Editing Pokémon Trainer (SSBU)

|image = {{tabber|width=300px|height=300px|title1=Male|tab1=[[File:Pokémon Trainer (solo) SSBU.png|x300px]]|title2=Female|tab2=[[File:Pokémon Trainer (solo)-Alt1 SSBU.png|x300px]]|title3=Team (Male)|tab3=<br><br>[[File:Pokémon Trainer SSBU.png|300px]]|title4=Team (Female)|tab4=<br><br>[[File:Pokémon Trainer-Alt1 SSBU.png|300px]]}}

|shareslot = {{SSBU|Squirtle}}<br>{{SSBU|Ivysaur}}<br>{{SSBU|Charizard}}

<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, it is generally preferred, though not strictly required, that they match the gender of the default. If referring to one gender, only refer to the alternate when it specifically applies to them. While using gender-neutral pronouns is optional, it is heavily discouraged. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->

'''Pokémon Trainer''' ({{ja|ポケモントレーナー|Pokemon Torēnā}}, ''Pokémon Trainer'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Pokémon Trainer can use three interchangeable Pokémon in battle: {{SSBU|Squirtle}}, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBU|Charizard}}. Pokémon Trainer, unlike most characters, was not given a fighter number; instead, the Pokémon are given numbers. Squirtle is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #33]], Ivysaur is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #34]], and Charizard is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #35]].

In Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German respectively, the male Pokémon Trainer is voiced by Tomoe Hanba, Billy Bob Thompson, Emilie Guillaume, Rodri Martín, Tania de Domenico, and Maximilian Belle respectively, with the former reprising her role from ''Brawl'' and the latter five replacing Michele Knotz, Virginie Demians, Isabel Navarro, Francesca Giudice, and Dina Kuerten from ''Brawl''. In those respective languages, the female Pokémon Trainer is voiced by Wakana Minami, Kate Bristol, Elisabeth Guinand, Tania Ugía, Giada Bonanomi, and Lea Kalbhenn. As ''Ultimate'' does not have a Korean dub, Lee Sun does not reprise his role in the Korean versions of ''Ultimate'', instead using his Japanese voice.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} or anyone in his unlock tree, being the 2nd character unlocked after {{SSBU|Bowser}}.

With the exception of the third method, Pokémon Trainer must then be defeated on [[Pokémon Stadium]].

As the only fighter in ''Ultimate'' to use the character-swap mechanic originally used by {{SSBM|Sheik}} in ''Melee'', Pokémon Trainer is arguably the most dynamic fighter in the game, yet also one of the most demanding. Unlike other multiple-entity fighters such as {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}} and {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, the Trainer does not fight directly, instead acting as a commander for their three Pokémon: {{SSBU|Squirtle}}, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBU|Charizard}}, only one of whom can be present in battle at any given time and can be swapped out using [[Pokémon Change]] in that order. In the absence of a [[stamina]] mechanic, players may use any or all of the three Pokémon freely without fear of becoming less effective. However, forced switching remains, with the player automatically switching to the next Pokémon upon losing a stock.

Each of the three starters covers a different archetype: Squirtle is a fast combo-based lightweight, Ivysaur is a middleweight zoner, and Charizard is a heavyweight with raw kill power and surprisingly fast movement despite its slow moves. In most cases, the most basic gameplan is to build damage with Squirtle at low percents, use Ivysaur to outrange opponents and secure advantage state at medium percents, and net KOs and recover more easily with Charizard. However, the Pokémon Trainer's versatility allows for a multitude of different gameplans depending on the player's preference and the matchup. Pokémon Change has been significantly streamlined from ''Brawl'' and has been made significantly faster and can be used in the air. This allows for more effective switching in the heat of the moment so that the current Pokémon can be easily removed from the battle and replaced if it is in a situation where its weaknesses can be easily exploited. This also allows for recovery to be extended further; for example, using Ivysaur's [[Vine Whip]] to gain a small amount of vertical height, then switching and using Charizard's [[Flare Blitz]] and [[Fly]] to provide a very extensive recovery. As such, the Pokémon Trainer can adapt to any situation simply by choosing the right creature for the job, providing for a fighting style similar to 3-on-3 fighting games where the player chooses a team of interchangeable fighters that can be exchanged in an instant.

