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Pikachu ranks 1st on the [[tier list]], its best placement in the series due to having many overwhelming advantages: its mobility is among the best, with fast [[walking]], [[dashing]], and [[air speed]]s, though its [[falling speed]] is slightly below average. Pikachu is notable for its amazing offstage and [[edgeguarding]] game, with fast and powerful [[aerial]]s that can also combo well with or without certain other moves, along with a [[recovery]] on [[Quick Attack]] that covers a long distance while also being unpredictable, as well as having some [[invincibility frame]]s and the ability to easily [[edge sweetspot|sweetspot the edge]]. While its attacks are generally fast, it has a few rather powerful moves, though its moveset is overall more [[combo]]-oriented. This is evident in its solid ground game, with an {{mvsub|Pikachu|SSB|up tilt}} that can rack up large damage by chaining into itself and can easily combo into virtually any other move as well, along with powerful [[smash attack]]s and an exceedingly powerful {{mvsub|Pikachu|SSB|back throw}}. It also has a [[projectile]] in its [[Thunder Jolt]], as well as {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, which is notable for being able to KO near the upper [[blast line]] very early; the [[Thunderspike]] technique can easily set this up. | Pikachu ranks 1st on the [[tier list]], its best placement in the series due to having many overwhelming advantages: its mobility is among the best, with fast [[walking]], [[dashing]], and [[air speed]]s, though its [[falling speed]] is slightly below average. Pikachu is notable for its amazing offstage and [[edgeguarding]] game, with fast and powerful [[aerial]]s that can also combo well with or without certain other moves, along with a [[recovery]] on [[Quick Attack]] that covers a long distance while also being unpredictable, as well as having some [[invincibility frame]]s and the ability to easily [[edge sweetspot|sweetspot the edge]]. While its attacks are generally fast, it has a few rather powerful moves, though its moveset is overall more [[combo]]-oriented. This is evident in its solid ground game, with an {{mvsub|Pikachu|SSB|up tilt}} that can rack up large damage by chaining into itself and can easily combo into virtually any other move as well, along with powerful [[smash attack]]s and an exceedingly powerful {{mvsub|Pikachu|SSB|back throw}}. It also has a [[projectile]] in its [[Thunder Jolt]], as well as {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, which is notable for being able to KO near the upper [[blast line]] very early; the [[Thunderspike]] technique can easily set this up. | ||
Pikachu | However, Pikachu is not flawless. It has low [[weight]], allowing for it to be [[KO]]ed earlier than most of the characters, and can also be easily comboed by others. Pikachu also has limited options out of a [[tech]]. | ||
Despite this, Pikachu's strengths exceed its weaknesses, and it has held the best tournament results in [[competitive play]], alongside good representation. Pikachu's prowess in ''Smash 64'' is considered undisputed to such a great extent that it is considered to have the best matchup spread of any character in the game, with Pikachu's only potentially difficult matchups being against {{SSB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSB|Yoshi}} which are typically considered to either be even or slightly winning for Pikachu in the North American version of the game. | Despite this, Pikachu's strengths exceed its weaknesses, and it has held the best tournament results in [[competitive play]], alongside good representation. Pikachu's prowess in ''Smash 64'' is considered undisputed to such a great extent that it is considered to have the best matchup spread of any character in the game, with Pikachu's only potentially difficult matchups being against {{SSB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSB|Yoshi}} which are typically considered to either be even or slightly winning for Pikachu in the North American version of the game. | ||
