Editing Pikachu (SSBB)

{{ArticleIcons|brawl=y}}

|name = Pikachu

|image = [[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|250px]]

|game = SSBB

|ssbgame1 = SSB

|ssbgame2 = SSBM

|ssbgame3 = SSB4

|tier = B

|ranking = 8

REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.

'''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''.

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.

 

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.

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 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.

 

 

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}}.

 

*{{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.}}

 

*{{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).}}

*[[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).}}

*[[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===

*[[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.}}

**{{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===

*[[Grab]]s:

***{{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.}}

**{{buff|Pummel has less ending lag (FAF 24 → 16).}}

**{{nerf|Pummel deals less damage (3% → 2%)}}

**{{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).}}

**{{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.}}

**{{change|Pikachu releases opponents from back throw one frame later (frame 30 → 31).}}

*[[Up throw]]:

**{{nerf|The hitbox has a shorter duration (frames 14-19 → 14-15).}}

***{{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.}}

**{{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|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]].}}

**{{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.}}

==Moveset==

''For a gallery of Pikachu's hitboxes, see [[Pikachu (SSBB)/Hitboxes|here]].''

[[File:Pika dthrow cg brawl.gif|thumb|Down throw 0-death chaingrab on Fox]]

|game=SSBB

|neutralcount=1

|neutralname=Headbutt ({{ja|ずつき|Zutsuki}})

|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.

|ftiltupdmg=10%

|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.

|dtiltdesc=Does a quick, low tail whip. Very quick in terms of both [[startup]] and [[ending lag]].

|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.

|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.

|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]].

|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.

|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.

|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]].

|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.

|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]]

|dairdesc= An electric drill-like moving downwards. Deals horizontal knockback. Has both noticeable [[startup]] and landing lag.

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|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)

|bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'')

|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}})

|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.

|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.

|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.

|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.

|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.

 

|baseaccel  = 0.01

|rjumpsquat = 1-10

|jumpheight = 34.11800144

===[[Announcer]] call===

{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}

===[[Wii Remote selection sound]]===

{{SelectSound|char=Pikachu|desc=Pikachu says "Pii-ka!".}}

|desc=Emerges from a Poké Ball, then briefly surrounds itself in electric sparks.

|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.

|desc-down=Pikachu rolls on its back and says "Pikaaaahh!".}}

|desc-1=Scratches one of its ears.

|desc-2=Looks left and right.

===[[Crowd cheer]]===

! 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]]

|Pika - Pika - Pikachu! || Pi - ka - chu! || Pi -  ka Pi -  ka Pi - ka Pika - chu!

===[[Victory pose]]s===

|victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series.

|desc-left=Backflip, spins on the ground, and says "Pii!" (Its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'')

:''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|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|PikaPika!|USA}} - A top Pikachu player in ''Brawl'''s early days, placing 7th at S.N.E.S.

*{{Sm|Z|USA}} - Considered one of the best American Pikachu players behind ESAM.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

===Exclusive [[stickers]]===

*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

|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}}}}

 

 

*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.

*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.

*''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''.

*[http://smashboards.com/threads/generating-a-win-an-electrifying-guide-to-pikachu.225527/ Pikachu Character Guide on SmashBoards]

[[Category:Pikachu (SSBB)| ]]

[[es:Pikachu (SSBB)]]