Editing Bowser (SSBU)

'''Bowser''' ({{ja|クッパ|Kuppa}}, ''Koopa'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was suggested to appear in the then unnamed ''Ultimate'' in its first [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Gt42kVgCw teaser trailer] at the end of the March 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]], and officially announced in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o E3 2018 trailer] As opposed to being a starter character like in previous ''Smash'' games, Bowser is now an unlockable character. Bowser is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #14]].

Bowser retains the realistic roaring effects that he had in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', rather than using his voice actor from the ''Mario'' series, Kenny James.

 

Bowser is ranked 59th out of 82 on the tier list, placing him in the C+ tier. This is a noticeable drop from his placement in ''SSB4'', where he was ranked 24th out of 54.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} or anyone in his unlock tree, being the 1st character unlocked.

*Defeat [[Giga Bowser]] in [[World of Light]].

Bowser has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', though while he has received a comparatively higher amount of improvements, some of his biggest strengths from the previous game have been toned down or removed altogether, and the new engine changes pronounce his weaknesses. As a result, Bowser has been slightly nerfed overall.

Bowser has seen several buffs to his character attributes, power, and to his side special move, [[Flying Slam]]. Both Bowser's grounded and aerial mobility have improved (along with the rest of the cast), sporting a faster [[jumpsquat]] as well as faster [[dash]]ing, [[air speed|air]], and [[falling speed]]s, noticeably improving his ground-to-air transitioning and making him more adept at [[punish]]ing, while also allowing him to land and escape juggles with less difficulty than before, especially in the case of the former. Bowser is even heavier, and he also received an increase on his defensive game through a higher amplification of damage-based [[armor]] on his [[tilt attack|tilt]]s and [[smash attack]]s, which tones down one of the issues his [[Tough Guy]] armor had in ''SSB4'', improving it in general and making his already excellent endurance better.

Bowser's already high power was further strengthened in the transition as well (most notably on moves such as his tilt attacks, [[down throw]], [[Fire Breath]] and [[Whirling Fortress]]), which supplements his higher weight and improved adeptness at punishing. As for Flying Slam, it has significantly faster startup overall, now being on par with the fastest standing grabs in the game such as {{SSBU|Mario}}'s and making it the fastest command grab in the game, which heavily improves his options against shielding opponents.

However, despite his lower amount of nerfs, the hindrances to Bowser's grab game has been very detrimental to him. Much like {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, Bowser's infamous up throw, previously a fearsome combo starter with a myriad of followups and KO setups, has lost its combo potential past mid to high percentages due to its increased knockback and ending lag, removing its KO setups, and requiring precise execution to combo past mid percent. Additionally, his pivot grab, notorious for its massive range in ''SSB4'', has shorter range. The universal nerfing of grabs further compounds these hindrances, as it's now harder for Bowser to make use of his otherwise respectable grab game.

Aside form the nerfs to grabs, the universal changes both help and hinder Bowser, but halt him more overall. On one hand, the ability to [[Run cancel|use any attack out of a run]] further enhances his ground game, as it gives him more reliable ways to punish the opponent due to his powerful, heavy-armored tilts and smash attacks. On the other hand, the universally decreased [[landing lag]] has improved Bowser's atrocious landing options, giving him less trouble at landing than before, which complements his now fast falling speed and streamlined jumpsquat; however, it also allows several characters to combo him with much more ease (comparable to in ''Melee''), especially due to his larger weight and faster falling speed. The changes to [[air dodge]]s, while making him slightly less susceptible to horizontal combos and general juggling since he can use one to escape, they also make him more vulnerable to [[edgeguarding]]. In bulk, these changes have improved Bowser's offense at the notable cost of his already poor disadvantage state and decent defensive game, despite the existence of [[Whirling Fortress]] as an [[out of shield]] option.

Overall, Bowser's moveset has seen a general increase in utility, his survivability and speed were improved much further, and his incredible power was kept intact. The neutering of his combo throw has removed the ease of his highly damaging and KOing setups, removing much of the oppressive factor he had on the ground and shifting the focus on overall movement and threatening the opponent from mid range with un-reactable grabs and wide aerials to push the opponent in a corner or put them in disadvantage. These changes have made his moveset less polarized, with all-around decently effective options for different situations and a renewed affinity for quickly closing the distance between him and his opponent, moving away from his "mighty glacier" playstyle. Bowser also still retains flaws such as a heavy susceptibility to general pressure (such as combos, juggling and tech-chasing), and his changes have failed to completely alleviate the latter problem. Combined with several veterans receiving buffs just as significant as his, decidedly unimpactful changes from game updates, general optimizations to the metagame, and the introduction of powerful DLC characters, Bowser performs worse than in ''SSB4'', being slightly worse relative to the cast.

