Smash Bros. Hero DLC looks set for imminent release

Nintendo is reportedly preparing for the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Hero DLC.

The platform holder has recently added a selection of new Dragon Quest spirts to its online database, reports Nintendo Everything. Spirits are the collectable modifiers that are usually added alongside new character DLC.

[UPDATE 30/07: The Smash Bros Hero release date has been confirmed. The Hero Challenger Pack will be available to purchase on July 30 in North America (July 31 in Europe) individually for $5.99 USD / £5.39, or as part of the Fighters Pass.]

Adverts for Hero have also started appearing in Japanese convenience stores, reportedly set to be removed by August 4, and accurate leaker ‘Sabi’ – who was recently threatened with legal action by Nintendo – is also pointing toward an imminent release for the character, likely in the next week.

One possible release window is during next weekend’s Evo 2019, the annual fighting game event which is due to close out with Smash Bros.

Nintendo was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Hero was confirmed as the next Smash Bros. fighter during Nintendo’s E3 Direct presentation, with a tentative “summer” release window.

Hero will represent a number of Dragon Quest games. Much like certain Smash Bros fighters have different characters assigned to their alternate costumes (like Bowser Jr and the Koopalings), The Hero’s appearance can change too depending on which costume you choose.

His default design is that of the protagonist from Dragon Quest XI, but by switching costumes you can also play as the heroes from Dragon Quest III, Dragon Quest IV and Dragon Quest VIII.

The third DLC fighter, Banjo-Kazooie, will then arrive in the fall.

Banjo-Kazooie creators Grant Kirkhope, Steve Mayles and Chris Sutherland spoke to VGC about the characters’ additions in a recent interview.

Sakurai has previously spoken of his satisfaction with the result of Grant Kirkhope’s Smash Bros. music.