Editing Little Mac (SSBU)

|image = {{tabber|title1=Classic|tab1=[[File:Little Mac SSBU.png|250px]]|title2=Wireframe|tab2=[[File:Wireframe Mac SSBU.png|250px]]}}

'''Little Mac''' ({{ja|リトル・マック|Ritoru Makku}}, ''Little Mac'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', officially confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Little Mac is classified as fighter #49.

Kosuke Toriumi reprises his role as Little Mac in the game, via reused voice clips from ''Smash 4''.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Mario}} or any character in his unlock tree, being the third character unlocked after {{SSBU|Bayonetta}}.

With the exception of the third method, Little Mac must then be defeated on [[Boxing Ring]].

Little Mac offers a simple yet polarized fighting style, performing well on the ground, but poorly in the air. Fittingly, Little Mac is of below-average size, especially compared to other realistically proportioned characters. This can make him difficult to hit, and his low [[dash]] allows him to safely approach by "pseudo-[[crouching]]" under high attacks or projectiles, such as [[Hadoken]] and uncharged [[Water Shuriken]]. However, this also means that most of his moves have short [[range]], which makes [[spacing]] crucial for avoiding [[punish]]ment.

 

Little Mac is a [[weight|lightweight]] with the eighth fastest [[walking]] speed, the third fastest [[dashing]] speed, and above average [[traction]], granting him effective [[out of shield]] options. His [[sidestep]] and [[roll]]s are also among the fastest in the game, with the latter also being long-distanced, making it easy for Little Mac to punish grounded attacks. He also has below-average [[gravity]] and fast [[falling speed]], which gives him good vertical endurance for a lightweight. Aside from his average [[air speed]] and ability to [[wall jump]], however, the rest of Little Mac's aerial attributes are notoriously poor: his [[jump]] is tied with {{SSBU|Ryu}} and {{SSBU|Ken}} for fifth lowest, his [[double jump]] is the third lowest, his [[air acceleration]] is the fifth lowest, and his directional [[air dodge]] travels less distance than that of any other character. These attributes effectively force Mac to stay on the ground as often as possible.

Little Mac's greatest strength is his potent ground game. None of his grounded moves have more than 15 frames of start-up, whereas only his up smash has more than 30 frames of ending lag. Little Mac's neutral attack, in particular, is tied with {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}' for the fastest in the game, activating on frame 1. Despite his low weight, Little Mac boasts superb KO potential, thanks to his smash attacks' high damage output and knockback scaling. In particular, forward smash can be angled, with the downward variant dealing immense shield damage. Up smash's coverage allows it to serve as an effective anti-air, and its sweetspot also deals heavy shield damage. Finally, down smash is a [[semi-spike]] with fairly long range, allowing it to [[edge-guard]] easily against careless or vulnerable recoveries.

Besides their speed and strength, Little Mac's grounded moves are also difficult to interrupt. His neutral and tilt attacks boast [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]]; this prevents them from clanking with opposing ground attacks provided they're within priority range, allowing Mac to punish opponents very quickly due to his own attacks' high speed. While his smash attacks have normal priority, they instead boast [[super armor]] during their use. This offers Mac a unique way of punishing attacks by tanking the hit before immediately retaliating. These traits make him arguably the most challenging opponent to deal with on the ground.

Little Mac's special moves also have fairly respectable utility. [[Straight Lunge]] gains distance and power as it charges, deals heavy damage, and boasts light damage-based armor while charging, allowing him to tank through weak attacks before retaliating immediately afterward. The move can also be canceled by shielding, giving it utility for escaping certain combo moves such as [[Witch Twist]], and it can be turned around when released, offering decent mix-up potential. However, Straight Lunge's considerable ending lag limits its offensive utility as it can be easily intercepted or punished. [[Jolt Haymaker]] propels Mac forward with a leap that travels a fair distance, can be unleashed on command and grants brief [[intangibility]] during start-up, making it useful for [[tech-chasing]], repositioning, and escaping or punishing laggy moves.

[[Rising Uppercut]] grants brief intangibility on start-up and travels fairly high when used on the ground. This makes the move an effective combo breaker; combined with the last hit's high knockback scaling, it is also quite potent out of shield and for scoring aerial KO's. [[Slip Counter]] is an extremely fast [[counterattack]], making it useful for escaping pressure, especially aerial combos. It's also one of the few counters that slides forward before attacking, allowing Little Mac to get close to his opponent or even recover horizontally.

Lastly, Little Mac has a [[fighter ability|unique mechanic]] in the [[Power Meter]]. Shown over the [[damage meter]], the Power Meter charges by dealing at least 333%, receiving at least 100%, or some combination of the two. When fully charged, Straight Lunge is replaced by the [[Straight Lunge#KO Uppercut|KO Uppercut]], which can KO any charater at roughly 40%. KO Uppercut is also [[unblockable]] (barring [[Witch Time]]), boasts fast startup, and leaps slightly into the air; combined with its immense power, this can quickly turn the tide of a match if used successfully. However, Mac loses the KO Uppercut if [[tumbling|tumbled]] after a 4 second grace period (not including [[footstool jump]]ing), forcing him to use the move quickly. KO Uppercut also has considerable endlag regardless of whether it hits or not. As a result, it is unarguably one of the riskiest, yet most rewarding attacks in the entire series.

Despite his incredible strengths, Little Mac is held back by a slew of exploitable weaknesses, with the most notorious being his poor [[recovery]]. Mac's weak air mobility and high [[falling speed]] make him incredibly susceptible to [[gimp]]s from [[meteor smash]]es, semi-spikes, and even footstool jumps, especially if he doesn't have his double jump. His special moves are also considerably less effective while in the air. [[Straight Lunge]] loses much of its power when used in midair, and its long charge time makes it impractical for recovery. Aerial KO Uppercut is also significantly weaker, only KO'ing around 150%, and is also blockable.

