among other things, a victory fanfare "snd_bgm_Z83_F_Roy_3DS" for [[Roy]], which was a duplicate of the existing ''Fire Emblem'' [[victory theme]], suggesting he would also return as DLC in the same way [[Mewtwo]] and [[Lucas]] did, and two files named "snd_bgm_Z81_F_Ryu_3DS" and "snd_bgm_SF01_SF2_Ryu_3DS", both named in reference to [[Ryu]] from [[Capcom]]'s famous {{uv|Street Fighter}} series of fighting games; the files contained the victory theme and Ryu's theme, respectively, from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Street Fighter II}}''. The discovery of these files was first reported by game modder shinyquagsire23 [http://www.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/32nymz/smash_update_106_decrypted_first_observations/ in a reddit thread] posted on April 15th, 2015, and was corroborated later that same day by homebrew developer [https://twitter.com/crediar/status/588452304539418624 crediar], who confirmed the files were not present in the game's Wii U version, and the staff of [https://twitter.com/CuttingRoomWiki/status/588467223833882627 The Cutting Room Floor], a [https://tcrf.net/ wiki] that specializes in unused video game content.


More unused files beyond these were present, among them being the remix used for the {{SSB|Dream Land}} stage in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and a second ''Kirby'' theme, the ''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kirby|Forest Stage}}'' theme from ''Kirby Air Ride''. The presence of the Dream Land remix and another forest-themed track suggested that the stage would be future DLC as well. A piece of corroborating evidence for this was also found in {{b|Classic Mode|SSB4-3DS}} following the 1.0.6 update, as ''Kirby'' characters would sometimes be fought on {{SSB4|Battlefield}} instead of the existing {{SSB4|Dream Land}} stage, with Battlefield presumably being used as an error handler for an expected but not present ''Kirby'' stage.
More unused files beyond these were present, among them being the remix used for the {{SSB|Dream Land}} stage in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and a second ''Kirby'' theme, the ''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kirby|Forest Stage}}'' theme from ''Kirby Air Ride''. The presence of the Dream Land remix and another forest-themed track suggested that the stage would be future DLC as well. A piece of corroborating evidence for this was also found in {{b|Classic Mode|SSB4-3DS}} following the 1.0.6 update, as ''Kirby'' characters would sometimes be fought on {{SSB4|Battlefield}} instead of the existing {{SSB4|Dream Land}} stage, with Battlefield presumably being used as an error handler for an expected but not present ''Kirby'' stage.
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Parts of the stream were [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYt-_nukUx8&feature=iv&src_vid=ugtRN2O24_8&annotation_id=annotation_1995371355 uploaded to YouTube], but have since been taken down by [[Nintendo]] of America on copyright claims, similar to how they took videos down after the ESRB leak. All videos on major YouTube channels talking about the leak were also taken down, including those on [https://www.youtube.com/user/GameXplain GameXplain] and the late {{Sm|Etika}}'s Etika World Network.
Parts of the stream were [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYt-_nukUx8&feature=iv&src_vid=ugtRN2O24_8&annotation_id=annotation_1995371355 uploaded to YouTube], but have since been taken down by [[Nintendo]] of America on copyright claims, similar to how they took videos down after the ESRB leak. All videos on major YouTube channels talking about the leak were also taken down, including those on [https://www.youtube.com/user/GameXplain GameXplain] and the late {{Sm|Etika}}'s Etika World Network.


Roy, Ryu, Dream Land (64), and all other elements implicated as DLC were formally announced and released on June 14th, 2015. Notably, Ryu's victory theme was replaced with a remix as opposed to the direct rip from ''Street Fighter II'' present in the 1.0.6 data; also, the ''Forest Stage'' track that was found in the 3DS version would end up only being used on Dream Land (64) on the Wii U version, as the 3DS version ended up using ''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kirby|Ice Cream Island}}'' as its alternate track instead. Furthermore, exactly 7 other stages aside from Dream Land were added to the 3DS version of the game via DLC and updates, including {{B|Duck Hunt|stage}}, which came free after version {{H2|List_of_updates_(SSB4-3DS)|1.1.1}}, and [[Suzaku Castle]], which became available with the same update that Dream Land did.
Roy, Ryu, Dream Land (64), and all other elements implicated as DLC were formally announced and released on June 14th, 2015. Notably, Ryu's victory theme was replaced with a remix as opposed to the direct rip from ''Street Fighter II'' present in the 1.0.6 data; also, the ''Forest Stage'' track that was found in the 3DS version would end up only being used on Dream Land (64) on the Wii U version, as the 3DS version ended up using ''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kirby|Ice Cream Island}}'' as its alternate track instead. Furthermore, exactly 7 other stages aside from Dream Land were added to the 3DS version of the game via DLC and updates, including {{B|Duck Hunt|stage}}, which came free after version {{H2|List_of_updates_(SSB4-3DS)|1.1.1}}, and [[Suzaku Castle]], which became available with the same update that Dream Land did. Lucas, Roy, and Ryu filled up three of the five placeholder slots upon their release; sometime later, a sixth placeholder slot was added, which came in line with three more DLC characters being released and filling in all of the placeholders.
 