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The move's intangibility on startup also gives the move utility in a ton of other areas, such as escaping fake combos and as an [[Out of shield]] option to avoid shield pressure. Pikachu even has the ability to stall on the ledge infinitely, as Quick Attack can snap to the ledge and due to Quick Attack's intangibility frames, Pikachu can stall at the ledge almost completely intangibly, being the only character in the game who can do so. Quick Attack overall is one of the best moves in the entire game (despite its lack of a hitbox) due to its incredible recovery potential as well as its high utility and mixup potential. | The move's intangibility on startup also gives the move utility in a ton of other areas, such as escaping fake combos and as an [[Out of shield]] option to avoid shield pressure. Pikachu even has the ability to stall on the ledge infinitely, as Quick Attack can snap to the ledge and due to Quick Attack's intangibility frames, Pikachu can stall at the ledge almost completely intangibly, being the only character in the game who can do so. Quick Attack overall is one of the best moves in the entire game (despite its lack of a hitbox) due to its incredible recovery potential as well as its high utility and mixup potential. | ||
Pikachu's does not possess one single notable strength but rather, a variety of strengths which all work together to make a formidable character. Pikachu has great mobility, a great ground game, a great aerial game, incredible edgeguarding and Pikachu has the best recovery and escape options in the game. Pikachu can easily approach its opponent to start its strong punish game and Pikachu also has the tools to play a more defensive game if it needs to. Pikachu has plenty of strong combo starters and extenders in addition to strong combo enders and raw KO moves Even if Pikachu does find itself in a disadvantageous spot, Pikachu overall has one of the best disadvantages in the game, as it has the best recovery by quite a wide margin and Quick Attack is an excellent tool to escape disadvantage if Pikachu can access it (in addition to being a fantastic move). | Pikachu's does not possess one single notable strength but rather, a variety of strengths which all work together to make a formidable character. Pikachu has great mobility, a great ground game, a great aerial game, incredible edgeguarding and Pikachu has the best recovery and escape options in the game. Pikachu can easily approach its opponent to start its strong punish game and Pikachu also has the tools to play a more defensive game if it needs to. Pikachu has plenty of strong combo starters and extenders in addition to strong combo enders and raw KO moves. Even if Pikachu does find itself in a disadvantageous spot, Pikachu overall has one of the best disadvantages in the game, as it has the best recovery by quite a wide margin and Quick Attack is an excellent tool to escape disadvantage if Pikachu can access it (in addition to being a fantastic move). | ||
[[File:SSB64 Greenhouse Combo.gif|thumb|{{Sm|Isai}} performing the [[Greenhouse combo]].]] | [[File:SSB64 Greenhouse Combo.gif|thumb|{{Sm|Isai}} performing the [[Greenhouse combo]].]] | ||
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|game=SSB | |game=SSB | ||
|neutralcount=1 | |neutralcount=1 | ||
|neutralname= | |neutralname=Headbutt ({{ja|ずつき|Zutsuki}}) | ||
|neutral1dmg=2% | |neutral1dmg=2% | ||
|neutraldesc=Pikachu headbutts forward. Can chain into itself or lead into a [[jab grab]]. | |neutraldesc=Pikachu headbutts forward. Can chain into itself or lead into a [[jab grab]]. | ||
|ftiltangles=3 | |ftiltangles=3 | ||
|ftiltname= | |ftiltname=Double-Footed Kick ({{ja|りょうあしげり|Ryō Ashigeri}}) | ||
|ftiltupdmg=11%, 9% (NTSC-J) | |ftiltupdmg=11%, 9% (NTSC-J) | ||
|ftiltsidedmg=10% | |ftiltsidedmg=10% | ||
|ftiltdowndmg=9%, 10% (NTSC-J) | |ftiltdowndmg=9%, 10% (NTSC-J) | ||
|ftiltdesc=Pikachu stands on its two hands and kicks its two feet forward. Can be angled up or down. Has unimpressive power/range and moderate ending lag, making it one of Pikachu's least useful moves. | |ftiltdesc=Pikachu stands on its two hands and kicks its two feet forward. Can be angled up or down. Has unimpressive power/range and moderate ending lag, making it one of Pikachu's least useful moves. | ||
|utiltname= | |utiltname=Tail Attack ({{ja|しっぽアタック|Shippo Atakku}}) | ||
|utiltdmg=11% | |utiltdmg=11% | ||
|utiltdesc=Does a tail whip upwards. It can easily chain into itself multiple times or combo into aerials (outside of very low percents), it has a disjointed hitbox and it has low ending lag, making it one of the best up tilts in the game. Has slightly higher knockback in the PAL versions. | |utiltdesc=Does a tail whip upwards. It can easily chain into itself multiple times or combo into aerials (outside of very low percents), it has a disjointed hitbox and it has low ending lag, making it one of the best up tilts in the game. Has slightly higher knockback in the PAL versions. | ||
