Editing Pokémon Trainer (SSBB)

{{ArticleIcons|ssbb=y}}

|name = Pokémon Trainer

|game = SSBB

|shareslot = {{SSBB|Charizard}}<br>{{SSBB|Ivysaur}}<br>{{SSBB|Squirtle}}

|ranking = 29

}}

Various accommodations in the background are made for Pokémon Trainer in several stages, where the Trainer stands and commands his Pokémon. In moving stages like [[Halberd]] and [[Delfino Plaza]], Pokémon Trainer only appears on the stationary sections. He will move above the pit in the [[Yoshi's Island]] stage when his Pokémon is on the opposite side of the pit (for example, if Pokémon Trainer is on the right and his Pokémon is on the left).

*In English: Michele Knotz

*In French: Virginie Demians

*In German: Dina Kuerten

*In Italian: Francesca Giudice

*In Spanish: Isabel Navarro

Pokémon Trainer is ranked 29th in the tier list, right above the bottom spot of lower-mid tier. Pokémon Trainer's individual Pokémon have their own merits, and the variety in choices helps in preventing hard {{B|counter|matchup}}s. Pokémon Trainer, however, suffers from severe, unique afflictions that no other character has to deal with. The first is the stamina problem, which, when it occurs, will force the player to fight with severely reduced damage output and finishing ability, or make a Pokémon change that will either give their opponent a free hit or make the player give up an opportunity to capitalize on the opponent's vulnerability. Additionally, when a Pokémon is KO'd, the player is forced to send out the next Pokémon in the lineup. The forced switching from this and stamina leads to two more issues: it prevents the player from only using the Pokémon best suited for the matchup (for example against {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, the player will not be able to just stay on Squirtle, and will be forced to use the other Pokémon who are hard countered by Dedede), and it forces players looking to pick up the Pokémon Trainer to master all three Pokémon playstyles (so instead of just having to learn one character as with anyone else, a player will have to learn three vastly different characters, thus significantly hindering development with the character). Moreover, the Trainer's Pokémon have their own significant weaknesses and flaws. While Squirtle is often considered to be a potentially viable character due to its good mobility, attack speed, and air game, it has difficulty at KOing opponents; Charizard suffers from slow aerial movement speed and laggy attacks; and Ivysaur is crippled by its abysmal air game and [[tether recovery]], slow and difficult-to-land KO moves, and very short reach on its attacks.

''For character-specific attributes, see {{H2|Squirtle (SSBB)|Attributes}}, {{H2|Ivysaur (SSBB)|Attributes}} and {{H2|Charizard (SSBB)|Attributes}}.''

The one thing that the entire team shares is a strong grab/throw game, though each one has different ways of implementing it. Squirtle's grab has roughly average range, but its strength is in grounding an opponent in their shield with an overwhelming attack rate before rushing in for a grab. From there, it has a KO option and excellent setup options with decent damage all around. Ivysaur does things differently by focusing more on tricking the opponent into a grab; Ivysaur has one of the best [[pivot grab]]s available and will often have retreated to the edge in the process, and from there has the option to use its powerful back-throw for a KO (or up-throw, should the match-up recommend it). Charizard's long neck can outgrab most of the characters in the game due to owning the second longest non-tether grab range in Brawl (second to {{SSBB|King Dedede}}), giving it good match control options. It also has the option to grab-release, since the spacing will become perfect for a down-tilt , and potentially a KO.

{{Multiple Special Moves|Pokémon Trainer|Squirtle}}

{{Multiple Special Moves|Ivysaur|Charizard}}

==[[Taunts]]==

|pitch-us=Group chant

|pitch-jp=Group chant}}

==[[Victory pose]]s==

While each Pokémon has their own individual animations, the Pokémon Trainer himself uses the same set of animations for each Pokémon.

*'''Up:''' First raises his right hand (which is holding a Pokeball) into the air, then switches to his left hand.

==In [[competitive play]]==

===Most historically significant players===

<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

*{{Sm|Coontail|USA}} - Although better known for his commentary, Coontail was also known as a high-level Pokémon Trainer player. However, because he lived in the incredibly strong [[New York/New Jersey]] region, he was never able to gain strong results using the character in local tournaments.

