Pikachu (SSBB): Difference between revisions

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{{ArticleIcons|ssbb=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|brawl=y}}
{{disambig2|Pikachu's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''|this Pokémon in other contexts|Pikachu}}
{{disambig2|Pikachu's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''|this Pokémon in other contexts|Pikachu}}
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name         = Pikachu
|name = Pikachu
|image       = [[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|250px|Pikachu]]
|image = [[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|250px]]
|game         = Brawl
|game = SSBB
|ssbgame1     = SSB
|ssbgame1 = SSB
|ssbgame2     = Melee
|ssbgame2 = SSBM
|ssbgame3     = SSB4
|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSBU
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier         = B
|tier = B
|ranking     = 8
|ranking = 8
|voiceactor  = Ikue Outani
}}
}}
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REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he".
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
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'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu''), stylized as '''PIKACHU''' in Europe, is a returning veteran in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. It was confirmed along with Mario, Link, and Kirby in the E3 2006 trailer. Ikue Ōtani reprises her role as Pikachu's voice actress in all regions of the game, using a combination of new voice clips and ones reused from ''Melee''.


{{cquote|''Everyone's favorite Pokémon is nimble and has several potent electrical attacks.''|cite=''Brawl'' manual description}}
It is currently in the B tier and holds 8th position, a very slight increase to its B+ tier status in ''Melee,'' where it is ranked 9th place. Pikachu has decent KOing power (though it can rely on Thunder in some situations), quick overall speed, very good [[recovery]] with many options as well as being unpredictable, good [[edgeguarding]] game with a quick and powerful neutral aerial and tricks that allow it get to the [[edge]] quickly, and a good [[grab]] and [[throw]] game (having two [[chaingrab]]s). ''Brawl's'' new physics have also helped it a lot; Pikachu is harder to [[combo]], its grab range is no longer the shortest, its Thunder is not as laggy, and it gained various new tactics such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ling. Pikachu also has strong [[momentum cancelling]] abilities, with its up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being very useful in this particular aspect. In addition, Pikachu has a great defensive game, with its QACs being very useful for avoiding [[pressure]], escaping certain situations, and playing [[mindgame]]s. It also possess one of the best [[spot dodge]]s in the game along with {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, and {{SSBB|Toon Link}}. It also has useful [[OoS]] moves such as up smash and neutral aerial.


Unveiled at [[E3]] 2006, '''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a character in Brawl. In the E3 2006 trailer, Pikachu didn't show its Final Smash like Mario, Kirby, and Link did. Visually, Pikachu has barely changed at all from its ''Melee'' design, only being larger and touched up slightly. It retains all of its moves from ''Melee''.
However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Marth}}. It also has subpar [[range]] in most of its attacks, with its best finishers having [[hitbox]]es close to its body, or in the case of its forward smash, the furthest hitbox is much weaker than the closest, making good [[spacing]] an all-around threat to Pikachu, as well as making it more difficult to land its better finishers. Regardless, Pikachu still has great matchups, including being the only character with an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} on the BBR's matchup chart (though this matchup is highly disputed, with most players believing Meta Knight to win the matchup, which is additionally better supported by results), and strong tournament results although Pikachu's representation is small for a high-tier character. However, despite its high position in the American tier list, it is much lower in the [[Japanese tier list]], where it is placed 22nd.
 
It is currently in the B Tier and holds 8th position. This makes Pikachu closer to its original top tier status in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]],'' where it is ranked 1st place, as opposed to its C Tier status in ''Melee,'' where it is ranked 9th place. It is currently the highest-ranked character in ''Brawl'' that has appeared in all three ''Super Smash Bros.'' games at the time of ''Brawl''{{'}}s release, and the highest-ranked in the ''Pokémon'' series. Pikachu has decent KOing power (though it can rely on Thunder in some situations), quick overall speed, very good [[recovery]] with many options as well as being unpredictable, good [[edgeguarding]] game with a quick and powerful neutral aerial and tricks that allow it get to the [[edge]] quickly, and a good [[grab]] and [[throw]] game (having two [[chaingrab]]s). ''Brawl's'' new physics have also helped it a lot; Pikachu is harder to [[combo]], its grab range is no longer the shortest, its Thunder is not as laggy, and it gained various new tactics such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ling. Pikachu also has strong [[momentum cancelling]] abilities, with its up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being very useful in this particular aspect. In addition, Pikachu has a great defensive game, with its QACs being very useful for avoiding [[pressure]], escaping certain situations, and playing [[mindgame]]s. It also possess one of the best [[spot dodge]]s in the game along with {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, and {{SSBB|Toon Link}}. It also has useful [[OoS]] moves such as up smash and neutral aerial. However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Marth}}. It also has subpar [[range]] in most of its attacks, with its best finishers having [[hitbox]]es close to its body, or in the case of its forward smash, the furthest hitbox is much weaker than the closest, making good [[spacing]] an all-around threat to Pikachu, as well as making it more difficult to land its better finishers. Regardless, Pikachu still has great matchups, including being the only character with an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} on the BBR's matchup chart (though this matchup is highly disputed, with most players believing Meta Knight to win the matchup, which is additionally better supported by results), and some strong tournaments results. However, despite its high position in the American tier list, it is much lower in the [[Japanese tier list]], where it is placed 22nd.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous Smash Brothers games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks, decent tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), fairly useful throws, very good recovery, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 5th lightest character, tied with {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong [[smash attack]]) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy).  
Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous ''Smash Bros.'' games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks, decent tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), fairly useful throws, very good recovery, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 5th lightest character, tied with {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong [[smash attack]]) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy).


Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range. Its forward tilt has very low range but its knockback is not bad for a tilt. Up tilt is very fast and launches opponents into the air, while the down tilt can trip them on the first hit. The ground is where Pikachu's smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs while its down smash locks the opponent for multiple hits if not [[SDI]]'d, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. Both of these smashes produce powerful vertical knockback, and can be followed by {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} for a Star KO (called [[Thunderspiking]]) - this is very useful against floaty characters, especially ones with bad air dodges, most notably {{SSBB|Peach}}. Down smash can also counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, but one drawback is that it can be [[SDI]]'d out of. The forward smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves, with the forward smash having a very weak sourspot at the tip.
Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range. Its forward tilt has very low range but its knockback is not bad for a tilt. Up tilt is very fast and launches opponents into the air, while the down tilt can trip them on the first hit. The ground is where Pikachu's smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs while its down smash locks the opponent for multiple hits if not [[SDI]]'d, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. Both of these smashes produce powerful vertical knockback, and can be followed by {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} for a Star KO (called [[Thunderspiking]]) - this is very useful against floaty characters, especially ones with bad air dodges, most notably {{SSBB|Peach}}. Down smash can also counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, but one drawback is that it can be [[SDI]]'d out of. The forward smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves, with the forward smash having a very weak sourspot at the tip.
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Pikachu has two throws that are possible to chaingrab with - forward and down throws. Its forward throw works as a running chaingrab that can rack up damage and counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, while the down throw is a standing chaingrab that works reliably against the majority of the cast, with the exception of floaty characters. It can also easily be followed with an up smash, which can lead into a Thunderspike - Pikachu can use the down throw chaingrab as a [[zero-to-death combo]] on the [[space animals]] and {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} by chaingrabbing until a high enough percentage, then an up smash followed by a Thunderspike. Pikachu's back throw can easily set up to an edgeguarding chance, as it moves a considerable distance backward with the opponent while performing the throw. Up throw is another move that launches opponents into the air - at higher percentages, it launches most characters high enough to follow up with a Thunder, but against characters that are floaty and/or have high air speed, this is easy to escape.
Pikachu has two throws that are possible to chaingrab with - forward and down throws. Its forward throw works as a running chaingrab that can rack up damage and counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, while the down throw is a standing chaingrab that works reliably against the majority of the cast, with the exception of floaty characters. It can also easily be followed with an up smash, which can lead into a Thunderspike - Pikachu can use the down throw chaingrab as a [[zero-to-death combo]] on the [[space animals]] and {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} by chaingrabbing until a high enough percentage, then an up smash followed by a Thunderspike. Pikachu's back throw can easily set up to an edgeguarding chance, as it moves a considerable distance backward with the opponent while performing the throw. Up throw is another move that launches opponents into the air - at higher percentages, it launches most characters high enough to follow up with a Thunder, but against characters that are floaty and/or have high air speed, this is easy to escape.


Other tips for Pikachu are to maintain good DI and tech skills, as well as good dodging skills. Pikachu's great movement speed and QAC makes it imperative to keep moving and to always seek the high ground on stages with platforms.
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
Pikachu was [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'' despite already being a mid-high tier character, though it was considered a low tier character when ''Brawl'' released.
Pikachu's range has been improved on many attacks and Pikachu's multi hit moves have been altered to make them work more reliably. Pikachu's [[Quick Attack]] has significantly more utility mainly due to the introduction of [[Quick Attack Canceling]] but it also benefits from the changes to [[lock]]s making it a powerful locking tool when used in conjunction with Quick Attack Canceling. Pikachu's strong recovery was improved even further as it has greater aerial mobility and [[Skull Bash]] charges faster and travels further.


==Changes from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl''==
The general changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics have benefited Pikachu in multiple ways. The universally decreased falling speeds helps Pikachu as it makes [[thunderspiking]] more effective and Pikachu's own lower falling speed improves its recovery and allows Pikachu to regain the ability to [[auto-cancel]] most of its aerials in a short hop. [[Thunder]] itself also has less ending lag making it safer and when combined with the reduction of Pikachu's falling speed makes Thunder a stronger stalling option. The inclusion of [[footstool]]ing also benefits Pikachu more than most other veterans as Pikachu has one of the most reliable methods to set up into it in the form of up aerial which can then lead into a QAC lock. Pikachu also has a more consistent [[chain grab]]bing game. While up throw can no longer chain grab or combo due to the universally decreased falling speeds and the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]], the removal of [[DI]] with moves which don't put opponents into tumble makes forward throw a more consistent grab and down throw no longer puts opponents into tumble allowing it to also benefit from this change. Down throw can now consistently [[0-death]] fast fallers because of this change. Pikachu's grabs are also faster and have more range. Pikachu can also make great use of [[momentum canceling]] due to its quick up aerial and Skull Bash being a strong tool to negate momentum noticeably improving Pikachu's endurance despite its lower weight.
Pikachu was [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'' despite already being a mid-high tier character, although it received sone nerfs as well.
 
Pikachu did receive some nerfs, mainly to its power. While some moves have increased KO power (such as neutral aerial), other attacks have either reduced damage, knockback or both. The move which received the most severe nerf to its power was up smash which went from the strongest up smash in Melee to an up smash of below-average power in Brawl. Up smash is also slower further hindering its utility although it is more reliable at setting up into thunderspikes. Pikachu's edgeguarding is also less effective not only due to the general buffs to recoveries but also because Pikachu's up aerial has much lower base knockback significantly hindering its use as an edgeguarding tool.
 
Overall, Pikachu retains most of the strengths it had in ''Melee'' and the changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics benefit Pikachu far more than many other returning veterans. As a result, Pikachu is one of the stronger characters in ''Brawl'' and has seen strong results although it still struggles against a few characters such as {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Nevertheless Pikachu remains a threat to most of the cast and it even has a very strong matchup against other high/top tiers such as {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Falco}} and
{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}.


===Aesthetics===
===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Some of Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly. One example is its tail being thicker.}}
*{{change|Some of Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly. One example is its tail being thicker.}}
*{{change|Pikachu's colouring has been slightly softened.}}
*{{change|Pikachu's coloring has been slightly softened.}}
*{{change|Pikachu has a few new sounds, which sound slightly "bouncy".}}
*{{change|Pikachu has new sound effects which sounds slightly "bouncy".}}
*{{change|Pikachu now scowls during some attacks.}}
*{{change|Some attacks have new hitboxes.}}
*{{change|Some attacks have new hitboxes.}}
*{{change|Pikachu has two new costumes that replace its Blue and Green Team colors in ''Melee''.}}
*{{change|Pikachu has two new costumes that replace its Blue and Green Team colors in ''Melee''.}}
**{{change|Instead of wearing a blue party hat, Pikachu's blue costume now has it wearing blue goggles similar to {{SSBM|Pichu}}'s blue costume.}}
**{{change|Instead of wearing a green cowboy hat, Pikachu's green costume now has it wearing a green headband.}}


===Attributes===
===Attributes===
*{{change|Pikachu is slightly [[Weight|lighter]](80 → 79).}}
*{{change|Pikachu is slightly [[Weight|lighter]] (80 → 79).}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu dashes slightly slower(1.8 → 1.765).}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu [[dash]]es slightly slower (1.8 → 1.765).}}
*{{buff|Pikachu is generally harder to [[combo]] and much less vulnerable to [[chaingrab]]s.}}
*{{buff|Pikachu has a noticeably better survivability, with up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being usable as [[momentum cancel]]ling moves as well.}}
*{{buff|Noticeably better survivability, with up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being usable as [[momentum cancel]]ling moves as well.}}
*{{buff|Pikachu can now [[wall jump]] much like {{SSBM|Pichu}}, aiding its recovery. Pikachu can now also [[crawl]].}}
*{{buff|[[Approach]] is significantly better, due to the new [[Quick Attack Cancel]] technique allowing it to quickly approach while being able to attack and/or jump.}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[air speed]] has been increased (0.85 → 0.9118).}}
*{{buff|Can now [[wall jump]], aiding its recovery.}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[air acceleration]] is higher (0.05 → 0.1).}}
*{{buff|Air speed has been slightly increased (0.85 → 0.9118).}}
*{{change|Pikachu's [[falling speed]] was reduced (1.9 → 1.5). When comparing to the returning veterans, Pikachu falls faster, worsening its recovery and making Pikachu more vulnerable to combos, but improving its endurance.}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu's falling speed was reduced(1.9 → 1.5), but since the entire cast received falling speed reductions, Pikachu falls faster relative to them, worsening his recovery and making Pikachu more vulnerable to combos, but improves his endurance.  
*{{change|Pikachu's gravity was decreased (0.11 → 0.087).}}
*{{nerf|[[jump|Jumpsquat]] is longer (3 frames → 4).}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[short hop]] is higher (1.7 → 1.736).}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu's traction is lower (0.09 → 0.0596), especially when comparing with the returning veterans, now going from the 5th highest in Melee to only the 17th highest. This makes it harder for it to punish out of shield while providing marginal benefits in comparison due to the removal of [[wavedashing]].}}
*{{buff|[[Spot dodge]] has a longer duration (frames 2-15 → 2-20).}}


