Item vanish

Item Departure is a phenomenon originating from Super Smash Bros. Melee and returning in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

It is performed mostly by accident when a character is on the ground and is attempting to grab/catch a disappearing item. If the timing of the button press to pick up the item is perfect, the character will begin to grab the item (that is, begin the pickup animation) yet the item disappears before it can actually be grabbed. This can happen with any item that can be picked up, including heavy items.

The same effect can happen if the item falls out of reach (say, due to a destructible platform) before it can be picked up, or another player grabs the item first.