{{clr}}
{{clr}}


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*{{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, either Luminary or Erdrick (Luminary and Erdrick both being present under the banner of {{SSBU|Hero}}), and {{SSBU|Terry}} would be part of the Fighters Pass Vol. 1.
*{{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, either Luminary or Erdrick (Luminary and Erdrick both being present under the banner of {{SSBU|Hero}}), and {{SSBU|Terry}} would be part of the Fighters Pass Vol. 1.
*{{SSBU|Terry}} would appear as the fourth character in the Fighters Pass Vol. 1.
*{{SSBU|Terry}} would appear as the fourth character in the Fighters Pass Vol. 1.
*The final fighter in Fighters Pass Vol. 1 would not be from [[List of companies with minor representation#Ubisoft|Ubisoft]], [[Bandai Namco]], {{iw|wikipedia|Level-5|company}}, {{s|wikipedia|Nippon Ichi Software}}, {{s|wikipedia|Nihon Falcom}}, [[Capcom]], [[Sega]], [[Konami]], [[List of companies with minor representation#Arc System Works|Arc System Works]], [[List of companies with minor representation#Spike Chunsoft|Spike Chunsoft]], [[List of companies with minor representation#Marvelous|Marvelous]], {{s|wikipedia|Epic Games}}, {{s|wikipedia|Touhou Project}}, [[List of companies with minor representation#Bethesda Softworks|Bethesda Softworks]], [[List of companies with minor representation#Koei Tecmo|Koei Tecmo]], {{s|wikipedia|Activision}}, {{s|wikipedia|Blizzard Entertainment}}, {{s|wikipedia|NetherRealm Studio}}, [[Microsoft]], [[Square Enix]], or {{s|wikipedia|Sony Interactive Entertainment}}.
*The final fighter in Fighters Pass Vol. 1 would not be from {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Ubisoft}}, [[Bandai Namco]], {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Level-5}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Nippon Ichi Software}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Nihon Falcom}}, [[Capcom]], [[Sega]], [[Konami]], {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Arc System Works}}, {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Spike Chunsoft}}, {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Marvelous}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Epic Games}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Touhou Project}}, {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Bethesda Softworks}}, {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Koei Tecmo}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Activision}}, {{iw|wikipedia|Blizzard Entertainment}}, {{iw|wikipedia|NetherRealm Studio}}, [[Microsoft]], [[Square Enix]], or {{iw|wikipedia|Sony Interactive Entertainment}}.
*The Mii Fighter costumes releasing with {{SSBU|Byleth}} would be [[Altair]], [[Cuphead]], a [[Rabbid]] hat, and two Mega Man costumes.
*The Mii Fighter costumes releasing with {{SSBU|Byleth}} would be [[Altair]], [[Cuphead]], a [[Rabbid]] hat, and two Mega Man costumes.
*{{s|wikipedia|Minecraft}} representation would come in some form. {{SSBU|Steve}} would appear as the second character in the Fighters Pass Vol. 2.
*{{uv|Minecraft}} representation would come in some form. {{SSBU|Steve}} would appear as the second character in the Fighters Pass Vol. 2.
*Nintendo and {{H2|List of companies with minor representation|Koei Tecmo}} would collaborate on ''Smash'' in some way, in this case with [[Spirit]]s based off of the Koei Tecmo developed ''{{Iw|zeldawiki|Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity}}''.
*Nintendo and {{h2|List of companies with minor representation|Koei Tecmo}} would collaborate on ''Smash'' in some way, in this case with [[Spirit]]s based off of the Koei Tecmo developed ''{{iw|zeldawiki|Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity}}''.


====7-11 poster leaks====
====7-11 poster leaks====
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====PracticalBrush12 leaks====
====PracticalBrush12 leaks====
On January 16th, 2020, 10 minutes prior to the airing of the ''Smash'' reveal, a Reddit user named PracticalBrush12 created a [https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/epjkoy/new_character_leak/ post] on /r/SmashBros revealing what would be announced. They revealed that Byleth from ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Three Houses}}'', both male and female versions, would be the next downloadable character. They also revealed that Byleth would use {{s|fireemblemwiki|The Sword of the Creator}} alongside the {{s|fireemblemwiki|Areadbhar}}, {{s|fireemblemwiki|Aymr}}, and {{s|fireemblemwiki|Failnaught}}. Additionally, a [[Cuphead]] costume for {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} was also revealed by the leaker. The leaker had previously properly leaked ''{{iw|wikipedia|Persona 5 Strikers}}'', ''{{iw|wikipedia|Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint}}'', ''{{iw|bulbapedia|Pokemon Sword and Shield}}'' (including its [[Bulbapedia:Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass|DLC]]), and ''{{iw|wikipedia|Diablo IV}}''. When the reveal aired, all of the information leaked by PracticalBrush12 was proven to be correct.
On January 16th, 2020, 10 minutes prior to the airing of the ''Smash'' reveal, a Reddit user named PracticalBrush12 created a [https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/epjkoy/new_character_leak/ post] on /r/SmashBros revealing what would be announced. They revealed that Byleth from ''{{iw|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Three Houses}}'', both male and female versions, would be the next downloadable character. They also revealed that Byleth would use {{iw|fireemblemwiki|The Sword of the Creator}} alongside the {{iw|fireemblemwiki|Areadbhar}}, {{iw|fireemblemwiki|Aymr}}, and {{iw|fireemblemwiki|Failnaught}}. Additionally, a [[Cuphead]] costume for {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} was also revealed by the leaker. The leaker had previously properly leaked ''{{iw|wikipedia|Persona 5 Strikers}}'', ''{{iw|wikipedia|Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint}}'', ''{{iw|bulbapedia|Pokemon Sword and Shield}}'' (including its [[Bulbapedia:Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass|DLC]]), and ''{{iw|wikipedia|Diablo IV}}''. When the reveal aired, all of the information leaked by PracticalBrush12 was proven to be correct.