===Ground attacks===
===Ground attacks===
*{{buff|Forward tilt deals more damage.}}
*[[Neutral attack]]:
*{{nerf|Forward smash is weaker, especially the non-[[sweetspot]] hitboxes.}}
**{{buff|Neutral attack deals less knockback (7 (base), 50 (scaling) → 4/30) improving its ability to chain into itself. It also has a 10% [[trip]]ping chance and Pikachu can now hold out neutral attack if the attack button is held, making it much easier to spam the attack.}}
*{{nerf|Up smash is significantly weaker, going from the strongest up smash in ''Melee'' to one of the weakest in ''Brawl''.}}
*[[Forward tilt]]:
*{{buff|Down smash's final hit is much stronger, and the first few hits are harder to [[SDI]] out of (though still easy).}}
**{{buff|Forward tilt deals more damage (9%/8%/7% → 10%/9%/8%) and has higher base knockback (10 → 15).}}
*[[Up tilt]]:
**{{nerf|Up tilt has received a new sourspot that deals 5% damage and has a shorter duration (frames 7-14 → 7-13).}}
*[[Down tilt]]:
**{{buff|Down tilt now has a 30% tripping chance.}}
**{{change|Its angle has been altered (35° → 361°) no longer semi-spiking but allowing it to trip opponents.}}
*[[Dash attack]]:
**{{nerf|Dash attack deals less damage (8% → 7%).}}
*[[Forward smash]]:
**{{buff|Forward smash has reduced startup lag (frame 16 → 15).}}
**{{nerf|It deals less damage (21% (early), 19% (clean), 18% (late) → 20%/17%/14%) and the sourspots have significantly lower knockback (25/22 (base), 95/90/85 (scaling) → (50/40)/(70/60).}}
**{{change|Its sweetspot's knockback has been altered (25 (base), 92 (scaling) → 70/60).}}
*[[Up smash]]:
**{{nerf|Up smash has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 8-17 → 9-16) and ending lag (FAF 41 → 44). It also deals less damage (17%-19% (clean), 13% (mid) → 14%/13%/11%) and has less knockback scaling (110 → 90) significantly reducing its KO potential. This makes it no longer the strongest up smash in the game, now being an up smash with below-average KO potential.}}
*[[Down smash]]:
**{{buff|Down smash deals more damage (13% → 15%) due to changes to [[stale move negation]] and its final hit has a larger hitbox (10u → 12u) and has higher knockback scaling (170 → 190) giving it more KO power, and the first few hits have larger hitboxes (4.8u/2.4u → 5.76u/2.88u), making it harder to [[SDI]] out of (though still very easy). This significantly improves its utility. It also has less startup lag (frame 7 → 6).}}
**{{nerf|It has more ending lag (FAF 51 → 55) and the multi-hits have a higher SDI multiplier (1x → 1.2x).}}


===Aerial attacks===
===Aerial attacks===
*{{buff|Neutral aerial is more powerful and can reliably KO under 150%, giving Pikachu a reliable aerial KO option.}}
*[[Neutral aerial]]:
*{{buff|Back aerial deals stronger knockback, as well as now being a multi-hit attack, rather than one hit.}}
**{{buff|Neutral aerial has higher base knockback (18 → 22), giving Pikachu a reliable aerial KO option. Pikachu can now also [[auto-cancel]] it in a short hop due to its lower fall speed (this also applies to Pikachu's forward and down aerials).}}
*{{buff|Up aerial is a slightly better [[juggle]]r.}}
**{{nerf|It has a shorter duration (frames 3-28 → 3-25) and more landing lag (15 frames → 25). This combined with the loss of [[L-canceling]] makes neutral aerial much worse as a landing option. The late hit also deals less damage (9% → 6%) although its base knockback was compensated (0 → 20).}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial deals slightly weaker knockback, and the [[semi-spike]] portion of the move has been removed.}}
*[[Forward aerial]]:
*{{buff|Down aerial is less laggy and have a faster start up.}}
**{{buff|Forward aerial deals less knockback (0 (base), 100 (scaling) → 40/20) and has lower hitlag (1x → 0.7x) allowing it to connect more reliably. It now has a final hit which knocks opponents away with higher damage (2% → 3%) and knockback (0 (base), 100 (scaling) → 70/90). This gives forward aerial significantly more utility as it deals more damage (7% → 11%), works more reliably, and is much more effective at edgeguarding. It also has less landing lag (20 frames → 15).}}
*[[Back aerial]]:
**{{buff|Back aerial has more hitboxes covering the whole of Pikachu giving it more range despite having smaller hitboxes (3.6u/3.6u → 3u/3u/3u/3u) and making it easier to land.}}
**{{nerf|It deals less damage overall than its previous clean hit (12% → 11%) and the final hit's knockback was not fully compensated (20 (base), 100 (scaling) → 40/120).}}
**{{change|Back aerial is now a multi-hitting attack.}}
***{{nerf|Because of the change, it can now be escaped from.}}
*[[Up aerial]]:
**{{buff|Up aerial has less landing lag (26 frames → 24) and deals more damage (4% → 6%/5% (clean), 5%/4% (late)).}}
**{{change|Up aerial has much less base knockback (100 → 40/30) and the [[semi-spike]] portion of the move has been removed. This weakens its edgeguarding potential, but improves its comboing and juggling potential. This is especially useful considering the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]] as it now has low enough knockback at lower percents for it to not put opponents into [[tumble]] and therefore, prevent hitstun canceling.}}
*[[Down aerial]]:
**{{buff|Down aerial has much bigger hitboxes (5.62u/4.762u → 6.744u/5.722u).}}
**{{nerf|It has less knockback scaling (100 → 80) hindering its KO potential.}}
**{{change|Its landing hitbox deals much more knockback. This removes its combo potential, but significantly improves its spacing potential.}}


