Editing Pikachu (SSBB)

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{{ArticleIcons|brawl=y}}
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{{disambig2|Pikachu's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''|this Pokémon in other contexts|Pikachu}}
{{disambig2|Pikachu's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''|this Pokémon in other contexts|Pikachu}}
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Pikachu
|name         = Pikachu
|image = [[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|250px]]
|image       = [[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|250px|Pikachu]]
|game = SSBB
|game         = Brawl
|ssbgame1 = SSB
|ssbgame1     = SSB
|ssbgame2 = SSBM
|ssbgame2     = Melee
|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSBU
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = B
|tier         = B
|ranking = 8
|ranking     = 9
|voiceactor  = Ikue Outani
}}
}}
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he".
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'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu''), stylized as '''PIKACHU''' in the [[PAL]] version, is a returning veteran in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. It was confirmed along with Mario, Link, and Kirby in the E3 2006 trailer. Ikue Ōtani reprises her role as Pikachu's voice actress in all regions of the game, using a combination of new voice clips and ones reused from ''Melee''.
Unveiled at [[E3]] 2006, '''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ}}, ''Pikachū'') is a character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. In the E3 2006, Pikachu didn't show its Final Smash like Mario, Kirby, and Link did. Visually, Pikachu has barely changed at all from its ''Melee'' design, only being larger and touched up slightly. It has all of its moves from the first two games.  


It is currently in the B tier and holds 8th position, a very slight increase to its B+ tier status in ''Melee'', where it is ranked 9th place. Pikachu has decent KOing power (though it can rely on Thunder in some situations), quick overall speed, a very good [[recovery]] with many options as well as being unpredictable, a good [[edgeguarding]] game with a quick and powerful neutral aerial and tricks that allow it get to the [[edge]] quickly, and a good [[grab]] and [[throw]] game (having two [[chaingrab]]s). ''Brawl''{{'}}s new physics have also helped it a lot; Pikachu is harder to [[combo]], its grab range is no longer the shortest, its Thunder is not as laggy, and it gained various new tactics such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ling. Pikachu also has strong [[momentum cancelling]] abilities, with its up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being very useful in this particular aspect. In addition, Pikachu has a great defensive game, with its QACs being very useful for avoiding [[pressure]], escaping certain situations, and playing [[mindgame]]s. It also possess one of the best [[spot dodge]]s in the game along with {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, and {{SSBB|Toon Link}}. It also has useful [[OoS]] moves such as up smash and neutral aerial.
It is currently in the B Tier and holds 9th position, the lowest position of the B tier. This makes Pikachu closer to its original Top Tier status in ''Super Smash Bros,'' where it was ranked first place, as opposed to its D Tier status in ''Melee,'' where it is ranked twelfth place. It is currently the highest-ranked character in ''Brawl'' that has appeared in all three Super Smash Bros. games and the highest-ranked in the ''Pokémon'' series. Pikachu's decent KOing power, quick overall speed, good recovery and edge-guarding game, good chain grab (having two chain grabs), and ''Brawl's'' new physics have helped it a lot; Pikachu can no longer be so easily combo'd, its grab range is no longer the shortest (Ganondorf now has the shortest grab range), its [[Thunder]] is not as laggy, and it gained various new tactics such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ling. However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Regardless, Pikachu still has very high matchups, including being the only character with an considered even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}.


However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Marth}}. It also has subpar [[range]] in most of its attacks, with its best finishers having [[hitbox]]es close to its body, or in the case of its forward smash, the furthest hitbox is much weaker than the closest, making good [[spacing]] an all-around threat to Pikachu, as well as making it more difficult to land its better finishers. Regardless, Pikachu still has great matchups, including being the only character with an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} on the BBR's matchup chart (though this matchup is highly disputed, with most players believing Meta Knight to win the matchup, which is additionally better supported by results), and strong tournament results, although Pikachu's representation is small for a high-tier character. However, despite its high position in the American tier list, it is much lower in the [[Japanese tier list]], where it is placed 22nd.
==Changes from ''[[Melee]]'' to ''Brawl''==
Pikachu is considered to have been [[buffed]] in ''Brawl'', though not too much. Pikachu's greatest buff is perhaps the acquisitions of two chain throws with its forward and down throws. The former being a chain throw that affects a majority of the characters to a decent degree. The latter is a chain throw that affects only a minority of the characters, but can chain throw these characters to a more severe degree than the forward throw. Pikachu's aerial game was generally buffed, with it gaining an aerial KO move (which it lacked in ''Melee'') with a stronger neutral aerial along with a more useful forward aerial and back aerial. Its up aerial [[semi-spike]] was weakened and is more difficult to land, but the up aerial is now better at [[Juggle|juggling]]. back aerial while it only hit once in Melee, it now deals multiple hits in Brawl. Thunder has less ending lag and stronger knockback, which makes it a better and less punishable vertical finisher in ''Brawl''. Its down smash was also buffed, with it being more difficult for the opponent to escape from as well as the final hit producing much stronger vertical knockback, making it much better at KOing. On the downside, Pikachu's up smash was significantly weakened, which went from being the strongest up smash to the 25th strongest. Pikachu's forward smash was weakened as well, with it having a weaker sweetspot and its sourspot was weakened significantly, weakening its overall KO power and reliability. Despite these nerfs, both smashes are still powerful and reliable KO moves. Its up smash is still considered a great up smash due to its very fast start-up and strong vertical knockback. While Pikachu was not buffed significantly, Pikachu benefited greatly from ''Brawl's'' physics changes. Most notably, Pikachu is no longer easily combo'd or as vulnerable to chain throws, has noticeably better survivability, and the slower falling speeds improved Thunder's KOing capacity. Other additions include the ability to [[wall jump]], which [[Pichu (SSBM)|Pichu]] previously owned instead, and the ability to [[Crawling|crawl]].
 
Graphically, Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly, and its tail now has thickness. Its coloring has also been slightly softened. Pikachu has a few new sounds, which sound slightly "bouncy".


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous ''Smash Bros.'' games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks, decent tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), fairly useful throws, very good recovery, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 5th lightest character, tied with {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong [[smash attack]]) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy).
Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous Smash Brothers games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks and tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), moderate grabs, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 4th lightest character (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong smash-attack) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy).  
 
Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range. Its forward tilt has very low range, but its knockback is above average for a tilt. Its up tilt is very fast and launches opponents into the air, while the down tilt can trip them on the first hit. The ground is where Pikachu's smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs, while its down smash locks the opponent for multiple hits if not [[SDI]]'d, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. Both of these smashes produce powerful vertical knockback, and can be followed by {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} for a Star KO (called [[Thunderspiking]]) - this is very useful against floaty characters, especially ones with bad air dodges, most notably {{SSBB|Peach}}. The down smash can also counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, but one drawback is that it can be SDI'd out of. The forward smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves, with the forward smash having a very weak sourspot at the tip.
 