On October 1st, 2020, roughly 30 minutes prior to the airing of the ''Smash'' reveal, PracticalBrush12 would again create a [https://www.reddit.com/user/PracticalBrush12/comments/j38ni7/new_smash_character/ post] on Reddit explaining that [[Steve]] from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Minecraft}}'' would be revealed as a playable character alongside [[Alex]], [[Zombie]], and [[Enderman]]. The leaker also described Steve's Final Smash as him utilizing a piston. In between this ''Smash'' leak and the last, PracticalBrush12 had also properly leaked ''{{iw|wikipedia|Monster Hunter Rise}}''. When the reveal aired, PracticalBrush12 was correct once again.
On October 1st, 2020, roughly 30 minutes prior to the airing of the ''Smash'' reveal, PracticalBrush12 would again create a [https://www.reddit.com/user/PracticalBrush12/comments/j38ni7/new_smash_character/ post] on Reddit explaining that [[Steve]] from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Minecraft}}'' would be revealed as a playable character alongside [[Alex]], [[Zombie]], and [[Enderman]]. The leaker also described Steve's Final Smash as him utilizing a piston. In between this ''Smash'' leak and the last, PracticalBrush12 had also properly leaked ''{{iw|wikipedia|Monster Hunter Rise}}''. When the reveal aired, PracticalBrush12 was correct once again.
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*[[Shulk]]'s Monado
*[[Shulk]]'s Monado
*A [[Golden Hammer]]
*A [[Golden Hammer]]
*A {{S|inkipedia|Splattershot}} from ''{{S|inkipedia|Splatoon}}''
*A {{iw|inkipedia|Splattershot}} from ''{{iw|inkipedia|Splatoon}}''


These supposed items hinted the return of Bayonetta, Captain Falcon, Fox, Link, Marth, and Shulk as playable characters, the return of the Golden Hammer as an item, and the inclusion of greater ''Splatoon'' representation. It also supported Master0fHyrule's claims of Bayonetta and Shulk returning.
These supposed items hinted the return of Bayonetta, Captain Falcon, Fox, Link, Marth, and Shulk as playable characters, the return of the Golden Hammer as an item, and the inclusion of greater ''Splatoon'' representation. It also supported Master0fHyrule's claims of Bayonetta and Shulk returning.
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As had been the case for many ''Brawl'' leaks, the leaker was considered a troll and mocked for their claims. During the Direct, his information was confirmed mainly factual.
As had been the case for many ''Brawl'' leaks, the leaker was considered a troll and mocked for their claims. During the Direct, his information was confirmed mainly factual.


The leak made a few notable errors, such as claiming that {{SSBU|Lucas}} was an Echo Fighter, that {{SSBU|Inkling}}'s Final Smash would be a [[Squid Sisters]] concert which would cause the screen to zoom in, and that all stages would have a [[Final Destination]] and [[Ω form]] (which are the same thing). In reality, Lucas is treated as a fully separate character from Ness, the Squid Sisters were revealed to be an [[Assist Trophy]] with the same function while Inkling's Final Smash was confirmed to be [[Killer Wail]], and it was confirmed that stages would have both a Ω form and a [[Battlefield form]]. However, given that the rest of the information was correct, as well as the fact that the same user correctly predicted the title and gameplay style of '' Super Mario Party'', another game featured in E3 2018, it is likely these errors were made from misinterpretation or assumption rather than being indicative of a hoax.
The leak made a few notable errors, such as claiming that {{SSBU|Lucas}} was an Echo Fighter, that {{SSBU|Inkling}}'s Final Smash would be a [[Squid Sisters]] concert which would cause the screen to zoom in, and that all stages would have a [[Final Destination]] and [[Ω form]] (which are the same thing). In reality, Lucas is not classified as an Echo Fighter, the Squid Sisters were revealed to be an [[Assist Trophy]] with the same function as described in the leak while Inkling's Final Smash was confirmed to be [[Killer Wail]], and it was confirmed that stages would have both a Ω form and a [[Battlefield form]]. However, given that the rest of the information was correct, as well as the fact that the same user correctly predicted the title and gameplay style of '' Super Mario Party'', another game featured in E3 2018, it is likely these errors were made from misinterpretation or assumption rather than being indicative of a hoax.


====Castlevania music leak====
====Castlevania music leak====
[[File:CastlevaniaMusic.png|thumb|The misnamed video.]]
[[File:CastlevaniaMusic.png|thumb|The misnamed video.]]
On the night of August 7th, 2018, close to the airing of the ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''-centered [[Nintendo Direct]] the following morning, the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180808032401if_/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APSRqnT8hvo YouTube video] for the Galaga Medley on Nintendo's ''Super Smash Bros.'' channel that was previously confirmed the week prior was renamed to "Bloody Tears / Monster Dance", both of which are tracks from ''{{s|wikipedia|Castlevania II: Simon's Quest}}''. It was later properly renamed back to "Galaga Medley".
On the night of August 7th, 2018, close to the airing of the ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''-centered [[Nintendo Direct]] the following morning, the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180808032401if_/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APSRqnT8hvo YouTube video] for the Galaga Medley on Nintendo's ''Super Smash Bros.'' channel that was previously confirmed the week prior was renamed to "Bloody Tears / Monster Dance", both of which are tracks from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Castlevania II: Simon's Quest}}''. It was later properly renamed back to "Galaga Medley".