===Throws/other attacks===
===Throws/other attacks===
*{{buff|[[Grab]] has significantly more reach, and is no longer the shortest.}}
*[[Grab]]s:
*{{buff|Forward and down throws can now be used as chaingrabs, with the former working on the majority of the cast, and the latter being usable as a [[0-death]] combo on some characters when finished with a [[Thunderspike]].}}
**{{buff|Grabs have less startup lag (frame 7 (standing)/11 (dash) → 6/9), with their total durations subsequently reduced (FAF 31 (standing)/41 (dash) → 30/39).}}
*{{nerf|Up throw has higher knockback which limits most follow ups.}}
**{{buff|Grabs have larger grabboxes (3.51u/3.12u → 4.3u/3.8u (standing)/4u/3.5u/3.5u (dash)), and their furthest grabboxes have been moved further out (z offset: 7.03 (standing)/6.56 (dash) → 7.2/7.0). This improves Pikachu's grab range, no longer being the shortest grab in the game (although it is still rather short).}}
***{{buff|Dash grab's near hitboxes are also positioned closer to Pikachu (z offset: 4.3/1.56 → 3/-1), giving dash grab more range behind Pikachu.}}
*{{change|Back, up and down throws no longer have an electric effect.}}
*[[Pummel]]:
**{{buff|Pummel has less ending lag (FAF 24 → 16).}}
**{{nerf|Pummel deals less damage (3% → 2%)}}
*[[Forward throw]]:
**{{buff|Forward throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitboxes are larger (5.47u → 6.72u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitboxes have more startup lag (frame 10/14/18/22 → 11/15/19/23).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from forward throw one frame later (frame 29 → 30). While this does make the throw slightly easier to DI, it also gives the throw slightly less ending lag. When combined with the fact that the throw can no longer be DIed until it inflicts [[tumble]], this significantly improves its chain grabbing potential at lower percents.}}
*[[Back throw]]:
**{{change|Pikachu releases opponents from back throw one frame later (frame 30 → 31).}}
*[[Up throw]]:
**{{buff|Up throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitbox is larger (4.69u → 5.76u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitbox has a shorter duration (frames 14-19 → 14-15).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from up throw earlier (frame 20 → 16), and it has less ending lag (FAF 44 → 36).}}
***{{nerf|However despite this, The universally decreased fall speeds, the changes to air dodging and the introduction of hitstun canceling have significantly hindered [[up throw]]'s combo potential, going from a powerful chain grab against fast fallers to now lacking any guaranteed followups, while also still being too weak to KO.}}
*[[Down throw]]:
**{{buff|Down throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitbox is larger (5.86u → 7.2u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitbox has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 12-19 → 13-14).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from down throw one frame later (frame 20 → 21), and it has less ending lag (FAF 48 → 44).}}
**{{buff|Down throw no longer forces opponents into tumble until it deals enough knockback (which is typically from 50%-120%, depending on the opponent's weight/how stale the down throw is).}}
***{{buff|These changes combined with the removal of DI against non-tumble knockback and the changes to stale move negation significantly improves its followup potential, to the point where the throw can now lead into itself many times for an inescapable [[0-death]] (sometimes in conjunction with forward throw) against fast fallers.}}


===Special moves===
===Special moves===
*{{buff|[[Skull Bash]] charges longer and travels longer.}}
*[[Thunder Jolt]]:
*{{nerf|Can no longer lower the charge time of Skull Bash by performing the move like a smash attack}}
**{{buff|Thunder Jolt has a slightly longer duration (99 frames → 100) and has higher knockback.}}
*{{nerf|[[Quick Attack]] can not go up twice any longer and has slightly less range.}}
**{{nerf|It has more startup lag (frame 18 → 19) and deals less damage (7% (grounded), 10% (aerial) → (6%/5%)/9%). Pikachu can also no longer [[fast fall]] or move in the air while using Thunder Jolt.}}
*{{buff|{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} has less [[ending lag]] (making it much less [[punish]]able) and is stronger, both the shockwave around Pikachu and the thunderbolt itself. Additionally, the slower [[falling speed]]s in the game increases its KO capacity when used as a Thunderspike.}}
*[[Skull Bash]]:
**{{buff|Skull Bash charges faster and travels farther, improving its approaching and recovery potential. It can now also be used for momentum canceling greatly aiding Pikachu's horizontal endurance. It also deals more damage when not charged (4% → 7%) and knockback (15 (base), 90 (scaling) → 40/80).}}
**{{nerf|Its charge time can no longer be lowered by performing the move like a smash attack. It also deals less damage fully charged (29% → 25%) hindering its KO potential.}}
*[[Quick Attack]]:
**{{buff|Pikachu can now [[Quick Attack Cancel]], allowing it to quickly approach while being able to attack and/or jump. This significantly improves its ability to approach opponents. [[Quick Attack]] also has much less ending lag when used into the ground (which can be further decreased with QAC). Additionally, Quick Attack can now be used to [[lock]] opponents.}}
**{{nerf|It cannot travel vertically twice any longer and travels a slightly shorter distance, hindering its recovery potential. It also has more startup lag (frame 13 (hit 1) frame 27 (hit 2) → 15/30) and no longer cancels landing lag if Pikachu enters free fall high above the stage before landing.}}
*{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}:
**{{buff|Thunder has less ending lag if Pikachu whiffs it while in mid-air (FAF 115 → 88) and the shockwave has less ending lag (FAF 70 → 37), grants Pikachu with intangibility for its first 8 frames and has a larger hitbox (12u → 14.4u). Additionally, the universally decreased falling speeds increases the thunderbolt's KO potential when used as a Thunderspike and Pikachu's lower falling speed makes it a more viable recovery option. Thunder can now also be [[B reverse]]d and can be used with [[Cape glide|Edge momentum shifting]] giving it more utility.}}
**{{nerf|It has more ending lag if Pikachu whiffs it while on the ground (FAF 79 → 88). The shockwave also has a shorter duration (frames 1-9 → 1-3).}}
*[[Volt Tackle]]:
**{{change|Pikachu now has a [[Final Smash]]: Volt Tackle. It surrounds itself in a sphere of electricity and flies around the stage, charging through opponents. Pressing the attack button causes the sphere to discharge electricity.}}