While Jolt Haymaker and Rising Uppercut are Little Mac's most effective aerial KO options, they are very poor for recovery, offering minimal travel distance, small [[edge sweet spot]]s, and minimal intangibility. Jolt Haymaker does not cause [[helplessness]], allowing Mac to follow up with a wall jump, directional air dodge or Rising Uppercut; however it travels a mediocre distance and can only be used once before landing or grabbing the [[edge]]. Rising Uppercut loses roughly half its travel distance when used in midair, and aerial Slip Counter loses its intangibility. These traits result in Little Mac having more difficulty with recovering than any other character in the game, resulting in his recovery being commonly cited as the worst overall.

Little Mac also suffers from a deliberately ineffective air game. His air attacks have some perks; neutral aerial can combo into itself, forward and back aerials are semi-spikes, up aerial is a fast anti-air, and down aerial is the fastest [[meteor smash]] in the game. However, his aerials all have short range and minimal damage output, and while most of his aerials can [[auto-cancel]] from a short hop, his forward and back aerials cannot. This leaves Mac incredibly vulnerable in the air, as he has no means of properly defending himself beyond point-blank range. The low power of his aerials also makes them ineffective for flinching opponents, and Mac's only aerial KO options are his special moves, which are likely to result in [[sacrificial KO]]s if used off-stage. This also means that Mac is more severely affected by [[stale-move negation]] than most other characters, as he is effectively limited to using half of his moveset in most situations.

Little Mac's poor recovery and air game are compounded by his overall frailty. While his below-average gravity and high falling speed grant solid vertical endurance for a lightweight, they also make him extremely vulnerable to combos and juggling. Additionally, the super armor granted by Mac's smash attacks still causes him to take full damage. These traits make Mac extremely prone to momentum shifts; his lacking air game allows opponents to easily combo or even [[zero-to-death]] him after one mistake, even if  Mac was otherwise dominating the match. This forces Little Mac to stay grounded, as he is incapable of safely [[approach]]ing from the air.

While Little Mac's ground game is incredibly potent, it has several flaws of its own. Besides his downward angled forward smash and sweetspotted up smash, none of Mac's other moves deal extra [[shield damage]]; this makes his jab, up tilt, and dash attack especially unsafe against opponents who shield frequently, due to their short [[freeze frames]] and somewhat long endlag. Compounding this is Little Mac's lacking grab game; his grab range is very short, and the ending lag, high base knockback and low [[knockback scaling]] of his throws make them impractical for starting combos or scoring KOs despite their passable damage output.

Because Little Mac is largely ineffective in the air, his [[neutral game]] is very linear and predictable. Mac relies heavily on his shield and dodges for avoiding attacks and general positioning, both of which are predictable and easily punished. His short range can be problematic against characters with long or [[disjoint]]ed attacks. He also has trouble dealing with [[camping]]; while his super armor and special moves provide options for dealing with projectiles, he is still forced to approach as he lacks projectiles of his own. His short jumps and weak aerial attacks also leave Mac especially vulnerable to platform camping.

Overall, Little Mac's playstyle is like that of a real boxer: keeping constant control of the middle of the stage, capitalizing on the slightest openings, staying on the ground as much as possible, and utilizing his excellent ground mobility to minimize damage taken. He can be difficult to fully utilize despite his straightforward fighting style, as his weaknesses largely outweigh his strengths. Because of this, Little Mac is almost never seen in tournaments, although his major players have nonetheless achieved respectable results.

==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==

Despite being a lower mid-tier character in ''Smash 4'', Little Mac has been drastically nerfed in the transition to ''Ultimate''. While he has received notable improvements both directly and from game engine changes, he received more heavy nerfs to his damage, combo potential, hitbox size, and frame data. He also is mostly harmed by the universal engine changes in ''Ultimate'' compared to most of the cast who benefit from said changes.

His biggest buff involves his notoriously poor [[recovery]]: it has been extended and has greater mixup potential due to readdition of directional [[air dodge]]s, [[Jolt Haymaker]] no longer causing [[helplessness]] while traveling more distance, and [[KO Uppercut]] granting recovery distance in midair. His attributes have also been modified, as he now has a considerably faster [[air speed]] which helps him recover easier, higher jumps which no longer make him as vulnerable to platform [[camping]] (while also improving his recovery), and the second highest [[falling speed]] which makes it easier for him to return to the ground.  

He also benefits heavily from some universal changes: the readdition of [[dash dancing]] grants him one of the game's best dash dances, the universal nerf to grabs and [[shield grab]]s makes him more difficult to punish [[out of shield]], and [[dash cancel]]s give him arguably the biggest benefit of any fighter, as he now has access to all his grounded options at any time. Some of his ground moves have been improved: all versions of [[forward smash]] have lost their blindspots, while [[Straight Lunge]] gains damage while charging, can now be shield-canceled and can be turned around if needed, and deals a consistent 30% when fully charged.

However, Little Mac has received significant nerfs. Many engine changes have removed some of his strongest ground advantages: the inability to run past shields make it easier to corner Little Mac and read his fairly linear [[approach]], the removal of [[perfect pivot]]ing eliminates his extremely strong microspacing tactics, and Straight Lunge's [[armor]] can no longer withstand [[edge attack]]s due to them now doing more than 8% throughout the cast. He has also been nerfed directly: KO Uppercut KOs very slightly later, his best damage-racking abilities are weaker as [[neutral attack]], neutral infinite and up tilt all deal less damage (with the latter being less safe at low percents), while his [[down tilt]] is slower and can no longer combo reliably, removing most of his damage racking abilities as well as kill confirms. His weaker neutral attack and down tilt also make them less likely to out-prioritize attacks (since they offer [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]]). As a result, Little Mac's ground game has actually become worse, as he has to deal more hits and has less followup potential, while still lacking useful moves to edgeguard or attack offstage opponents with (apart from Jolt Haymaker and down smash). Down smash is now much less consistent as an edgeguard tool since the hitbox is smaller, and has been re-positioned higher, so much less of it hits under the stage.