Following the Direct, which announced {{SSBU|Simon}} and {{SSBU|Richter}} as new playable characters from the {{uv|Castlevania}} series, "Bloody Tears / Monster Dance" was properly uploaded to the website. Due to this incident, all the music previews were renamed to numbers, with each new upload incrementing by one.
Following the Direct, which announced {{SSBU|Simon}} and {{SSBU|Richter}} as new playable characters from the {{uv|Castlevania}} series, "Bloody Tears / Monster Dance" was properly uploaded to the website. Due to this incident, all the music previews were renamed to numbers, with each new upload incrementing by one.
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During the main menu preview in the August 8th, 2018 ''Ultimate'' Direct, a then-unannounced mode is featured but censored by a pixelated blur filter. The filter is implemented in such a way that the blurring is applied incorrectly on its bottommost section. This oversight causes parts of the mode's name and icon to be briefly visible as Smash mode is selected and deselected.
During the main menu preview in the August 8th, 2018 ''Ultimate'' Direct, a then-unannounced mode is featured but censored by a pixelated blur filter. The filter is implemented in such a way that the blurring is applied incorrectly on its bottommost section. This oversight causes parts of the mode's name and icon to be briefly visible as Smash mode is selected and deselected.


This was first documented by Twitter user Lattie9001 (known as Noctulescent at the time) in [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027204063811850240 a Twitter thread] made shortly after the Direct. The first tweet shows two frames that reveal the mode's name as "Spirits". [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027206737210867712 Another tweet] shows the same frames during the Japanese version of the Direct, revealing the name {{ja|スピリッツ|Supirittsu}} (''Spirits''). [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027541204723007488 A later tweet] claimed that, when observed via the oversight, the icon resembles a {{s|wikipedia|magatama}}, an item associated with spirits, drawing a connection to the name. All this was later corroborated by multiple Twitter users following [https://twitter.com/Lattie9001/status/1027303849210667012 Lattie's explanations] on how to see behind the blur filter using the frame by frame feature on Youtube.
This was first documented by Twitter user Lattie9001 (known as Noctulescent at the time) in [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027204063811850240 a Twitter thread] made shortly after the Direct. The first tweet shows two frames that reveal the mode's name as "Spirits". [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027206737210867712 Another tweet] shows the same frames during the Japanese version of the Direct, revealing the name {{ja|スピリッツ|Supirittsu}} (''Spirits''). [https://twitter.com/noctulescent/status/1027541204723007488 A later tweet] claimed that, when observed via the oversight, the icon resembles a {{iw|wikipedia|magatama}}, an item associated with spirits, drawing a connection to the name. All this was later corroborated by multiple Twitter users following [https://twitter.com/Lattie9001/status/1027303849210667012 Lattie's explanations] on how to see behind the blur filter using the frame by frame feature on Youtube.


In the November 1st, 2018 ''Ultimate'' Direct, the then-unannounced mode was revealed as "{{B|Spirits|menu}}", and the symbol was very similar to the unblurred edits.
In the November 1st, 2018 ''Ultimate'' Direct, the then-unannounced mode was revealed as "{{B|Spirits|menu}}", and the symbol was very similar to the unblurred edits.


====CoroCoro stages leak====
====CoroCoro stages leak====
The September 2018 issue of CoroCoro, a Japanese magazine, featured information about ''Ultimate'': though most of it was a retread of what had been in the August 2018 Smash Direct, the magazine stated that the game would have 108 total stages. This was contrary to the aforementioned Direct, which instead stated that the game would feature 103 stages. While this could be assumed as a printing error, many users noticed how this number perfectly matched with the [https://www.ssbwiki.com/File:Stage_Select_Ultimate_Normal.jpg stage selection screen] shown in the Direct, with room for six more spots.
The September 2018 issue of CoroCoro, a Japanese magazine, featured information about ''Ultimate'': though most of it was a retread of what had been in the August 2018 Smash Direct, the magazine stated that the game would have 108 total stages. This was contrary to the aforementioned Direct, which instead stated that the game would feature 103 stages. While this could be assumed as a printing error, many users noticed how this number perfectly matched with the [[Media:Stage_Select_Ultimate_Normal.jpg|stage selection screen]] shown in the Direct, with room for six more spots.


The October issue of CoroCoro dropped the stage count back to 103<ref>https://twitter.com/DartsEnthusiast/status/1053692372322803712</ref>. It is unknown if the September issue's count was a misprint or something that they were not allowed to reveal, although it should be noted that 5 stages were released as DLC for the first Fighters Pass, bringing the stage count to 108.
The October issue of CoroCoro dropped the stage count back to 103.<ref>https://twitter.com/DartsEnthusiast/status/1053692372322803712</ref> Five stages were released as DLC for the first Fighters Pass, bringing the stage count to 108, and, as the second Fighters Pass had not been in its planning stages until after the game's launch, CoroCoro had incidentally leaked the amount of initially planned DLC stages.


