Super Smash Bros. Fighters – Pokémon series – 03 Pichu

Debut
In the Pokémon series: Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver (1999)
In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)

Boxing Ring Title: Shockingly Adorable

Theme Song: Pokémon Gold / Pokémon Silver Medley

Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon. Electric Type. #175 in the Pokédex. As a species, Pichu are rather weak, and not very good at storing electricity due to the pouches on its cheeks being too small. They tend to unintentionally electrocute themselves when using electric moves, or even discharge electricity when amused or startled. When playing with other Pichu, they may accidentally short out electricity with each other and cause a shower of sparks, causing them both to cry. Sometimes Pichu will do this deliberately with one another, which is assumed to be a test of courage. Pichu have an even chance of being either male or female, though unlike it’s older forms, female Pichu lack the “dent” on its tail. Pichu is the baby form of Pikachu, and evolves into Pikachu if it has a high friendship level with its trainer, and can later evolve into Raichu by the use of a Thunderstone.

Back in its debut in Pokémon Gold & Silver, the player couldn’t find one in the wild. Instead, the only way to obtain one was to catch a female Pikachu or Raichu, and a male Pokémon compatible with them (such as another Pikachu or Raichu, or even Ditto) then put them in the Pokémon Day-Care in hopes of obtaining a Pokémon Egg containing Pichu. Pichu wasn’t very strong, but it could learn some moves that its older Pikachu and Raichu forms couldn’t, such as Charm, Sweet Kiss, and Nasty Plot.

In Pokémon Crystal, the player could obtain an Pichu from an Odd Egg which is obtained from the Day-Care Man; however, the Odd Egg also had a chance of containing either Cleffa, Igglybuff, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid and Magby instead.

Pokémon Emerald would give the Pichu line a powerful exclusive move called Volt Tackle! To obtain it, one of its parents - who must be either a Pikachu or Raichu - must be holding the Light Ball. Upon hatching, it'll know this powerful move!

In Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, a special Pichu called the Spiky-eared Pichu was introduced! If the player had a Pikachu-colored Pichu in their party and visited the Ilex Forest, Spiky-eared Pichu would reveal herself and join the player's party. If taken to Professor Elm, he reveals that she's been traveling through time with the Pokémon Celebi for quite a while. However, this experience has left her unable to evolve into Pikachu. The only other noteworthy thing about her is that her Pokéathlon stats are different compared to other Pichu.

Pichu also shows up in the various spin-off games, such as Pokémon Channel and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. Its biggest tole was in Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, where Ukulele Pichu served as the player's partner. As its name would suggest, it carries a Ukulele, which it can use to help the player capture Pokémon more easily.

In the animated adaption Pokémon the Series, Pichu have made notable appearances starting in the Gold & Silver season. Notable members include the Pichu Bros., who made their debut in the Pikachu short Pikachu & Pichu, which played before the film Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown. The Pichu Bros. consist of two Pichu, Pichu Big (the one with the scruff of hair on his head) and Pichu Little, who live in a city called Big Town where they hang out and play with their various friends. The two happened to meet Ash’s Pikachu one day, resulting in the trio going off on some wacky hijnks throughout the city. The Pichu Bros. would leave on good terms with Pikachu, and would go off to have their own adventure, as shown in the Pokémon Chronicles side-series.

Another notable Pichu would be Spiky-eared Pichu, who debuted in the movie Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Unlike her game counterpart, who lived in the present but was taken to various points in time, Spiky-eared Pichu lives in the distant past. In the film, she decides to help Ash’s Pikachu and Dawn’s Piplup get their friends out of jail by helping them search for a key.

An important Pichu character named Pibu would also appear in the ongoing manga series, Pokémon Adventures, debuting in the chapter "Playful Poeygon2." Pibu is the son of Red's Pikachu Pika, and Yellow's Pikachu Chuchu. While he was still inside his egg, Pibu managed to get into the hands of a Pokémon Trainer named Gold, and would later hatch under his care. Despite being a newborn, Pibu had managed to inherit his trainer's kind heart and bravery, as he was willing to help Gold track down the Mystery Man and stop him from obtaining the legendary time traveling Pokémon, Celebi.