|dtiltname= | |dtiltname=Tail Sweep ({{ja|あしばらい|Shippo Barai}}) | ||
|dtiltdmg=12% | |dtiltdmg=12% | ||
|dtiltdesc=A tail sweep. It is a [[semi-spike]] with good power, low ending lag and disjointed range. | |dtiltdesc=A tail sweep. It is a [[semi-spike]] with good power, low ending lag and disjointed range. | ||
|dashname= | |dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'') | ||
|dashdmg=12% | |dashdmg=12% | ||
|dashdesc=Does a running headbutt while falling onto the ground. Can setup edgeguards although it is not particularly powerful. Has lower knockback in the Japanese version. | |dashdesc=Does a running headbutt while falling onto the ground. Can setup edgeguards although it is not particularly powerful. Has lower knockback in the Japanese version. | ||
|fsmashname= | |fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'') | ||
|fsmashdmg=18%, 20% (PAL late) | |fsmashdmg=18%, 20% (PAL late) | ||
|fsmashdesc=Pikachu releases a short jolt of electricity from its cheeks. The electrical effect is in 2-D. It has slow startup lag and average power for a forward smash, although it has great range and its hitbox lasts for a long time. Has less range in the Japanese version and even more KO power in the PAL versions. | |fsmashdesc=Pikachu releases a short jolt of electricity from its cheeks. The electrical effect is in 2-D. It has slow startup lag and average power for a forward smash, although it has great range and its hitbox lasts for a long time. Has less range in the Japanese version and even more KO power in the PAL versions. | ||
|usmashname= | |usmashname=Tail Somersault ({{ja|しっぽサマーソルト|Shippo Sāmasoruto}}) | ||
|usmashdmg=18% (clean), 9% (late) | |usmashdmg=18% (clean), 9% (late) | ||
|usmashdesc=Pikachu flips itself and moves its tail from front to back, hitting nearby opponents. Has decent KO power although nothing too extreme for an up smash. The main advantage the move has is its low ending lag, which makes it safe on shield and allows it to be used as a combo starter. Can combo into up tilt at lower percents, up air at middle percents and Thunder at slightly higher percents to score early KOes. It also has a much weaker late hit, although this can be used to combo at higher percents. | |usmashdesc=Pikachu flips itself and moves its tail from front to back, hitting nearby opponents. Has decent KO power although nothing too extreme for an up smash. The main advantage the move has is its low ending lag, which makes it safe on shield and allows it to be used as a combo starter. Can combo into up tilt at lower percents, up air at middle percents and Thunder at slightly higher percents to score early KOes. It also has a much weaker late hit, although this can be used to combo at higher percents. | ||
|dsmashname= | |dsmashname=Double Leg Kick ({{ja|ダブルりょうあしキック|Daburu Ryō Ashi Kikku}}) | ||
|dsmashdmg=16% (front), 13% (back) | |dsmashdmg=16% (front), 13% (back) | ||
|dsmashdesc=Does a spinning breakdance attack on the floor. Has two hits and unlike most down smashes, these two hits differ in strength. The front hit deals a decent amount of damage and has incredible horizontal knockback (KOing about as early as Kirby's forward smash) while the back hit deals lower damage and knockback. | |dsmashdesc=Does a spinning breakdance attack on the floor. Has two hits and unlike most down smashes, these two hits differ in strength. The front hit deals a decent amount of damage and has incredible horizontal knockback (KOing about as early as Kirby's forward smash) while the back hit deals lower damage and knockback. | ||
|nairname= | |nairname=Pikachu Kick ({{ja|ピカチュウキック|Pikachū Kikku}}) | ||
|nairdmg=14% (clean), 11% (late) | |nairdmg=14% (clean), 11% (late) | ||
|nairdesc=Pikachu sticks out its foot for about half a second. A very fast [[sex kick]] with very low startup lag and below average ending lag. Its only notable downside is its unimpressive range. | |nairdesc=Pikachu sticks out its foot for about half a second. A very fast [[sex kick]] with very low startup lag and below average ending lag. Its only notable downside is its unimpressive range. | ||
|fairname= | |fairname=Electric Drill ({{ja|でんげきドリル|Dengeki Doriru}}) | ||
|fairdmg=3% (hits 1-7), 21% (total), 6% (landing) | |fairdmg=3% (hits 1-7), 21% (total), 6% (landing) | ||
|fairdesc=Does a drill-like move forward, surrounded by electricity. 7 hits at a rate of 3% per hit for a total of 21%. Can be used as a combo starter. | |fairdesc=Does a drill-like move forward, surrounded by electricity. 7 hits at a rate of 3% per hit for a total of 21%. Can be used as a combo starter. | ||