[[Thunder Jolt]] is Pikachu's neutral special move, and is a useful move to keep most opponents at bay, as well as forcing them in the air. Thunder Jolt is a ground-hugging projectile, meaning opponents can't escape it by ducking or crawling. If it is used in the air, it travels diagonally towards the ground. It can also travel up walls, along ceilings, and below the edge, meaning that it can knock [[edge-hogging|edgehoggers]] off the edge (this can also be done if Pikachu is high enough when recovering). [[Skull Bash]] and [[Quick Attack]] are both good recovery techniques, although Skull Bash is easily punishable by edgeguarders, able to be stopped by certain projectiles (such as [[Waddle Dee Throw]]), and requires charging time, but it can knock edgehoggers off the ledge. [[Edgeguarding]] Pikachu is difficult due to its recovery being unpredictable, as Quick Attack can be aimed in two different directions, giving Pikachu many ways of returning to the stage. Quick Attack also opens options for mindgames, by confusing opponents about Pikachu's actions. The most common form of this is QAC ([[Quick Attack cancel]]), allowing Pikachu use any special or aerial move after. On stages like [[Smashville]], if a platform is offstage, this can be done off the platform easily. However, QAC is mainly used for approaching, as it allows Pikachu to quickly dash towards the opponent while attacking. It is also possible to aim Quick Attack diagonally towards the edge, and grab it, if Pikachu is at the right distance. Pikachu's most well known move is {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, which is one of its best KO moves, KOing reliably at around 100% if the opponent is hit by Pikachu while the move is being used. The bolt itself can also Star KO with the aforementioned Thunderspiking technique. Pikachu can also use Thunder just off the ledge so it covers the area just to the side of the ledge offstage, which is very difficult for characters with linear recoveries to break through, but not very effective against characters with long, safe recoveries such as {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, while also being dangerous if done too low. Pikachu needs to watch out for anyone who has a reflector move, as if the bolt is reflected, the knockback is dealt to Pikachu. Additionally, if two or more characters reflect the Thunder, it will cause Pikachu to jump to 100-500%, KOing it instantly (however, in competitive play, this is obviously never seen in singles matches and is rarely ever seen in doubles matches due to the difficulty of pulling it off, meaning it is a negligible disadvantage).
 
Pikachu's aerials are its weakest area, despite having one reliable aerial KO move. Its forward aerial is weak in damage but can carry momentum through, whereas its neutral aerial is slightly stronger, but negates all momentum, and causes Pikachu to fall during the move; however, it is a reliable finisher, especially when offstage or out of a QAC, and can be used in combos. Its up aerial is extremely weak and has lost its [[semi-spike]] properties from ''Melee'', but can be used as a juggling tool, and is decent in short combos, such as following into a neutral air, either straight after or after a midair jump. Pikachu's down and back aerials are laggy when they hit the ground, but all of the down aerial's landing lag can be avoided if it is used at the start of a short hop, or [[Auto-canceling|autocanceled]]. The down aerial has two hits plus an extra hitbox if Pikachu hits the ground, and is a decent finisher, particularly offstage, but not as powerful as the neutral aerial.
 
Pikachu has two throws that are possible to chaingrab with - its forward and down throws. Its forward throw works as a running chaingrab that can rack up damage and counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, while the down throw is a standing chaingrab that works reliably against the majority of the cast, with the exception of floaty characters. It can also easily be followed with an up smash, which can lead into a Thunderspike - Pikachu can use the down throw chaingrab as a [[zero-to-death combo]] on the [[spacie]]s and {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} by chaingrabbing until a high enough percentage, then using an up smash followed by a Thunderspike. Pikachu's back throw can easily set up to an edgeguarding chance, as it moves a considerable distance backward with the opponent while performing the throw. Its up throw is another move that launches opponents into the air - at higher percentages, it launches most characters high enough to follow up with a Thunder, but against characters that are floaty and/or have high air speed, this is easy to escape.
 
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
Pikachu was [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'' despite already being a mid-high tier character, though it was considered a low tier character when ''Brawl'' was released. Pikachu's range has been improved on many attacks, and its multi-hit moves have been altered to make them work more reliably. Pikachu's [[Quick Attack]] has significantly more utility, mainly due to the introduction of [[Quick Attack Canceling]], but it also benefits from the changes to [[lock]]s, making it a powerful locking tool when used in conjunction with Quick Attack Canceling. Pikachu's strong recovery was improved even further, as it has greater aerial mobility and [[Skull Bash]] charges faster and travels further.
 
The general changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics have benefited Pikachu in multiple ways. The universally decreased falling speeds helps Pikachu, as it makes [[thunderspiking]] more effective, and Pikachu's own lower falling speed improves its recovery and allows it to regain the ability to [[auto-cancel]] most of its aerials in a short hop. [[Thunder]] itself also has less ending lag, making it safer, and when combined with the reduction of Pikachu's falling speed, makes Thunder a stronger stalling option. The inclusion of [[footstool]]ing also benefits Pikachu more than most other veterans, as it has one of the most reliable methods to set up into it in the form of its up aerial, which can then lead into a QAC lock. Pikachu also has a more consistent [[chain grab]]bing game. While its up throw can no longer chain grab or combo due to the universally decreased falling speeds and the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]], the removal of [[DI]] with moves which do not put opponents into a tumble makes its forward throw a more consistent grab, and its down throw no longer puts opponents into a tumble, allowing it to also benefit from this change. The down throw can now consistently [[zero-death]] fast fallers because of this change. Pikachu's grabs are also faster and have more range. Pikachu can also make great use of [[momentum canceling]] due to its quick up aerial and Skull Bash being a strong tool to negate momentum, noticeably improving Pikachu's endurance despite its lower weight.
 
Pikachu did receive some nerfs, mainly to its power. While some moves have increased KO power (such as its neutral aerial), other attacks have either reduced damage, knockback, or both. The move which received the most severe nerf to its power was its up smash, which went from the strongest up smash in ''Melee'' to an up smash of below-average power in ''Brawl''. The move is also slower, further hindering its utility, although it is more reliable at setting up into thunderspikes. Pikachu's edgeguarding is also less effective, not only due to the general buffs to recoveries, but also because Pikachu's up aerial has much lower base knockback, significantly hindering its use as an edgeguarding tool.
 
Overall, Pikachu retains most of the strengths it had in ''Melee'', and the changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics benefit Pikachu far more than many other returning veterans. As a result, Pikachu is one of the stronger characters in ''Brawl'' and has seen strong results, although it still struggles against a few characters such as {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Nevertheless, Pikachu remains a threat to most of the cast, and it even has a very strong matchup against other high/top tiers such as {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, and {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}.
 