In addition, despite some of the universal changes improving Mac, other indirect changes have significantly harmed him. Since defensive options ([[shield]]ing, [[air dodge]]s, [[roll]]s, and [[spot dodge]]s) have been nerfed, Little Mac's defense is more exploitable since he is extremely reliant on dodges and shielding, and the limitation to a single air dodge makes him even more susceptible to juggling and [[gimp]]s despite his improved recovery. The universal changes to jabs make it so that Little Mac can no longer jab cancel into moves such as KO Uppercut and [[Rising Uppercut]]. His recovery has ironically become less consistent than before, as Jolt Haymaker can now only be used once before landing (making misuse or interception usually fatal for him), and the ending lag of directional air dodges makes it difficult to fully extend his recovery. Finally, the universal reduction of [[jumpsquat]]s and landing lag benefits him far less while strengthening most of the cast's aerial games, making it even harder for him to contest against aerial rushdowns. 

Overall, despite some changes to Little Mac's notorious recovery and the ability to dash cancel moves, Little Mac has indirectly lost many tools that made him effective in the previous game, making him perform worse than his iteration in ''Smash 4''. As a result of this, his reception within the competitive community had been notoriously negative, to the point that he was almost unanimously considered the worst character in the game, including from ex-professionals such as {{Sm|ZeRo}}. This has been reflected in his tournament representation, as it is almost non-existent at national level tournaments; however, he still has several dedicated mains to his credit, including {{Sm|Sol}}, who continues to attain respectable results with him at the regional levels. Furthermore, patch 3.1.0 heavily improved his grounded kit, and has granted him a more formidable neutral attack, down and forward tilts, as well as specials having decreased lag. As a result from game updates, while some top players still maintain that Little Mac belongs in the lowest tier in the game,  many professionals have reevaluated their opinions on Little Mac, considering him to be a low tier rather than a bottom tier character, thanks to his more versatile and more reliable combo tools, albeit not enough to go higher due to his aerial game and recovery still being abysmal.

*{{change|As with all [[veteran]]s returning from ''SSB4'', Little Mac's model features a more subdued color scheme. His clothing now features simple detailing and his muscles are slightly more pronounced.}}

*{{change|Little Mac no longer has sixteen alternate costumes, only eight. Of the cut costumes, his blue and orange outfits have been removed, while Wire-Frame Mac has notably been reduced to just two outfits: his standard and sweatshirt outfits.}}

*{{change|For certain attacks, the visual trail textures will match the color of Little Mac's boxing gloves.}}

*{{change|Side taunt has been altered to have a significantly more noticeable glove-tightening and arm-swinging animation.}}

*{{change|[[Air dodge]] has an altered animation.}}

*{{change|Once [[Straight Lunge#KO Uppercut|KO Uppercut]] is used or lost, the [[Power Meter]] now shows the meter physically draining to zero, rather than cutting immediately to the lowest level.}}

*{{change|Little Mac now winces and frowns while clapping during the results screen.}}

*{{change|[[Doc Louis]]' quotes have been shortened in Little Mac's [[victory pose]]s.}}

*{{change|Doc Louis no longer appears in Little Mac's victory pose during Team Battles.}}

*{{buff|Like all characters, Little Mac's [[jumpsquat]] animation now takes three frames to complete (down from 5).}}

*{{buff|Little Mac benefits from the re-addition of directional [[air dodge]]s, which grant him a new option to mix up his landings.}}

**{{nerf|However, Little Mac's directional airdodge has the shortest distance in the game, preventing him from using it as a conventional recovery option, unlike most other fighters.}}

*{{buff|Little Mac benefits significantly from the ability to [[dash cancel]] almost any grounded attack, increasing the versatility of his ground game.}}

**{{nerf|In turn, Little Mac suffers from the removal of [[perfect pivot]]ing due to his previous heavy reliance on the technique in ''Smash 4''.}}

*{{buff|As characters no longer dash through each other, many of Little Mac's moves now connect consistently better, most notably with forward smash, [[Straight Lunge]], and [[KO Uppercut]].}}

**{{nerf|This change hinders his mixup options, as he can no longer run through opponents for a positional advantage.}}

*{{buff|Little Mac's [[air speed]] is much faster (1 → 1.208), going from tied for 31st fastest in ''Smash 4'' to tied for 12th in ''Ultimate''. Among other things, this improves his recovery.}}

*{{buff|Little Mac's max additional [[air acceleration]] is slightly higher (0.028 → 0.03).}}

*{{buff|Little Mac [[jump]]s higher, now being able to reach the lower platforms of [[Battlefield]] with one full hop, and the top platform with both jumps. This improves his offstage survivability and prevents him from being camped as easily.}}

*{{change|Little Mac's [[falling speed]] (1.8 → 1.95) and fast falling speed (2.88 → 3.12) are much faster, now tied with {{SSBU|King Dedede}} for the 2nd highest falling speed. This increases his survivability but makes him easier to combo.}}

*{{change|Little Mac is [[weight|heavier]] (82 → 87). This increases his survivability but makes him easier to combo.}}

**{{buff|Due to the universal improvements to neutral infinites, Little Mac's neutral infinite connects significantly better, as it could be escaped from relatively easily in ''SSB4''.}}