Despite the advantages provided by the Pokémon Trainer's central mechanic, they do not provide for an infallible fighter. Most notable is the very high learning curve required to master the whole party; all three Pokémon have their own matchups and optimal reactions to different situations, requiring a very high level of commitment to become familiar with each of the three, when to switch Pokémon, and what new situations can arise from switching, requiring commitment akin to having three mains at once in a game where even handling two mains can be overwhelming. Furthermore, each of the three Pokémon is slightly more specialized in their role than other fighters of their class, and therefore has more pronounced weaknesses; Squirtle lacks KO power and survivability, Ivysaur's recovery and disadvantage continue to be very poor, and Charizard is prone to combos and has mostly unsafe moves. Because Pokémon Change operates in a set order (unlike with [[Monado Arts]]) and cannot be continuously spammed due to its cooldown, players cannot always choose which Pokémon to use in which situation and can sometimes be rendered helpless in preventing the current Pokémon's weaknesses from being exploited. This is especially notable in matchups such as {{SSBU|Pikachu}} and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} where two of the three Pokémon are at a disadvantage, resulting in strained efforts to use the one optimal Pokémon as much as possible while hiding the other two away.

Overall, the Pokémon Trainer is simultaneously one of the most adaptable, most unpredictable, and most challenging fighters to play in ''Ultimate'', as the only fighter that allows the player to bring three completely different characters into battle outside of modes like [[Squad Strike]]. With the maligned [[stamina]] and [[type effectiveness]] mechanics being removed from ''Brawl'', the Trainer allows for many different playstyles depending on the player's familiarity and comfort with each Pokémon and its matchups. While attempting to "solo main" one of the three Pokémon is possible, it is not recommended in most cases (outside of single-stock modes such as Squad Strike itself, ironically) as players are nonetheless forced to use all three during battle, even while waiting for the cooldown on [[Pokémon Change]]; for instance, attempting to "main" Charizard while having little knowledge of Squirtle and Ivysaur will allow opponents to exploit the brief windows where using Charizard is not possible. However, it is entirely possible to centralize a playstyle around one or two preferred Pokémon and to use the remaining teammate(s) to complement them, such as with {{sm|Tweek}} (who prioritizes Squirtle) and {{sm|Puppeh}} (who prioritizes Charizard). Overall, this iteration of the Pokémon Trainer is considered far superior to his ''Brawl'' incarnation and has achieved very notable results in competitive play, with the unique Pokémon Change mechanic and comparative lack of restrictions allowing for a very open-ended gameplan.

:''The list below covers the general changes of the Pokémon Trainer and their party as a whole. For information about each individual Pokémon's moveset changes, see [[Squirtle (SSBU)]], [[Ivysaur (SSBU)]], and [[Charizard (SSBU)]].''

Due to being a low-tier in ''Brawl'', Pokémon Trainer has been significantly buffed in the transition from ''Brawl''. Notably, both the [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|Stamina]] mechanic and [[type effectiveness]] have been completely removed, and [[Pokémon Change]] has been granted high utility due to the addition of aerial switching and significantly faster Pokémon switches. As such, switches between the three Pokémon have now become a unique advantage for the Pokémon Trainer alone rather than being a major mandatory commitment, and the Pokémon are now free to fight indefinitely without being limited by Stamina during battle. In addition, Ivysaur, who was previously the worst Pokémon in the party, has been greatly buffed, and the general changes to ''Ultimate''{{'}}s mechanics greatly benefit Ivysaur and Squirtle. Each of the Trainer's Pokémon is usable as its own character, but as in ''Brawl'', usage of all three for different situations is optimal.

Despite some noteworthy buffs, Pokémon Trainer has also received some nerfs. While the removal of type effectiveness slightly benefits Charizard and greatly benefits Ivysaur, it also greatly hinders Squirtle. Additionally, while Pokémon Change has been greatly improved, it has also received a few new disadvantages as there is now a timer which prevents switching for a couple of seconds (although there are ways to work around this) and it no longer resets [[stale move negation]], effectively weakening the next Pokémon. Squirtle has also been considerably nerfed, and Ivysaur and Charizard have received some nerfs as well.