====No new Codec Conversations====
====No new Codec Conversations====
On September 8th, 2018 in Fan Expo Boston 2018, a fan asked David Hayter (the English voice actor for {{SSBU|Snake}}) about ''Ultimate''<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFSVVlFSbFw#t=1389</ref>, and Hayter replied that more [[Codec Conversations]] hadn't been recorded yet. This led some fans to believe that the Codec Conversations would not be in the game at all. Some that played the demo cited the removal of the [[Star Fox Smash Taunt]] in [[Lylat Cruise]], though others guessed that it simply was disabled for the demo. As {{SSBU|Pit}}'s [[Star KO]] voice clip was completely new, some believed that both [[Palutena's Guidance]] and the Codecs could have been rerecorded. Others noted that Hayter was likely bound to a non-disclosure agreement and thus was forbidden from discussing anything not permitted by his contract; however, Hayter himself brought up the topic of Codec Conversations without being asked specifically about it, even after openly acknowledging that he probably was not supposed to say anything, which makes it unlikely that he was trying to obfuscate the truth. Hayter also expressed dismay on not being able to record new lines for ''Ultimate'' codecs. Additionally, {{s|wikipedia|Takeshi Aono}}, Roy Campbell's Japanese voice actor, passed away in 2012, and future ''Metal Gear'' titles do not feature the character out of respect for Aono. This made it more likely that no new Codec Conversations would be recorded.
On September 8th, 2018 in Fan Expo Boston 2018, a fan asked David Hayter (the English voice actor for {{SSBU|Snake}}) about ''Ultimate'',<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFSVVlFSbFw#t=1389</ref> and Hayter replied that more [[Codec Conversations]] hadn't been recorded yet. This led some fans to believe that the Codec Conversations would not be in the game at all. Some that played the demo cited the removal of the [[Star Fox Smash Taunt]] in [[Lylat Cruise]], though others guessed that it simply was disabled for the demo. As {{SSBU|Pit}}'s [[Star KO]] voice clip was completely new, some believed that both [[Palutena's Guidance]] and the Codecs could have been rerecorded. Others noted that Hayter was likely bound to a non-disclosure agreement and thus was forbidden from discussing anything not permitted by his contract; however, Hayter himself brought up the topic of Codec Conversations without being asked specifically about it, even after openly acknowledging that he probably was not supposed to say anything, which makes it unlikely that he was trying to obfuscate the truth. Hayter also expressed dismay on not being able to record new lines for ''Ultimate'' codecs. Additionally, {{iw|wikipedia|Takeshi Aono}}, Roy Campbell's Japanese voice actor, passed away in 2012, and future ''Metal Gear'' titles do not feature the character out of respect for Aono. This made it more likely that no new Codec Conversations would be recorded.


It was later revealed from early copies of ''Ultimate'' that the Codec Conversations from ''Brawl'' return, but that there are no unique Codec Conversations for characters that weren't playable in ''Brawl''. This is in line with Hayter's previous statements that he had not recorded any new voice lines for the game. However, Palutena's Guidance did receive new voice lines in ''Ultimate'' for characters who were absent in ''Smash 4''{{'}}s base roster, {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}} (who is DLC), and redesigned characters.
It was later revealed from early copies of ''Ultimate'' that the Codec Conversations from ''Brawl'' return, but that there are no unique Codec Conversations for characters that weren't playable in ''Brawl''. This is in line with Hayter's previous statements that he had not recorded any new voice lines for the game. However, Palutena's Guidance did receive new voice lines in ''Ultimate'' for characters who were absent in ''Smash 4''{{'}}s base roster, {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}} (who is DLC), and redesigned characters.
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====Ken leak====
====Ken leak====
{{ImageCaption|File:SSBU Ken Screenshot Leak.jpg|File:SSBU Ken screenshot leak demo version recreation.jpg|width1=120x120px|width2=99x99px|align = right|caption='''Left Image:''' The leaked image of Ken along with [[Ivysaur]],<br>[[Pichu]], and Pac-Man.<br>'''Right Image:''' A recreation of the image taken in the demo version<br>using Pikachu and Ryu instead of Pichu and Ken.}}
{{ImageCaption|File:SSBU Ken Screenshot Leak.jpg|File:SSBU Ken screenshot leak demo version recreation.jpg|width1=120x120px|width2=99x99px|align=right|caption='''Left Image:''' The leaked image of Ken along with [[Ivysaur]],<br>[[Pichu]], and Pac-Man.<br>'''Right Image:''' A recreation of the image taken in the demo version<br>using Pikachu and Ryu instead of Pichu and Ken.}}
On September 21st, 2018, a 4chan user posted a cropped screenshot of Ken Masters from the {{uv|Street Fighter}} series on [[Moray Towers]]. Later, the user uploaded the full screenshot to the same thread, showing off Pichu, Ivysaur, and Pac-Man taunting alongside Ken on the Moray Towers stage. Allegedly, Ken's model is not a port of another game, but a new model altogether.
On September 21st, 2018, a 4chan user posted a cropped screenshot of Ken Masters from the {{uv|Street Fighter}} series on [[Moray Towers]]. Later, the user uploaded the full screenshot to the same thread, showing off Pichu, Ivysaur, and Pac-Man taunting alongside Ken on the Moray Towers stage. Allegedly, Ken's model is not a port of another game, but a new model altogether.