**{{change|Holding down the standard attack button causes Little Mac to do his three hit jab, while mashing it causes him to perform his neutral infinite. Previously, the infinite would be initiated by holding down standard attack.}}

**{{nerf|The removal of [[perfect pivot]]ing significantly harms up tilt's overall versatility.}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt's base knockback was reduced, while its knockback scaling was increased (50 (base), 80 (scaling) → 25/120). This makes up tilt unsafe on hit at very low percents while still sending opponents too far at higher percents to kill confirm while still being a non viable KO move.}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt is less effective for out-prioritizing attacks with its anti-rebounding priority, due to the move's lowered damage.}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt's second hit connects more consistently.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has more ending lag (FAF 22 → 26), significantly reducing its combo ability and followups with a majority of its followups only usable at extremely low percents, while limiting its few consistent followups at higher percents (Jolt Haymaker and Rising Uppercut).}}

*{{change|All smash attacks cause the screen to shake.}}

*{{change|While using any smash attack, Little Mac voices out with his weak knockback voice clip if he takes damage during the move. This allows for a minor mindgame when Mac is hit during his super armor state, but is otherwise a small detail.}}

**{{nerf|Downward angled forward smash deals more base knockback (50 → 65), harming its combo potential while still being too weak to KO.}}

**{{buff|Forward smash gains armor at half-charge or greater.}}

**{{change|Up smash's first frame produces a spark akin to a [[glancing blow]], which visualizes its stronger [[flame]] sweetspot.}}

**{{nerf|Both hits of down smash have a smaller hitbox.}}

*{{buff|All aerials have less landing lag.}}

*{{nerf|Due to Little Mac's faster falling speed, [[forward aerial]] and [[back aerial]] no longer [[auto-cancel]] in a shorthop.}}

*{{buff|[[Neutral aerial]] auto-cancels earlier (frame 25 → 16).}}

*{{nerf|All grabs have more ending lag (Standing: FAF 33 → 39, Dash: FAF 41 → 47, Pivot: FAF 34 → 42).}}

*{{change|[[Pummel]] is much faster, but deals less damage (2.1% → 1%).}}

*{{change|Down throw deals less base knockback, but higher knockback scaling (78 (base), 40 (scaling) → 50/88).}}

**{{nerf|The higher knockback scaling combined with ''Ultimate'''s knockback and hitstun changes makes down throw combo less reliably at higher percents.}}

*{{change|Little Mac has altered swing animations for battering [[item]]s like the [[Beam Sword]], no longer performing a stab forward when using a forward smash. This applies to all except his dash attack. Like in ''Smash 4'', he shares this change with {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}.}}

**{{change|KO Uppercut has a new animation. Little Mac performs a jumping uppercut while facing the screen, making it appear more identical to the Star Punch from ''Punch-Out!!'' on the NES.}}

**{{change|The new animation is treated as an actual jump, meaning it is possible to use the grounded variant and end up offstage, especially if the punch is used out of a dash.}}

**{{change|KO Uppercut no longer zooms in on Little Mac in a non-1v1 match due to the new Special Zoom mechanic.}}

**{{buff|Jolt Haymaker deals more base knockback (33 → 75), sending opponents into tumble at 0%.}}

**{{buff|Aerial Rising Uppercut keeps a small amount of forward momentum, slightly improving its horizontal distance.}}

**{{change|Rising Uppercut's first hit has a trail to highlight its hitbox.}}

**{{buff|Slip Counter has less ending lag (FAF 61 → 57).}}

**{{nerf|The effectiveness of DI hinders its [[OHKO]] potential on certain characters at the center of the stage even at max damage.}}

**{{change|Little Mac has a new [[Final Smash]] called [[Giga Mac Rush]]. Rather than using [[Giga Mac]] as a controllable transformation, Little Mac transforms into his Giga Mac form and rushes forward, and if he comes into contact with an opponent, he unleashes a rush of punches before launching them.}}

Likely due to him being considered one of the worst characters in the game, Little Mac has been notably buffed in game updates. Patch 2.0.0's buffs were inconsequential, giving minor ease-of-life changes to his situational aerial attacks; on the other hand, patch 3.1.0 significantly improved his ground game. Neutral attack was heavily improved: its hits connect better due to improvements to its attack range, and its first and second hits had their ending lag reduced significantly. Neutral attack 3 also has less ending lag if inputted manually. This gives neutral attack formidable combo potential, allowing neutral attack 3 to combo into another neutral attack, forward smash, grab or [[Jolt Haymaker]] at mid percents. It can also set up a KO combo into [[Rising Uppercut]] that works from jab 1 above 95%, and jab 2 above 200%, though these combos are not true since they can be shielded or interrupted by a fast enough move. Forward tilt connects better on aerial opponents, fixing the notorious inconsistency of the second hit, which would often whiff. Down tilt's range was improved, now being on par with {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}}'s and outranging {{SSBU|Ike}}'s. Jolt Haymaker has increased hitbox range, allowing the grounded version to hit opponents on [[Battlefield]]'s lower platforms. Finally, up smash has a longer [[super armor]] duration while KO Uppercut, Slip Counter and uncharged Straight Lunge had their ending lag reduced by various amounts, making Mac less vulnerable after attacking.

Overall, Little Mac's buffs have heavily improved his kit, grant him new potential setups and make his defense slightly better than before; {{Sm|Sol}}, one of the pioneers of the character, has notably viewed the buffs as good enough to exceed Mac's iteration in ''Smash 4''.[https://twitter.com/Solreth/status/1134386416111296512] However, how these buffs will affect him the long run is yet to be known.