===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Some of Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly. One example is its tail being thicker.}}
*{{change|Pikachu's coloring has been slightly softened.}}
*{{change|Pikachu has new sound effects, which sound slightly "bouncy".}}
*{{change|Pikachu now scowls during some attacks.}}
*{{change|Some attacks have new hitboxes.}}
*{{change|Pikachu has two new costumes that replace its Blue and Green Team colors in ''Melee''.}}
**{{change|Instead of wearing a blue party hat, Pikachu's blue costume now has it wearing blue goggles similar to {{SSBM|Pichu}}'s blue costume.}}
**{{change|Instead of wearing a green cowboy hat, Pikachu's green costume now has it wearing a green headband.}}


===Attributes===
Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range, where its smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up-smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs while its down-smash holds for multiple hits and has a high priority, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. The side smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves.  
*{{change|Pikachu is slightly [[Weight|lighter]] (80 → 79).}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu [[dash]]es slightly slower (1.8 → 1.765).}}
*{{buff|Pikachu has a noticeably better survivability, with its up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being usable as [[momentum cancel]]ling moves as well.}}
*{{buff|Pikachu can now [[wall jump]] much like {{SSBM|Pichu}}, aiding its recovery. It can now also [[crawl]].}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[air speed]] has been increased (0.85 → 0.9118).}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[air acceleration]] is higher (0.05 → 0.1).}}
*{{change|Pikachu's [[falling speed]] was reduced (1.9 → 1.5). When comparing to the returning veterans, Pikachu falls faster, worsening its recovery and making Pikachu more vulnerable to combos, but improving its endurance.}}
*{{change|Pikachu's gravity was decreased (0.11 → 0.087).}}
*{{nerf|[[jump|Jumpsquat]] is longer (3 frames → 4).}}
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[short hop]] is higher (1.7 → 1.736).}}
*{{nerf|Pikachu's traction is lower (0.09 → 0.0596), especially when comparing with the returning veterans, now going from the 5th highest in ''Melee'' to only the 17th highest. This makes it harder for it to punish out of shield while providing marginal benefits in comparison due to the removal of [[wavedashing]].}}
*{{buff|[[Spot dodge]] has a longer duration (frames 2-15 → 2-20).}}


===Ground attacks===
As for specials, Skull Bash and Quick Attack are both good recovery techniques, although Skull Bash is easily punishable by edgeguarders, able to be stopped by projectiles (e.g. Waddle Dee Throw), and requires charging time. Quick Attack also opens options for mindgames, by confusing opponents about Pikachu's actions. The most common form of this is QAC (Quick Attack cancel), allowing Pikachu use any special or aerial move after. Thunder is Pikachu's most well known move. Opponents will expect it of the player, and because of that, watch out for characters who have reflectors or reflect, because if 2 or more characters reflect the Thunder it will cause the player to instantly jump to 100-500% KOing the player instantly if they're under the Thunder, but the move is still one of Pikachu's best KO moves, KOing reliably at 100%. Thunder Jolt is Pikachu's neutral Special, and is a useful move to keep most opponents at bay, as well as forcing them in the air. Thunder Jolt is a ground-hugging projectile, meaning opponents can't escape it by ducking or crawling.
*[[Neutral attack]]:
**{{buff|Neutral attack deals less knockback (7 (base), 50 (scaling) → 4/30) improving its ability to chain into itself. It also has a 10% [[trip]]ping chance, and Pikachu can now hold out the attack if the attack button is held, making it much easier to spam the attack.}}
*[[Forward tilt]]:
**{{buff|Forward tilt deals more damage (9%/8%/7% → 10%/9%/8%) and has higher base knockback (10 → 15).}}
*[[Up tilt]]:
**{{nerf|Up tilt has received a new sourspot that deals 5% damage and has a shorter duration (frames 7-14 → 7-13).}}
*[[Down tilt]]:
**{{buff|Down tilt now has a 30% tripping chance.}}
**{{change|Its angle has been altered (35° → 361°) no longer semi-spiking but allowing it to trip opponents.}}
*[[Dash attack]]:
**{{nerf|Dash attack deals less damage (8% → 7%).}}
*[[Forward smash]]:
**{{buff|Forward smash has reduced startup lag (frame 16 → 15).}}
**{{nerf|It deals less damage (21% (early), 19% (clean), 18% (late) → 20%/17%/14%) and the sourspots have significantly lower knockback (25/22 (base), 95/90/85 (scaling) → (50/40)/(70/60).}}
**{{change|Its sweetspot's knockback has been altered (25 (base), 92 (scaling) → 70/60).}}
*[[Up smash]]:
**{{nerf|Up smash has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 8-17 → 9-16) and ending lag (FAF 41 → 44). It also deals less damage (17%-19% (clean), 13% (mid) → 14%/13%/11%) and has less knockback scaling (110 → 90), significantly reducing its KO potential. This makes it no longer the strongest up smash in the game, now being an up smash with below-average KO potential.}}
*[[Down smash]]:
**{{buff|Down smash deals more damage (13% → 15%) due to changes to [[stale move negation]]; its final hit has a larger hitbox (10u → 12u) and has higher knockback scaling (170 → 190), giving it more KO power; and the first few hits have larger hitboxes (4.8u/2.4u → 5.76u/2.88u), making it harder to [[SDI]] out of (though still very easy). This significantly improves its utility. It also has less startup lag (frame 7 → 6).}}
**{{nerf|It has more ending lag (FAF 51 → 55), and the multi-hits have a higher SDI multiplier (1x → 1.2x).}}


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


===Throws/other attacks===
Pikachu's throws are possible to chain-grab with, in certain situations. Down and Forward throws are mostly used for this, while back throws easily set up to an edgeguarding chance. Up throws and up tilts can combine into a Thunder on certain characters.
*[[Grab]]s:
**{{buff|Grabs have less startup lag (frame 7 (standing)/11 (dash) → 6/9), with their total durations subsequently reduced (FAF 31 (standing)/41 (dash) → 30/39).}}
**{{buff|Grabs have larger grabboxes (3.51u/3.12u → 4.3u/3.8u (standing)/4u/3.5u/3.5u (dash)), and their furthest grabboxes have been moved further out (z offset: 7.03 (standing)/6.56 (dash) → 7.2/7.0). This improves Pikachu's grab range, no longer being the shortest grab in the game (although it is still rather short).}}
***{{buff|Dash grab's near hitboxes are also positioned closer to Pikachu (z offset: 4.3/1.56 → 3/-1), giving the move more range behind Pikachu.}}
*{{change|Back, up, and down throws no longer have an electric effect.}}
*[[Pummel]]:
**{{buff|Pummel has less ending lag (FAF 24 → 16).}}
**{{nerf|Pummel deals less damage (3% → 2%)}}
*[[Forward throw]]:
**{{buff|Forward throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitboxes are larger (5.47u → 6.72u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitboxes have more startup lag (frame 10/14/18/22 → 11/15/19/23).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from forward throw one frame later (frame 29 → 30). While this does make the throw slightly easier to DI, it also gives the throw slightly less ending lag. When combined with the fact that the throw can no longer be DIed until it inflicts a [[tumble]], this significantly improves its chain grabbing potential at lower percents.}}
*[[Back throw]]:
**{{change|Pikachu releases opponents from back throw one frame later (frame 30 → 31).}}
*[[Up throw]]:
**{{buff|Up throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitbox is larger (4.69u → 5.76u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitbox has a shorter duration (frames 14-19 → 14-15).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from up throw earlier (frame 20 → 16), and it has less ending lag (FAF 44 → 36).}}
***{{nerf|However, despite this, the universally decreased fall speeds, the changes to air dodging, and the introduction of hitstun canceling have significantly hindered the move's combo potential, going from a powerful chain grab against fast fallers to now lacking any guaranteed followups, while also still being too weak to KO.}}
*[[Down throw]]:
**{{buff|Down throw deals more damage due to the changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%).}}
**{{buff|The hitbox is larger (5.86u → 7.2u).}}
**{{nerf|The hitbox has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 12-19 → 13-14).}}
**{{buff|Pikachu releases opponents from down throw one frame later (frame 20 → 21), and it has less ending lag (FAF 48 → 44).}}
**{{buff|Down throw no longer forces opponents into tumble until it deals enough knockback (which is typically from 50%-120%, depending on the opponent's weight/how stale the down throw is).}}
***{{buff|These changes, combined with the removal of DI against non-tumble knockback and the changes to stale move negation, significantly improve its followup potential, to the point where the throw can now lead into itself many times for an inescapable [[zero-death combo]] (sometimes in conjunction with forward throw) against fast fallers.}}
 