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On September 24th, 2018, a 4chan user made a [https://archived.moe/v/thread/432868409/ thread] claiming that the final three newcomers in ''Ultimate'' would be Incineroar, Ken (as an Echo Fighter based on Ryu), and Piranha Plant. They also elaborated on Piranha Plant's playstyle, saying that it would be in a vehicle of some sort in a similar vein to Bowser Jr.
On September 24th, 2018, a 4chan user made a [https://archived.moe/v/thread/432868409/ thread] claiming that the final three newcomers in ''Ultimate'' would be Incineroar, Ken (as an Echo Fighter based on Ryu), and Piranha Plant. They also elaborated on Piranha Plant's playstyle, saying that it would be in a vehicle of some sort in a similar vein to Bowser Jr.


On November 1st, 2018, {{SSBU|Incineroar}}, {{SSBU|Ken}}, and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}} were confirmed to be playable fighters in the final pre-launch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct. However, while the 4chan user's assertion that Ken would be a Ryu Echo Fighter was correct, their claim that Piranha Plant used a vehicle was proven to be inaccurate, with it instead being in a pot or Warp Pipe (depending on the costume selected) and walking on its roots which extend from the bottom of its vessel, though this was more likely a misconception than deliberately false information.
On November 1st, 2018, {{SSBU|Incineroar}}, {{SSBU|Ken}}, and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}} were confirmed to be playable fighters in the final pre-launch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct. However, while the 4chan user's assertion that Ken would be a Ryu Echo Fighter was correct, Piranha Plant did not fight in a vehicle as the user claimed, instead being in a pot or Warp Pipe (depending on the costume selected) and walking on its roots from under the pot, though this was more likely a misconception than deliberately false information, similar to the small errors in the E3 2018 leak.


====Completed game leak====
====Completed game leak====
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====DLC datamines====
====DLC datamines====
On November 28th 2018, a technical data Discord server uncovered ''Ultimate''{{'}}s character parameters table (the list of values such as walk speed and weight) and began decoding it in preparation for the game's release (''Ultimate'' uses {{S|wikipedia|hash function}}s to store strings, so they are not immediately evident and require knowledge and patience to crack). It was found that the first column in the table stored each character's internal development name. It quickly followed that, not only were {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}'s values already included in the table under "packun" (its Japanese name being Packun Flower), but there was one further slot named "jack". After the 1.1.0 update was made available on December 5th, a second unknown character's attributes were found to have been added, called "brave". Out of respect for players and the game's development team, these discoveries were kept secret.<ref>https://pastebin.com/pEYGazDe</ref>
On November 28th 2018, a technical data Discord server uncovered ''Ultimate''{{'}}s character parameters table (the list of values such as walk speed and weight) and began decoding it in preparation for the game's release (''Ultimate'' uses {{iw|wikipedia|hash function}}s to store strings, so they are not immediately evident and require knowledge and patience to crack). It was found that the first column in the table stored each character's internal development name. It quickly followed that, not only were {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}'s values already included in the table under "packun" (its Japanese name being Packun Flower), but there was one further slot named "jack". After the 1.1.0 update was made available on December 5th, a second unknown character's attributes were found to have been added, called "brave". Out of respect for players and the game's development team, these discoveries were kept secret.<ref>https://pastebin.com/pEYGazDe</ref>


On January 3rd 2019, the existence of "jack" and "brave" began to quickly spread from an unknown source. With {{SSBU|Joker}} having been revealed, it was assumed that he was "jack" (as "jack" and "joker" are both types of {{s|wikipedia|playing card}}s). "brave", however, was less clear. The most common speculation was a [[Hero]] from {{uv|Dragon Quest}}; the default class in most games of the series is {{ja|勇者|Yūsha}} (''Yūsha''), which means "Hero" and directly translates to "brave" in English. The parameters of "brave" revealed that their weight is between {{SSBU|Mega Man}} and {{SSBU|Cloud}}/{{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}}, their running speed is between {{SSBU|Young Link}} and {{SSBU|Kirby}}, and they did not have a neutral infinite, wall jump, or crawl.<ref>https://twitter.com/_Mizumi/status/1080971781790416896</ref> As confirmed upon the release of version {{H2|List of updates (SSBU)|4.0.0}}, this data does indeed refer to all four {{SSBU|Hero}}es present in the game.
On January 3rd 2019, the existence of "jack" and "brave" began to quickly spread from an unknown source. With {{SSBU|Joker}} having been revealed, it was assumed that he was "jack" (as "jack" and "joker" are both types of {{iw|wikipedia|playing card}}s). "brave", however, was less clear. The most common speculation was a [[Hero]] from {{uv|Dragon Quest}}; the default class in most games of the series is {{ja|勇者|Yūsha}} (''Yūsha''), which means "Hero" and directly translates to "brave" in English. The parameters of "brave" revealed that their weight is between {{SSBU|Mega Man}} and {{SSBU|Cloud}}/{{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}}, their running speed is between {{SSBU|Young Link}} and {{SSBU|Kirby}}, and they did not have a neutral infinite, wall jump, or crawl.<ref>https://twitter.com/_Mizumi/status/1080971781790416896</ref> As confirmed upon the release of version {{H2|List of updates (SSBU)|4.0.0}}, this data does indeed refer to all four {{SSBU|Hero}}es present in the game.


The data for "jack" and "brave" was [https://twitter.com/Meshima_/status/1090492035629346818 removed] from the game data in version {{H2|List of updates (SSBU)|2.0.0}}, along with the release of Piranha Plant.
The data for "jack" and "brave" was [https://twitter.com/Meshima_/status/1090492035629346818 removed] from the game data in version {{H2|List of updates (SSBU)|2.0.0}}, along with the release of Piranha Plant.


