Editing Pichu (SSBU)

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{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Pichu
|name = Pichu
|image= {{tabber|title1=Normal|content1=[[File:Pichu SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Spiky-eared Pichu|content2=[[File:SSBU Spiky Pichu.png|x247px]]}}
|image= {{tabber|title1=Normal|tab1=[[File:Pichu SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Spiky-eared Pichu|tab2=[[File:SSBU Spiky Pichu.png|x247px]]}}
|game = SSBU
|game = SSBU
|ssbgame1 = SSBM
|ssbgame1 = SSBM
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = C+
|ranking = 53
}}
}}
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'''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed alongside {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} and the rest of the returning roster on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018. While Pichu remains a full [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, it is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Pichu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #19]].
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->


'''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed alongside {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} and the rest of the returning roster on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018. While Pichu remains a close [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, it is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Pichu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #19]].
{{s|wikipedia|Satomi Kōrogi}}, Pichu's voice actress from the ''Pokémon'' anime and ''Melee'',  reprises her role with new voice clips. In addition, the 'spiky-eared' variant of Pichu (who appears as a playable character in ''Ultimate'' via Pichu's [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Pichu|alternate costumes]]) is also voiced by Kōrogi rather than {{s|wikipedia|Shoko Nakagawa}}, who originally voiced the aforementioned 'spiky-eared' variant in the ''Pokémon'' anime's twelfth movie, ''[[bulbapedia:M12|Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]''.
 
{{s|wikipedia|Satomi Kōrogi}}, Pichu's voice actress from the ''Pokémon'' anime and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'',  reprises her role with new voice clips. In addition, the 'spiky-eared' variant of Pichu (who appears as a playable character in ''Ultimate'' via Pichu's [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Pichu|alternate costumes]]) is also voiced by Kōrogi rather than {{s|wikipedia|Shoko Nakagawa}}, who originally voiced the aforementioned 'spiky-eared' variant in the ''Pokémon'' anime's twelfth film, ''[[bulbapedia:M12|Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]''.
 
Pichu is ranked 53rd out of 82 on the current tier list, placing it in the C+ tier. This is a significant improvement over its low tier placement in ''Melee'', where it was ranked 22nd out of 26. Pichu boasts good combo ability and great KO power, with its fast [[falling speed]] aiding in its combo potential. It is also very hard to hit due to its small hurtbox and good mobility.
 
However, Pichu is hindered by critical flaws. Its biggest flaw is being the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game. This combined with it taking [[recoil]] damage when using [[electric]] moves makes Pichu a "glass cannon" and can be KO'd earlier than any other character. Its fast falling speed makes it more susceptible to combos despite being so light.
 
Pichu's representation in tournaments has changed throughout ''Ultimate''{{'}}s metagame. At launch, Pichu was often seen as a contender for the best character in the game thanks to the drastic buffs it received, such as greatly reduced recoil damage and a fast [[forward tilt]] that can KO opponents around 100%, which led to a large playerbase spearheaded by {{Sm|VoiD}} and {{Sm|Nietono}}. However, [[List of updates (SSBU)#3.1.0|update 3.1.0]] gave Pichu major nerfs, making it more of a high-risk, high-reward character and leading many to deem it inferior to Pikachu. Despite this, Pichu continues to see moderate success from dedicated mains, most notably {{Sm|NaetorU}} and {{Sm|Yone_pi}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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==Attributes==
==Attributes==
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
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Pichu is a character of extremes. As a clone of Pikachu, many of its attributes are similar, such as its even smaller size and quick mobility, though with a few noticeable differences. Pichu is the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game, has fast [[walk]]ing and above average [[dash]]ing speeds with average [[traction]], above average [[jump]]ing force, average [[air speed]] but being tied for the ninth highest [[air acceleration]], and fast [[falling speed]] while being tied for the fifth highest [[gravity]]. However, it has the lowest [[fast fall]] multiplier in the game, causing its fast-falling speed to be average. Overall, these attributes give Pichu a slightly slower grounded approach than Pikachu, make its aerials not [[autocancel]] as easily and makes it more vulnerable to combos, but also gives it a much faster ground-to-air and air-to-ground approach, making its mobility as reliable as Pikachu's own.
Pichu is a character of extremes. As a clone of Pikachu, many of its attributes are similar, such as its even smaller size and quick mobility, though with a few noticeable differences. Pichu is the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game, has fast [[walk]]ing and above average [[dash]]ing speeds with average [[traction]], above average [[jump]]ing force, average [[air speed]] but being tied for the ninth highest [[air acceleration]], and fast [[falling speed]] while being tied for the fifth highest [[gravity]]. However, it has the lowest [[fast fall]] multiplier in the game, causing its fast-falling speed to be average. Overall, these attributes give Pichu a slightly slower grounded approach than Pikachu, make its aerials not [[autocancel]] as easily and makes it more vulnerable to combos, but also gives it a much faster ground-to-air and air-to-ground approach, making its mobility as reliable as Pikachu's own.


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Pichu's main (but not sole) ways to set up the opponent into its strong aerial game consist of its [[up tilt|up]] and [[down tilt]]s, and [[up throw|up]] and [[down throw]]s: both tilts are excellent combo starters, with down tilt even comboing into aerials at very high percentages, while up and down throw allow Pichu to pummel the opponent for more damage due to them being followed up from a grab; up throw is also infamous for comboing into Thunder for a reliable KO set-up. This gives Pichu a strong combo game, with many ways to start, extend or end combos much like Pikachu, though due to its moves' nature, Pichu's combo game is usually shorter-lived in exchange for raw damage.
Pichu's main (but not sole) ways to set up the opponent into its strong aerial game consist of its [[up tilt|up]] and [[down tilt]]s, and [[up throw|up]] and [[down throw]]s: both tilts are excellent combo starters, with down tilt even comboing into aerials at very high percentages, while up and down throw allow Pichu to pummel the opponent for more damage due to them being followed up from a grab; up throw is also infamous for comboing into Thunder for a reliable KO set-up. This gives Pichu a strong combo game, with many ways to start, extend or end combos much like Pikachu, though due to its moves' nature, Pichu's combo game is usually shorter-lived in exchange for raw damage.