===Special moves===
*[[Thunder Jolt]]:
**{{buff|Thunder Jolt has a slightly longer duration (99 frames → 100) and has higher knockback.}}
**{{nerf|It has more startup lag (frame 18 → 19) and deals less damage (7% (grounded), 10% (aerial) → (6%/5%)/9%). Pikachu can also no longer [[fast fall]] or move in the air while using Thunder Jolt.}}
*[[Skull Bash]]:
**{{buff|Skull Bash charges faster and travels farther, improving its approaching and recovery potential. It can now also be used for momentum canceling, greatly aiding Pikachu's horizontal endurance. It also deals more damage when not charged (4% → 7%) and knockback (15 (base), 90 (scaling) → 40/80).}}
**{{nerf|Its charge time can no longer be lowered by performing the move like a smash attack. It also deals less damage fully charged (29% → 25%) hindering its KO potential.}}
*[[Quick Attack]]:
**{{buff|Pikachu can now [[Quick Attack Cancel]], allowing it to quickly approach while being able to attack and/or jump. This significantly improves its ability to approach opponents. [[Quick Attack]] also has much less ending lag when used into the ground (which can be further decreased with QAC). Additionally, Quick Attack can now be used to [[lock]] opponents.}}
**{{nerf|It cannot travel vertically twice any longer and travels a slightly shorter distance, hindering its recovery potential. It also has more startup lag (frame 13 (hit 1) frame 27 (hit 2) → 15/30) and no longer cancels landing lag if Pikachu enters free fall high above the stage before landing.}}
**{{nerf|Quick Attack now suffers from [[RCO lag]].}}
*{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}:
**{{buff|Thunder has less ending lag if Pikachu whiffs it while in mid-air (FAF 115 → 88), and the shockwave has less ending lag (FAF 70 → 37), grants Pikachu with intangibility for its first 8 frames, and has a larger hitbox (12u → 14.4u). Additionally, the universally decreased falling speeds increase the thunderbolt's KO potential when used as a Thunderspike, and Pikachu's lower falling speed makes it a more viable recovery option. Thunder can now also be [[B reverse]]d, and can be used with [[Cape glide|Edge momentum shifting]], giving it more utility.}}
**{{nerf|It has more ending lag if Pikachu whiffs it while on the ground (FAF 79 → 88). The shockwave also has a shorter duration (frames 1-9 → 1-3).}}
*[[Volt Tackle]]:
**{{change|Pikachu now has a [[Final Smash]]: Volt Tackle. It surrounds itself in a sphere of electricity and flies around the stage, charging through opponents. Pressing the attack button causes the sphere to discharge electricity.}}