{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Bowser}}

==Update history==

Aside from glitch fixes, Bowser has been buffed slightly via game updates. Update 2.0.0 strengthened his neutral attack, forward tilt and down smash and improved [[Whirling Fortress]]' consistency. Update 3.0.0 further buffed Whirling Fortress by ensuring that its grounded version cannot be [[tech]]ed, which makes it an even more potent out of shield option. Update 4.0.0 removed [[Down air stall|down aerial stalling]], which standardized his down aerial and other [[stall-then-fall]]s by extension. Most recently, Bowser's shield was enlarged as part of a near-universal buff via update 7.0.0.

As a result of these changes, Bowser fares slightly better than he did at ''Ultimate''{{'}}s launch.

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|1.1.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.1.0|char=Bowser}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/2.0.0|char=Bowser}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''

 

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|6.0.0}}'''

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''

 

*Bowser also has damage-based armor on the start-up of his tilts and smash attacks. Each move has a damage threshold: 4% for tilts, 8% for up and down smash, and 10% for forward smash. Any attack that is below the indicated percent will be armored, but an attack with a larger percent won't.

**For example, Bowser will armor the first 4 hits of [[Limit Charge|Limit]] [[Cross Slash]] (which deal 3% each) during his up tilt, but the 5th hit (which deals 10%) will launch him. However, Bowser's forward smash will be able to armor even the last hit of Limit Cross Slash.

*Bowser can [[crawl]]. It does lower his hurtbox quite a bit, but not enough to be utilized as a mean to move under most projectiles, like some characters can do with their crawl. However, it is often used at ledge for repositioning before a 2-Frames attempt. But, outside of this, it is almost always impractical because his crouch posture doesn't completely lower his hurtbox.

|neutralname=Koopa Palm Strike ({{ja|クッパ掌打|Kuppa Shōtei}}) / Koopa Pursuit Attack ({{ja|クッパ追い打ち|Kuppa Oiuchi}})

|neutral2dmg=7%

|neutraldesc=Performs a palm thrust, then a straight punch. While somewhat slow for a neutral attack, its low endlag makes it safer on shield than most others. Bowser's arms each have [[intangibility]] (frames 7 and 8, and frames 9-11, respectively). Unlike most neutral attacks, Bowser's has enough knockback to become a reliable KO move at high percentages. Based on his defensive punches from ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''.

|ftiltname=Koopa Back Fist ({{ja|クッパ裏拳|Kuppa Uraken}})

|ftiltdmg=13%

|ftiltdesc=Does a backhanded punch forwards. The punch may be angled up or down, but doing so does not affect damage or knockback.  Has damage-based armor (frames 7-9) and intangibility on his arm (frames 10-14). The downward-angled version can very reliably 2-frame most recoveries, and can KO most characters at around 90%. Based on the second hit of his [[mariowiki:Drill Claw|Drill Claw]] from ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''

|utiltname=Ceiling Scratch ({{ja|天井ひっかき|Tenjō Hikkaki}})

|utiltdesc=Does a 180-degree overhead arcing claw swipe. It comes with wide range and average ending lag, allowing it to 50/50 combo into itself at low percents. At slightly higher percents, it can lead into neutral air and back air. The attack will almost always send the opponent directly above Bowser. It also boasts a respectable amount of kill power, being one of the strongest up tilts in the game and KOing at around 120%. Has damage-based armor (frames 8-10) and makes Bowser's arm intangible (frames 11-16). However, it has noticeable startup lag, coming out on frame 11.

|dtiltname=Spoiled Brat Punch ({{ja|だだっ子パンチ|Dadakko Panchi}})

|dtiltdesc=Does an alternating pair of hooks. Both hits deal 15% in total, only slightly higher than the first hit's damage output in ''SSB4'', being 14%. Down tilt's second hit comes out five frames earlier, and gains the ability to trip opponents. It also grants damage-based armor on the first hit (frames 7-9), and intangibility on his arms for both (frames 10-12, and 10-14, respectively). It can still hit many ledge hangs, although the first hit having set knockback can cause the second hit to whiff if a ledge hang is low enough.