Aside from its up and down tilts, in regards to its grounded game, it also has some interesting and useful options: forward tilt trips opponents at low percentages, can 2-frame, and has above average power at high percentages, making it a very useful set-up tool. Forward smash has the highest power of its standard moveset, lasts for a long while and, due to its multi-hit nature, can KO at an even lower percentage. [[Up smash]] is a decent anti-air that leaves Pichu's ears [[intangible]], though it lacks in power. On the other hand, Pichu's [[neutral attack]] is mainly used for locking opponents due to its very weak knockback, and [[dash attack]] is mostly used as a fast punish option and its low power can actually allow it to combo, though it can be risky. Its grab game is also decent - while its grabs are short-ranged, they are very fast and have the lowest ending lag in the game. As mentioned above, up and down throws have useful combo potential, with down throw usually reserved for horizontal combos, whereas up throw leads into vertical combos and can lead into Thunder as a KO set-up. Meanwhile, forward throw is Pichu's strongest throw, barely KOing at realistic percentages near the edge, which makes it a passable kill throw.
Aside from its up and down tilts, in regards to its grounded game, it also has some interesting and useful options: forward tilt trips opponents at low percentages, can 2-frame, and has above average power at high percentages, making it a very useful set-up tool. Forward smash has the highest power of its standard moveset, lasts for a long while and, due to its multi-hit nature, can KO at an even lower percentage. [[Up smash]] is a decent anti-air that leaves Pichu's ears [[intangible]], though it lacks in power. On the other hand, Pichu's [[neutral attack]] is mainly used for locking opponents due to its very weak knockback, and [[dash attack]]'s is mostly used as a fast punish option and its low power can actually allow it to combo, though it can be risky. Its grab game is also decent - while its grabs are short-ranged, they are very fast and have the lowest ending lag in the game. As mentioned above, up and down throws have useful combo potential, with down throw usually reserved for horizontal combos, whereas up throw leads into vertical combos and can lead into Thunder as a KO set-up. Meanwhile, forward throw is Pichu's strongest throw, barely KOing at realistic percentages near the edge, which makes it a passable kill throw.


Pichu's special moveset is also varied and versatile. [[Thunder Jolt]] is a useful projectile that can reliably pressure an opponent's shield, on top of dealing low knockback and high damage (especially if started in the air). Its low ending lag also allows it to set-up into Pichu's moves if it lands during its last frames of activity. Thunder is Pichu's other projectile, though the lightning bolt itself doesn't deal much damage. As such, its primary purpose is to use the cloud's meteor smash properties to combo opponents into the shockwave part of the move when the bolt strikes Pichu - this deals the most damage to Pichu out of all its moves if this happens, so it should be used sparingly. [[Skull Bash]] and [[Agility]] serve as Pichu's recovery moves, and give it an amazing, long-distanced and unpredictable recovery - of the two, Agility deals high recoil damage if both dashes are used, but nevertheless travels an incredibly long distance and is very unpredictable due to each dash being able to be inputted in multiple directions, potentially making Pichu very hard to properly edgeguard or 2-frame. Skull Bash, on the other hand, is mostly used to extend Pichu's recovery, but it also ties in as part of Pichu's "glass cannon" playstyle as it can be charged; unlike Pikachu's own version, Pichu's fully charged Skull Bash deals immense knockback when fully charged, this being Pichu's strongest option out of a shield break.
Pichu's special moveset is also varied and versatile. [[Thunder Jolt]] is a useful projectile that can reliably pressure an opponent's shield, on top of dealing low knockback and high damage (especially if started in the air). Its low ending lag also allows it to set-up into Pichu's moves if it lands during its last frames of activity. Thunder is Pichu's other projectile, though the lightning bolt itself doesn't deal much damage. As such, its primary purpose is to use the cloud's meteor smash properties to combo opponents into the shockwave part of the move when the bolt strikes Pichu - this deals the most damage to Pichu out of all its moves if this happens, so it should be used sparingly. [[Skull Bash]] and [[Agility]] serve as Pichu's recovery moves, and give it an amazing, long-distanced and unpredictable recovery - of the two, Agility deals high recoil damage if both dashes are used, but nevertheless travels an incredibly long distance and is very unpredictable due to each dash being able to be inputted in multiple directions, potentially making Pichu very hard to properly edgeguard or 2-frame. Skull Bash, on the other hand, is mostly used to extend Pichu's recovery, but it also ties in as part of Pichu's "glass cannon" playstyle as it can be charged; unlike Pikachu's own version, Pichu's fully charged Skull Bash deals immense knockback when fully charged, this being Pichu's strongest option out of a shield break.
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Lastly, although its moveset is versatile, a few of Pichu's attacks still lack some notable kind of utility. Down smash, although covering on both sides of Pichu, has unremarkable range, deals recoil damage and unlike Pikachu, sends at a disappointing angle for KOing, with its higher power compared to Pikachu failing to compensate. Forward throw can have difficulty at KOing the opponent at realistic percentages due to the fact Pichu will usually find itself using it to set-up an edgeguard, whereas back throw's sole purpose is shared with forward throw.
Lastly, although its moveset is versatile, a few of Pichu's attacks still lack some notable kind of utility. Down smash, although covering on both sides of Pichu, has unremarkable range, deals recoil damage and unlike Pikachu, sends at a disappointing angle for KOing, with its higher power compared to Pikachu failing to compensate. Forward throw can have difficulty at KOing the opponent at realistic percentages due to the fact Pichu will usually find itself using it to set-up an edgeguard, whereas back throw's sole purpose is shared with forward throw.