In Super Smash Bros., some of Pichu’s electric moves are surprisingly stronger than Pikachu’s, but said electric attacks tend to hurt him due to his inexperience with handling electricity. One has to play carefully to get good results with Pichu!

Special Moves

Neutral Special: Thunderjolt

Pichu fires off an electric ball diagonally downward. Once it hits a surface, it’ll bounce forward in an arc. It’ll wrap around corners and even bounce on the walls, and even the ceiling as long as it’s not jump-throughable!

The move does the most damage up-close, and gets weaker as it bounces along.
This move does minor damage to Pichu.

The name of the move is taken from the original Pikachu Trading Card in the “Pokémon Trading Card Game” (both it’s US and JP names on the card are similar to what the attack is called in Super Smash Bros.) Otherwise, this move is mostly inspired by Pichu’s electric abilities.

Side Special: Skull Bash

Pichu gets in a crouching position before firing forward, head-first. The move can be charged by holding the Special Button. The longer you charge it, the further Pichu flies!

When uncharged, the move is weaker than Pikachu’s, but at full charge, not only is it stronger, it also flings Pichu farther than Pikachu! Too bad it takes much longer to fully charge up. It also slightly damages Pichu regardless if he hits his opponent or not.

Inspired by the move, “Skull Bash” introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue”. Skull Bash is a Physical Normal-Type Move that has a power of 100 (in Gens 1-5) or 130 (in Gen 6 and on) and is a two-turn attack, the first turn being the Pokémon prepping itself, and the second turn being the attack. Starting in “Pokémon Gold & Silver”, Skull Bash would also boost the user’s defense, though this effect isn’t in Super Smash Bros. The “self-damaging” bit is exclusive to Super Smash Bros.

Pichu is unable to learn Skull Bash in any of the Pokémon games, though it’s evolved form, Pikachu, could learn it back in “Pokémon Red & Blue”.

Up Special: Agility

Pichu stalls for a sec before dashing forward in whatever direction you hold. (upward if nothing is held) Pichu will use the move a second time if you tilt the control stick in a different direction.

The move doesn’t do any damage, but it’s a good move to use to recover back to the stage, or to play mindgames. Though the fact Pichu takes damage from it will probably relegate the move to being solely used for recovery.

Inspired by the move, Agility, introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue”. Agility is a Psychic Type move that greatly boosts the Pokémon’s speed, which can possibly allow it to outspeed the opponent and attack first. The “self-damaging” thing is exclusive to Super Smash Bros.

Pichu is unable to learn Agility in any of the Pokémon games, though it’s evolved form, Pikachu, can.

Down Special: Thunder

Pichu summons a Thunder Cloud from above him! The Thunder Cloud shoots lighting downward where Pichu is/was standing. Anyone who hits the lighting takes damage and gets flung away, unless they happen to be very close and underneath where the Thunder Cloud spawned, then they will get sent flying downwards towards Pichu! That will be devastating for them, because once/if the lightning hits Pichu, he releases a powerful burst of electric charges, and anyone nearby will get sent flying!

This move greatly damages Pichu if the lightning hits him.

Inspired by the move, Thunder, introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue”. Thunder is a Special Electric-Type Move with a power of 120 (in Gens 1-5) or 110 (in Gens 5 and on) and is one of the stronger Electric attacks, though it has poor accuracy. (70%, to be exact) Its accuracy would change depending on the weather, though. (always accurate during Rain, 50% accurate during Harsh Sunlight) The “self-damaging” thing is exclusive to Super Smash Bros. Pichu can learn the move by using a TM.

Final Smash: Volt Tackle

Pichu charges himself up with electricity and charges forward! If he hits someone, the camera zooms in to where Pichu is and he begins wildly bouncing around, trapping the opponent and anyone else nearby in the center of his attack! After which Pichu goes to the center of the camera and unleashes a powerful surge of electricity, zapping everyone away from him! The camera returns to normal after this.

This move causes a great deal of damage to Pichu if he hits his opponent.

Inspired by the move, Volt Tackle, introduced in “Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire”. Volt Tackle is a Physical Electric-Type Move with a power of 120, though it causes the user to take recoil damage. Starting in “Pokémon Emerald”, it is the Signature Move of the Pichu-Pikachu-Raichu line. In order for Pichu to learn the move, a female Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball must be put in the Pokémon Daycare with a compatible Pokémon – such as a male Pikachu, Raichu, or a Ditto – and the end result will be that it’s offspring, Pichu, will know the move.