==Moveset==
==Moveset==
[[File:Pika dthrow cg brawl.gif|thumb|Chaingrab on Fox]]
[[File:Pika dthrow cg brawl.gif|thumb|Down throw 0-death chaingrab on Fox]]
[[File:SSBB Thunder Wall.gif|thumb|A down tilt used to set up a wall of Thunders offstage to edgeguard.]]
[[File:SSBB Thunder Wall.gif|thumb|A down special used to set up a wall of Thunders offstage to edgeguard.]]
{{MovesetTable
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSBBB
|game=SSBB
|neutralcount=1
|neutralcount=1
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutralname=&nbsp;
Line 109: Line 184:
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|14}} (clean body) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|13}} (clean tail), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|11}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|7}} (late)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|14}} (clean body) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|13}} (clean tail), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|11}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|7}} (late)
|usmashdesc=Flips very fast, attacking with its tail. A great followup to a down throw, being powerful vertical KO move despite being nerfed from ''Melee''. This can combo into [[Thunder]] for a [[Star KO]] - often called [[Thunderspiking]].
|usmashdesc=Flips very fast, attacking with its tail. A great followup to a down throw, being a rather good vertical KO move despite being greatly nerfed from ''Melee''. This can combo into [[Thunder]] for a [[Star KO]] - often called [[Thunderspiking]].
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|3}} (hit 7)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|3}} (hit 7)
|dsmashdesc=Spins on the floor and releases electricity. A good move for racking up damage, and a powerful vertical finisher, but it is not too hard to [[SDI]] out of it before the final hit. Can also be used for spacing.  
|dsmashdesc=Spins on the floor and releases electricity. A good move for racking up damage, and a powerful vertical finisher, but it is not too hard to [[SDI]] out of it before the final hit. Can also be used for spacing.
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=12% (clean), 6% (late)
|nairdmg=12% (clean), 6% (late)
Line 165: Line 240:
|ssname=Skull Bash
|ssname=Skull Bash
|ssdmg=7% (uncharged)- 25% (fully charged)
|ssdmg=7% (uncharged)- 25% (fully charged)
|ssdesc=Charges and, when the [[B button]] is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has good KO power. Primarily used as a recovery move, as it gains a lot of horizontal distance (especially when charged) and does not leave Pikachu helpless. WHen used on the ground, it has high landing lag.
|ssdesc=Charges and, when the [[B button]] is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has good KO power. Primarily used as a recovery move, as it gains a lot of horizontal distance (especially when charged) and does not leave Pikachu helpless. When used on the ground, it has high landing lag.
|usname=Quick Attack
|usname=Quick Attack
|usdmg=3% (first warp), 2% (second warp)
|usdmg=3% (first warp), 2% (second warp)
|usdesc=Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the [[control stick]]. Pikachu's main recovery move, and a quick, unpredictable move at that. The second warp is optional, but if used, the direction must be 45 degrees different than the first direction to work.
|usdesc=Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the [[control stick]]. Pikachu's main recovery move, and a quick, unpredictable move at that. The second warp is optional, but if used, the direction must be 45 degrees different than the first direction to work.
|dsname=Thunder
|dsname=Thunder
|dspage=Thunder (Pokémon)
|dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast)
|dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast)
|dsdesc=Shouts "PIKA!", then a large thunderbolt comes down on Pikachu. The move in general is rather laggy, but if the opponent is hit by the shockwave around Pikachu when the thunderbolt lands on it, it deals massive horizontal knockback. If the opponent is hit by the bolt itself, it deals moderate vertical knockback, which can KO off the top screen (called [[Thunderspiking]]). It is also possible for the bolt to not hit Pikachu, by moving in the air after using the move.
|dsdesc=Shouts "PIKA!", then a large thunderbolt comes down on Pikachu. The move in general is rather laggy, but if the opponent is hit by the shockwave around Pikachu when the thunderbolt lands on it, it deals massive horizontal knockback. If the opponent is hit by the bolt itself, it deals moderate vertical knockback, which can KO off the top screen (called [[Thunderspiking]]). It is also possible for the bolt to not hit Pikachu, by moving in the air after using the move.
Line 176: Line 252:
|fsdesc=Turns into a gigantic ball of blue colored electricity that flies around the stage at high velocity. The attack button can be pressed to create a large discharge, increasing knockback. Can rack up damage quickly.
|fsdesc=Turns into a gigantic ball of blue colored electricity that flies around the stage at high velocity. The attack button can be pressed to create a large discharge, increasing knockback. Can rack up damage quickly.
}}
}}
===Stats===
{{technical data|Needs short hop and double jump heights}}
{{Attributes
|cast      = 39
|weight    = 79
|rweight    = 34-35
|dash      = 1.8
|rdash      = 5-6
|run        = 1.765
|rrun      = 8
|walk      = 1.24
|rwalk      = 9
|trac      = 0.0596
|rtrac      = 17
|airfric    = 0.0075
|rairfric  = 27-31
|air        = 0.9118
|rair      = 23
|baseaccel  = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 7-36
|addaccel  = 0.09
|raddaccel  = 4-7
|gravity    = 0.087
|rgravity  = 14
|fall      = 1.5
|rfall      = 12-13
|ff        = 2.379
|rff        = 7
|jumpsquat  = 4
|rjumpsquat = 1-10
|jumpheight = 34.11800144
|rjumpheight= 16
|shorthop  = ?
|rshorthop  = ?
|djump      = ?
|rdjump    = ?
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Pikachu English Announcer SSBB.wav|English/Japanese
</gallery>
===[[Wii Remote selection sound]]===
{{SelectSound|char=Pikachu|desc=Pikachu says "Pii-ka!".}}


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
{{Appearance
{{Appearance
|desc=Emerges from a Poké Ball, then briefly surrounds itself in electric sparks.
|desc=Emerges from a Poké Ball, then briefly surrounds itself in electric sparks.
|image=Pikachu On-Screen Appearance.gif}}
|char=Pikachu
|game=SSBB}}


===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
{{Taunt/SSBB
{{Taunt/SSBB
|char=Pikachu
|char=Pikachu
|image-down=PikachuTaunt.gif
|desc-up=Pikachu creates rings of electricity around it, saying "Piiiiiii!"
|desc-up=Pikachu creates rings of electricity around it, saying "Piiiiiii!"
|desc-side=Turns to the camera, waving both paws and says "Pika, Pika!" (updated version of taunt from ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'') - its mouth is open wider when facing left.
|desc-side=Turns to the camera, waving both paws and says "Pika, Pika!" (updated version of taunt from ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'') - its mouth is open wider when facing left and its head is less rotated because of the leg when facing right.
|desc-down=Pikachu rolls on its back and says "Pikaaaahh!".}}
|desc-down=Pikachu rolls on its back and says "Pikaaaahh!".}}


Line 205: Line 328:
|pitch-us=Female
|pitch-us=Female
|pitch-jp=Female}}
|pitch-jp=Female}}
===[[Wii Remote selection sound]]===
{{SelectSound|char=Pikachu|desc=Pikachu says "Pii-ka!".}}


===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
Line 213: Line 333:
|victory-theme=PokemonUniverseTheme.ogg
|victory-theme=PokemonUniverseTheme.ogg
|victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series.
|victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series.
|desc-1=Jumps up and somersaults, then spins around once before happily facing the camera.
|desc-up=Its ears perk, and it scratches its right ear.
|desc-2=Twitches its ears, then scratches its right ear.
|desc-left=Backflip, spins on the ground, and says "Pii!" (Its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'')
|desc-3=Lies sideways on the ground, sleeping.
|desc-right=Lies sideways on the ground, sleeping.
|char=Pikachu}}
|char=Pikachu}}