|dashname=Jumping Kick ({{ja|ジャンピングキック|Janpingu Kikku}})

|dashdesc=Does a jumping side kick, similar to Meta Knight's dash attack. Good for hitting prone or tumbling opponents and has high base knockback. However, its knockback scaling is poor, preventing it from killing under 200%, along with having high ending lag, making it very punishable.

|fsmashname=Megaton Drop Kick ({{ja|メガトンドロップキック|Megaton Doroppu Kikku}})

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|23}} (clean feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20}} (clean body),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (late feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (late body)

|fsmashdesc=Does a powerful dropkick. Its outstanding damage output threatens shields, being able to inflict significant damage to them. When spaced properly, it can even hit opponents hanging on an edge or lingering just below it. It grants damage-based armor (frames 17-21), and the clean hitboxes render Bowser's feet [[invincible]] (20-25), whereas its late hitboxes have anti-rebounding priority. It is tied with {{SSBU|Kazuya}}'s forward smash as the third strongest in the game, as it can KO opponents at 56% from center stage. However, due to coming out on frame 22 and having 43 frames of ending lag, it's very punishable if whiffed or shielded.

|usmashname=Rising Spike ({{ja|ライジングスパイク|Raijingu Supaiku}})

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|22}} (spikes),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (sides), <br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (landing)

|usmashdesc=Jumps to thrust his shell upwards while spinning. Deals the most damage to opponents who come into contact with Bowser's shell spikes, while other opponents get hit by the sourspots on his head and tail or the landing hitbox instead. The sweetspot KOs at around 80% uncharged, making it the strongest up smash in the game. Grants damage-based armor (frames 11-15) and invincibility on his shell (frames 14-27), making it an excellent anti-air tool that is hard to compete with.

|dsmashname=Rampage Scratch ({{ja|あばれひっかき|Abare Hikkaki}})

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (hit 1),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15}} (hit 2)

|dsmashdesc=Does two grounded claw swipes, hitting opponents in front of him, then behind him. Active on frame 12, making it Bowser’s fastest smash attack. It's also among the strongest down smashes in the game, with KO power comparable to many other characters' forward smashes; the front hit deals slightly more damage than the back hit, though they both do about the same knockback. Grants damage-based armor (frames 5-11), but unlike his other smashes, it possesses no invincibility. It can hit most characters' ledge hangs and is useful for covering rolls, but its extremely high ending lag, even more than on his forward smash, makes it very punishable.

|nairname=Koopa Wheel ({{ja|クッパホイール|Kuppa Hoīru}})

|nairdesc=An aerial cartwheel. While it is difficult to connect all 4 hits, it is incredibly damaging for an aerial, and it can even open up KO confirms on landing, such as into forward aerial, back aerial, and up aerial. This makes it Bowser's best combo starter when landing with it, as even at low percentages it can combo into up tilt and up smash. It comes out on frame 8. However, the hits after the first don't connect very reliably due to their knockback scaling, and the attack has poor range, with the hitboxes for each hit appearing on specific points on Bowser's hands and feet. It also has noticeable landing lag (15 frames) and doesn't auto-cancel in a short hop.

|fairname=Jump Scratch ({{ja|ジャンプひっかき|Janpu Hikkaki}})

|fairdesc=Swipes downward with one claw. It has fairly quick start-up (frame 11), a respectable damage output and knockback, can pseudo-wall of pain with [[Whirling Fortress]] as a finisher, and has great range, as it can even hit opponents below him. It can also auto-cancel in a short hop. Altogether, these traits make for arguably Bowser's most versatile aerial.

|bairname=Rocket Kick ({{ja|ロケットキック|Roketto Kikku}})

|bairdesc=A dropkick. It's incredibly powerful, one of the strongest back aerials in the game, as it can KO around 100% from center-stage and as low as 60% at the edge. It is active on frames 9-11 and can [[auto-cancel]] in a short hop, making it somewhat safe when retreating. However, it has the most landing lag out of any back aerial in the game (24 frames), making it risky to use when close to the ground. Despite its kill power and quick startup, its hitbox is lackluster, lacking much vertical range, and Bowser's hurtbox extends beyond the actual hitbox of the move on its first active frame, making it susceptible to failing against disjointed attacks.