Additional Notes

Despite not being Electric Type moves, Skull Bash and Agility still do damage to Pichu. Why? Good question.

Two notable alternate costumes Pichu has include the Team Aqua Grunt bandanna from Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, and the Team Skull Grunt beanie from Pokémon Sun & Moon.

Pichu also has a female alt: Spiky-eared Pichu! Considering that Pikachu has two female alts, it’s possible that the alternate costume of Pichu wearing a flower on its left ear is the second female alt, but that’s just speculation.

Pichu’s move, Volt Tackle, is a reference to Pulseman, an unrelated game made by Game Freak, creators of Pokémon. In that game, the protagonist had a special move called “Voltteccer” which surrounded him in an electrical barrier.

Despite sharing a near-identical moveset with Pikachu, he's not considered an Echo Fighter. Why this is, is unknown.

Super Smash Bros. Fighters – Pokémon series – 02 Jigglypuff

Debut

In the Pokémon series: Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green (1996)
In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. 64 (1999)

Boxing Ring Title: The Sleepy Singer

Theme Song: Pokémon Center – Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue

Jigglypuff: the Balloon Pokémon. Normal and Fairy Type, though prior to the release of Pokémon X & Y, it was just a Normal Type. #39 in the Pokédex. As a species, Jigglypuff mesmerizes foes with its big eyes, and once they are lured, it starts singing to lull them to sleep. Jigglypuff won’t even stop to catch its breath until the foe falls asleep, which can endanger it if the foe has enough willpower to not do so, or if they are immune to its voice. Jigglypuff have a higher chance of being female than male. It is the evolved form of Igglybuff, and can evolve further into Wigglytuff with the use of a Moon Stone.

In Pokémon Red & Blue, players first see one hanging out at Viridian City’s Pokémon Center. Talking to it would have it sing its lullaby, which makes a nearby trainer sleepy. In Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, Jigglypuff’s song would cause the player’s Pikachu to fall asleep, though Pikachu would wake up if you talked to it, or if you left the building. Regardless, it wouldn’t be until the player journeyed to either Route 3 (Pokémon Red & Blue) or Route 5 (Pokémon Yellow) that they would be able to try and catch one.

Pokémon Gold & Silver would introduce Igglybuff, Jigglypuff's pre-evolution and Baby form. While it's weaker than Jigglypuff, it is able to learn moves that Jigglypuff can't, such as Charm and Sweet Kiss. The only way to obtain one was to obtain a female Jigglypuff or Wigglytuff, and a male Pokémon compatible with them (such as another Jigglypuff or Wigglytuff, or even Ditto) then put them in the Pokémon Day-Care in hopes of obtaining a Pokémon Egg containing Igglybuff.

In Pokémon Crystal, the player could obtain an Igglybuff from the Day-Care Man through the Odd Egg; however, the Odd Egg also had a chance of containing either Pichu, Cleffa, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid and Magby instead.

While Jigglypuff was initially just a Normal Type in its debut, by Pokémon X & Y, it obtained the Fairy Type. This allowed it to easily fend off against Dark, Fighting, and Dragon Types, though at the cost of becoming weak to Poison and Steel Types.

Jigglypuff also appears in the various spin-off games, such as Pokémon Snap and the Pokémon Ranger series. While it mostly plays minor roles in them, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky & Explorers of Darkness - as well as their enhanced remake Explorers of Sky - sees Jigglypuff's evolved form, Wiggytuff, play a major role in the game's story. Wigglytuff is the Guildmaster of Wigglytuff's Guild, which he runs with his friend Chatot. Due to being a bit eccentric and a little naive, a few tend to underestimate Wigglytuff, but make no mistake: he's a skilled explorer and a powerful fighter. He can even get serious when the situation calls for it.

