Nintendo has confirmed that Toon Link (the Link character design used in Wind Waker) will be in the new Wii U and 3DS Super Smash Bros. game when it launches sometime next year.
Unlike some of the other mainstays in the Super Smash Bros. series (i.e. Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Bowser, etc.), I would say that Toon Link was not necessarily one of the brawlers that was a shoe-in to make the return trip. This is especially true when you consider that the game is being developed with less than the full roster of characters, and there is already a Link on staff.
With the announcement of Toon Link, the total confirmed roster for Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS is now up to the following sixteen brawlers; Toon Link (Zelda: Wind Waker), Peach, Luigi, Pikmin & Olimar, Villager (Animal Crossing), Mega Man, Wii Fit Trainer, Mario, Donkey Kong, Link (Zelda: Twilight Princess), Samus, Kirby, Fox (Star Fox), Pikachu, Bowser, and Pit (Kid Icarus).
Nintendo provided eight Wii U and two 3DS screenshots of Toon Link to go along with his Super Smash Bros. confirmation. Check them all out in the gallery, and let us know your thoughts on who else you would like to see make the final cut in the comments below.