|uairname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}})

|uairdesc=An upwards arcing headbutt. Deals great knockback, enough to KO at around 100% near the upper blast line, thus being among the strongest up aerials in the game. Grants intangibility to his head (frames 3-13), which, when combined with its quick startup (frame 9) and its power, makes it an effective juggling tool. However, it can be difficult to properly use because of its mediocre general range.

|dairname=Scrub Brush ({{ja|スクラブブラシ|Sukurabu Burashi}})

|dairdesc=A [[stall-then-fall]] attack that involves Bowser retreating into his shell while turning upside-down, then propelling himself towards the ground while spinning. The first few active frames being able to [[meteor smash]] opponents, in combination with the move's large hitbox and powerful diagonal knockback during the later active frames, make it a moderately effective [[edgeguarding]] tool. The move emits a small shockwave on both sides when Bowser lands, which makes the move slightly harder to punish. Should Bowser use the move while he's off stage, it is almost guaranteed to cause a [[self-destruct]] due to its high ending lag and his fast falling speed. Bowser will hover in the air for a brief period before the active frames begin, allowing this move to stall his landing. Grants intangibility on his arms and legs in midair (frames 14-60) and upon landing (frames 1-27). Resembles an attack used by Spinies and Buzzy Beetles where they withdraw into their shell and drop from the ceiling.

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|grabdesc=Reaches out. Bowser’s grabs have very good reach for being non-tether grabs. but are not the fastest.

|pummelname=Grab Headbutt ({{ja|つかみヘッドバット|Tsukami Heddobatto}})

|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent. Slow but strong.

|fthrowname=Slingshot ({{ja|スリングショット|Suringushotto}})

|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent in between his horns, then rears his head back and powerfully lunges it forward to launch the opponent. Second strongest forward throw in the game, only after {{SSBU|Incineroar}}'s, but despite its great knockback, its relatively long startup (at frame 36) makes it easy to [[DI]] on reaction. It starts killing Mario near the edge of Final Destination at around 141% with good DI (in), or around 117% with max rage.

|bthrowname=Back Throw ({{ja|バックスルー|Bakku Surū}})

|bthrowdesc=Throws the opponent backwards in a sideways motion with one arm, akin to {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}'s regular back throw. It has the exact same damage output, angle and knockback values as his forward throw, however, since it's far easier to land a grab at the outermost edge of the stage (i.e. closer to the blast line) when facing toward it, e.g. by rolling to the ledge, back throw reliably kills middleweights below 140%, or 115% with max rage. Moreover, with a significantly faster startup at frame 19, it's harder to react to and DI than forward throw.

|uthrowname=Flesh Mixer ({{ja|フレッシュミキサー|Furessu Mikisā}})

|uthrowdmg=0.5% (hits 1-7),<br>2% (hit 8),<br>4% (hit 9)<br>2% (throw)

|uthrowdesc=Throws the opponent slightly upward, withdraws into his shell, and then spins rapidly in order to repeatedly stab them with his shell's spikes. He hops up on the final hit to launch the opponent upwards. Can combo into forward, neutral, and up aerials at low percents.

|dthrowname=Heavy Press ({{ja|ヘビープレス|Hebī Puresu}})

|dthrowdesc=Places the opponent on the ground and body slams them. It deals 14%, making it the third most damaging throw in the entire game only after {{SSBU|Steve}}'s down throw with an Anvil and {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}'s up throw. Its high base knockback, low knockback scaling, and high ending lag prevent it from having any follow-ups. However, its high damage and base knockback make it a good mix-up and an option to send opponents offstage.

|edgedesc=Bowser slowly climbs up from the ledge and then swipes at the ground in front of him. It has the longest reach out of any edge attack.

|nsdmg=1.8% (loop)

|nsdesc=[[mariowiki:Fire Breath|Expels a stream of fire from his mouth]]. It gradually loses strength and range the longer it is used, but it will slowly regain its strength when not in use. It can be angled up or down, which can potentially intercept recovering opponents, although the flames at the very end of the stream do not cause [[flinch]]ing. It deals notoriously high damage; at close ranges it can potentially deal over 30% in a matter of seconds.