In Pokémon the Series, there was a notable Jigglypuff who would occasionally follow Ash Ketchum and his friends around. She made her debut in episode 45 in Pokémon the Series: The Beginning. Here, she was hanging out in the forest when Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty found her. Team Rocket tries to kidnap her, but Ash and friends thwart them. When they find out that Jigglypuff’s voice was sore, Brock cures it with a berry they find in the forest. As thanks, Jigglypuff decides to sing them a song. Unlike other Jigglypuff, she wants to be a beloved singer across the world, but her song ends up putting people to sleep. So when Ash and his friends inevitably fall asleep, she gets angry and searches through Ash’s backpack, where she finds a marker that she uses to scribble on their faces. Once they wake up, Ash and friends decide to take Jigglypuff to the nearby city of Neon Town in hopes that someone there could stay awake to listen to her song, but alas, she ends up putting the entire city to sleep. Angry, she scribbles on everyone’s face and leaves.

Following this, she would make the occasional appearance where she inevitably sings her song to anyone nearby, they fall asleep, she gets angry, scribbles on her their face, and then leaves. She would make her last appearance in Pokémon the Series: Ruby & Sapphire in the 39th episode, “A Poké-BLOCK Party” and wouldn’t return to the series until 668 episodes later in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon in the 42nd episode “Alola, Kanto!”

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Green owns a Jigglypuff, who she calls Jiggly. In fact, Jiggly was Green’s first Pokémon! She had Jiggly since childhood when she and her friend, Silver, lived with the Masked Man. Jiggly would assist the two during their escape from the Masked Man, allowing Green and Silver to start a new life. Besides helping out in battles, Jiggly mostly acts as transportation for Green; by inflating herself, she can fly into the air and carry her trainer anywhere she wants to go.

Personality-wise, Jiggly is a docile and relaxed individual, who tends to easily roll with the punches. Jiggly would later evolve into Wigglytuff during the manga's FireRed & LeafGreen story arc.

In Super Smash Bros., Jigglypuff is a skilled combatant in the air, able to easily maneuver about and keep foes off the stage! However, she's rather sluggish on the ground, not to mention pretty light, making it easy for her to get flung around. Still, never underestimate a skilled Jigglypuff!

Jigglypuff is one of the twelve members of the “Perfect Attendance Crew.”

Special Moves

Neutral Special: Roll-Out

Jigglypuff sits down and will spin in place if you hold the Special Button. This charges up the move. Once sparkles start glittering around her and she says her name, that means she’s fully-charged, and that you can let go of the Special Button. (if you don’t, she’ll fire herself off in a few seconds) At full charge, Jigglypuff rolls around at incredible speed and will deliver a brutal blow to whoever she bumps into! You can change the direction she’s rolling by moving the control stick in the opposite direction.

If you don’t bother charging it at all, she does a rather pitiful roll that can’t damage anyone.

Jigglypuff can not turn around if she’s in the air, so if she happens to roll off a ledge or use it in the air, she’s more or less stuck going in that direction until she either stops spinning, hits someone/something, or lands on the ground.

Inspired by the move Roll-Out, introduced in “Pokémon Gold & Silver.” It’s a physical Rock Type move that has a power of 30 and an accuracy of 90%. While it’s initially weak, it doubles in power with every subsequent hit. Upon being selected, it will be the sole move the Pokémon uses until it either hits 5 times or misses. The power of the move will double if the Pokémon previously used “Defense Curl.”

Jigglypuff tends to learn this move at low levels. 

Side Special: Pound

Jigglypuff throws her fist forward, delivering a powerful blow that sends foes away from her!

In the air, Jigglypuff can slow her descent while using it, so it can be useful as a recovery move.

Inspired by the move Pound, introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue.” It is a physical Normal Type move with a power of 40. It’s a weak move that tends to be the first attacking move for many Pokémon.

Jigglypuff learns this move at really early levels, and serves as her first offensive move. 

Up Special: Sing

Jigglypuff starts singing. Anyone who is standing near her falls asleep. How long they sleep depends on how much damage they have, so it’s best to use this when the foe is at 100% or higher.

Unlike most of the other characters Up Specials, this doesn’t provide any sort of aid for recovering back to the stage if you get flung off, so it’s best to not use it.

Inspired by the move Sing, introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue.” It is a Normal Type move that has a 55% chance of making the opponent fall asleep for a couple of turns, but the move’s accuracy makes it somewhat unreliable.

It’s one of the moves Jigglypuff starts with. 