Overall, like Pikachu, Pichu is best described as a quintessential glass cannon but sacrifices weight and attack range for more power and speed. While Pikachu can control the neutral game more aggressively and has more flexibility in its combos, Pichu is able to function in a variety of playstyles that range from a defensive, bait-and-punish oriented playstyle to a more aggressive, rushdown oriented one whenever it is needed. However, Pichu's atrocious endurance and recoil damage means that an aware opponent can dominate Pichu just as easily as it can also dominate the opponent. While both characters have similar playstyles, they differ significantly in execution, as Pichu's recoil damage requires the player to make very mindful use of their resources at hand. When mastered, however, a skilled Pichu can potentially end stocks in a fingersnap before they can end its own.
Overall, like Pikachu, Pichu is best described as a quintessential glass cannon but sacrifices weight and attack range for more power and speed. While Pikachu can control the neutral game more aggressively and has more flexibility in its combos, Pichu is able to function in a variety of playstyles that range from a defensive, bait-and-punish oriented playstyle to a more aggressive, rushdown oriented one whenever it is needed. However, Pichu's atrocious endurance and recoil damage means that an aware opponent can dominate Pichu just as easily as it can also dominate the opponent. While both characters have similar playstyles, they differ significantly in execution, as Pichu's recoil damage requires the player to make very mindful use of their resources at hand. Regardless, Pichu's pros notably outweigh its cons, and even after the nerfs it received in game updates, Pichu is considered a very solid character in competitive play, with a dedicated playerbase consisting of players such as {{Sm|Nietono}}, {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|RFang}}, {{Sm|NAKAT}}, and {{Sm|Blacktwins}}, and it has amassed some strong tournament results in tournament play.


==Differences from {{SSBU|Pikachu}}==
==Differences from {{SSBU|Pikachu}}==
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
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As in ''Melee'', the primary difference between Pichu and Pikachu is the former's [[electric]] attacks all inflict recoil damage. Many of Pichu's attributes, such as its mobility and significantly lighter [[weight]], differ from those of Pikachu. In addition, most of Pichu's attack and non-attack animations were given slight adjustments and overhauls in order to differentiate them from Pikachu's; for example, all of Pichu's [[smash attack]] charging animations are now completely different from Pikachu's. Almost all of Pichu's moves are also functionally different, such as [[down tilt]] or [[neutral aerial]], making it even more unique. However, unlike previous clones, Pichu was not given many new unique moves to differentiate it from Pikachu, as the only fully unique moves it has are its forward tilt, [[up smash]], neutral aerial, and [[edge attack]].
As in ''Melee'', the primary difference between Pichu and Pikachu is the former's [[electric]] attacks all inflict recoil damage. Many of Pichu's attributes, such as its mobility and significantly lighter [[weight]], differ from those of Pikachu. In addition, most of Pichu's attack and non-attack animations were given slight adjustments and overhauls in order to differentiate them from Pikachu's; for example, all of Pichu's [[smash attack]] charging animations are now completely different from Pikachu's. Almost all of Pichu's moves are also functionally different, such as [[down tilt]] or [[neutral aerial]], making it even more unique. However, unlike previous clones, Pichu was not given many new unique moves to differentiate it from Pikachu, as the only fully unique moves it has are its forward tilt, [[up smash]], neutral aerial, and [[edge attack]].


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**{{buff|It has a longer hitbox duration (frames 3-22 → 3-9 (clean), 10-27 (late)), reducing its ending lag by four frames despite the longer total duration (FAF 39 → 40).}}
**{{buff|It has a longer hitbox duration (frames 3-22 → 3-9 (clean), 10-27 (late)), reducing its ending lag by four frames despite the longer total duration (FAF 39 → 40).}}
**{{buff|It has less landing lag (9 frames → 7).}}
**{{buff|It has less landing lag (9 frames → 7).}}
**{{buff|It grants [[intangibility]] to Pichu's ears during the clean hit.}}
**{{buff|Due to its horizontal launch angle, single-hit nature, and higher power, it is significantly more effective at [[edgeguarding]].}}
**{{buff|Due to its horizontal launch angle, single-hit nature, and higher power, it is significantly more effective at [[edgeguarding]].}}
**{{nerf|It cannot be used to perform the dragdown combos, loops and kill setups that Pikachu can do with its neutral aerial due to its single hit.}}
**{{nerf|It cannot be used to perform the dragdown combos, loops and kill setups that Pikachu can do with its neutral aerial due to its single hit.}}
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==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
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Since its absence from previous installments, Pichu was infamous for being by far the worst clone character in ''Melee'' due to its status as an intentional "joke character", largely due to its very low weight, recoil damage and vulnerability to chain grabbing, giving it among the worst matchups in the game and leading to its bottom-tier placement and low tournament representation. Most likely as a result of this, Pichu has been drastically buffed in its transition from ''Melee'' to ''Ultimate'', and is arguably the most buffed character in the transition.
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->
Since its absence from previous installments, Pichu was infamous for being by far the worst clone character in ''Melee'' due to its status as an intentional "joke character", largely due to its very low weight, recoil damage and vulnerability to chain grabbing, giving it very poor matchups and leading to its bottom-tier perception. Most likely as a result of this, Pichu has been significantly buffed in its transition from ''Melee'' to ''Ultimate''.


Pichu's mobility has overall improved; its [[walk]]ing, [[dash]]ing and [[air speed]]s, as well as its [[air acceleration]], have been increased, and it can now [[crawl]], enabling Pichu to approach more easily while being able to dodge certain projectiles. Pichu's combo game is noticeably more varied as a result of its improved mobility, many of its ground moves and some of its aerials dealing less knockback and/or sending at more desirable angles, and its multi-hit moves being significantly more consistent due to the weakening of [[SDI]]. Its weight was also increased, allowing it to survive for longer, though its endurance is still the overall worst in the game. [[Agility]] also travels a slightly longer distance, significantly improving its offstage survivability.
Pichu benefits slightly from the implementation of rage, as its electrical attacks can now slowly increase its knockback with the recoil damage it receives from them, and can potentially allow it to escape certain kill confirms that would otherwise KO it. Pichu's recoil damage itself has been somewhat toned down from ''Melee'', making its [[electric]]al attacks less of a detriment to use. Its mobility has overall improved as well, as its [[walk]]ing, [[dash]]ing and [[air speed]]s have increased, and its [[air acceleration]] has increased substantially. It can also [[crawl]] now, enabling Pichu to approach more easily while being able to dodge certain projectiles. Pichu also benefits from the weakening of [[SDI]], as its multi-hit attacks are much more reliable. On another note, while its endurance is still the worst in the game as it is lighter than even {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}}, its weight was nevertheless increased, allowing it to survive a little bit longer.