Other tips for Pikachu are to maintain good DI and Tech skills, as well as good dodging skills. Pikachu's speed makes it imperative to keep moving and to always seek the high ground on stages with platforms.
==Moveset==
==Moveset==
''For a gallery of Pikachu's hitboxes, see [[Pikachu (SSBB)/Hitboxes|here]].''
====Ground attacks====
[[File:Pika dthrow cg brawl.gif|thumb|Down throw 0-death chaingrab on Fox]]
=====Normal=====
[[File:SSBB Thunder Wall.gif|thumb|A down special used to set up a wall of Thunders offstage to edgeguard.]]
*[[Neutral attack]] - Quick headbutts. Can be held, or just pressed. 2% damage each hit. It may also cause [[tripping]] and it has a disjointed, invisible hitbox like Snake's forward tilt and up tilt. Best used against an opponent when they are next to a wall to rack up very high damage. Has a start-up of 2 frames. Pikachu´s fastest move.
{{MovesetTable
*[[Dash attack]] - Bashes target with its head like a mini Skull Bash. Laggy in completion, easily shield grabbed. 7% damage. Hits on frame 5-16.
|game=SSBB
*[[Forward tilt]] - Sticks both feet forward. Really short range. 9% damage. Nicknamed "Mega Kick". Hits on frame 5-10.
|neutralcount=1
*[[Up tilt]] - Swings tail in an arc above itself, good for juggling fast fallers. Hits on frame 7-13. Does 7% damage.
|neutralname=Headbutt ({{ja|ずつき|Zutsuki}})
*[[Down tilt]] - Does a quick, low tail whip. Can attack twice, first tripping and then knocking away if you tap fast enough. 7% damage. Start-up on frame 7 and it ends on frame 9.
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutraldesc=An extremely quick headbutt. Does very minimal damage and has short range, but can be used rapidly to refresh [[stale move negation]]. If the [[A button]] is held, it can deal more damage to nearby opponents and randomly cause them to trip.
|ftiltname=Double-Footed Kick ({{ja|りょうあしげり|Ryō Ashigeri}})
|ftiltangles=3
|ftiltupdmg=10%
|ftiltsidedmg=9%
|ftiltdowndmg=8%
|ftiltdesc=Plants itself on its upper paws and kicks its lower paws in front of its body. If it is used right next to the opponent, it knocks them backwards behind Pikachu. Has high knockback scaling but below-average knockback.
|utiltname=Tail Attack ({{ja|しっぽアタック|Shippo Atakku}})
|utiltdmg=7% (close), 6% (mid), 5% (far)
|utiltdesc=Swings tail in an arc above itself. Good for juggling fast fallers.
|dtiltname=Tail Sweep ({{ja|あしばらい|Ashi Barai}}, ''Foot Sweep'')
|dtiltdmg=7%
|dtiltdesc=Does a quick, low tail whip. Very quick in terms of both [[startup]] and [[ending lag]].
|dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'')
|dashdmg=7%
|dashdesc=Jumps forwards, headbutting. While it does have some knockback, it is rather laggy and leaves Pikachu vulnerable, making it vulnerable to [[shield grab]]ing.
|fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'')
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|20}} (early), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|17}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|14}} (late)
|fsmashdesc=Rears back, then ejects an attached jolt of electricity from its cheeks while leaning forwards. The further away Pikachu's opponent is, the less damage and knockback it does. The move deals most damage when the opponent is directly in front of Pikachu.
|usmashname=Tail Somersault ({{ja|しっぽサマーソルト|Shippo Sāmasoruto}})
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|14}} (clean body) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|13}} (clean tail), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|11}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|7}} (late)
|usmashdesc=Flips very fast, attacking with its tail. A great followup to a down throw, being a rather good vertical KO move despite being greatly nerfed from ''Melee''. This can combo into [[Thunder]] for a [[Star KO]] - often called [[Thunderspiking]].
|dsmashname=Electric Flower ({{ja|ねずみはなび|Nezumi Hanabi}}, ''Mouse Fireworks'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|3}} (hit 7)
|dsmashdesc=Spins on the floor and releases electricity. A good move for racking up damage, and a powerful vertical finisher, but it is not too hard to [[SDI]] out of it before the final hit. Can also be used for spacing.
|nairname=Pikachu Spin ({{ja|ピカチュウスピン|Pikachū Supin}})
|nairdmg=12% (clean), 6% (late)
|nairdesc=Curls up in a ball and repeatedly somersaults. Extremely fast [[startup]] with good horizontal knockback, making it a good aerial finisher or a useful edgeguarding move.
|fairname=Electric Drill ({{ja|でんげきドリル|Dengeki Doriru}})
|fairdmg=2% (hits 1-4), 3% (hit 5)
|fairdesc=Drills forward in the air with electricity. Deals multiple hits with the final hit dealing minimal knockback. The attack itself has little landing lag, which can potentially set up into a grounded move or a [[grab]].
|bairname=Glider ({{ja|グライダー|Guraidā}})
|bairdmg=1% (hits 1-7), 4% (hit 8), 4% (landing)
|bairdesc=Spins in a manner similar to its down smash, but without electrical effects. The move consists of multiple hits, with the final one dealing decent knockback. Has high landing lag.
|uairname=Tail Chop ({{ja|しっぽはたき|Shippo Hitaki}})
|uairdmg=6%/5% (clean), 5%/4% (late)
|uairdesc=Swiftly swings its tail above itself in an arc. Deals weak knockback which can be used for [[gimping]] at higher percents. The move can also be used for [[juggling]] and in a [[RAR]]
|dairname=Electric Screw ({{ja|でんげきスクリュー|Dengeki Sukuryū}})
|dairdmg=12%, 4% (landing)
|dairdesc= An electric drill-like moving downwards. Deals horizontal knockback. Has both noticeable [[startup]] and landing lag.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=&nbsp;
|pummelname=Grab Electric Shock ({{ja|つかみでんきショック|Tsukami Denki Shokku}})
|pummeldmg=2%
|pummeldesc=Zaps the opponent. A quick pummel.
|fthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}})
|fthrowdmg=2% (hits 1-4), 2% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent on its back and shocks them, sending them forward. A multi-hit move. Can [[chain throw]] almost all characters.
|bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'')
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdesc=Does backwards somersaults with the opponent, then flings them behind itself. Pikachu moves a considerable distance before throwing opponent.
|uthrowname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}})
|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Headbutts opponent upward. Does not have many followup options and does low damage, with a down throw usually being a better option.
|dthrowname=Hip Press ({{ja|ヒッププレス|Hippu Puresu}})
|dthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Slams on top of opponent. Can [[chain throw]] certain characters, especially fast-fallers like Fox.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=6%
|floorfdesc=Gets up and headbutts both sides of itself.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdesc=Gets up and kicks both sides of itself.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdesc=Gets up and hits both sides of itself with its tail.
|edgefname=&nbsp;
|edgefdmg=8%
|edgefdesc=Quickly climbs up and whips its tail.
|edgesname=&nbsp;
|edgesdmg=10%
|edgesdesc=Slowly climbs up and whips its tail.
|nsname=Thunder Jolt
|nsdmg=6% (grounded), 5% (airborne), 9% (in air)
|nsdesc=Fires a jolt of electricity forward. Pikachu's main [[projectile]], and a very useful move for keeping onstage opponents at bay and threatening offstage recoveries. Travels forward whilst bouncing along the ground, and can also travel up walls, below the edge, and along ceilings. If used in the air, it will travel diagonally down instead. Disappears after about 3 seconds.
|ssname=Skull Bash
|ssdmg=7% (uncharged)- 25% (fully charged)
|ssdesc=Charges and, when the [[B button]] is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has good KO power. Primarily used as a recovery move, as it gains a lot of horizontal distance (especially when charged) and does not leave Pikachu helpless. When used on the ground, it has high landing lag.
|usname=Quick Attack
|usdmg=3% (first warp), 2% (second warp)
|usdesc=Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the [[control stick]]. Pikachu's main recovery move, and a quick, unpredictable move at that. The second warp is optional, but if used, the direction must be 45 degrees different than the first direction to work.
|dsname=Thunder
|dspage=Thunder (Pokémon)
|dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast)
|dsdesc=Shouts "PIKA!", then a large thunderbolt comes down on Pikachu. The move in general is rather laggy, but if the opponent is hit by the shockwave around Pikachu when the thunderbolt lands on it, it deals massive horizontal knockback. If the opponent is hit by the bolt itself, it deals moderate vertical knockback, which can KO off the top screen (called [[Thunderspiking]]). It is also possible for the bolt to not hit Pikachu, by moving in the air after using the move.
|fsname=Volt Tackle
|fsdmg=13-25%
|fsdesc=Turns into a gigantic ball of blue colored electricity that flies around the stage at high velocity. The attack button can be pressed to create a large discharge, increasing knockback. Can rack up damage quickly.
}}
 
===Stats===
{{technical data|Needs short hop and double jump heights}}
{{Attributes
|cast      = 39
|weight    = 79
|rweight    = 34-35
|dash      = 1.8
|rdash      = 5-6
|run        = 1.765
|rrun      = 8
|walk      = 1.24
|rwalk      = 9
|trac      = 0.0596
|rtrac      = 17
|airfric    = 0.0075
|rairfric  = 27-31
|air        = 0.9118
|rair      = 23
|baseaccel  = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 7-36
|addaccel  = 0.09
|raddaccel  = 4-7
|gravity    = 0.087
|rgravity  = 14
|fall      = 1.5
|rfall      = 12-13
|ff        = 2.379
|rff        = 7
|jumpsquat  = 4
|rjumpsquat = 1-10
|jumpheight = 34.11800144
|rjumpheight= 16
|shorthop  = ?
|rshorthop  = ?
|djump      = ?
|rdjump    = ?
|ellag      = 3
|rellag    = 1-29
}}
 