Down Special: Rest

Jigglypuff falls asleep for a few seconds and leaves herself open for attack. Yep.

However, if Jigglypuff uses the move while REALLY close to the foe...

POW!!

Her opponent goes flying upwards and gets infected with a Flower!

The Flower causes the opponent to slowly take additional damage!

This is Jigglypuff’s ultimate “All-or-Nothing” move! If she hits the foe, great! If not... Well, let’s just say she’s in for a rude awakening...

VERY loosely inspired by the move Rest, introduced in “Pokémon Red & Blue.” Rest is a Psychic Type Move. The user falls asleep for two turns in exchange for having their health fully restored and any status condition they are inflicted with (burn, paralysis, poison) removed. During this, the Pokémon is completely helpless against their foe, though they can counter this by having the move Sleep Talk – which will have them randomly use one of their moves – or Snore. They can instantly wake up if they are given an Awakening, are holding a berry that will quickly wake them up, or if they get hit by Wake-Up Slap. They'll also wake up sooner if they have the Vital Spirit ability.

Jigglypuff tends to learn this move at early levels. Jigglypuff can also learn it through TM. 

Final Smash: Puff Up

Jigglypuff begins inhaling air and enlarging herself. At her full height, she can essentially cover the entirety of any small stage!

Once she reaches it, she shouts “Jiggly!!”, which blows nearby foes away. She then enlarges for a quick second and starts deflating back to her regular size. Anyone who hits her during that will take damage and get flung from her.

Inspired by how Jigglypuff’s described as the “Balloon Pokémon.” In some media, Jigglypuff is shown being able to puff itself up to make itself bigger, such as the Jigglypuff from “Pokémon the Series,” who would do so when she got mad; as well as Green’s Jigglypuff Jiggly from Pokémon Adventures,” who could puff herself up and carry Green through the air.

Later on in the series, “Pokémon Sword & Shield” would introduce a gimmick called “Dynamax” which would allow a Pokémon to grow into a giant for 3 turns. Puff Up could’ve been the inspiration for this. Although not in the initial release of the game, Jigglypuff would return in “The Isle of Armor” DLC, allowing her to use Dynamax.

Additional Notes

According to Snake’s Codec Conversation, the reason why Jigglypuff’s version of Rest can actually hurt people is because the instant she falls asleep, a huge buildup of energy forms at the center of her body.

Some of Jigglypuff’s notable alternate costumes include her wearing Leaf’s hat from Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, Serena’s red felt hat with white wide-frame glasses from Pokémon X & Y, and a Nurse Joy’s hat from Pokémon X & Y. Jigglypuff also has a green hat that looks similar to Kirby’s hat when he’s in the Sleep Copy Form from the Kirby series. (specifically from “Kirby’s Super Star”)

Out of all the twelve members of the “Perfect Attendance Crew,” Jigglypuff is notable for almost being cut from the playable roster in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The official Japanese website for the former more-or-less states that she was almost not included, while Masahiro Sakurai revealed in an interview that adding Jigglypuff to the roster of the latter was “not a priority.” (Which also explains why she doesn’t have a notable role in that game’s Story Mode: “The Subspace Emissary.”)

Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 01 Pikachu

 

Debut

In the Pokémon series: Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green (1996)

In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. 64 (1999)

Boxing Ring Title: Pika Pika!

Theme Song: Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Blue (Melee)

Pikachu: the Mouse Pokémon. Electric Type. #25 in the Pokédex. Mascot of the Pokémon series. As a species, Pikachu tend to live in forests, or near power plants. They use their tails to monitor their surroundings, as well as communicate with others of its kind. It stores electricity in its cheeks, and releases said electricity when startled or angered. When a group of Pikachu gather together, it is said that they can cause thunderstorms. On rare occasions, some Pikachu can be seen using balloons to fly, or even using a surfboard to go surfing. It is the evolved form of Pichu, and can further evolve into Raichu if given a Thunderstone. Pikachu have an even chance of being either male or female, with females having a sort of heart-shaped "dent" in their tails.

 

Pikachu made its debut in Pokémon Red & Blue, where players had a rare chance of finding one at the Viridian Forest, an early location in the game. While it wouldn't be very effective against the first Gym Leader Brock, it could prove helpful against the second Gym Leader Misty if the player lacked a Grass Pokémon at that point. The player could also find Pikachu at the Power Plant where they are more common, but this opportunity is only available about halfway through the adventure. Besides that, Pikachu wasn't really noteworthy otherwise.