Later, text strings were discovered in the game data that seemingly referred to upcoming DLC. Due to a technical oversight in a particular file format used for ''Ultimate''{{'}}s stage data, unrelated development text leaked into stage data files. The string "Jack_Menentoes_" was [https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1098341121170665473 discovered], confirming Joker's stage as [[Mementos]] from ''Persona 5''.
=====Stage data leak=====
Later, text strings were discovered in the game data that referred to upcoming DLC. Due to a technical oversight in a particular file format used for ''Ultimate''{{'}}s stage data, unrelated development text leaked into stage data files. The string "Jack_Menentoes_" was [https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1098341121170665473 discovered], confirming Joker's stage as [[Mementos]] from ''Persona 5''.
 
Another [https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1098748513251291136 discovery] was made, of the text <code>/Jack6_C06_v01_070925.mb_Jane1_pony_hairSystemShape2.mchp"</code>. Two specific filenames are mentioned: <code>Jack6_C06_v01_070925.mb</code>, which refers to a Maya project file for Joker's seventh alternate costume, the Shujin Academy uniform in the final game; and <code>Jane1_pony_hairSystemShape2.mchp</code>, which refers to a Maya file format related to hair,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1098748514912202752|title=Dr. HyperCake on Twitter|date=February 21, 2019|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=January 11, 2024|author=Dr. HyperCake}}</ref> and seemingly pertains to a ponytail hairstyle.
 
It is possible the name refers to [[Ann Takamaki]], who appears on the Mementos stage and has twin ponytails, as "Jane" may be a misspelling of "Anne" (Ann's name in Japanese). It is also possible that "Jane" was unrelated to Joker or ''Smash'',  due to the arbitrary way in which the leaked data was grouped together. No data for "Jane" exists in the final game, leaving its true meaning unknown.


Another [https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1098748513251291136 discovery] seemed to imply that one or more of Joker's alternate costumes was an alternate character who has a ponytail hairstyle. At the time this was speculated to be [https://youtu.be/HhwJgwXBxIc recently revealed] and unnamed [https://megamitensei.fandom.com/wiki/Sumire_Yoshizawa Sumire Yoshizawa] from ''Persona 5 Royal''. However, reviewed in retrospect this seems to be garbled together strings from Joker's Shujin Academy alternate costume and [[Ann Takamaki]]'s ponytail hair physics used in the Mementos stage. Similar to the misspelling of "Menentoes" internally, Ann's name (spelled as Anne in Japanese) was listed as "ane" with a "J" prefix to signify Joker (likely "Jack").
Following the leak, the next update to the game, {{H2|List of updates (SSBU)|3.0.0}}, [https://twitter.com/DrHyperCake/status/1119415620955623425 removed] all of the leaked data and patched the oversight that caused it.


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====Nintendo of Europe site SNK fighter leak====
====Nintendo of Europe site SNK fighter leak====
On September 1st, 2019, a page for the 4th Challenger Pack in the Fighters Pass was created on Nintendo of Europe's website. Within the page, people noticed a mention of a copyright belonging to [[SNK|SNK Corporation]], leading to speculation that the next fighter would be from SNK, with [[Terry Bogard]] being the most prominent guess. People also speculated that the copyright was borrowed from the [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/DLC/SNK-Heroines-New-Character-MissX-1475673.html DLC pages] for ''{{s|wikipedia|SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy}}'' due to having an identical filesize and an incorrect date. However, as the listing lined up perfectly with the other Challenger Pack listings and Nintendo pulled down the page soon after its posting, the SNK copyright was strongly suggested to be a legitimate mistake. Three days later, Terry from {{uv|Fatal Fury}} would be confirmed as the SNK character for the Fighters Pass.
On September 1st, 2019, a page for the 4th Challenger Pack in the Fighters Pass was created on Nintendo of Europe's website. Within the page, people noticed a mention of a copyright belonging to [[SNK|SNK Corporation]], leading to speculation that the next fighter would be from SNK, with [[Terry Bogard]] from {{uv|Fatal Fury}} being the most prominent guess. People also speculated that the copyright was borrowed from the [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/DLC/SNK-Heroines-New-Character-MissX-1475673.html DLC pages] for ''{{iw|wikipedia|SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy}}'' due to having an identical filesize and an incorrect date. However, as the listing lined up perfectly with the other Challenger Pack listings and Nintendo pulled down the page soon after its posting, the SNK copyright was strongly suggested to be a legitimate mistake. Three days later, an SNK fighter was indeed revealed, specifically Terry as speculated.


====Spirit Board Event SNK copyright====
====Spirit Board Event SNK copyright====
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On October 30th, 2019, the [https://www-aaaba-lp1-hac.cdn.nintendo.net/en-US/e432a816/index.html notification] for the Spirit Board Event [[Smash by the Sword]] went live. The event ran between November 1st to 4th. Located at the bottom of the notification is the copyright for the SNK Corporation, which was newly added. This led to rumors that {{SSBU|Terry}}'s release date would be near the beginning of November. This speculation was eventually proven correct with Terry's release on November 6th.
On October 30th, 2019, the [https://www-aaaba-lp1-hac.cdn.nintendo.net/en-US/e432a816/index.html notification] for the Spirit Board Event [[Smash by the Sword]] went live. The event ran between November 1st to 4th. Located at the bottom of the notification is the copyright for the SNK Corporation, which was newly added. This led to rumors that {{SSBU|Terry}}'s release date would be near the beginning of November. This speculation was eventually proven correct with Terry's release on November 6th.