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

*{{buff|Neutral aerial [[auto-cancel]]s earlier (frame 25 → 16), matching the move's [[interruptibility]].}}

**{{buff|The amount of time Little Mac cannot grab the ledge after performing neutral aerial has been shortened (46 frames → 40).}}

*{{buff|The amount of time Little Mac cannot grab the ledge after performing up aerial has been shortened (73 frames → 66).}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''

*{{buff|Neutral attack 2 has less ending lag (FAF 22 → 17) and more range.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack 3 has less ending lag and a slightly different animation if inputted manually, allowing Mac to act 10 frames earlier.}} <ref>https://youtu.be/1HCErTzAn6Y?t=518</ref>

*{{buff|Up smash has more super armor (frames 8-11 → 8-13).}}

*{{buff|KO Uppercut has significantly less ending lag when it is grounded (FAF 97 → 77).}}

*{{buff|Jolt Haymaker has more range at the start of the move.}}

*{{buff|Slip Counter has less ending lag (FAF 63 → 57).}}

|neutralname=&nbsp;

|neutralinfdmg=0.5% (loop), 3% (final hit)

|neutraldesc=A left jab, followed by a right hook, followed by a left uppercut. If the button is mashed, Little Mac will perform an extremely fast flurry of alternating punches, followed by a right uppercut. Holding the attack button will have Little Mac repeat the first hit rapidly. Like in ''Smash 4'', it is one of the fastest attacks in the game, with the first hit coming out on frame 1. As it offers [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]], it can also beat out most weak attacks. As a result, it is an excellent point-blank interrupting tool. The first two hits can [[lock]] floored characters, although this is difficult to perform on most characters due to the move's height. The first two hits have very low ending lag, allowing either to [[jab cancel]] into [[Rising Uppercut]]; this acts as a KO combo at various percents, with hit 2 working past around 145%, and hit 1 working past 200%. However, this combo can be safely shielded. If inputted manually, neutral attack 3 will allow Mac to act 10 frames earlier compared to holding the button, allowing followups into [[Jolt Haymaker]] or a grab. It can also lead into another neutral attack multiple times, which is known by the community as the "Dreamland Express" combo.

|ftiltname=&nbsp;

|ftiltdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|one-two combo}}. The first hit leads into the second hit, which deals excellent knockback that can KO {{SSBU|Mario}} from the edge of [[Final Destination]] at 90%. It also has anti-rebounding priority and the longest range of his tilts, making it useful out of a dash.

|utiltname=&nbsp;

|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing backfist. It covers the entirety of Little Mac's body, which allows him to use it as a quick option to punish overhead attacks or rolls. It is Little Mac's best combo initiator in general due to its anti-rebounding priority, low knockback and speed. The back hit combos better due to Mac having less endlag after. Combos include itself at low percents, and [[Rising Uppercut]] or [[KO Uppercut]] at low/mid percents if the opponent is close to him. It can also lead into tilts or smash attacks depending on an opponent's reaction. However, it is unsafe at very low percents, as opponents can act before Little Mac can. It resembles Don Flamenco's Twirling Backhand used during Title Defense Mode in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!'', albeit performed vertically instead of horizontally.

|dtiltname=&nbsp;

|dtiltdesc= A crouching {{s|wikipedia|short straight-punch}}. Like his neutral attack and tilts, it has anti-rebounding priority and has very fast startup. However, it has lost its formidable combo potential from ''Smash 4'' due to its higher ending lag and altered knockback angle, which sends opponents diagonally in front of Little Mac. As a result, it can only combo into tilts at 0%, and its only consistent combos at higher percents are [[Jolt Haymaker]], forward aerial, dashing Rising Uppercut, or KO Uppercut on heavyweights. Otherwise, it is mainly used to force opponents into a landing situation for Mac to capitalize on. As of patch 3.1.0, down tilt's range now exceeds those of some swordfighters, now being on par with {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}}'s and longer than {{SSBU|Ike}}'s.

|dashname=&nbsp;

|dashdesc=A lunging [[wikipedia:Overhand (boxing)|overhand]]. It is extremely fast for a dash attack (frame 7), travels a long distance, and acts as a situational KO option, doing so on Mario at 136% from the edge of Final Destination. However, it is notoriously punishable on shield, and is easily punished with a grab and throw, which puts Little Mac at a severe disadvantage due to his abysmal air game. The first frame has an early hitbox that deals the same damage, but KOs much later.

|fsmashname=Straight Smash

|fsmashupdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20}}

|fsmashsidedmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20}}

|fsmashdesc=Steps forward and throws one of three right-handed punch variations, depending on which angle the [[Control stick|control stick]] is tilted.

''Up'': An uppercut. It launches opponents vertically and has the largest hitbox out of all three punch variations, which makes it the easiest to connect while also being a decent anti-air. It deals powerful vertical knockback that KOs Mario at 102%, allowing it to finish off fighters with poor vertical endurance. It also grants super armor on frames 8-15. It resembles Little Mac's Star Punch and One-Star Punch in the NES and Wii versions of ''Punch-Out!!'', respectively.

''Forward'': A cross. It has the highest knockback scaling out of all three punch variations, KOing Mario from center-stage at 89%. This makes it the most reliable out of the three in regard to KOing. It also grants super armor on frames 8-15. It is based on the cross Little Mac hits King Hippo with during the cutscene in which he defeats Hippo in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!''