 

However, once production on the animated adaption Pokémon the Series began, things began to turn around. Pikachu was chosen to be the Pokémon that the show's protagonist, Ash Ketchum, would start with, and thus Pikachu became the mascot of the series!

 

This newfound role would first be seen in Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, an enhanced remake of Pokémon Red & Blue that took inspiration from the anime. Here, Pikachu serves as the player's starter Pokémon, and would follow the player around in the overworld. While Pikachu isn't initially pleased to be partnered with the game's protagonist Red, he slowly turns his opinion around and grows close to him.

 

In Pokémon Gold & Silver, Pikachu was given an exclusive item called the Light Ball, which would double Pikachu's Special Attack. By Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, the Light Ball would also double Pikachu's Attack power. Pokémon Emerald saw the debut of the move Volt Tackle, which became the signature move of the Pikachu family. It could only learn it if a Pikachu/Raichu holding a Light Ball was put in the Pokémon Day Care with another Pikachu/Raichu of the opposite gender - or a Ditto - in order to produce its offspring, Pichu, who will have this powerful move.

 

Pokemon Sun & Moon would give Pikachu a unique Z-Move called Catastropika, where Pikachu would do a small dance with the player before getting tossed towards the opponent, during which it would use a stronger version of Volt Tackle. In Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pikachu obtains the ability to Gigantamax, which allows it to use G-Max Volt Crash to damage foes and paralyze them too!

Pikachu would also star in its own spin-off games, the first being Hey You, Pikachu, where the player takes care of a curious Pikachu who decides to move in with the player. Another would be PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure. where a Pikachu arrives in a world called the PokéPark, and has to save it by restoring the Sky Prism, which shattered into fourteen pieces. Throughout the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Pikachu can be chosen as either the player character, or the player's partner.

Notable Pikachu from the games would be none other than Red's Pikachu. Although Pokémon Yellow portrays him as Red's Starter Pokémon, Pokémon Masters EX - as well the first episode of Pokémon  Generations - reveals Red first met him while exploring Viridian Forest. In all of his appearances, Pikachu serves as the highest-leveled Pokémon on Red's team. In fact, Red's Pikachu is tied with Cynthia's Garchomp as being the highest-leveled trainer-owned Pokémon in the entire series, being at Level 88 in Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver. As revealed in Pokémon Masters EX, Red's Pikachu is also capable of Gigantamaxing, though it's unknown if Pikachu always had this talent, or if Red's training allowed him to achieve this.

While much of his personality is unknown, Pokémon Generations reveals that Red's Pikachu was initially curious and childlike, though rather unskilled at battles. After getting caught by Red, Pikachu not only grows a strong bond with him, but also matures and becomes quite an experienced fighter. Pokémon Yellow goes into more depth with him, revealing his initial dislike of Red before growing close to him, falling in love with a Clefairy the two meet at the Pokémon Fan Club, and being afraid of the ghosts haunting the Pokémon Tower. A unique trait only shown in Pokémon Yellow is his dislike of being inside his Poké Ball, which is contradicted in his appearances in other games.

 

Another notable Pikachu in the games would be Cosplay Pikachu from Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. After competing in the Pokémon Contest Spectacular for the first time, a famous coordinator by the name of Lisia gives her to the player. Cosplay Pikachu differs from regular female Pikachu by sporting a black "heart" on her tail, as well as the ability to wear five different types of clothes - Rockstar, Belle, Pop Star, Ph D., and Libre -  that each grant her a unique attack!

Yet another one would be Partner Pikachu from Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu. Just like in Pokémon Yellow, Partner Pikachu serves as your starter Pokémon. Unlike Yellow, the Pikachu here is given better stats and powerful, exclusive moves so that it can keep up with the stronger Pokémon you'll encounter later on. In Pokémon Let's Go Eevee, Partner Pikachu is given to your friendly rival Chase instead.

 

As previously mentioned, Pikachu is also the star of  Pokémon the Series. Pikachu debuted in the first episode in the show's first season: "Pokémon - I Choose You!" Four new Pokémon Trainers were going to start their journey, and Pikachu was one of the four choices Professor Oak had for the the group. (The other three being Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.)