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Matchups===
{{SSBBMatchupTable|pikachu=yes}}
Pikachu's matchup spread, according to [[character matchup (SSBB)|the current SmashBoards matchup chart]], has the sixth highest unweighted rank, the sixth highest total, and the fifth highest weighted total. Pikachu has overall very favorable matchups. Pikachu is [[counter]]ed by one character, [[soft counter]]ed by four, has five even matchups, soft counters ten, counters twelve, and [[hard counter]]s four. Pikachu is notable for being the only character in the game to have an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, though there has been much dispute over this and many think the matchup is actually in Meta Knight's favor. Pikachu tends to have a strong advantage against characters who it can chain throw with its down throw - it notably counters {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Wolf}}, {{SSBB|Sheik}} and {{SSBB|Falco}} due to their extremely fast [[falling speed]] acceleration, which makes them unable to escape the chain throw until KO percents, like most characters can; Pikachu can 0-death Fox, Sheik, and Captain Falcon using its down throw, and it can perform a similar 0-death on Wolf and Falco if Pikachu performs a fresh down throw at 20% if the down throws are [[buffer]]ed. Pikachu also does well against characters who it can easily outspeed and outmaneuver using [[QAC]]. Pikachu tends to have trouble against characters who can easily beat it in the air, and characters whose playstyle forces Pikachu to fight in the air, such as {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBB|Marth}}.
===Notable players===
===Notable players===
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu professionals (SSBB)]]''
{{cleanup|[[SmashWiki:Cleanup of the Notable Players sections|To fit these guidelines]]}}
*{{Sm|Anther|USA}}
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu players (SSBB)]]''
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}}
*{{Sm|Anther|USA}} - A top Midwestern Pikachu player, with top 8 finishes at [[Apex 2009]] and [[S.N.E.S.]]
*{{Sm|K Prime|USA}}
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - A nationally dominant ''Brawl'' player from 2010-2014, considered the best Pikachu player in the world.
*{{Sm|NinjaLink|USA}}
*{{Sm|Gunnermaniac|USA}} - The best Pikachu after ''Brawl''{{'}}s decline. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|CEO Dreamland 2020}}, 7th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}
*{{Sm|PikaPika!|USA}}
*{{Sm|K Prime|USA}} - Pikachu player from Texas.
*{{Sm|Ranai|Japan}}
*{{Sm|Mik|Spain}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Europe; then known as '''Miquel0123'''.
*{{Sm|Z|USA}}
*{{Sm|NinjaLink|USA}} - Known as one of the best Pikachu players in ''Brawl'''s early days; he also played a variety of characters at the tournament level.
*{{Sm|PikaForLife|Netherlands}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Europe.
*{{Sm|PikaPika!|USA}} - A top Pikachu player in ''Brawl'''s early days, placing 7th at S.N.E.S.
*{{Sm|Ranai|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan; known as '''Hayase''' during the ''Brawl'' era.
*{{Sm|Shimitake|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan.
*{{Sm|Z|USA}} - Considered one of the best American Pikachu players behind ESAM.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
Line 237: Line 358:


==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]==
==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]==
[[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|thumb|250px|Pikachu in ''[[SSE]]'']]
[[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|thumb|250px|Pikachu in ''[[SSE]]''.]]
Pikachu is first seen when {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} enters a lab on the [[Isle of the Ancients]]. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit.
Pikachu is first seen when {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} enters a lab on the [[Isle of the Ancients]]. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit.


After going through the first area of the Research Facility, Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu discover a monitor room, and learn the location of Samus' Power Suit.
After going through the first area of the Research Facility, Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu discover a monitor room, and learn the location of Samus' Power Suit.


They then traverse another section of the Research Facility. They cross a bridge to reach the Power Suit. When Samus approaches the Suit, she and Pikachu are ambushed by two [[False Character#False Samus|Shadow Bug]] clones of her Power Suit. After defeating them, Samus regains her [[Samus (SSBB)|Power Suit]], and after defeating a small [[R.O.B. Squad]], travel through the last area of the Facility. Later, the duo almost exit the Research Facility, but are then confronted by [[Ridley]], who brutally damages Samus by dragging her across the wall. Pikachu uses {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} on Ridley to stop him. Samus falls back down onto the platform, her Power Suit damaged, but working, while Ridley, enraged by Pikachu's electric shock, roars at them.  The two then fight and defeat Ridley. After defeating Ridley, Pikachu and Samus leave the facility and notice a pair of R.O.B.s  carrying a Subspace Bomb. They prepare to enter the Subspace Bomb Factory.
They then traverse another section of the Research Facility. They cross a bridge to reach the Power Suit. When Samus approaches the Suit, she and Pikachu are ambushed by two [[False character#False Samus|Shadow Bug]] clones of her Power Suit. After defeating them, Samus regains her [[Samus (SSBB)|Power Suit]], and after defeating a small [[R.O.B. Squad]], travel through the last area of the Facility. Later, the duo almost exit the Research Facility, but are then confronted by [[Ridley]], who brutally damages Samus by dragging her across the wall. Pikachu uses {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} on Ridley to stop him. Samus falls back down onto the platform, her Power Suit damaged, but working, while Ridley, enraged by Pikachu's electric shock, roars at them.  The two then fight and defeat Ridley. After defeating Ridley, Pikachu and Samus leave the facility and notice a pair of R.O.B.s  carrying a Subspace Bomb. They prepare to enter the Subspace Bomb Factory.


They infiltrate the [[Ancient Minister]]'s base, and eventually enter a large room, with him, an army of R.O.B.s, and a great number of Subspace Bombs on racks behind them. They prepare to fight him but pause, noticing that Ancient Minister is looking down as if he's sad.
They infiltrate the [[Ancient Minister]]'s base, and eventually enter a large room, with him, an army of R.O.B.s, and a great number of Subspace Bombs on racks behind them. They prepare to fight him but pause, noticing that Ancient Minister is looking down as if he's sad.