''Down'': A body hook. It deals the most damage out of all three punch variations, but its extremely low knockback scaling makes it unusable for KOing. Its high [[shieldstun]] makes it safer on shield than the other two punch variations, and it deals heavy shield damage, allowing it to deplete more than half a shield. It also grants super armor on frames 9-15.

|usmashname=&nbsp;

|usmashdesc=A wide uppercut. Its first frame is highlighted by a spark, which acts as a sweetspot that possesses a [[flame]] effect and deals significant shield damage. Its sourspot also makes it useful for aerial protection, thanks to its respectable damage output, high knockback scaling, and hitbox placement. However, it has the highest amount of ending lag out of his grounded moves. Despite its appearance, it also only hits in front of Little Mac, but it reaches high enough to challenge opponents standing on the bottom platforms of [[Battlefield]], and low enough to reach some opponents on a ledge. It also grants super armor on frames 8-11.

|dsmashname=&nbsp;

|dsmashdesc=Spins 180° to throw a quick, downward angled right hook in each direction. It is very fast and acts as a powerful [[semi-spike]] which hits on both sides. Coupled with its long range, it is one of Little Mac's only [[edgeguarding]] options. Like his other smash attacks, it grants super armor (frames 7-10 and 15-17). Unlike most down smashes, both of its hits have the same damage outputs.

|nairname=Weak Jab

|nairdesc=A downward angled straight jab. Due to it hitting on frame 2, it is the fastest neutral aerial in the game. When coupled with its very minimal ending lag, it can be used as a combo breaker of sorts when in the air. However, it has extremely low range, making it risky and difficult to use.

|fairname=&nbsp;

|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|5}}

|fairdesc=A hook. It has slight start-up and low damage output, but hits at a semi-spike angle, allowing it to act as a niche [[gimp]]. It can combo out of several of Little Mac's moves, though this is offset by its meager damage. It can combo into Jolt Uppercut, though this is extremely situational.

|bairname=&nbsp;

|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|6}}

|bairdesc=A backfist. Like his forward aerial, it has a low damage output and hits at a semi-spike angle, but comes out one frame slower and deals 1% more damage.

|uairname=&nbsp;

|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|5}}

|uairdesc=An upward arcing hook. It is extremely fast for an up aerial (frame 5), though this is significantly offset by its short range, low hitbox duration, and high ending lag. If used while near the ground, it can combo into up tilt and Rising Uppercut at high percents. It appears to be based on the jump Little Mac performs during his victory animation in the Wii version of Punch-Out!!

|dairname=&nbsp;

|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4}}

|dairdesc=A downwards palm thrust. The fist hitbox acts as a [[meteor smash]]. It is one of the quickest meteor smashes in the game, but is extremely situational due to its extremely low knockback and damage, with its meteor smash being ineffective against anyone but fast-fallers unless Little Mac footstool jumps on the opponent immediately after. However, it can [[lock]] floored opponents, allowing Mac to finish them with any of his strongest attacks. It will only get a meteor smash kill at 247% at the least.

|grabname=&nbsp;

|grabdesc=[[wikipedia:Grappling hold#Clinch hold|Clinches]] the opponent. In addition to having average range, Little Mac possesses one of the slowest non-tether grabs in the game. Its range can be increased by performing a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1If8eSLKwI roll cancel boost grab] and it can even be used to [[cross-up]] opponents, although this is difficult to pull off.

|pummelname=&nbsp;

|pummeldesc=A body hook.

|fthrowname=

|fthrowdesc=Rears his arm back and throws an overhand. Its low knockback scaling and slight endlag makes this move virtually impossible to lead into any combos: its only other utility is dealing damage. Nearby opponents will be launched at a near-perfect vertical trajectory.

|bthrowname=

|bthrowdesc=Spins the opponent around and throws an uppercut. The most damaging out of all of Little Mac's throws, as well as the highest knockback scaling. This is the only move with any KO potential, although it is unimpressive as a KOing option as it KOs Mario starting at 140% from the very edge of Final Destination. Nearby opponents will be launched at a near-perfect vertical trajectory.

|uthrowname=

|uthrowdesc=An uppercut. Nearby opponents will be launched at a near-perfect vertical trajectory. Due to Mac's weak aerial presence, this throw has little use apart from mixups involving forcing opponents to land.

|dthrowname=

|dthrowdesc=A [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Double axe handle|double axe handle]]. Its knockback was increased from the previous installment, which makes it much more difficult to lead into combos. Nearby opponents will be launched at a near-perfect vertical trajectory.

|edgedesc=Throws a lunging punch while climbing up the ledge.

|nsdmg=12%/10%/8% (uncharged), 10%/8% (uncharged, reversed), 30% (fully charged), 28% (fully charged, reversed), 35% (KO Uppercut), 13% (midair KO Uppercut)

|nsdesc=Rears his arm back and then throws a dashing cross. It is chargeable, grants 9.6% [[super armor|heavy armor]] while charging, can be reversed upon release, and moves Little Mac forward. The charge can be cancelled by pressing the shield button. When fully charged, it deals consistent damage throughout the move, lacking a weaker late hit. If the [[Power Meter]] is fully charged, it becomes the '''KO Uppercut''', a fast and extremely powerful leaping uppercut, with the ability to [[unblockable|pierce shields]] and also has enough range to reach through the bottom platform of Battlefield. Despite the name, however, it is not a true [[one-hit KO]], but instead KOs at low to mid percentages (KO's the [[Pichu (SSBU)|lightest character]] starting at 12%, and [[Bowser (SSBU)|the heaviest]] starting at 36%), while also granting super armor on frames 8-9. However, KO Uppercut possesses a considerable amount of ending lag, making it punishable regardless if it hits or not, and the Uppercut is immediately lost if Little Mac holds it for 4 seconds and is then hit by any move that causes tumbling. A midair KO Uppercut, although weaker and blockable/counterable, can also be used as a recovery option.