|bairname= | |bairname=Backwards Kick ({{ja|うしろげり|U Shiro-Geri}}) | ||
|bairdmg=16% (clean), 14% (late) | |bairdmg=16% (clean), 14% (late) | ||
|bairdesc=Pikachu kicks backwards, its small foot getting slightly larger for a short second. It is somewhat slow although it has great range and knockback (being the second strongest back aerial), making it useful as both for beating other aerials and as a finisher. | |bairdesc=Pikachu kicks backwards, its small foot getting slightly larger for a short second. It is somewhat slow although it has great range and knockback (being the second strongest back aerial), making it useful as both for beating other aerials and as a finisher. | ||
|uairname= | |uairname=Tail Chop ({{ja|しっぽはたき|Shippo Hitaki}}) | ||
|uairdmg=10% | |uairdmg=10% | ||
|uairdesc=Pikachu flips forward while swinging its tail around it. Its tail hitbox begins on frame 3 and completes an arc of over 180 degrees with a massive disjointed hitbox and no hurtbox. Considered one of the strongest anti-airs in the game, it's also useful as a defensive tool, combo starter, and spacing option. Combos easily into itself at mid percents, often leading to a bair or nair. | |uairdesc=Pikachu flips forward while swinging its tail around it. Its tail hitbox begins on frame 3 and completes an arc of over 180 degrees with a massive disjointed hitbox and no hurtbox. Considered one of the strongest anti-airs in the game, it's also useful as a defensive tool, combo starter, and spacing option. Combos easily into itself at mid percents, often leading to a bair or nair. | ||
|dairname= | |dairname=Electric Screw ({{ja|でんげきスクリュー|Dengeki Sukuryū}}) | ||
|dairdmg=13%, 14% (PAL) | |dairdmg=13%, 14% (PAL) | ||
|dairdesc=Does a drill-like like move downward, surrounded by electricity. Knocks opponents horizontally with decent knockback (especially in the PAL versions). Along with {{SSB|Link}}'s down aerial, this is the only down aerial in ''Smash 64'' to lack a [[meteor smash]] hitbox. | |dairdesc=Does a drill-like like move downward, surrounded by electricity. Knocks opponents horizontally with decent knockback (especially in the PAL versions). Along with {{SSB|Link}}'s down aerial, this is the only down aerial in ''Smash 64'' to lack a [[meteor smash]] hitbox. | ||
|grabname= | |grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}}) | ||
|grabdesc=Grabs the opponent. Has decent range. | |grabdesc=Grabs the opponent. Has decent range. | ||
|fthrowname= | |fthrowname= | ||
|fthrowdmg=12% | |fthrowdmg=12% | ||
|fthrowdesc=Pikachu grabs the foe, flips and releases them. Combos into usmash or another grab at low percents against most of the cast, making it a powerful combo starter. | |fthrowdesc=Pikachu grabs the foe, flips and releases them. Combos into usmash or another grab at low percents against most of the cast, making it a powerful combo starter. | ||
|bthrowname= | |bthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}}) | ||
|bthrowdmg=18% | |bthrowdmg=18% | ||
|bthrowdesc=Pikachu puts the foe on its back and releases electricity. A much weaker variant of this throw would become its forward throw in future ''Smash Bros.'' iterations. Has low ending lag and incredible knockback, being one of the strongest back throws in the game. | |bthrowdesc=Pikachu puts the foe on its back and releases electricity. A much weaker variant of this throw would become its forward throw in future ''Smash Bros.'' iterations. Has low ending lag and incredible knockback, being one of the strongest back throws in the game. | ||
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==In [[competitive play]]== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===Most historically significant players=== | ===Most historically significant players=== | ||
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu players (SSB)]]'' | :''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu players (SSB)]]'' | ||
<!--This character has a 15 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--> | <!--This character has a 15 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|Alvin|Peru}} - One of the best players in the world | *{{Sm|Alvin|Peru}} - One of the best Pikachu players in the world and the best from South America. Notably won {{Trn|GENESIS 4}} using Pikachu to beat SuPeRbOoMfAn in grand finals and has placed 1st at a multitude of smaller tournaments using Pikachu and {{SSB|Captain Falcon}}. | ||
