User blog comment:The shy platypi/Nintendo's Big Announcement/@comment-4115159-20151207173006/@comment-24416652-20151207190928

Yeah, I do agree in thinking that Steve fits in the third-party category. And while I wouldn't be either surprised or opposed if he got in, I can't even begin to imagine the hate Sakurai would be receiving from a variety of fans. Many people got ticked off over Cloud's reveal, so Steve would be a whole new level. Rayman, Shovel Knight, and Shantae were my fighter ballot picks, and while I still can easily see Rayman getting in, I think the other two are a tad too obscure. Then again, when has obscurity ever stopped Sakurai? We'll just have to wait and see. :)