===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Pikachu English Announcer SSBB.wav|English/Japanese
</gallery>
 
===[[Wii Remote selection sound]]===
{{SelectSound|char=Pikachu|desc=Pikachu says "Pii-ka!".}}


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
=====[[Smash attack]]s=====
{{Appearance
*[[Forward smash]] - Pikachu charges bolt of electricity in front of it, causing a lot of knockback when released (it has the 5th highest base knockback but the 7th lowest knockback scaling). If Pikachu uses or charges its side smash with a battering item, it will have a straight face. If it does so with a Smash Ball, its face takes on an evil expression. The further away Pikachu's opponent is, the less damage it does. Does 20% uncharged, but 28% charged. Has some starting lag (frame 15) and minimal ending lag.
|desc=Emerges from a Poké Ball, then briefly surrounds itself in electric sparks.
*[[Up smash]] - Flips very fast (start-up on frame 9), attacking with its tail. 13% uncharged, 19% charged. Great move to use after Down Throw. Powerful vertical KOer, despite being nerfed. A strategy involves using this to combo to Thunderspike to get a Star KO.
|char=Pikachu
*[[Down smash]] - Spins on the floor and releases electricity. 15% uncharged, 21% charged. Good move for racking up damage, and a reliable finisher. If the opponent flies directly up after a Down Smash, Thunder can quickly be used for a reliable Star KO. Almost no starting lag (frame 6, being its fastest smash attack) and some ending lag. An amazing panic option move for spacing. Helps with Stale Move Negation because of its multiple hits but it can be Smash DIed out of.
|game=SSBB}}


===[[Taunt]]s===
=====Other=====
{{Taunt/SSBB
*[[Ledge attack]]- Does a somersault that hurts opponents. 8% damage.
|char=Pikachu
*Over 100% ledge attack- Kicks up then whacks opponents with its tail. 10% damage.
|desc-up=Pikachu creates rings of electricity around it, saying "Piiiiiii!"
*[[Floor attack]]- Does a sweeper kick. 10% damage.
|desc-side=Turns to the camera, waving both paws and says "Pika, Pika!" (updated version of taunt from ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'') - its mouth is open wider when facing left and its head is less rotated because of the leg when facing right.
*Trip attack- Does a sweeper kick with its tail. 5% damage.
|desc-down=Pikachu rolls on its back and says "Pikaaaahh!".}}


===[[Idle pose]]s===
====[[Aerial attack]]s====
{{Idle
*[[Neutral aerial]] - Spins in a ball. Decent knockback and power. Extremely fast, having a start-up of 3 frames, giving the ability of breaking combos. Still has hitboxes while on the ground, decent priority. KOs most characters at 130%. Does 12% damage. Pikachu's best aerial KO move.
|desc-1=Scratches one of its ears.
*[[Forward aerial]] - An electric drill-like move forward. Lags on the ground but still sets up for a grab or down smash. 11% if all 5 hits make contact with the last hit having minimal knockback. Start-up on frame 10.
|desc-2=Looks left and right.
*[[Back aerial]] - Spins like a disc and hits multiple times. First hit on frame 4. 11% damage if all hits connect. Good for chasing opponents DI. Very high aerial lag and landing lag.
|image-1=Pikachu Idle Pose 2 Brawl.png
*[[Up aerial]] - Swings tail while flipping forward. Very weak attack. Certain tail frames send opponent away at an angle good for gimping at high percentages. Does 6% worth damage. Best used to push opponents off in aerial combat. Has almost no KOing potential. Hits on frame 3-4.
|image-2=Pikachu Idle Pose 1 Brawl.png}}
*[[Down aerial]] - An electric drill-like move downward. Has hitboxes while on the ground. 12% damage. Lags on contact with ground, can be auto-canceled if done while rising. Has horizontal knockback. Hits on frame 14-26. Cannot spike.


===[[Crowd cheer]]===
====[[Grab]]s & [[throw]]s====
{| class="wikitable"
*[[Pummel]] - Shocks opponent. Fairly quick. 1-2% per hit. Best if used rhythmically because of slight afterlag.
|-
*[[Back throw]] - Tumbles with opponent back and throws them back. 9% damage. Unlike other throws, Pikachu actually moves a considerable distance with the opponent before throwing.
!{{{name|}}}
*[[Forward throw]] - Places opponent on back and electrocutes them forward. Can [[Chain grab|chain throw]] almost all characters. 10% damage. Good for countering stale move negation because it hits multiple times.
!Cheer (English)
*[[Up throw]] - Headbutts opponent upward. Can combo with Thunder. 10% damage.
!Cheer (Japanese)
*[[Down throw]] - Slams on top of opponent. Can chain throw certain characters. Has a 0-death on [[Fox]], the ability to chain grab most fast-fallers and can guaranteed an up smash at low percentages. Can perform 0-death combo by using down throw, up tilt, foolstool jump into Quick Attack lock (with QAC) repeatdly and jab lock repeatdly near close to the ledge ending with forward smash on few characters. This combo can be escaped with proper SDI. 10% if fresh, 8% damage after 4th use.
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Korean)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Pikachu Cheer English SSBB.ogg|center]]||[[File:Pikachu Cheer Japanese SSBB.ogg|center]]||[[File:Pikachu Cheer German SSBB.ogg|center]]||rowspan="4"|[[File:Pikachu Cheer Korean SSBB.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Pika - Pika - Pikachu! || Pi - ka - chu! || Pi -  ka Pi -  ka Pi - ka Pika - chu!
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (French)
!Cheer (Italian)
!Cheer (Spanish)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Pikachu Cheer French SSBB.ogg|center]]||[[File:Pikachu Cheer Italian SSBB.ogg|center]]||[[File:Pikachu Cheer Spanish SSBB.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Pi - ka Pi - ka Pi - ka - chu ! || Pika Pikaa --  Pikaa -- chu! || Pi - ka Pi - ka Pikaa - chu! || Pika - chu!
|}


===[[Victory pose]]s===
====[[Special move]]s====
{{Victory/SSBB
{{Special Moves|char=Pikachu}}
|victory-theme=PokemonUniverseTheme.ogg
|victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series.
|desc-up=Its ears perk, and it scratches its right ear.
|desc-left=Backflip, spins on the ground, and says "Pii!" (Its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'')
|desc-right=Lies sideways on the ground, sleeping.
|char=Pikachu}}