 

Due to the main protagonist Ash Ketchum oversleeping, he was stuck with Pikachu. Although Ash was thrilled, Pikachu wasn't, electrocuting his trainer - as well as Ash's mom Delia and their various friends - without a care. Pikachu continued to be disobedient and rude up until a flock of angry Spearow began to chase them. When the two were down and beaten, Ash told Pikachu to hide in his Poké Ball while he tried to fight the Spearow off. Realizing how much Ash cared for him, Pikachu fired off a massive Thunder Shock and defeated the angry birds. Having now forged a strong bond - as well as seeing a mysterious Pokémon fly by - Ash carried Pikachu to Vermillion City to restore Pikachu back to full health, where they would then go off to have many adventures.

 

Personality-wise, Ash's Pikachu is Ash's most loyal Pokémon. While not immediately trusting of strangers, he tends to be friendly to the various humans and Pokémon he meets. Due to being Ash's first Pokémon, he tends to be act as the leader to the rest of Ash's Pokémon. He'll even try to meditate and keep the peace between quarreling Pokémon to the best of his ability. Pikachu also has a notable fondness for ketchup, and hates being inside his Poké Ball.

 

Ash's Pikachu also enjoys battling, though during the early episodes there were a few times he was hesitant or reluctant to do so. Speaking of battling, Pikachu's strength is also noteworthy, as it's been said a few times that his power exceeds his species. This strength has also allowed Pikachu to go toe-to-toe with the best and strongest Pokémon, even putting up a good fight against Legendary Pokémon! Though on a more negative note, this strength has also made him a target to the Team Rocket Trio - consisting of Jessie, James, and Meowth - who plan on kidnapping him and presenting him to their boss Giovanni.

 

Pikachu also appears in the ongoing manga series Pokémon Adventures, where he debuted in the chapter "Wanted: Pikachu!" Here, the electric mouse enjoyed causing trouble and mischief for the residents of Pewter City before Red managed to capture him with the help of his Bulbasaur, after which he nicknamed the mouse Pika. Although Red was eager to befriend him, Pika couldn't care less about his new trainer. In the next chapter, Red was forced to use him to fight against Brock's Onix since his other Pokémon were exhausted, though the mouse still refused to listen to any of Red's commands. However, once Red saves Pika from Onix's Skull Bash, Pika has a small change of heart and listens to Red, allowing them to win. Following this, Pika would slowly grow to become a close - if somewhat aloof - ally of Red's.

 

Later on during the Yellow Arc, Pikachu would team with a young girl named Yellow in order to rescue Red and the others, during which he and the trainer would also form a tight bond. At its conclusion, he would be reunited with Red. During the Gold & Silver Arc, Red's Pikachu would become acquainted with Yellow's newly acquired female Pikachu named ChuChu. The two hit it off very well, and together would have a son named Pibu the Pichu, who's currently adventuring with another trainer named Gold.

In Super Smash Bros., Pikachu has an assortment of Electric moves at his disposal. He may be small and seem weak, don't underestimate him. He's been through a lot of battles, so he knows what he's doing!

Pikachu's also one of the twelve members of the "Perfect Attendance Crew," as well as acting as one of the four faces of the series; Mario, Link, and Kirby being the other members.

Special Moves

 

Neutral Special: Thunderjolt

Pikachu fires off an electric ball at a diagonally downwards angle. Once it hits a surface, it'll bounce forward in an arc. It'll wrap around corners and even bounce on the walls, and even the ceiling as long as it's not jump-throughable!

The move does the most damage up-close, and gets weaker as it bounces along.

The name of the move is taken from the original Pikachu Trading Card in the "Pokémon Trading Card Game" (both it's US and JP names on the card are similar to what the attack is called in Super Smash Bros.) The small chance of Pikachu accidentally "hurting itself" is - thankfully - not included. Otherwise, this move is mostly inspired by Pikachu's electric abilities.

 

 

Side Special: Skull Bash

Pikachu gets in a crouching position before firing himself forward, head-first. The move can be charged by holding the Special Button. The longer you charge it, the further Pikachu flies!