*{{Sm|Dext3r|Mexico}} - Considered | *{{Sm|Dext3r|Mexico}} - Considered the second best player in Mexico before his retirement. Had a steady stream of top 8 finishes throughout his whole career as a solo Pikachu main with 4th at {{Trn|GENESIS 4}} and {{Trn|Snosa III}}. In 2017, he was ranked as a top 10 player, being 9th on the [[2017 64 League Rankings]]. | ||
*{{Sm|Isai|USA}} - | *{{Sm|Isai|USA}} - One of the best ''Smash 64'' players of all time who is efficient with the entire cast and mains Pikachu, who is what many consider his strongest character. Won {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2023}} where he used Pikachu to beat kysk, and double-eliminated SuPeRbOoMfAn and {{Sm|Kurabba}}, the latter being the #1 player of 2022. Also won {{Trn|MELEE-FC Diamond}} and placed highly at other tournaments throughout the game's competitive lifespan using Pikachu as his primary character. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Gerson|Peru}} - The second best player in Peru behind Alvin. He has won multiple tournaments around South America, including {{Trn|Tacna Torneo Nacional 2012}}, {{Trn|UFSmash 3}}, and {{Trn|Sunset Blast}} with notable wins over {{Sm|Fukurou}}, Alvin, and Tavomono. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Josh Brody|USA}} - The best solo Pikachu player in the United States. He has been ranked in the top 10 for ''Smash 64'' throughout 2019 to 2022. Won multiple tournaments as a solo Pikachu player such as {{Trn|The Big House 9}} and {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} and having wins over many established players such as Prince, KeroKeroppi, and JaimeHR. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Jam|UK}} - The best ''Smash 64'' player in Europe. He won one of the most notable European tournaments with {{Trn|Fête}} and also placed 5th at {{Trn|B.E.A.S.T 7}}. He is also one of the most notable European players to have attended some large North American tournaments and gave some tough competition, seen with his 2nd place finish at {{Trn|Hitstun 6}} where he took sets from {{Sm|Zero|p=Texas}}, Josh Brody, and {{Sm|CTG}}. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|KeroKeroppi|USA}} - One of the top ''Smash 64'' players in the United States for years. He has solo Pikachu tournament wins with {{Trn|The Empire Smashes Back}}, {{Trn|Low Tier City 6}}, and {{Trn|Xanadu Origins}} and has shown consistently strong placements at [[Super Smash Con]] events such as his 2nd place during {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2015}}. He was considered a top 5 player back on the [[2018 64 League Rankings]] and currently ranks 5th on the [[2023 Smash 64 Power Rankings]]. | ||
*{{Sm|Maha|Japan}} - | *{{Sm|kysk|USA}} - The best ''Smash 64'' player during 2019 and one of the best players of the game overall. He was considered one of the first Japanese players to heavily utilize counterpicking at a high level, doing so at many points with his Pikachu. Won a multitude of tournaments in 2019 with Pikachu as a secondary character. He also won {{Trn|Kanto Fall 2019}} and placed 4th at {{Trn|Kansai 2018}} with solo Pikachu. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Mariguas|Mexico}} - One of the best Pikachu players of all time. His tournament win with {{Trn|Get On My Level 2017}} where he double-eliminated Isai, as well as other strong placements such as 4th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2016}} and 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 3}} made him a top 10 player from 2016-2017. He retired from the game in 2018. | ||
*{{Sm|SuPeRbOoMfAn|Canada}} - | *{{Sm|Maha|Japan}} - The second best solo Pikachu from Japan behind wario. His best placement to date is 2nd at {{Trn|Japan Smash Cup 2017}}, beating {{Sm|Fukurou}} and {{Sm|Wangera}} at the event. Additionally, he has amassed a number of top 8s at many Kanto tournaments. | ||
*{{Sm|wario|Japan}} - | *{{Sm|Nax|Chile}} - The best player from Chile who has become a top 10 player in the current meta. He has beaten Isai and Alvin and also placed 2nd at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2022}} and 5th at {{Trn|Inka Fest 2019}}. He is currently ranked 4th on the [[2023 Smash 64 Power Rankings]]. | ||
*{{Sm|Robert|USA}} - One of the best Pikachu players in the United States in recent years, being ranked 8th back on the [[2019-2020 Smash 64 Power Rankings]]. He has won multiple tournaments such as {{Trn|Shine 2019}} and {{Trn|Smashtoberfest}} and made major placements such as 3rd at {{Trn|The Big House 9}} and 4th at {{Trn|Keystoned II}}. His list of wins include {{Sm|Shalaka}}, {{Sm|tacos}}, and Josh Brody. | |||