Despite the many buffs it received, Pichu also received a few nerfs. Some of its strongest kill options, such as its forward and up smashes, have been significantly weakened in terms of knockback, while its neutral aerial, previously considered by many to be its best move, has also been weakened in both its damage output and knockback. Its grounded attacks are also less effective for edgeguarding, as its down tilt, down smash and dash attack now send opponents at a much higher angle. Additionally, more of Pichu's attacks (examples being its forward tilt and back aerial) emit electricity, meaning that more of its moves cause recoil damage; while this allows Pichu to build up rage more easily in comparison to the other fighters, it allows Pichu to be knocked out even more quickly, which is further compounded by its atrocious weight and fast-falling speed making it vulnerable to combos, despite its small hurtbox.
Despite the many buffs it received, Pichu also received a few nerfs. Some of Pichu's strongest kill options, such as its forward and up smashes, have been significantly weakened in terms of knockback, while its neutral aerial, previously considered by many to be its best move, has also been weakened in both its damage output and knockback. Pichu can also no longer chaingrab with its up throw, greatly reducing its damage-racking potential against fast-fallers. Pichu's own falling speed has not changed since ''Melee'' while its gravity has been increased, making it a fast-faller. Pichu's grounded attacks are also less effective for edgeguarding, as its down tilt, down smash and dash attack now send opponents at a much higher angle. Lastly, more of Pichu's moves (most notably its forward tilt and back aerial) use electricity, meaning that more of its moves cause recoil damage. Additionally, unlike other characters, its jumpsquat duration remains the same, while all other characters are now on par with its jumpsquat animation time of 3 frames.


Pichu's recoil damage has seen some noticeable changes. Some of its [[electric]] attacks deal reduced recoil damage ([[forward smash]], [[forward aerial]], [[pummel]], [[Thunder Jolt]] and Agility), making these moves less of a detriment to use; particularly, forward aerial is a less commital attack and its pummel is much more useful for racking up damage. Conversely, [[down aerial]], [[Skull Bash]] and [[Thunder]]'s shockwave hitbox deal more recoil damage (though down aerial's landing hit deals less damage to compensate), making them riskier to use. Additionally, more of Pichu's moves now have an electric effect, namely its [[forward tilt]], [[down smash]] and [[back aerial]]; as a result, both their KO power and risk have been generally increased. In bulk, Pichu's moves generally deal less recoil damage than in ''Melee'', allowing it to utilize them more frequently, with down aerial's newfound meteor smash hitbox compensating for its higher risk, and it has many more KO options as a result of them receiving an electric effect. However, its higher abundance of electric attacks and dearth of regular moves generally compensates for the lower recoil Pichu's other moves inflict; moreover, Thunder is a riskier KO option, and while a fully charged Skull Bash's extreme power compensates for its recoil, the uncharged version is now more polarizing as a recovery move.
Additionally, all of Pichu's buffs failed to remove some of its glaring weaknesses, with the biggest being its fragility. While taking recoil damage allows Pichu to build up rage more easily compared to other fighters, it allows Pichu to be KOed even more quickly. This is further compounded with Pichu being the lightest character in the game and possessing low falling speed. Finally, despite having a small hurtbox, Pichu is also relatively easy to combo due to its low falling speed.


Aside from the changes to SDI, the changes to the engine's mechanics are both benefitial and detrimental to Pichu, but were beneficial overall. The changes to [[stale-move negation]] make its multi-hit moves deal consistent damage as opposed to less damage, which makes its forward smash, forward aerial, back aerial and down smash (the latter two now being multi-hit moves) more reliable for racking up damage and KOing. The removal of [[edgehogging]] in favor of [[ledge trump|ledge trumping]] and the changes to [[air dodge]]s make Pichu much harder to edgeguard and thus improves its survivability, while Pichu can now use an air dodge to escape combos, sporting one of the fastest in the game; however, they also make it slightly harder for Pichu itself to edgeguard opponents, forcing it to KO them through raw power more often. The removal of [[chain grab|chain grabbing]] significantly improves Pichu's endurance at low percentages, no longer being as much of an easy victim to unavoidable damage into a KO, but it also means it can no longer chaingrab with its up throw, hindering its damage-racking potential against fast-fallers (though its improved combo game compensates for this). Finally, the implementation of [[rage]], coupled with its small stature, allows Pichu to make highly effective use of it thanks to its electric moves' high knockback, in addition to said attacks' recoil damage indirectly putting it out of range of KO setups it would've otherwise suffered from, but it also makes its endurance at higher percentages just as atrocious as in ''Melee'' should it fail to KO the opponent.
Overall, Pichu's buffs greatly outweigh its nerfs. It is no longer an intentional "joke character" like in ''Melee''; instead, it is now a very polarized glass cannon, akin to a min-maxed version of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}. It has a stronger punish and edgeguarding game, but worse survivability, less range on average, a less reliable recovery and more committal options. This has led to Pichu achieving very strong results and representation during the early metagame of ''Ultimate'', which has lead to many players viewing it as a top-tier character. In more recent times, however, due to earlier patches granting it nerfs, players such as {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{sm|Nietono}}, {{sm|RFang}} and {{sm|NAKAT}}, while still placing highly at top-level tournaments, they have failed to match the same level of success that pre-patch Pichu obtained. Nevertheless, Pichu has drastically improved compared to Melee and still boasts an excellent tournament presence.  
 
Overall, Pichu is no longer an intentional "joke character" like in ''Melee''; instead, it is now a very polarized glass cannon, akin to a min-maxed version of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}. It has a drastically stronger punish game, more varied KO options, many of its moves deal generally less recoil damage, and it retains its excellent frame data, but it also has less range on average and thus a more commital approach. Pichu's buffs additionally fail to completely alleviate its glaring weaknesses, with the biggest being its fragility, despite its higher weight and improved survivability. Game updates have also nerfed Pichu, and optimizations to several characters have resulted in it not performing as well as on release. Nevertheless, Pichu's buffs greatly outweigh its nerfs, and it has heavily improved compared to ''Melee'', being one of the most buffed characters in the transition to ''Ultimate''.