As they stare at his sorrowing, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} and his [[Pikmin (species)|Pikmin]] break into the same room. DK smashes the doors open with his fists, and the four barge into the room. They also want to attack the Ancient Minister, but a hologram of {{SSBB|Ganondorf}} appears. He commands the R.O.B. Squad to activate the remaining Subspace Bombs. The Ancient Minister tries to stop the Squad as their leader, but Ganondorf forces them to mindlessly attack the Ancient Minister using a reprogramming device. As the Ancient Minister sulks in flames, the brainwashed R.O.B. squad starts to take the Subspace Bombs off the racks. Ganondorf laughs at the Ancient Minister's despair, and sends the Subspace Army to distract the fighters. [[Auroros]] fly towards the group, but the Ancient Minister fires energy beams at them before they get near the fighters. The Ancient Minister reveals itself to be a {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} himself, the lead R.O.B, and joins the five other heroes in fighting the Subspace Army. After they defeat the Subspace Army, the heroes attempt to detach the R.O.B. squad from the Subspace Bombs. Captain Falcon throws the R.O.B.s, Samus uses her Grapple Beam, while Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong use sheer force. Nothing detaches the R.O.B.s from the Subspace Bomb. The lead R.O.B. attempts to get them to willingly detach, and two members of the Squad respond, apparently unable to detach themselves. The R.O.B. looks down in despair, and Captain Falcon calls his [[Falcon Flyer]] so they can escape.  After descending through the Subspace Bomb factory escape tunnel, full of members of the Subspace Army, they escape on the Falcon Flyer. [[Meta Ridley]] chases them down with the intent of revenge on Samus and Pikachu. They fight his mechanically enhanced form on top of the Flyer, and defeat it. Pikachu and the rest of the group then join the ground heroes and Halberd Battleship heroes, and help them out throughout the rest of the adventure.
As they stare at his sorrowing, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} and his {{b|Pikmin|species}} break into the same room. DK smashes the doors open with his fists, and the four barge into the room. They also want to attack the Ancient Minister, but a hologram of {{SSBB|Ganondorf}} appears. He commands the R.O.B. Squad to activate the remaining Subspace Bombs. The Ancient Minister tries to stop the Squad as their leader, but Ganondorf forces them to mindlessly attack the Ancient Minister using a reprogramming device. As the Ancient Minister sulks in flames, the brainwashed R.O.B. squad starts to take the Subspace Bombs off the racks. Ganondorf laughs at the Ancient Minister's despair, and sends the Subspace Army to distract the fighters. [[Auroros]] fly towards the group, but the Ancient Minister fires energy beams at them before they get near the fighters. The Ancient Minister reveals itself to be a {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} himself, the lead R.O.B, and joins the five other heroes in fighting the Subspace Army. After they defeat the Subspace Army, the heroes attempt to detach the R.O.B. squad from the Subspace Bombs. Captain Falcon throws the R.O.B.s, Samus uses her Grapple Beam, while Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong use sheer force. Nothing detaches the R.O.B.s from the Subspace Bomb. The lead R.O.B. attempts to get them to willingly detach, and two members of the Squad respond, apparently unable to detach themselves. The R.O.B. looks down in despair, and Captain Falcon calls his [[Falcon Flyer]] so they can escape.  After descending through the Subspace Bomb factory escape tunnel, full of members of the Subspace Army, they escape on the Falcon Flyer. [[Meta Ridley]] chases them down with the intent of revenge on Samus and Pikachu. They fight his mechanically enhanced form on top of the Flyer, and defeat it. Pikachu and the rest of the group then join the ground heroes and Halberd Battleship heroes, and help them out throughout the rest of the adventure.


Unfortunately, when these characters reach Subspace, [[Tabuu]] turns everybody, including Pikachu, into trophies using the terrible [[Off Waves]]. However, thanks to the efforts of {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}} and {{SSBB|Ness}}, the characters are revived, Pikachu included.  Once they regroup with the trophies that {{SSBB|Kirby}} and the others revived, they set off to enter [[The Great Maze]]. When they approach Tabuu, {{SSBB|Sonic}} appears and saves them from his Off Waves. They then finally defeat Tabuu, and returned the Subspace Bomb-ed portions of the [[World of Trophies]] back to their original places, except the [[Isle of the Ancients]], which Pikachu and the rest look on at in triumph.
Unfortunately, when these characters reach Subspace, [[Tabuu]] turns everybody, including Pikachu, into trophies using the terrible [[Off Waves]]. However, thanks to the efforts of {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}} and {{SSBB|Ness}}, the characters are revived, Pikachu included.  Once they regroup with the trophies that {{SSBB|Kirby}} and the others revived, they set off to enter [[The Great Maze]]. When they approach Tabuu, {{SSBB|Sonic}} appears and saves them from his Off Waves. They then finally defeat Tabuu, and returned the Subspace Bomb-ed portions of the [[World of Trophies]] back to their original places, except the [[Isle of the Ancients]], which Pikachu and the rest look on at in triumph.
Line 286: Line 407:
*Weavile (slash attack +5)
*Weavile (slash attack +5)


==In [[Event Matches]]==
==In Solo Modes==
===Solo Events===
==={{SSBB|Classic Mode}}===
In Classic Mode, Pikachu can appear as an opponent or ally in Stage 3 along with {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, and {{SSBB|Lucario}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] or [[Spear Pillar]] (with the latter available if it has been unlocked). Pikachu can also appear as an opponent in Stage 11, but only if it hasn't appeared in Stage 3.
 
===[[All-Star Mode]]===
In All-Star Mode, Pikachu is fought in Stage 18 alongside {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, and {{SSBB|Lucario}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] or [[Spear Pillar]] (with the latter available if it has been unlocked).
 
===[[Event Match]]es===
====Solo Events====
*'''[[Event 8: Go! Triple Finish!]]''': The player controls Pikachu and must defeat {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]].
*'''[[Event 8: Go! Triple Finish!]]''': The player controls Pikachu and must defeat {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]].
*'''[[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars]]''': Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game.
*'''[[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars]]''': Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game.
*'''[[Event 12: Sleeping in the Eggs]]''': The player controls {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and must put both {{SSBB|Kirby}} and Pikachu in eggs simultaneously.
*'''[[Event 12: Sleeping in the Eggs]]''': The player controls {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and must put both {{SSBB|Kirby}} and Pikachu in eggs simultaneously.
*'''[[Event 14: Sproutrage of the Flower Pikmin]]''': {{SSBB|Olimar}} must protect 6 Pikmin until their flowers bloom from Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}.  
*'''[[Event 14: Sproutrage of the Flower Pikmin]]''': {{SSBB|Olimar}} must protect 6 Pikmin until their flowers bloom from Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}.


===Co-op Events===
====Co-Op Events====
*'''[[Co-Op Event 2: Master the Pokémon Tag Battle]]''': A team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} must defeat another team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].  
*'''[[Co-Op Event 2: Master the Pokémon Tag Battle]]''': A team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} must defeat another team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
*'''[[Co-Op Event 21: The True All-Star Battle]]''': Both players select a character and take on the entire roster on {{SSBB|Battlefield}}.
*'''[[Co-Op Event 21: The True All-Star Battle]]''': Both players select a character and take on the entire roster on {{SSBB|Battlefield}}.