*{{Sm|Sensei|USA}} - Considered the second best player in North America during the mid-2000s and early 2010s and co-mained Pikachu and {{SSB|Fox}}. He made 2nd place finishes at {{Trn|MELEE-FC Diamond}} and {{Trn|Zenith 2013}} and made top 6 at {{Trn|Apex 2012}} and {{Trn|Apex 2013}}. | |||
*{{Sm|SuPeRbOoMfAn|Canada}} - One of the best ''Smash 64'' players and one of the best Pikachu players of all time. His tri-main status with Pikachu, Kirby, and Captain Falcon allowed him to win majors such as {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2016}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 5}} and has wins over Fukurou, Mariguas, and KeroKeroppi with Pikachu. He was considered the best player in the world during 2018. | |||
*{{Sm|wario|Japan}} - One of the best Japanese players and one of the best Pikachu players of all time. He won every tournament he attended from 2015 to 2016 which included {{Trn|Kansai 2015}}, {{Trn|Kansai 2016}}, and {{Trn|GENESIS 3}}. He is one of the few Japanese players to have a winning record over {{Sm|Jouske}}, including two grand finals wins. As such, he is one of the most respected Pikachu players in the scene. | |||
===Tier placement and history=== | ===Tier placement and history=== | ||
Since the beginning of the [[metagame]] of ''Smash 64'', Pikachu has been a centerpiece within the metagame, reflected by how it has been always at the top of the tier list across all four editions. In the third tier list, Pikachu even had its own tier at the top of the list; this is no longer the case as of the fourth tier list, though Pikachu is still considered the best character by a significant margin. | {{incomplete|Documentation of the reasoning behind Double Pikachu being banned, and the rough date where this was standardised.}} | ||
Since the beginning of the [[metagame]] of ''Smash 64'', Pikachu has been a centerpiece within the metagame, reflected by how it has been always at the top of the tier list across all four editions. In the third tier list, Pikachu even had its own tier at the top of the list; this is no longer the case as of the fourth tier list, though Pikachu is still considered the best character by a significant margin. This dominance is due to an excellent recovery compared to the rest of the roster, quick speed, and high damage output that is difficult to contest due to an overall small size. | |||
Due to | Due to the majority of Pikachu players and the character's dominance, there was discussion in the community of having the character banned in 2017. Such discussions, such as from top Pikachu main KeroKeroppi, thought he should have been banned due to how much flexibility and reward the character offered. SuPeRbOoMfAn even used Pikachu a lot more in tournaments to further support Pikachu’s influence. However, this ban never ended up happening and Pikachu was left to continue to dominate the scene. In recent years, however, Pikachu is considered to have two close-to-even matchups, while in the past, he undisputedly had none. These two matchups that are considered to be managable are against {{SSB|Captain Falcon}}, with his wide array of powerful combo and KO moves, and recently Yoshi, due to his parry mechanics and having a few zero-to-death combos on Pikachu. Despite more developed counterplay, Pikachu continues to remain the top character in the metagame. | ||
In Doubles, even in [[Smash Remix]] tournaments, double Pikachu is often banned, due to very little reason not to use both.<ref>[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T99G_p8Nis5jwF2Y_r2zHEKvm0iKgz9jGVbEafkKl30/edit?usp=sharing Xanadu Origins Ruleset; stacked event where Double Pikachu was banned]</ref> Additionally, while allowed on his own, {{SSB|Kirby}} is often banned from being used alongside Pikachu, seen at tournaments such as [https://www.start.gg/tournament/battle-at-the-border-23/ Battle at the Border]. | |||
==Techniques== | ==Techniques== | ||
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==In Single-player== | ==In Single-player== | ||
In the game's Single-player mode, Pikachu is fought on the [[Saffron City]] stage. | In the game's Single-player mode, Pikachu is the fifth character to be fought. It is fought on the [[Saffron City]] stage. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{SSBCharacters}} | {{SSBCharacters}} | ||
{{Pokémon universe}} | {{Pokémon universe}} | ||