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


==Update history==
==Update history==
Possibly due to its dominating status in competitive play during the early metagame of ''Ultimate'', Pichu was greatly nerfed in game updates. Although its pummel was slightly buffed in update {{SSBU|2.0.0}}, it received several significant nerfs in update {{SSBU|3.1.0}}. Pichu's hurtbox is larger, forward smash has more ending lag, its infamously strong forward tilt has less knockback scaling, and almost all of its electric attacks deal more recoil damage, noticeably worsening its already abysmal endurance.
Possibly due to its dominating status in competitive play during the early metagame of ''Ultimate'', Pichu has been nerfed via game updates. Although its pummel was slightly buffed in update {{SSBU|2.0.0}}, it received several nerfs in update {{SSBU|3.1.0}}. Pichu's hurtbox is larger, forward smash has more ending lag, its infamously strong forward tilt has less knockback scaling, and almost all of its recoil-inducing attacks deal more recoil damage, noticeably worsening its already abysmal endurance.


Update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} buffed Pichu by reversing some of the nerfs, reducing the amount of recoil damage Pichu receives with some of the electric attacks that were affected in 3.1.0. On top of that, its ear hurtboxes received intangibility during the strong hit of its neutral aerial, making it a slightly safer option in the air.
Update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} reversed some of these nerfs, changing the amount of self damage Pichu does with some of the attacks that were affected in 3.1.0. On top of that, its ear hurtboxes received intangibility during the strong hit of its neutral aerial, making it a slightly safer option in the air.


Overall, Pichu fares considerably worse than it did when ''Ultimate'' launched. While Pichu is still far stronger than its ''Melee'' iteration, the nerfs it received has led to its tournament representation and results to noticeably decline and Pichu is now generally considered to be a mid-tier character at best.
Overall Pichu's viability has been affected by the game updates, as evident in Pichu's strongest main - {{sm|VoiD}} - reducing Pichu to his secondary. However, it continues to see success in tournaments, thanks to the efforts of {{sm|Nietono}}, {{sm|Nakat}}, {{sm|blacktwins13}}, and {{sm|RFang}}.


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
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==Moveset==
==Moveset==
*Pichu can [[Crawling|crawl]] and [[wall jump]].
*Pichu can [[Crawling|crawl]].
*Pichu can [[wall jump]].
''For a gallery of Pichu's hitboxes, see [[Pichu (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''
''For a gallery of Pichu's hitboxes, see [[Pichu (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''


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|neutral1dmg=1.2%
|neutral1dmg=1.2%
|neutraldesc=[[bulbapedia:Headbutt (move)|Does a quick headbutt]]. Has similar properties as Pikachu's jab, though it can link a few more hits before pushing the opponent out of range. Also has less shieldstun.
|neutraldesc=[[bulbapedia:Headbutt (move)|Does a quick headbutt]]. Has similar properties as Pikachu's jab, though it can link a few more hits before pushing the opponent out of range. Also has less shieldstun.
|ftiltname=Double-Footed Sweep ({{ja|りょうあしばらい|Ryō Ashibarai}})
|ftiltname=Double-Footed Kick ({{ja|りょうあしげり|Ryō Ashigeri}})
|ftiltdmg=8%, 1% recoil
|ftiltdmg=8%, 1% recoil
|ftiltdesc=Plants itself on its upper paws and kicks with one foot upward in front of itself, and then the other. Very fast (comes out on frame 5) and has very low ending lag, yet it has above average power and can KO at high percents. Can make opponents [[trip]] at low percents. The hitbox last surprisingly long, as Pichu kicks with one foot and then the other, and while the second hitbox is smaller, it doesn't count as a sourspot. Cannot be angled as it could in ''Melee''.
|ftiltdesc=Plants itself on its upper paws and kicks with one foot upward in front of itself, and then the other. Very fast (comes out on frame 5) and has very low ending lag, yet it has above average power and can KO at high percents. Can make opponents [[trip]] at low percents. The hitbox last surprisingly long, as Pichu kicks with one foot and then the other, and while the second hitbox is smaller, it doesn't count as a sourspot. Cannot be angled as it could in ''Melee''.
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|dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'')
|dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'')
|dashdmg=8% (clean), 6% (late)
|dashdmg=8% (clean), 6% (late)
|dashdesc=Jumps and headbutts forward. Less ending lag but less shieldstun compared to Pikachu's. It also has a hitbox on Pichu's torso.
|dashdesc=Jumps and headbutts forward. Less ending lag but less shieldstun compared to Pikachu's. It also has an hitbox on Pichu's torso.
|fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'')  
|fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'')  
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 2% recoil
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 2% recoil
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|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}}
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}}
|usmashdesc=Does an upward headbutt. Pichu's ears become [[Intangibility|intangible]] on frames 9-11. Comes out on frame 9, making it quick for a smash attack. However, its knockback is rather poor for a smash attack.
|usmashdesc=Does an upward headbutt. Pichu's ears become [[Intangibility|intangible]] on frames 9-11. Comes out on frame 9, making it quick for a smash attack. However, its knockback is rather poor for a smash attack.
|dsmashname=Electric Flower ({{ja|ねずみはなび|Nezumi Hanabi}}, ''Mouse Fireworks'')
|dsmashname=Electric Flower ({{ja|ねずみはなび|Nezumi Hanabi}}, ''Mouse Fireworks'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|1.5}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 1.3% recoil
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|1.5}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 1.3% recoil
|dsmashdesc=Discharges electricity while quickly spinning in place. Compared to Pikachu's, it has much less ending lag and it is overall stronger, but it's easier to DI and is worse for edgeguarding due to its angle. Pichu also gains invincibility at frames 7-10.
|dsmashdesc=Discharges electricity while quickly spinning in place. Compared to Pikachu's, it has much less ending lag and it is overall stronger, but it's easier to DI and is worse for edgeguarding due to its angle. Pichu also gains invincibility at frames 7-10.
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|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|3.5}} (hits 1-4), 1.5% recoil
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|3.5}} (hits 1-4), 1.5% recoil
|fairdesc=Does a forward barrel roll. Unlike Pikachu's, it covers Pichu's whole body and uses the autolink angle, connecting better. It deals impressive damage (14% if all the hits connect) and combo into itself at low percents, while also being good for edgeguarding.
|fairdesc=Does a forward barrel roll. Unlike Pikachu's, it covers Pichu's whole body and uses the autolink angle, connecting better. It deals impressive damage (14% if all the hits connect) and combo into itself at low percents, while also being good for edgeguarding.
|bairname=Electric Glider ({{ja|でんげきグライダー|Dengeki Guraidā}})
|bairname=Electric Glider ({{ja|グライダー|Dengeki Guraidā}})
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2.5}} (hit 6), 1.5% recoil
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2.5}} (hit 6), 1.5% recoil
|bairdesc=Does an electric spin similar to its down smash. Can combo at low percentages and edgeguard at higher percents, just like forward aerial. Decent knockback, making it an effective KO option.
|bairdesc=Does an electric spin similar to its down smash. Can combo at low percentages and edgeguard at higher percents, just like forward aerial. Decent knockback, making it an effective KO option.
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|pummelname=Grab Electric Shock ({{ja|つかみでんきショック|Tsukami Denki Shokku}})
|pummelname=Grab Electric Shock ({{ja|つかみでんきショック|Tsukami Denki Shokku}})
|pummeldmg=1.4%, 0.1% recoil
|pummeldmg=1.4%, 0.1% recoil
|pummeldesc=Shocks the opponent. Average speed, while dealing marginally more damage than other similar pummels. It shares this distinction with {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}. Compared to Pikachu, it is stronger while only being marginally slower.
|pummeldesc=Shocks the opponent. Above average power and moderate speed.
|fthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}})
|fthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}})
|fthrowdmg=1.5% (hits 1-4), 6% (throw), 0.8% recoil
|fthrowdmg=1.5% (hits 1-4), 6% (throw), 0.8% recoil
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|bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'')
|bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'')
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdesc=Does a backwards somersault with the opponent, then flings them behind itself. Pichu's second strongest throw, but it can only KO middleweights starting at around 181% at the edge of Final Destination.
|bthrowdesc=Does a backwards somersaults with the opponent, then flings them behind itself. Pichu's second strongest throw, but it can only KO middleweight late, starting at around 181% at the edge of Final Destination.
|uthrowname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}})
|uthrowname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}})
|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
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|dsname=Thunder (Pokémon){{!}}Thunder
|dsname=Thunder (Pokémon){{!}}Thunder
|dsdmg=14% (shockwave), 4% (thunderbolt), 6% (thunderbolt meteor), 3.5% recoil
|dsdmg=14% (shockwave), 4% (thunderbolt), 6% (thunderbolt meteor), 3.5% recoil
|dsdesc=Summons a thundercloud from which a lightning bolt comes down and strikes Pichu. The start of the bolt has a meteor effect and deals more damage than the rest of the bolt. When the bolt hits Pichu, a shockwave is generated that has the potential to KO. Pichu also gains intangibility for 10 frames if it connects, just like Pikachu. Compared to Pikachu's Thunder, Pichu's Thunder has less startup but deals less damage and knockback overall and causes recoil damage. The thunderbolt travels faster than Pikachu's version, giving it both positives and negatives: this makes it easier to land, but Pichu will be more vulnerable.
|dsdesc=Summons a thundercloud from which a lightning bolt comes down and strikes Pichu. The start of the bolt has a meteor effect and deals more damage than the rest of the bolt. When the bolt hits Pichu, a shockwave is generated than has the potential to KO. Pichu also gains intangibility for 10 frames if it connects, just like Pikachu. Compared to Pikachu's Thunder, Pichu's Thunder has less startup but deals less damage and knockback overall and causes recoil damage. The thunderbolt travels faster than Pikachu's version, giving it both positives and negatives: this makes it easier to land, but Pichu will be more vulnerable.