====Sora/Disney Music Leak====
====Sora/Disney music leak====
On July 30th, 2021, an anonymous 4chan user posted in [https://arch.b4k.co/v/thread/565604656/#565606781 a thread] that [[Sora]] from {{uv|Kingdom Hearts}} would be revealed on October 5th as the last playable character for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. Later that same day, another anonymous user in [https://arch.b4k.co/v/thread/565589861/#q565642448 a different thread] claimed to be a [[Disney]] Music employee, and mentioned that Nintendo had recently asked for permission to use Disney-owned music in a digital event that was supposedly scheduled for October 5th, drawing the conclusion that Sora would be the last DLC fighter. While they were largely overlooked prior, the posts gained widespread attention after the September 2021 Nintendo Direct, in which the last ''Ultimate'' fighter was announced to be revealed on the date predicted by the post. Sora went on to be revealed in [[Mr. Sakurai Presents#Battling with Sora|the aforementioned presentation]]; notably, [[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Sora|Sora's reveal]] featured [[khwiki:Hikari -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-|music not present in his Challenge Pack]], which would ostensibly require additional licensing agreements, as the second post suggested.
On July 30th, 2021, an anonymous 4chan user posted in [https://arch.b4k.co/v/thread/565604656/#565606781 a thread] that [[Sora]] from {{uv|Kingdom Hearts}} would be revealed on October 5th as the last playable character for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. Later that same day, another anonymous user in [https://arch.b4k.co/v/thread/565589861/#q565642448 a different thread] claimed to be a [[Disney]] Music employee, and mentioned that Nintendo had recently asked for permission to use Disney-owned music in a digital event that was supposedly scheduled for October 5th, drawing the conclusion that Sora would be the last DLC fighter. While they were largely overlooked prior, the posts gained widespread attention after the September 2021 Nintendo Direct, in which the last ''Ultimate'' fighter was announced to be revealed on the date predicted by the post. Sora went on to be revealed in [[Mr. Sakurai Presents#Battling with Sora|the aforementioned presentation]]; notably, [[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Sora|Sora's reveal]] featured [[khwiki:Hikari -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-|music not present in his Challenge Pack]], which would ostensibly require additional licensing agreements, as the second post suggested.


====Sora amiibo leak====
====Sora amiibo leak====
Despite amiibo data existing for {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, {{SSBU|Kazuya}}, {{SSBU|Pyra}}, and {{SSBU|Mythra}} prior to {{SSBU|Sora}}'s reveal, it was left unknown whether Sora was to get an [[amiibo]] for two years. On July 4, 2023, Twitter user ARTSWIFT explained that Sora amiibo will be released in the near future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ArtswiftAmiibo/status/1676155194667859974|title=ARTSWIFT on Twitter|date=July 4, 2023|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=September 3, 2023|author=ARTSWIFT}}</ref> Since the last presentation for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', ''{{h2|Mr. Sakurai Presents|Battling with Sora}}'' on October 5, 2021, there had been no official confirmation of this happening, nor has there been support of said amiibo in the latest update, version {{h2|List of updates (SSBU)|13.0.1}} on December 1st, 2021. In the following weeks, new rumors were reported by numerous news outlets where restocks of amiibo will happen after August 2023 and will be released in waves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2023/07/25/report-massive-amiibo-restock-on-the-way-according-to-retailer/|title=Report: Massive amiibo restock on the way according to retailer|date=July 25, 2023|publisher=Nintendo Wire|accessdate=September 4, 2023|author=Jason Ganos}}</ref>  
Despite amiibo data existing for {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, {{SSBU|Kazuya}}, {{SSBU|Pyra}}, and {{SSBU|Mythra}} prior to {{SSBU|Sora}}'s reveal, it was left unknown whether Sora was to get an [[amiibo]] for two years. On July 4th, 2023, Twitter user ARTSWIFT explained that Sora amiibo will be released in the near future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ArtswiftAmiibo/status/1676155194667859974|title=ARTSWIFT on Twitter|date=July 4, 2023|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=September 3, 2023|author=ARTSWIFT}}</ref> Since the last presentation for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', ''{{h2|Mr. Sakurai Presents|Battling with Sora}}'' on October 5, 2021, there had been no official confirmation of this happening, nor has there been support of said amiibo in the then latest update, version {{h2|List of updates (SSBU)|13.0.1}} on December 1st, 2021. In the following weeks, new rumors were reported by numerous news outlets where restocks of amiibo will happen after August 2023 and will be released in waves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2023/07/25/report-massive-amiibo-restock-on-the-way-according-to-retailer/|title=Report: Massive amiibo restock on the way according to retailer|date=July 25, 2023|publisher=Nintendo Wire|accessdate=September 4, 2023|author=Jason Ganos}}</ref>


Eventually, Nintendo announced on September 13, 2023 that there would be a Nintendo Direct for the next day. During the Nintendo Direct of September 14, 2023, Sora's amiibo was announced with a pending release date set for 2024, confirming the leak from ARTSWIFT in July 2023.
During the Nintendo Direct of September 14th, 2023, Sora's amiibo was announced with a pending release date set for 2024, confirming the leak from ARTSWIFT in July 2023. Later, the amiibo got a release date set for February 16th, 2024, along with an update two days earlier, being version {{h2|List of updates (SSBU)|13.0.2}}.


==References==
==References==
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