|ssdesc=An overhand version of the {{s|wikipedia|Superman punch}}. It can be used almost instantly by pressing the special button immediately after first pressing it. Grants brief [[intangibility]] on the ground during startup, and its long hitbox duration allows it to punish moves effectively. It does not render him helpless if used in midair, making it a good horizontal recovery option. However, it can only be used once before landing, making it extremely risky to use predictably due to Little Mac's mediocre recovery. Jolt Haymaker was given more range as of patch 3.1.0, allowing the grounded version to hit opponents on the bottom platforms of [[Battlefield]].

|usdmg=3% (hit 1), 1% (hits 2 - 5), 3% (hit 6)

|usdesc=A right-handed, jumping corkscrew uppercut, followed immediately by a left-handed uppercut. The first uppercut hits multiple times, whereas the second uppercut hits once and has extremely high knockback. Thanks to Little Mac's excellent traction, it is a very potent [[out of shield]] option, and is also one of his only reliable aerial finishers aside from Jolt Haymaker. It also grants 3 frames of intangibility on start-up, while the grounded version covers a decent amount of vertical distance. Conversely, the aerial version is less effective at covering vertical distance and granting maneuverability compared to the grounded version, which make it extremely ineffective for recovery. It appears to be based on Little Mac's Three-Star Punch in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!''

|dsdmg=1.3× (minimum 10%)

|dsdesc=Assumes a [[wikipedia:Boxing styles and technique#Stances|full crouch stance]] and, if hit, immediately [[counterattack]]s by {{s|wikipedia|slipping}} inside to throw an uppercut. It shoots Little Mac forward during the counterattack, allowing it to hit distant opponents and act as a recovery extended offstage, albeit with high risk. It has one of the fastest startups of any counter, making it an effective defensive option. It appears to be based on Glass Joe's Delayed Right Hook used during Title Defense Mode in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!''

|fsdmg=3% (beginning), 2% (beginning, late), 59% (entire)

|fsdesc=Little Mac transforms into his Giga Mac form and rushes forward, attacking any caught opponents with an uppercut. He then proceeds to unleash a rush of punches that concludes with an uppercut. For a Final Smash, it deals a massive amount of damage, and the initial dash can be used as a niche recovery option.

[[File:Little Mac SSBU Skill Preview Extra 1.png|thumb|right|Little Mac performing a KO Uppercut as shown by a Skill Preview in ''Ultimate''.]]

Little Mac has a unique mechanic known as the [[Power Meter]], which is permanently shown above his [[damage meter]]. Dealing damage or receiving damage from opponents will charge the meter; when full, Little Mac's neutral special ([[Straight Lunge]]) is replaced by the [[KO Uppercut]]. KO Uppercut has multiple perks: it can KO almost the entire cast around 35%, has very fast startup, grants [[super armor]] right before the hitbox appears, is [[unblockable]], and cannot be [[counterattack|countered]]. This only applies to the grounded version, as the aerial version is significantly weaker and blockable; however, it grants good recovery distance.

KO Uppercut will replace Straight Lunge until it is used, Little Mac is KO'd, or if he is sent [[tumbling]] 4 seconds after he gains a KO Uppercut.

Walks onto the stage while throwing a series of punches before tossing his hooded sweatsuit off. If either of his sweatsuit alternate costumes are being used, he will still perform the tossing animation while keeping his sweatsuit on.

*'''Side taunt''': Pulls the string of his right boxing glove tight with his teeth, then gets back to his battle stance while scoffing. Sometimes, Doc Louis will chime in and say "Let 'em have it, Mac!" ({{ja|ぶちかませ，マック！|Buchikama se, Makku!}}, ''Hit them hard, Mac!'')

*'''Down taunt''': Performs a series of punches while facing the screen. Sometimes, Doc Louis will chime in and say "Show 'em what you got, Mac baby!" ({{ja|お前のパンチを見せてやれ！|Omae no panchi wo misete yare!}}, ''Show them your punch!'')

*Does a fakeout punch against Doc Louis, who stumbles, before they both pose with an arm raised while facing towards the camera.

*Doc Louis bumps Little Mac with his belly before holding up Mac's arm, like a referee would after a boxing match. Little Mac shows an angry expression at the end, though he will eventually show a more neutral look after some time passes.

*Runs and turns his back towards the screen, shuffles his feet, then performs a spinning uppercut while Doc Louis cheers him on.

**''Doc Louis can say any of these at random, depending on which costume and pose.''

! Pose 1 !! Pose 2 !! Pose 3

| "You win, Mac!" || "World Circuit's all yours Mac!" || "Ahh, winnin' feels good, don't it?"

| "Was that a little too easy for ya, son?" || "(in tandem with the [[announcer]]) And the winner is… Little Mac!" || "Way to go, Mac! You're the champ, baby!"

| "Nice work, Mac. You got it all figured out." || "Ya got what it takes, Mac!" || "I think I hear a chocolate bar callin'."

| "I could barely keep my eyes on ya, son." || "You making my eyes water, son." || "Just like old times, huh?"

[[File:Victory! (Little Mac).ogg|thumb|A remix of the theme that plays when the player defeats an opponent in the NES and Wii ''Punch-Out!!'' games.]]

==In competitive play==

===Notable players===

<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot.-->

*{{Sm|Lazyboredom|USA}} - The best Little Mac player in the world. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 10}} and 9th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}} with both Little Mac and {{SSBU|Falco}}. Ranked 2nd on the [[North Carolina Power Rankings#Smash Ultimate|North Carolina Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Sol|United States}} - Placed 17th at {{trn|COST 2019}}.

Little Mac fights fighters that are close range martial artists. During the battles, every item except the [[Sandbag]] is disabled. As such, the Sandbag can be hit but will only spawn visual confetti.