|fsname=Volt Tackle
|fsname=Volt Tackle
|fsdmg=0.3% (6 hits during startup), 1% (initial hit), 1.6% (loop), 21% (launch), 3.2% recoil (startup), 0.2% recoil (loop), 3.5% recoil (launch)
|fsdmg=0.3% (6 hits during startup), 1% (initial hit), 1.6% (loop), 21% (launch), 3.2% recoil (startup), 0.2% recoil (loop), 3.5% recoil (launch)
|fsdesc=Pichu turns into a ball of electricity and dashes forward. Any opponents hit are knocked into the center of the screen where Pichu furiously tackles them from multiple directions then releases a powerful electric blast in the center. If the dash doesn't hit an opponent, the final smash is ended early. It causes a large amount of recoil damage, but is overall stronger than Pikachu's version.}}
|fsdesc=Pichu turns into a ball of electricity and dashes forward. Any opponents hit are knocked into the center of the screen where Pichu furiously tackles them from multiple directions then releases a powerful electric blast in the center. If the dash doesn't hit an opponent, the final smash is ended early. It causes a large amount of recoil damage, but is overall stronger than Pikachu's version.}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=62 | rweight=89
| dash=1.98 | rdash=30-35
| run=1.892 | rrun=28
| walk=1.302 | rwalk=13-14
| trac=0.11 | rtrac=39-47
| airfric=0.0075 | rairfric=67-75
| air=1.029 | rair=49-51
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.09 | raddaccel=7-10
| gravity=0.14 | rgravity=5-6
| fall=1.9 | rfall=6
| ff=2.5 | rff=50
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=36.75 | rjumpheight=15
| shorthop=17.43 | rshorthop=21
| djump=36.02 | rdjump=25
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Pichu English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
</gallery>


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
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===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''Up taunt''': Charges up with electricity, similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}'s up taunt, but falls back dazed at the end.
*'''Up taunt''': Charges up with electricity, similar to Pikachu's up taunt, but falls back dazed at the end.
*'''Side taunt''': Jumps up and waves at the camera, saying "Pichu!" This was its left-facing taunt in ''Melee''.
*'''Side taunt''': Jumps up and waves at the camera, saying "Pichu!" This was its left-facing taunt in ''Melee''.
*'''Down taunt''': Squirms around on the ground, saying "Pichu!" This was its right-facing taunt in ''Melee''.
*'''Down taunt''': Squirms around on the ground, saying "Pichu!" This was its right-facing taunt in ''Melee''.
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*Looks around itself excitedly.
*Looks around itself excitedly.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUPichuIdle1.gif|Pichu's first idle pose.
SSBUPichuIdle1.gif|Pichu's first idle pose
SSBUPichuIdle2.gif|Pichu's second idle pose.
SSBUPichuIdle2.gif|Pichu's second idle pose
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
In contrast to its ''Melee'' counterpart, where he is considered one of the worst characters in the game, Pichu was commonly viewed as one of, if not, the best characters in the game in the early metagame. This is due to its small size and powerful KO moves, which included back air, {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, and its infamous forward tilt. These strengths allowed Pichu to have a strong player base, with players such as {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|NAKAT}}, {{Sm|Nietono}}, and {{Sm|Captain L}} performing spectacularly on a national level.
However, patch 3.1.0 increased its size and nerfed the power of its forward tilt, while increasing the amount of recoil on some of its moves. In addition to more people learning how to play the matchup, many players considered Pichu to be inferior to its clone Pikachu, and as a result its results declined, with several of its best players either dropping the character (Captain L) or relegating it to either a co-main or secondary (VoiD). Although future patches reverted some of the nerfs, it failed to change most player's opinions on the character; with continuously declining results both during and after the [[COVID-19|COVID-19 pandemic]], most people currently view Pichu as a high or even mid-tier character. Nevertheless, Pichu is considered significantly more viable than its previous iteration.
===Most historically significant players===
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->