|ssdmg=18%-23.4% (throw),<br>15% (collateral)

|ssdesc=Grabs an opponent and then jumps with them into the air and backflips before [[Wikipedia:Suplex#Belly-to-belly suplex|belly-to-belly suplexing]] them onto the ground, causing an aesthetic explosion. Bowser spins around dramatically during the descent. It has a quick frame 6 startup and does strong vertical knockback that can KO at 130%, making it a deadly mixup tool in the air. However, it is very susceptible to DI giving it somewhat mediocre KO power if used too far from the edge of the stage. The move also has a massive 46 frames of endlag on whiff, making it extremely punishable. The suplex can hit other opponents on the descent for similarly powerful knockback. It can be used to dive off-stage with the opponent for a potential [[sacrificial KO]], although this becomes more difficult to do if Bowser has a higher percent, and it is possible to recover if the opponent has a long vertical recovery. The ascent grants intangibility (frames 1-23), and can launch opponents significantly far when falling, although the explosion has no hitbox. The move deals more damage based on fall distance, following the formula <code>18×(1+0.003d)</code> where <code>d = landing height - grab height</code>, maxing out at 100 units (18×1.3)&mdash;roughly the distance from [[Temple]]'s highest platform to the ground below it.

|usdmg=1% (grounded hits 1-7),<br>6% (grounded hit 8),<br>7% (aerial hit 1),<br>1% (aerial hits 2-11),<br>2% (aerial hit 12)

|usdesc=Withdraws into his shell and spins around rapidly, striking multiple times. It starts up on frame 6 and is capable of moving forward or backward while doing so, which makes it an extremely effective [[out of shield]] option, launching opponents vertically and easily putting them into disadvantage. In the air, it propels Bowser diagonally upwards, travelling impressive distance vertically and horizontally; the move can cover a greater distance via button mashing near the end of the move.

|dsdesc=A {{s|mariowiki|Ground Pound}}. It deals immense vertical knockback to anyone hit and can KO under 100%, making it a situational, yet potent kill move. On the ground, Bowser performs a weak headbutt that drags opponents into the main attack, which is impossible to avoid if it connects. If performed in the air, Bowser performs the Ground Pound after a brief pause instead of leaping first. Emits a shockwave upon landing and will break full shields if all of its grounded hitboxes connect. It will almost certainly cause a [[self-destruct]] if used off-stage due to its ending lag, though it can grab ledges if Bowser is near one. The startup can meteor smash, although it possesses rather weak knockback in comparison to its impressive damage. It resembles the attack he uses during his boss fight in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.

|fsdesc=Bowser transforms into [[Giga Bowser]] and teleports into the background, where he becomes impervious to attacks. Red crosshairs will appear on screen to indicate where Giga Bowser will aim his punch, which can be moved around with the control stick; the crosshairs also contains a depleting green gauge around their circumference to indicate how much time is left until the attack will activate automatically, though the attack can be activated manually before the gauge fully depletes. If the opponent's damage percent is 60% or greater before they are punched, they are instantaneously [[screen KO]]'d.}}

 

|dash      = 2.255

|run        = 1.971

|djump      = 32.61

}}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowser's opponents are all wearing attire that is red (and/or use fire-based attacks), which is a reference to his mortal enemy (Mario) wearing red clothing. Bowser also fights [[Rathalos]] as the penultimate boss, who is red. The final battle is against [[Mario]], with [[Metal Mario]] appearing after Mario is defeated.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes

|1||{{CharHead|Mii Brawler|SSBU|hsize=20px}} (×2), {{CharHead|Mii Gunner|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, and {{CharHead|Mii Swordfighter|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Find Mii]]|||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Airship Theme - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''||{{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} costumes:

|2||{{CharHead|Ken|SSBU|hsize=20px}}|||[[Suzaku Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''||

|3||{{CharHead|Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Brinstar (Melee)}}''||

|4||Giant {{CharHead|Charizard|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and Giant {{CharHead|Incineroar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road - Pokémon Ruby / Pokémon Sapphire}}''||Giant Charizard's {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} is absent. Items do not appear.

|5||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Jungle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''||

|6||[[Rathalos]]||[[Forest Hill]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Roar/Rathalos}}''||

|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]

|Final||{{CharHead|Mario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, then [[Metal Mario]]||[[New Donk City Hall]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Ground Theme (Band Performance) - Super Mario Bros.}}'' <small>(Against Mario)</small><br> ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Metal Battle}}'' <small>(Against Metal Mario)</small>||Functions as a role-reversal to the final battle of Mario's Classic Mode route, where he fights Bowser, then [[Giga Bowser]].