==In [[competitive play]]==
====[[Taunt]]s ====
===Notable players===
Up: Pikachu creates rings of electricity around it, saying "Piiiiiii!"
{{cleanup|[[SmashWiki:Cleanup of the Notable Players sections|To fit these guidelines]]}}
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu players (SSBB)]]''
*{{Sm|Anther|USA}} - A top Midwestern Pikachu player, with top 8 finishes at [[Apex 2009]] and [[S.N.E.S.]]
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - A nationally dominant ''Brawl'' player from 2010-2014, considered the best Pikachu player in the world.
*{{Sm|Gunnermaniac|USA}} - The best Pikachu player after ''Brawl''{{'}}s decline. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|CEO Dreamland 2020}}, 7th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}
*{{Sm|K Prime|USA}} - Pikachu player from Texas.
*{{Sm|Mik|Spain}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Europe; then known as '''Miquel0123'''.
*{{Sm|NinjaLink|USA}} - Known as one of the best Pikachu players in ''Brawl'''s early days; he also played a variety of characters at the tournament level.
*{{Sm|PikaForLife|Netherlands}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Europe.
*{{Sm|PikaPika!|USA}} - A top Pikachu player in ''Brawl'''s early days, placing 7th at S.N.E.S.
*{{Sm|Ranai|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan; known as '''Hayase''' during the ''Brawl'' era.
*{{Sm|Shimitake|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan.
*{{Sm|Z|USA}} - Considered one of the best American Pikachu players behind ESAM.


===Tier placement and history===
Down: Pikachu rolls on its back and says "Pikaaaahh!".
Since the first tier list, Pikachu has always been a high tier character. The first tier list put it at 12th place, and since then, it has risen slightly, currently being at 8th place at the top of high tier. Pikachu's rise was mainly due to its huge number of techniques being discovered, with {{Sm|ESAM}} being credited for many of them, and its positive [[matchup]]s. Despite its high tier placing in the North American [[Smash Back Room]] tier list, Pikachu is uncommon in tournaments compared to other top/high tier characters, and it ranks significantly lower on the [[Japanese tier list]], with ESAM being the only Pikachu player who placed very high at national tournaments later in the game's active competitive life.


==In Solo Modes==
Side: Turns to the camera, waving both paws and says "Pika, Pika!" (updated version of taunt from SSB and Melee) - its mouth is open wider when facing left.
==={{SSBB|Classic Mode}}===
In Classic Mode, Pikachu can appear as an opponent or ally in Stage 3 along with {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, and {{SSBB|Lucario}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] or [[Spear Pillar]] (with the latter available if it has been unlocked). Pikachu can also appear as an opponent in Stage 11, but only if it hasn't appeared in Stage 3.


===[[All-Star Mode]]===
====[[Idle pose]]s====
In All-Star Mode, Pikachu is fought in Stage 18 alongside {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, and {{SSBB|Lucario}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] or [[Spear Pillar]] (with the latter available if it has been unlocked).
*Scratches one of its ears
*Looks left and right


===[[Event Match]]es===
====[[Crowd|Cheer]]====
====Solo Events====
''Pika Pika Pikachu!''
*'''[[Event 8: Go! Triple Finish!]]''': The player controls Pikachu and must defeat {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]].
*'''[[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars]]''': Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game.
*'''[[Event 12: Sleeping in the Eggs]]''': The player controls {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and must put both {{SSBB|Kirby}} and Pikachu in eggs simultaneously.
*'''[[Event 14: Sproutrage of the Flower Pikmin]]''': {{SSBB|Olimar}} must protect 6 Pikmin until their flowers bloom from Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}.


====Co-Op Events====
===Brawl Manual Description===
*'''[[Co-Op Event 2: Master the Pokémon Tag Battle]]''': A team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} must defeat another team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
Everyone's favorite Pokémon is nimble and has several potent electrical attacks.
*'''[[Co-Op Event 21: The True All-Star Battle]]''': Both players select a character and take on the entire roster on {{SSBB|Battlefield}}.


===[[Congratulations_screen#Super_Smash_Bros._Brawl|Congratulations Screens]]===
==Matchups==
<center>
{{SSBBMatchupTable|pikachu=yes}}
<gallery>
Pikachu Congratulations Screen Classic Mode Brawl.png|Classic Mode
Pikachu Congratulations Screen All-Star Brawl.png|All-Star Mode
</gallery>
</center>
 
==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]==
[[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|thumb|250px|Pikachu in ''[[SSE]]''.]]
Pikachu is first seen when {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} enters a lab on the [[Isle of the Ancients]]. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit.


==Role In ''The [[Subspace Emissary]]''==
Pikachu is first seen when [[Zero Suit Samus (SSBB)|Samus, in her Zero Suit]] enters a lab on the Isle of the Ancients. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit.
[[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|frame|Pikachu in the ''SSE'']]
After going through the first area of the Research Facility, Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu discover a monitor room, and learn the location of Samus' Power Suit.
After going through the first area of the Research Facility, Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu discover a monitor room, and learn the location of Samus' Power Suit.


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


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


As they stare at his sorrowing, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} and his {{b|Pikmin|species}} break into the same room. DK smashes the doors open with his fists, and the four barge into the room. They also want to attack the Ancient Minister, but a hologram of {{SSBB|Ganondorf}} appears. He commands the R.O.B. Squad to activate the remaining Subspace Bombs. The Ancient Minister tries to stop the Squad as their leader, but Ganondorf forces them to mindlessly attack the Ancient Minister using a reprogramming device. As the Ancient Minister sulks in flames, the brainwashed R.O.B. squad starts to take the Subspace Bombs off the racks. Ganondorf laughs at the Ancient Minister's despair, and sends the Subspace Army to distract the fighters. [[Auroros]] fly towards the group, but the Ancient Minister fires energy beams at them before they get near the fighters. The Ancient Minister reveals itself to be a {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} himself, the lead R.O.B, and joins the five other heroes in fighting the Subspace Army. After they defeat the Subspace Army, the heroes attempt to detach the R.O.B. squad from the Subspace Bombs. Captain Falcon throws the R.O.B.s, Samus uses her Grapple Beam, while Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong use sheer force. Nothing detaches the R.O.B.s from the Subspace Bomb. The lead R.O.B. attempts to get them to willingly detach, and two members of the Squad respond, apparently unable to detach themselves. The R.O.B. looks down in despair, and Captain Falcon calls his [[Falcon Flyer]] so they can escape.  After descending through the Subspace Bomb factory escape tunnel, full of members of the Subspace Army, they escape on the Falcon Flyer. [[Meta Ridley]] chases them down with the intent of revenge on Samus and Pikachu. They fight his mechanically enhanced form on top of the Flyer, and defeat it. Pikachu and the rest of the group then join the ground heroes and Halberd Battleship heroes, and help them out throughout the rest of the adventure.
As they stare at his sorrowing, [[Donkey Kong (SSBB)|Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong (SSBB)|Diddy Kong]], [[Captain Falcon (SSBB)|Captain Falcon]] and [[Pikmin and Olimar (SSBB)|Olimar]] break into the same room. DK smashes the doors open with his fists, and the four barge into the room. They also want to attack the Ancient Minister, but a hologram of [[Ganondorf (SSBB)|Ganondorf]] appears. He commands the R.O.B. Squad to activate the remaining Subspace Bombs. The Ancient Minister tries to stop the Squad as their leader, but Ganondorf forces them to mindlessly attack the Ancient Minister using a reprogramming device. As the Ancient Minister sulks in flames, the brainwashed R.O.B. squad starts to take the Subspace Bombs off the racks. Ganondorf laughs at the Ancient Minister's despair, and sends the Subspace Army to distract the fighters. [[Auroros]] fly towards the group, but the Ancient Minister fires energy beams at them before they get near the fighters. The Ancient Minister reveals itself to be a [[R.O.B. (SSBB)|R.O.B.]] himself, the lead R.O.B, and joins the five other heroes in fighting the Subspace Army. After they defeat the Subspace Army, the heroes attempt to detach the R.O.B. squad from the Subspace Bombs. Captain Falcon throws the R.O.B.s, Samus uses her Grapple Beam, while Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong use sheer force. Nothing detaches the R.O.B.s from the Subspace Bomb. The lead R.O.B. attempts to get them to willingly detach, and two members of the Squad respond, apparently unable to detach themselves. The R.O.B. looks down in despair, and Captain Falcon calls his [[Falcon Flyer]] so they can escape.  After descending through the Subspace Bomb factory escape tunnel, full of members of the Subspace Army, they escape on the Falcon Flyer. [[Meta Ridley]] chases them down with the intent of revenge on Samus and Pikachu. They fight his mechanically enhanced form on top of the Flyer, and defeat it. Pikachu and the rest of the group then join the ground heroes and Halberd Battleship heroes, and help them out throughout the rest of the adventure.
 