''See also: [[:Category:Pichu players (SSBU)]]''
''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''


*{{Sm|Blacktwins13|Canada}} - One of the best Pichu players in North America after Pichu's nerfs, although he often played other characters alongside Pichu such as {{SSBU|Roy}} and {{SSBU|Mario}}. During ths time, he most notably placing 2nd at {{Trn|Rising Stars at EGLX 2019}} defeating {{Sm|ESAM}} and 9th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}} defeating {{Sm|Goblin}}. Although he eventually picked up {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}}, he remains one of the few players from the early metagame who still plays Pichu, placing 25th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2023}} with primarily Pichu and defeating {{Sm|Riddles}} with Pichu at {{Trn|Gourmet Bash 3}}.
''See also: [[:Category:Pichu professionals (SSBU)]]''
*{{Sm|NaetorU|France}} - One of the best Pichu players in the post-online metagame who was the definitive best in 2023. He was first known for placing 7th at {{Trn|COLOSSEL 2022}} defeating {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} along the way, and since then had some of of the best Pichu performances since the early metagame, including placing 13th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2023}} defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} and 17th at {{Trn|Tera}} defeating {{Sm|Cosmos}}, as well as wins over players such as {{Sm|Lea}} at {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} and {{Sm|Kola}} at {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}. He was ranked 89th on the [[UltRank 2022]], the first solo-Pichu player ranked globally during this period.
*{{Sm|NAKAT|USA}} - One of the best Pichu players in North America during the first half of 2019, ranking 26th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]. His best run to date was at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}, where he defeated {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Mr.E}}, and {{Sm|Rivers}} to place 7th; he also notably placed 9th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}} and 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}}. He became less active in the fall and played a mix of Pichu and {{SSBU|Sora}} in the post-online metagame before going inactive in 2022.
*{{Sm|Nietono|Japan}} - One of the best Pichu players of all-time, ranking as high as 27th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]. He is the only Pichu player to win a major, doing so at {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}}, and has also placed 7th at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 6}} and {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}}. He continued to main Pichu in the post-online metagame, notably placing 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}}, but slowly began playing other characters until he dropped Pichu entirely by 2023.
*{{Sm|RFang|USA}} - One of the best Pichu players in the world in the second half of 2019, ranking 45th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]] and notably performing well mostly as a solo-main in spite of Pichu's nerfs. He is best known for his run to 7th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}} defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} and {{Sm|WaDi}}, and had also placing 3rd at {{Trn|2GG: Grand Tour - South Carolina}} defeating {{Sm|Kola}} and 4th at {{Trn|Tri-state Showdown: Fall 2019}} defeating {{Sm|Nairo}}. He stopped competing during the online metagame and has only made a few offline appearances since.
*{{Sm|VoiD|USA}} - Pichu's primary representative in the first few months of competitive play and one of the best Pichu players of all-time. He is the only Pichu player ever ranked in the top 10, ranking 9th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]] thanks to runs such as 2nd at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} and 5th at both {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}} and {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}. Following Pichu's nerfs, he began playing other characters instead and dropped the character in favor of {{SSBU|Sheik}} right before the pandemic.
*{{Sm|Yone_pi|Japan}} - One of the best Pichu players since 2024. Although he had been active earlier and had performed well regionally, 2024 marked his breakout year, with him placing 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 47}} defeating {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}, the best Pichu performance since {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}}. He has since followed it up with several other strong major performances, most notably placing 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 52}} and 9th at both {{Trn|UltCore Third}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 50}}. He is ranked 57th on the [[LumiRank 2024.1]], the highest-ranking solo-Pichu player since the early metagame.


===Tier placement and history===
*{{Sm|Blacktwins|Canada}} - One of the best Pichu players in Canada but has since relegated the character to a secondary. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Frozen Phoenix 2019}} and {{Trn|Rising Stars at EGLX 2019}}, 3rd at {{Trn|LAN ETS 2020}}, 9th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. Currently ranked 5th on the [[Smash Canada Rankings Ultimate]].
In contrast to its ''Melee'' counterpart, where it is considered one of the worst characters in the game, Pichu was commonly viewed as one of the best, if not the best, characters in the game in the early metagame. This was due to its small size and powerful KO moves, which included back air, {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, and its infamous forward tilt. These strengths made Pichu one of the most popular characters in the first few months of the competitive scene, ranking 7th for representation between January and June 2019, and Pichu saw a plethora of strong results from players such as {{Sm|NAKAT}}, {{Sm|Nietono}}, and {{Sm|VoiD}}, all of whom were ultimately ranked top 50 on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]].  
*{{Sm|Mossan|Japan}} - One of the best Pichu players in Japan. Placed 4th at {{Trn|Karisuma SP 5}}, 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 10}}, 13th at both {{Trn|Karisuma SP 8}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 2}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 6}} with wins over players like {{Sm|DIO}}, {{Sm|Kuro}}, and {{Sm|ProtoBanham}}.
 