Nevertheless, Pokémon Trainer has become a significantly more effective character than in ''Brawl''. Despite still having a high learning curve, Pokémon Trainer has a great player base, especially compared to ''Brawl''. While initially overshadowed by widely-acknowledged top-tier characters such as {{SSBU|Peach}} and {{SSBU|Lucina}}, players such as {{Sm|Wishes}}, {{Sm|Tweek}}, {{Sm|Puppeh}}, {{Sm|Pandarian}}, and {{Sm|Leffen}} have been able to take advantage of the Trainer's ability to use three different character archetypes in battle and Ivysaur's overall potency as a character in its own right to obtain significant results.

Although Pokemon Trainer does not receive direct changes from game updates, some changes listed resolve mostly game breaking bugs in the game.

[[File:Pokemon Trainer SSBU Skill Preview Extra 1.png|thumb|right|All three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon, as shown via the [[Move List]].]]

Pokémon Trainer is a three-in-one character who battles using three Pokémon: {{SSBU|Squirtle}}, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBU|Charizard}}. As the fourth and "main" entity of the character group, the Trainer stays in the background and does not directly participate in the battle. Only one Pokémon is active at once, and all three of them have different movesets and abilities.

It is possible to change which Pokémon the Pokémon Trainer starts with at the beginning of a match. On the [[character select screen]], Pokémon Trainer has the starting Pokémon's portrait to the upper-right of the portrait. If the Y button is pressed, or if the Pokémon's portrait is hovered over and selected, the starting Pokémon is toggled to the next one. The default starting Pokémon is Squirtle, which can be toggled to Ivysaur, then Charizard, then back to Squirtle.

The three Pokémon have separate movesets and attributes. The only moves shared by the Pokémon are their [[down special move]], [[Pokémon Change]], and their [[Final Smash]], [[Triple Finish]].

Pokémon Change involves the Pokémon Trainer recalling the currently active Pokémon and sending out the next one to replace it. The order that the Pokémon are changed in is the same as toggling on the character select screen: Squirtle changes to Ivysaur, Ivysaur to Charizard, and Charizard to Squirtle.

 

 

 

Pokémon Trainer does not appear in the background during battles with [[8-Player Smash|five or more players]], in [[Squad Strike]]'s Tag Team mode, or on [[Custom Stages]], but can still be heard shouting commands. The Poké Ball and its energy effects can be seen traveling towards the foreground, implying that the Pokémon Trainer is in the foreground, outside of the camera's view. This also happens in certain single-player and co-op modes.

*When the active Pokemon has changed into a different active Pokemon type:

**The male Trainer shakes his head while covering his face with his left hand. He may say "Ah!" or "Dang it!"

**The male Trainer puts his left hand on the back of his head and looks downward with a distressed expression. He will say one of three lines: the Pokémon's name in a distressed tone, "Wake up!" or "Get a hold of yourself!"

**The female Trainer puts her left hand on the side of her head and looks downward with a distressed expression. She will say one of three lines: the Pokémon's name in a distressed tone, "Wake up!" or "You've got this!"

*'''Up taunt''': Triumphantly raises his right hand into the air, saying "All right!"

*'''Down taunt''': Fist pumps with his left hand while posing triumphantly, saying "Yeah!"

*'''Up taunt''': Fist pumps with her left hand while triumphantly raising her right hand into the air, saying "All right!"

SSBURedIdle1.gif|Male Pokémon Trainer's first idle pose

SSBURedIdle2.gif|Male Pokémon Trainer's second idle pose

SSBULeafIdle1.gif|Female Pokémon Trainer's first idle pose

SSBULeafIdle2.gif|Female Pokémon Trainer's second idle pose

The male Trainer can say "You all did great!" ({{ja|よくやったな、みんな！|Yoku yatta na, minna}}, ''Good job, everyone!''), while the female Trainer can say "Everyone did great!" ({{ja|みなさんは素晴らしい！|Minasan wa subarashī!}}, ''All of you did great!''). They will either say a non-specific line, or a Pokemon-specific line. In Team Battles, if there is more than two players on the winning team, the Pokémon will not be present, but this does not affect the Trainer's lines. The male and female Trainers also have variations in their own pose depending on the gender of the Trainer, similarly to the Inklings.