*{{Sm|TheReflexWonder|USA}} - Played Pokémon Trainer along with {{SSBB|Wario}} throughout his competitive ''Brawl'' career. The only Pokémon Trainer player ever to achieve significant results with him on a national level, including a 9th place finish at [[WHOBO 4]], and used him to dominate low tier events. Reflex is credited for reversing many negative opinions regarding the Trainer's low-tier viability.

==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]==

After fleeing from {{SSBB|Wario}} in [[The Ruined Zoo]], {{SSBB|Lucas}} bumps into Pokémon Trainer, who advises him to stand back, and proceeds to take on a group of [[Primid]]s with his {{SSBB|Squirtle}} alongside Lucas. After this battle, he goes on his way, but Lucas follows him. As the story progresses, they develop a strong friendship.

When Galleom is defeated, it grabs both Lucas and Pokémon Trainer, causing the latter to faint, and jumps high into the air, revealing an armed [[Subspace Bomb]] in its head. Lucas uses [[PK Thunder]] to detach its arm, and he and Pokémon Trainer free-fall towards the ground. Just before they would hit the ground, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} flies in and grabs them both, and takes them to safety away from the Subspace explosion, with {{SSBB|Marth}} and {{SSBB|Ike}}.

Pokémon Trainer later joins the rest of the fighters in their assault on the [[Subspace Gunship]], and is aboard one of the smaller ships when they navigate their way into Subspace. However, when they reach [[Tabuu]], he trophifies all of the fighters with his Off Waves. Pokémon Trainer is later revived by {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Ness}} and {{SSBB|Luigi}}, and can be chosen to fight Tabuu in the final battle.

After [[The Ruined Hall]] is completed, Pokémon Trainer, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Marth}} and {{SSBB|Ike}} make brief cameo appearances in [[The Glacial Peak]], [[The Canyon]] and [[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]].

*[[The Ruined Hall]]

*[[Entrance to Subspace]]

*[[The Great Maze]] (if rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]])

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==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pokémon Trainer|Alternate costumes]]==

|{{Head|Pokémon Trainer|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=White}}

|}

==Gallery==

<gallery>

Pokémon Trainer in Battlefield.jpg|Pokémon Trainer in {{SSBB|Battlefield}}.

Triple Finish Dialogue Box.jpg|Triple Finish dialogue box.

Squirtle in Rumble Falls.jpg|Squirtle in [[Rumble Falls]].

WaterGun.jpg|thumb|Squirtle using Water Gun.

==Trivia==

*On the [[Tourney mode]] and Adventure Mode character-selection screens, the player can toggle between character-related options using the "-" button on the [[Wii Remote]], the right Control Stick on the [[Classic Controller]], or "C" on the GameCube Controller and [[Nunchuk]]. This feature allows the player to choose the starting Pokémon for Pokémon Trainer.

*After clearing Classic mode and gaining the player character's trophy, in the screen that follows before the roll-call (showing all one's previously collected character trophies), the player may notice that the Pokémon Trainer is the only misplaced character in the line-up, always appearing at the end, after {{SSBB|Sonic}}. This is probably because the Pokémon Trainer isn't exactly a fighter; and the individual Pokémon's Trophies are not shown.

*In Classic Mode, one needs to finish with each Pokémon separately to obtain each of their individual trophies.

*The Trainer will point his hand up, right, or down to reflect the chosen [[special move]] or [[taunt]].

**Additionally, the Pokémon Trainer's trophification from [[Tabuu]]'s Off Waves is the only time the Pokémon Trainer himself is KO'd in the entire game.

*There are unused animations for Pokémon Trainer jumping, falling, and landing, likely meaning that he was originally intended to follow his Pokémon through the [[Subspace Emissary]] levels, rather than [[Space Jump]]ing as he does in the final game.

*Pokémon Trainer is one of only three characters in ''Brawl'' that cannot use their [[down special]] move in midair, the others being {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}.