[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Bowser has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}'' accompany the credits.

Bowser was among the fighters that were summoned to the cliffside to fight the army of [[Master Hand]]s.

During the opening cutscene, Bowser was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. Bowser attempted to fight back against the beams, using his Fire Breath alongside the {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} using his [[Pokémon]] to perform [[Triple Finish]]. This effort ended up being fruitless, however, as both were vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the rest of the fighters, except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}. Presumably, it was during this time that he ended up transformed into [[Giga Bowser]] and later dispatched to a molten castle to guard it. Eventually, several fighters cornered and fought Bowser in his Giga Bowser form and, upon defeating him, he was freed from Galeem's control.

Bowser's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Bowser. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Bowser has been unlocked. Unlocking Bowser in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, Bowser makes an appearance in various primary and support spirits.

SSBU spirit Bowser.png|7. '''''Bowser'''''

SSBU spirit Bowser (Wedding).png|30. Bowser (Wedding)

SSBU spirit Dry Bowser.png|63. Dry Bowser

SSBU spirit Paper Bowser.png|95. Paper Bowser

SSBU spirit Paper Bowser (Paper Mario Sticker Star).png|96. Paper Bowser (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)

SSBU spirit Baby Bowser.png|301. Baby Bowser

SSBU spirit River Survival.png|1,301. River Survival

SSBU spirit Fury Bowser.png|1,471. Fury Bowser

Bowser_unlock_notice_SSBU.jpg|Bowser's unlock notice.

SSBUWebsiteBowser1.jpg|[[Idling]] on the [[Umbra Clock Tower]].

SSBUWebsite7.jpg|Coming to a stop next to a [[Fire Flower]] on [[The Great Cave Offensive]].

SSBUMarioJPTwitter2.jpg|Performing his [[forward tilt]] next to {{SSBU|Mario}} and Peach on [[Princess Peach's Castle]].

===Fighter Showcase Video===

*Much like in ''Smash 4'', Bowser was the first ''Melee'' newcomer to be confirmed for ''Ultimate''.

*During the segment of the E3 2018 Nintendo Direct focusing on Bowser, Sakurai states that the size change made to his Final Smash is an allusion to the boss fight with {{s|mariowiki|Baby Bowser}} at the end of ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island}}''.

*Bowser is the only fighter to be fought in [[Giga Bowser|a form other than their regular appearance]] to recruit them in World of Light.

**Bowser is the only character of these four who does not face a metal version of himself, instead facing Mario.

*In World of Light, Bowser is the only villain that is unlockable in [[The Light Realm]]. The others are unlocked in [[The Dark Realm]], with the exception of {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}, who is unlocked in {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}}, though she is still affiliated with [[Dharkon]].

**{{SSBU|King Dedede}} is also a recurring antagonist in his game series that can be found on The Light Realm, making him and Bowser the only two recurring antagonists found under Galeem's control. Unlike Bowser, King Dedede is more of an anti-hero although Bowser is an anti-hero in some ''Mario'' spin off games like ''Super Paper Mario'' and ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''.

*On the "No Contest" screen, Bowser's model is significantly smaller relative to other characters than it is during normal gameplay.

*There appears to a visual glitch where Bowser's shell model is not used while under the effects of [[Superspicy Curry]].

**There's also another glitch where if he performs a jump while equipped with a {{b|Screw Attack|item}}, he will be shown in a [[t-pose]]. This glitch has now been patched.

*Bowser's Classic Mode is one of only four to feature a fight against a boss (in this case, Rathalos) outside of the boss round, the others being {{SSBU|Mega Man}}, {{SSBU|Hero}} and {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, and one of the few whose boss round does not feature a designated boss, instead fighting characters who are otherwise playable (in this case, Mario and Metal Mario).

*Despite also wearing primarily red clothing, King Dedede, {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Villager}}, and {{SSBU|Shulk}} do not appear in Bowser's Classic Mode route.

*Interestingly, performing Bowser's down aerial on a {{b|ladder|stage element}} does not cause him to let go and fall to the ground, despite being a [[stall-then-fall]] move. He is the only character with this trait.

*Bowser briefly reverts to his hunched-over ''Super Smash Bros. Melee/Brawl'' idle pose after his stun animation.