[[File:PokemonSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A small excerpt of the title theme of ''Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green Versions'', a track which would go on to become the ''Pokémon'' main theme and the title theme for the entire series.]]

==In competitive play==

Perception on the Pokémon Trainer was very positive before release. The changes to the character's infamously counter-intuitive mechanics, specifically the removal of [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|Stamina]] and [[type effectiveness]], alongside the significantly faster switch time for [[Pokémon Change]], had players excited for the character's return since ''Brawl''. On release, the Pokémon Trainer was a very rare sight in the young competitive metagame, as the character's learning curve initially discouraged many potential players. Despite players such as {{Sm|Leffen}}, {{Sm|Ned}}, and {{Sm|Pandarian}} expressing interest in Pokémon Trainer early on, results were sporadic, with only {{Sm|Demitus}} slightly missing Top 8 at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem Ultimate}}. Furthermore, prior to version {{SSBU|4.0.0}}, the Trainer's playstyle had some detractors due to {{SSBU|Ivysaur}} being overtuned compared to its teammates while {{SSBU|Charizard}} was considered a very lackluster character, leading to optimal play requiring unbalanced use of the three Pokémon and a more predictable and exploitable gameplan.

Three months after release, the Pokémon Trainer began taking notable results thanks to the efforts of Leffen, with his 17th place placing at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} and an upset against {{Sm|WaDi}} cementing him as the best Pokémon Trainer player at the time. Despite Leffen dropping the character for a short period, citing an overreliance on gimmicks, other players began to exploit the Trainer's multiple strengths and overall potential. As a result, the Pokémon Trainer began appearing more often in tournament play, with {{Sm|Wishes}} and Pandarian taking in strong tournament results.

The Trainer's results have significantly improved as the metagame progressed, with players achieving impressive placings. Players like {{Sm|Puppeh}} took 5th at {{Trn|CEO 2019}}, and most notably, {{Sm|Tweek}}, who had an impressive streak at many national tournaments, scored 1st at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 2nd at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}, and 3rd at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}. These results caused the team-based fighter to become impressively popular for a time, up until the start of 2020.

While the Pokémon Trainer has had an inconsistent first year due to being dropped for other characters by numerous players, overall results and representation have been excellent, with Pandarian, Ned, and {{Sm|HIKARU}} being listed on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]. While more commonly used as a co-main by players such as Tweek as of 2020, the Pokémon Trainer is regarded extremely highly by players and considered a viable pick in tournament play, having accumulated results comparable to other top-tier characters.

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

 

*{{Sm|Atelier|Japan}} - Co-mains Pokémon Trainer with {{SSBU|Wolf}} and is one of the best Pokémon Trainer players in Japan. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 3}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 2}}, 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 12}}, 17th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 10}} and {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}, and 25th at {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}} using both characters.

*{{Sm|Beast|USA}} - Placed 33rd at {{Trn|Glitch 8 - Missingno}} and 49th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}}. Has wins over {{Sm|ZD}}, {{Sm|Zenkai}}, {{Sm|Sinji}}, {{Sm|Juice}}, {{Sm|Rivers}}, {{Sm|Zomba}}, and {{Sm|Juuuuul}}. Notable for primarily using {{SSBU|Charizard}}.

*{{Sm|Genialo|Mexico}} - One of the best Pokémon Trainer players in Mexico. Placed 4th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 7}}, 5th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 8}}, 9th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 9}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}}.

*{{Sm|Griffith|France}} - The best Pokémon Trainer in France. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Salty Arena Cup Ultimate 4}}, 17th at both {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}} and {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 2}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Albion 4}}. Ranked 10th on the [[French Power Rankings]] with mostly Pokémon Trainer.

*{{Sm|HIKARU|Japan}} (#41) - The best Pokémon Trainer player in Japan and one of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world. Placed 17th at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}, 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 6}}, 9th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}}, and 1st at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 7}}. Garnered wins over {{Sm|Kome}} and {{Sm|Lea}}.