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

|1||{{SSBU|Incineroar}} {{Head|Incineroar|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Boxing Ring]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Elite Four) / Battle! (Solgaleo/Lunala)}}''||

|2||{{SSBU|Ryu}} {{Head|Ryu|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Suzaku Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''||

|3||{{SSBU|Mii Brawler}} {{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (x4)||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Battlefield - Super Smash Bros. Brawl}}''||Mii Brawler costume combinations:  

*No headwear and Tracksuit

*Ninja Headband and Fighter Uniform

*No headwear and Protective Gear

|4||{{SSBU|Captain Falcon}} {{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Port Town Aero Dive]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Dream Chaser}}''||

|5||[[Little Mac (SSBU)|Wireframe Mac]] {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Wire}}||Boxing Ring||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Jogging / Countdown}}''||If playing as Wireframe Mac, he faces the default Little Mac {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px}} instead.

|6||{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} {{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||Boxing Ring ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong / Donkey Kong Jr. Medley}}''||

Although Little Mac does not appear in the World of Light opening cutscene, he was vaporized and later imprisoned alongside the rest of the fighters (sans {{SSBU|Kirby}}) when Galeem unleashed his beams of light.

Little Mac can be found near a city area blocked through a door. To reach him, the player must first complete the Power Plant sub-area so the door can open.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"

! style="width:5%;"|No.

! style="width:5%;"|Image

! Name

! Type

! Power

! Stage

! Music

| 49

| [[File:Little Mac SSBU.png|center|108x108px]]

| {{SSBU|Little Mac}}

| {{color|#dc1029|Attack}}

| 3,300

| [[Boxing Ring]] ([[Ω form]])

| ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Jogging / Countdown}}''

{{-}}

Little Mac's Fighter Spirit can be obtained by completing [[Classic Mode]]. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins. Unlocking Little Mac 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. Each Fighter Spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, Little Mac makes an appearance as a Primary Spirit as Giga Mac.

Little Mac Spirit.png|932. '''''Little Mac'''''

Giga Mac Spirit.png|933. Giga Mac

==In Spirit battles==

|{{anchor|Ricky}}Ricky

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|{{anchor|Porygon}}[[Porygon]]

|''Pokémon series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|[[Pokémon Stadium]]

|[[File:Teddy.png|center|64x64px]]

|Teddy

|''Earthbound series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|[[File:Giga Mac Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[Giga Mac]]

|''Punch-Out!! series''

|•Giant {{SSBU|Little Mac}} {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|[[File:Doc louis.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[Doc Louis]]

|''Punch-Out!! series''

|•{{SSBU|Little Mac}} {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|[[File:Bald-Bull.png|center|64x64px]]

|Bald Bull

|''Punch-Out!! series''

|•Giant {{SSBU|Little Mac}} {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|[[File:Piston hondo.png|center|64x64px]]

|Piston Hondo

|''Punch-Out!! series''

|•Giant {{SSBU|Little Mac}} {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|[[File:Balrog.png|center|64x64px]]

|Balrog

|''Street Fighter series''

|• {{SSBU|Little Mac}} {{Head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|{{anchor|Urban Champion Fighter}}[[File:Urbanchampionfighter.png|center|64x64px]]

|''Urban Champion series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|•[[Assist Trophy]] Enemies ([[Kapp'n]])

|•Timed battle<br>•Hostile assist trophies will appear after a little while<br>•The enemy doesn't like to jump

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Wrecking Crew Retro Medley}}

|{{anchor|Commander}}[[File:Commander X Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|•[[Assist Trophy]] Enemies ([[Andross]])

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Tunnel Scene - X}}

|{{anchor|Harry}}[[File:Harry teleroboxer.png|center|64x64px]]

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Tunnel Scene - X-Scape}}

SSBUWebsiteLittleMac2.jpg|Punching {{SSBU|Ganondorf}} on [[Coliseum]].

SSBUWebsiteBowser3.jpg|Attacking {{SSBU|Bowser}} on [[Mushroomy Kingdom]].

SSBUWebsiteIncineroar2.jpg|Hit by {{SSBU|Incineroar}} on [[Big Blue]].

SSBUWebsitePikachu6.jpg|Getting slammed by {{SSBU|Pikachu}}’s [[down throw]] in the Boxing Ring.

SSBUWebsiteSnake2.jpg|Getting kicked by {{SSBU|Snake}} on Kalos Pokémon League.

SSBUWebsiteRodin4.jpg|Little Mac struck by [[Rodin]]'s version of After-Burner Kick on the [[Great Plateau Tower]].

===Character Showcase Video===

*Little Mac's Showcase Video has him follow {{SSBU|Wario}}'s [[Wario Bike|motor bike]] while wearing his pink sweatsuit. This is a reference to the ''Punch-Out!!'' series, where Little Mac runs alongside [[Doc Louis]] on his bicycle.

*Little Mac's Classic Mode has a high spawn rate of [[Sandbag]], as a reference to his reveal video where he has a Sandbag in his training ring, as well as usage of similar punching bags by real boxers.

*Little Mac's penultimate battle in Classic Mode is against Donkey Kong, which alludes to their previous bout in the Wii version of ''Punch-Out!!''.

**Also, Little Mac can be unlocked by clearing Classic Mode as Mario which alludes to the latter's cameo as a referee since the very first Punch-Out!! game.

*There's an animation error in Little Mac's [[on-screen appearance]] when facing to the left; before removing his sweatsuit, he will be facing away from the camera. This did not occur in ''Smash 4''.

*Little Mac, {{SSBU|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBU|Greninja}}, {{SSBU|Olimar}}, {{SSBU|Ryu}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}, and {{SSBU|Ken}} are the only characters to never appear as minions in any Spirit battles.