Namco Bandai Games, including the team behind Tekken, is co-developing the next Super Smash Bros. title for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

The announcement of Namco Bandai Games co-developing the title drew controversy as fans speculated that Tekken characters including Heihachi could feature in the title, instead of Pac-Man. On Tekken characters featuring in the title, Sakurai seemed to think it is not a natural fit.

"I think Snake and Sonic were fantastic. It made many fans happy, and it broadened the Smash Bros. arena. However, introducing more non-Nintendo characters willy-nilly will lose the focus of the game, so I also recognise the need to narrow it down," Sakurai added. Whether the comments mean the existing roster will decrease or simply that additional third-party characters are not being introduced, remains to be seen. Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake featured in Super Smash Bros. Melee, generating considerable fan excitement.

While Tekken characters probably will not debut in the series, head of development Masahiro Sakurai believes GamePad options will be popular with many players.

"The game system is complete, so we don't want to make it 3D or introduce complicated controls for the sake of it. However, I am thinking of ways we can introduce a slightly different, fun experience all the while keeping the usual frantic game play," Sakurai said in an interview with IGN. The "game system" refers to the formula for the next Super Smash Bros., which is probably going to be similar to its predecessors.

GamePad functionality is arguably the most interesting development decision for Wii U titles. Batman: Arkham City: Armored Edition has an inventory accessible through the GamePad's touch screen, while Aliens: Colonial Marines shows multiplayer scores when online. Time will tell if developers expand functionality beyond map and inventory screens.

A niche of consumers is eagerly anticipating the next Super Smash Bros. title, even if it is similar to previous instalments. Sakurai said as much to IGN, admitting the series has found its target audience. Super Smash Bros. for Wii and Nintendo 3DS does not have a release date. Wii U releases by the end of 2012.