Inspired by the move, Skull Bash, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Skull Bash is a Physical Normal-Type Move that has a power of 100 (in Gens 1-5) or 130 (in Gen 6 and onward) and is a two-turn attack, the first turn being the Pokemon prepping itself, and the second turn being the attack. Starting in "Pokémon Gold & Silver," the user's defense would get slightly boosted as well, though this effect isn't in Super Smash Bros.

Pikachu could learn Skull Bash by using a TM in "Pokémon Red & Blue" and "Pokémon Yellow," but lost the ability to do so in later games.

 

 

Up Special: Quick Attack

Pikachu stalls for a sec before dashing forward in whatever direction you hold. (upward if nothing is held) Pikachu will use the move a second time if you tilt the control stick in a different direction.

It's not very strong, but it's a good move to use to recover back to the stage, or to play mindgames.

Inspired by the move, Quick Attack, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Quick Attack is a Physical Normal-Type move that has a power of 40 and a priority of 1, allowing the user to go first unless the opponent is using a higher priority move, or if the opponent also uses Quick Attack and is faster. (in case of a speed tie, it's random on who attacks first)

Pikachu learns this move at early levels.

 

Down Special: Thunder

Pikachu summons a Thunder Cloud from above him! The Thunder Cloud shoots lighting downward where Pikachu is standing when he used the move. Anyone who hits the lighting takes damage and gets flung away, unless they happen to be upclose and underneath the Thunder Cloud, in which case they'll get sent flying downwards towards Pikachu! That will be devastating for them, because once the lightning hits Pikachu, he releases a powerful burst of electrical charges, and anyone nearby will get sent flying!

Inspired by the move, Thunder, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Thunder is a Special Electric-Type Move with a power of 120 (in Gens 1-5) or 110 (in Gens 5 and on) and is one of the stronger Electric attacks, though it has poor accuracy. (70%, to be exact) It's accuracy would change depending on the weather, though. (always accurate during Rain, 50% accurate during Harsh Sunlight)

Thunder tends to be the last move Pikachu can learn in the higher levels, though it can also learn the move much earlier by using a TM.

 

 

Final Smash: Volt Tackle

Pikachu charges himself up with electricity and charges forward! If he hits someone, the camera zooms in to where Pikachu is and he begins wildly bouncing around, trapping the opponent and anyone else nearby in the center of his attack! After which Pikachu goes to the center of the camera and unleashes a powerful surge of electricity, zapping everyone away from him! The camera returns to normal after this.

Inspired by the move, Volt Tackle, introduced in "Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire"..Volt Tackle is a Physical Electric-Type Move with a power of 120, though it causes the user to take recoil damage. Starting in "Pokémon Emerald", it is the Signature Move of the Pichu-Pikachu-Raichu line. In order for a Pikachu to learn the move, a female Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball must be put in the Pokémon Daycare with a compatible Pokémon - such as a male Pikachu, a male Raichu, or a Ditto - and the end result will be that it's offspring, Pichu, will know the move.

Notably, Pikachu does NOT take recoil damage in Super Smash Bros. if he lands the move.

Additional Notes

 

 

One of Pikachu's alternate costumes is Cosplay Pikachu wearing the "Pikachu Libre" outfit. She certainly looks ready to fight in her getup, huh?

 

Some of Pikachu's other alternate costumes are a Shiny Pikachu wearing Red's hat from Pokémon Red & Blue, a Pikachu wearing Ethan's hat from Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, a Pikachu wearing Brendan's bandanna from Pokémon Emerald, a Pikachu wearing Calem's Red Outdoors Cap with Wide-Frame Glasses from Pokémon X & Y, and a female Pikachu wearing Selene's Casual Cap from Pokémon Sun & Moon.

Pikachu's move, Volt Tackle, is a reference to Pulseman, an unrelated game made by Game Freak, creators of Pokémon. In that game, the protagonist had a special move called "Voltteccer" which surrounded him in an electrical barrier. Back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U, the move even controlled in a similar way to Voltteccer before Super Smash Bros. Ultimate changed the way the move works.

 

Although Pikachu was chosen to be the star of Pokémon the Series, the other choice for that position was Clefairy. While Pikachu won out due to better reception, who knows how different things could've been if Clefairy was chosen instead?