==Trophies==
===[[Congratulations_screen#Super_Smash_Bros._Brawl|Ending Images]]===
<center>
<gallery>
Pikachu Congratulations Screen Classic Mode Brawl.png|Classic Mode
Pikachu Congratulations Screen All-Star Brawl.png|All-Star Mode
</gallery>
</center>
 
==[[Trophies]]==
Pikachu's main and [[Final Smash]] trophies can be obtained by clearing {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} and [[All-Star]] mode respectively with Pikachu.
Pikachu's main and [[Final Smash]] trophies can be obtained by clearing {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} and [[All-Star]] mode respectively with Pikachu.


===Trophy descriptions===
{{Trophy/Fighter
:'''Pikachu'''
|name=Pikachu
::''A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes thunderbolts on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into {{iw|bulbapedia|Raichu}}.''
|image=Pikachu - Brawl Trophy.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes electricity on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into Raichu.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Red/Blue}}|console2=DS|game2={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Red/Blue}}|console2=DS|game2={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}}}
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Volt Tackle
|image=Volt Tackle - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc=Pikachu, transformed into a ball of light that can slam into foes. It can also fly to chase down those who try to jump out of range. Sparks get stronger when you press the attack button. However, its increased inertia makes midair movement tough. If you get carried away flying, the effect will end, and you'll [[Self-destruct|destroy yourself]]. Be careful it doesn't happen to you.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Super Smash Bros. Brawl}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


:'''Volt Tackle'''
==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]==
::''Pikachu, transformed into a ball of light that can slam into foes. It can also fly to chase down those who try to jump out of range. Sparks get stronger when you press the attack button. However, its increased inertia makes midair movement tough. If you get carried away flying, the effect will end, and you'll destroy yourself. Be careful it doesn't happen to you.''
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
 
|-
{{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Super Smash Bros. Brawl}}
|colspan=4|[[File:Pikachu Palette (SSBB).png]]
 
|-
<center>
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Blue}}
|}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Pikachu - Brawl Trophy.png|Classic Mode trophy
PikachuBrawl1.jpg|Pikachu in [[Delfino Plaza]].
Volt Tackle - Brawl Trophy.png|[[Volt Tackle]] trophy
PikachuBrawl2.jpg|Pikachu with {{SSBB|Wario}} in [[Battlefield (SSBB)|Battlefield]].
PikachuBrawl3.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder Jolt]].
PikachuBrawl4.jpg|Pikachu with {{SSBB|Kirby}} in [[Delfino Plaza]].
PikachuBrawl5.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder]] in [[WarioWare, Inc.]]
PikachuBrawl6.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder]] against {{SSBB|Lucas}}.
PikachuBrawl7.jpg|Pikachu using Quick Attack in [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
PikachuBrawl8.jpg|Pikachu using its jab against {{SSBB|Charizard}}
Volttackle.jpg|Pikachu using [[Volt Tackle]].
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>
==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]==
[[Image:Pikachu Palette (SSBB).png|frame|center|Pikachu's alternate costumes in ''Brawl'']]


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Some of Pikachu's new attributes, such as wall-jumping and its goggle costume were previously held by {{SSBM|Pichu}} in ''Melee''; additionally, Pikachu can traditionally only learn Volt Tackle if it evolved from a Pichu in breeding. The Smash community has frequently joked about these similarities, with some jokes speaking about how the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is actually an evolved form of the Pichu from ''Melee''.
*Some of Pikachu's new attributes, such as wall-jumping and its goggle costume, were previously held by {{SSBM|Pichu}} in ''Melee''; additionally, prior to ''Sun and Moon'', Pikachu could only learn [[Volt Tackle]] if it evolved from a Pichu who had Volt Tackle as an egg move. The Smash community has noted these similarities, and a common fan theory states that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' actually evolved from ''Melee''<nowiki/>'s Pichu.
* By the time ''Brawl'' was released, gender differences were introduced in the [[Pokémon (universe)|''Pokémon'' games]]. Female Pikachu have a heart-shaped indent on their tails, while the one in ''Brawl'' doesn't, enforcing the common assumption that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is male.
* By the time ''Brawl'' was released, gender differences were introduced in the [[Pokémon (universe)|''Pokémon'' games]]. Female Pikachu have a heart-shaped indent on their tails, while the one in ''Brawl'' doesn't, supporting the common assumption that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is male. ''Ultimate'' would include new palette swaps that feature the heart-shaped indent on their tails.
*Pikachu has the least amount of palette swaps in ''Brawl'', only having four instead of six like most characters.
*Pikachu has the least amount of palette swaps in ''Brawl'', only having four instead of six like most characters.
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Lucas}} are the only characters in the Subspace Emissary to fight more than 2 bosses (excluding boss re-creations in the Great Maze). Pikachu can be chosen to fight [[Ridley]] at [[The Research Facility Part II]], [[Meta Ridley]] at [[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]], and as well as [[Tabuu]] in the final battle at Tabuu's Residence if it is rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]].
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Lucas}} are the only characters in the Subspace Emissary to fight more than 2 bosses (excluding boss re-creations in the Great Maze). Pikachu can be chosen to fight [[Ridley]] at [[The Research Facility Part II]], [[Meta Ridley]] at [[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]], and [[Tabuu]] in the final battle at Tabuu's Residence if it is rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]].
*Pikachu's [[AI]] has a reputation of being a candidate for the best AI of any character in the game, on par with {{SSBB|Luigi}}'s. While the common consensus is that CPU Luigi has the superior AI, it has been observed that level nine Pikachu will almost always win against most level nine CPUs under tournament rules, and will win more often than not against every other level nine CPU, including level nine Luigi.
*Pikachu's [[AI]] has a reputation of being a candidate for the best AI of any character in the game, on par with {{SSBB|Luigi}}'s. While the common consensus is that CPU Luigi has the superior AI for fighting human players, it has been observed that level nine Pikachu will dominate most level nine CPUs under tournament rules, and still win more often than not in its harder matchups, including against level nine Luigi.
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, and {{SSBB|Snake}} are the only characters in the game where all three of their taunts temporarily make a held item disappear.
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, and {{SSBB|Snake}} are the only characters in the game where all three of their taunts temporarily make a held item disappear.
*''Brawl'' is the only game where Pikachu's blue party hat is not one of its alternative costumes.
*''Brawl'' is the only game where Pikachu's blue party hat is not one of its alternative costumes.
*As {{SSBM|Dr. Mario}} and {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} did not return from ''Melee'', Pikachu is the only character who gained the ability to wall jump in ''Brawl'' after being unable to wall jump in ''Melee''.


==External links==
==External links==
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW6ss0NqtsA Pikachu's hitbox size of each of its moves]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW6ss0NqtsA Pikachu's hitbox size of each of its moves]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ30Bgo6cBE Pikachu's Moves - History Behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, by CrappyCaptureDevice]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ30Bgo6cBE Pikachu's Moves - History Behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, by CrappyCaptureDevice]
{{SSBBCharacters}}
{{SSBBCharacters}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
[[Category:Pokémon universe]]
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Pikachu (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Pikachu (SSBB)| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[es:Pikachu (SSBB)]]