*{{Sm|NaetorU|France}} - The best Pichu player in the Europe following the end of the online metagame. Placed 5th at {{Trn|WANTED S5 C1 - ALL STAR}}, 9th at both {{Trn|VCA 2021}} and {{Trn|95 Kings of Fields 2}}, and 13th at both {{Trn|WANTED S4 C3 - Saint Valentin Edition}} and {{Trn|Glory 2.0}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Chag}}, {{Sm|Lui$}}, and {{Sm|Mr.R}}.
However, update {{SSBU|3.1.0}} increased Pichu's size and nerfed the power of its forward tilt, while increasing the amount of recoil damage on nearly all of its electric attacks. The nerfs were significant enough to stagnate Pichu's playerbase, as many of its best players either began playing other characters (VoiD) or stopped attending events (NAKAT). Although this period still saw several notable Pichu results from Nietono and {{Sm|RFang}}, Pichu's playerbase began shrinking as other players started to consider Pichu as inferior to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}. In spite of some of the nerfs being reverted in update {{SSBU|11.0.0}}, this decline continued through the online and post-online metagames, with RFang becoming inactive and Nietono dropping the character entirely, and although this period also saw the rise of {{Sm|NaetorU}}, Pichu remained scarce in top-level play. As such, Pichu saw one of the harshest declines out of any character in ''Ultimate'', with the community reassessing it to be a mid-tier character at best. This was reflected in the first tier list, where Pichu was ranked 55th as an upper-mid tier character; although it moved up to 53rd on the second tier list, its overall score was lower than in the first tier list.
*{{Sm|NAKAT|USA}} - One of the best Pichu players in the world during the early metagame. Placed 7th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}, 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}}, 17th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} and {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}. Formerly ranked 26th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]].
 
*{{Sm|Nietono|Japan}} (#27) - The best Pichu player in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}} and {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|kameme}}, {{Sm|Kome}}, and {{Sm|Lea}}.
Despite this severe drop in perception, Pichu is still unanimously considered to be significantly more viable than its ''Melee'' iteration.
*{{Sm|RFang|USA}} (#45) - One of the best Pichu players in the United States during the early metagame. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|2GG: Grand Tour - South Carolina}}, 7th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}, and 25th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|moxi}}, and {{Sm|WaDi}}.
*{{Sm|Rideae|USA}} - Placed 5th at both {{Trn|GatorLAN Fall 2019}} and {{Trn|GatorLAN Spring 2020}}, 13th at {{Trn|Come to Papa 3}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}} and {{Trn|CEO Dreamland 2020}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|RFang}}, {{Sm|Sonido}}, and {{Sm|ChocoTaco}}. Currently ranked 4th on the [[Florida Power Rankings#Tampa|Tampa Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|VoiD|USA}} (#38) - The best Pichu player in the world during the early metagame but has since relegated the character to a secondary. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Super Splat Bros}} and {{Trn|SoCal Chronicles}}, 2nd at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Zackray}}. Currently ranked 1st on the [[SoCal Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rankings|SoCal Ultimate Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Yetey|Austria}} - The best Pichu player in Europe during the early metagame. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Schism 3}}, 2nd at {{Trn|BOILINGPOINT BRAWL}}, 5th at {{Trn|Valhalla II}}, 9th at {{Trn|VCA 2019}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Flow}}, {{Sm|Greil}}, and {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}. Currently ranked being ranked 25th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
*{{Sm|yuzu|Japan}} - One of the best Pichu players in Japan; now using it as a secondary to his {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}. Placed 4th at {{Trn|EGS Cup}}, 9th at {{Trn|Karisuma SP 2}}, 13th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 4}}, 25th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 4}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Lightweight Fracas==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Lightweight Fracas==
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|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}''
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}''
|}
|}
{{clr}}
{{clear}}


==[[Spirit]]==
==[[Spirit]]==
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</center>
</center>


==In Spirit Battles==
==In Spirit battles==
===As the main opponent===
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
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|-
|-
|1,334
|1,334
|{{SpiritTableName|Great Sabrecub|customname=Great Sabrecub|size=64}}
|{{SpiritTableName|Great Sabrecub|customname=[[dragonquestwiki:Great sabrecub|Great Sabrecub]]|size=64}}
|''DRAGON QUEST'' Series
|''DRAGON QUEST'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Pichu}} {{Head|Pichu|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Spiky}} (60 HP)<br>•Giant {{SSBU|Pikachu}} {{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Female}} (120 HP)
|•{{SSBU|Pichu}} {{Head|Pichu|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Spiky}} (60 HP)<br>•Giant {{SSBU|Pikachu}} {{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Female}} (120 HP)
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Pokémon Smash Bros.png|Artwork of all playable Pokémon characters and Poké Ball Pokémon, as posted by the official Pokémon Twitter account.
Pichu amiibo.png|Pichu's [[amiibo]].
Pichu amiibo.png|Pichu's [[amiibo]].
SSBU Pichu Number.png|Pichu's fighter card.
SSBU Pichu Number.png|Pichu's fighter card.
Pichu unlock notice SSBU.jpg|Pichu's unlock notice.
Pichu unlock notice SSBU.jpg|Pichu's unlock notice.
Pokémon Smash Bros.png|Artwork of all playable Pokémon characters and Poké Ball Pokémon, as posted by the official Pokémon Twitter account.
SSBUWebsitePichu1.jpg|Taunting in [[Great Bay]].
SSBUWebsitePichu1.jpg|Taunting in [[Great Bay]].
SSBUWebsitePichu2.jpg|Taunting on [[Green Greens]].
SSBUWebsitePichu2.jpg|Taunting on [[Green Greens]].
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*Pichu is the only Pokémon character absent in {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}'s Classic Mode route.
*Pichu is the only Pokémon character absent in {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}'s Classic Mode route.
*Despite fighting lightweight characters, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} do not appear in Pichu's Classic Mode route.
*Despite fighting lightweight characters, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} do not appear in Pichu's Classic Mode route.
*Discounting fighters who do not appear in any spirit battles, Pichu, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, and {{SSBU|Daisy}} are the only fighters who do not possess an Ace or Legend-type spirit in spirit battles.
*Pichu and {{SSBU|Daisy}} are the only fighters who do not possess an Ace or Legend-type spirit in spirit battles.
*Interestingly, Pichu's ''Ultimate'' artwork was used for the Junior tab on the now shut-down Pokémon TV app.
*Interestingly, Pichu's ''Ultimate'' artwork is used for the Junior tab on the Pokémon TV app.


==References==
==References==

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