Unfortunately, when these characters reach Subspace, [[Tabuu]] turns everybody, including Pikachu, into trophies using the terrible [[Off Waves]]. However, thanks to the efforts of {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}} and {{SSBB|Ness}}, the characters are revived, Pikachu included.  Once they regroup with the trophies that {{SSBB|Kirby}} and the others revived, they set off to enter [[The Great Maze]]. When they approach Tabuu, {{SSBB|Sonic}} appears and saves them from his Off Waves. They then finally defeat Tabuu, and returned the Subspace Bomb-ed portions of the [[World of Trophies]] back to their original places, except the [[Isle of the Ancients]], which Pikachu and the rest look on at in triumph.
 
===Playable appearances===
*[[The Research Facility (Part I)]]
*[[The Research Facility (Part II)]]
*[[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part I)]]
*[[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]]
*[[Entrance to Subspace]]
*[[The Great Maze]] (if rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]]
 
===Exclusive [[stickers]]===
These stickers can only be used by Pikachu or a select few including it.
*Barkle: [Tail] Attack +32
*Blathers: [Tail] Attack +7
*Bowser Jr. (Super Mario Sunshine): [Tail] Attack +25
*Chaos: [Arm, Leg] Attack +10
*Chihuahua: [Tail] Attack +12
*Deoxys: [Slash] Attack +10
*Entei: [Fire] Attack +20
*Fairy: [Tail] Attack +7
*Goldeen: [Leg] Attack +4
*Groudon: [Flame] Resistance +14
*Gulpin: [Electric] Attack +16
*Jigglypuff:  [Body, Spin] Attack +31
*Jirachi: [Arm, Leg] Attack +7
*Meowth: [Slash] Attack +5
*Metagross: Launch Resistance +23
*Mew: [Body, Spin] Attack +4
*Moltres: [Flame] Attack +20
*Pikachu: [Electric] Attack +33
*Pokémon Trainer: [Arm, Leg] Attack +13
*Rogue The Bat: [Tail] Attack +10
*Spitz: [Tail] Attack +12
*Stafy: [Tail] Attack +7
*Staryu: [Specials: Direct] Attack +3
*Togepi: [Body, Spin] Attack +11
*Torchic: [Fire] Attack +8
*Weavile: [Slash] Attack +5
 
==[[Trophies]]==
Pikachu's main and [[Final Smash]] trophies can be obtained by clearing {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} and [[All-Star]] mode respectively with Pikachu.


{{Trophy/Fighter
Unfortunately, when these characters reach Subspace, [[Tabuu]] turns everybody, including Pikachu, into trophies using the terrible [[Off Waves]]. However, thanks to the efforts of King Dedede, Luigi and Ness,the characters are revived, Pikachu included. Once they regroup with the trophies that Kirby and the others revived, they set off to enter [[The Great Maze]]. When they approach Tabuu, Sonic appears and saves them from his Off Waves. They then finally defeat Tabuu, and returned the Subspace Bomb-ed portions of the [[World of Trophies]] back to their original places, except the [[Isle of the Ancients]], which Pikachu and the rest look on at in triumph.
|name=Pikachu
|image=Pikachu - Brawl Trophy.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes electricity on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into Raichu.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Red/Blue}}|console2=DS|game2={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


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


==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]==
==[[Palette swap (SSBB)#Pikachu|Costume gallery]]==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
[[File:Alt-pikachu3.jpg|frame|center|Pikachu's alternate costumes]]
|-
|colspan=4|[[File:Pikachu Palette (SSBB).png]]
|-
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Blue}}
|}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
PikachuBrawl1.jpg|Pikachu in [[Delfino Plaza]].
PikachuBrawl2.jpg|Pikachu with {{SSBB|Wario}} in [[Battlefield (SSBB)|Battlefield]].
PikachuBrawl3.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder Jolt]].
PikachuBrawl4.jpg|Pikachu with {{SSBB|Kirby}} in [[Delfino Plaza]].
PikachuBrawl5.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder]] in [[WarioWare, Inc.]]
PikachuBrawl6.jpg|Pikachu using [[Thunder]] against {{SSBB|Lucas}}.
PikachuBrawl7.jpg|Pikachu using Quick Attack in [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
PikachuBrawl8.jpg|Pikachu using its jab against {{SSBB|Charizard}}
Volttackle.jpg|Pikachu using [[Volt Tackle]].
</gallery>


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


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/pikachu.html Pikachu's page at Smash Bros. DOJO!!.]
*[http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pikachu.html Pikachu's page at Smash Bros. DOJO!!.]
*[http://smashboards.com/threads/generating-a-win-an-electrifying-guide-to-pikachu.225527/ Pikachu Character Guide on SmashBoards]
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=170170 Pikachu Character Guide at SWF]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW6ss0NqtsA Pikachu's hitbox size of each of its moves]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW6ss0NqtsA Pikachu's hitbox size of each of its moves]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ30Bgo6cBE Pikachu's Moves - History Behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, by CrappyCaptureDevice]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ30Bgo6cBE Pikachu's Moves - History Behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl, by CrappyCaptureDevice]
{{SSBBCharacters}}
{{SSBBCharacters}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Pokémon universe]]
[[Category:Pikachu (SSBB)| ]]
[[Category:Characters (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[es:Pikachu (SSBB)]]

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