*{{Sm|Jayy|Canada}} - The best Pokémon Trainer player in Canada. Co-mains Pokémon Trainer with {{SSBU|Meta Knight}} and placed 2nd at {{Trn|Press Less 2019}}, 5th at {{Trn|Polybash 2019}}, 7th at {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, 33rd at both {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}} and {{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}, and 65th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. Wins over {{Sm|Myran}}, {{Sm|Sonido}}, and {{Sm|LingLing}}.

*{{Sm|Ned|USA}} (#37) - One of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|NEW GAME PLUS: The ULTIMATE Overnight Experience}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Retro Arena 64}}, 9th at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem Ultimate}}, {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}, and {{Trn|Combo Breaker 2019}}, 13th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} with Pokémon Trainer as one of his characters. Has wins over {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|kameme}}, {{Sm|Wishes}}, {{Sm|Salem}}, {{Sm|Stroder}}, {{Sm|Kola}}, and {{Sm|Daybreak}}.

*{{Sm|Pandarian|USA}} (#33) - One of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Ascension VI}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Play With Heart}}, 5th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 3}}, 7th at {{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus}} and {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 13th at {{Trn|Port Priority 5}} and {{Trn|Mainstage}}, 17th at both {{Trn|EVO 2019}} and {{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}, and 25th at both {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} and {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. Has wins over ESAM, {{Sm|MVD}}, {{Sm|Sinji}}, {{Sm|MuteAce}}, Stroder, {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}, {{Sm|Mr E}}, {{Sm|Goblin}}, {{Sm|Suarez}}, {{Sm|Captain L}}, {{Sm|Maister}}, and {{Sm|BestNess}}. Notable for using {{SSBU|Charizard}} more extensively and optimally than other Pokémon Trainer players.

*{{Sm|Puppeh|USA}} - One of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world. Placed 5th at {{Trn|CEO 2019}}, 13th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}}, 33rd at {{Trn|Pound 2019}}, and 49th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}. Ranked 1st on the [[MD/VA Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|MD/VA Ultimate Rankings]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}}. He is well known for {{SSBU|Charizard}} being his best Pokémon of the three.

*{{Sm|SweetT|USA}} - Placed 9th at both {{Trn|Heart of Battle}} and {{Trn|The Kid, the Goat, and the Mang0}}, 17th at {{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|SoCal Chronicles}}.

*{{Sm|Tarik|Germany}} - The best Pokémon Trainer in Germany, with a {{SSBU|Greninja}} secondary. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Calyptus Cup X: Powwer Up}}, 2nd at {{Trn|DreamHack Leipzig 2020}}, 7th at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} as one of his characters, and 17th at {{Trn|Valhalla III}} with solely Pokémon Trainer.

*{{Sm|TemporaryPlan|USA}} - The best Southwest Pokémon Trainer player, ranked 7th in Utah. Placed 7th at {{Trn|LAN King Smash Royale XI}} and 97th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}}. Has wins over {{Sm|HIKARU}}, {{Sm|Pokepen}}, and {{Sm|VaLoR}}.

*{{Sm|Tweek|USA}} (#3) - The best Pokémon Trainer player in the world, most notably, with {{SSBU|Squirtle}}. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 2nd at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} and {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}, and 5th at both {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}} and {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. He has defeated {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|Abadango}}, and {{Sm|Sandstorm}}.

*{{Sm|XIFL|Canada}} - The best Pokémon Trainer player in Hong Kong. Placed 2nd at both {{Trn|Triple Showdown}} and {{Trn|REV Major 2019}}, 4th at {{Trn|Pearl One}} as well as 13th at {{Trn|Uprising 2019}}.

 

*{{Sm|Demitus|USA}} - One of the first Pokémon Trainer players with noteworthy results. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem Ultimate}} and 17th at {{Trn|Retro Arena 64}}. Currently inactive.

*{{Sm|Leffen|Sweden}} (#51) - The best Pokémon Trainer player in Europe and one of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|DreamHack Winter 2019}}, 7th at {{Trn|Valhalla II}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} and {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|WaDi}}, {{Sm|Maister}}, {{Sm|Salem}}, {{Sm|Mr.R}}, and {{Sm|Tweek}}. He temporarily shifted his focus to {{SSBU|Roy}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, and {{SSBU|Pichu}} before picking back up the character as a full main. Currently inactive to focus on ''Melee''.

*{{Sm|MiSaiki|USA}} - Used Pokémon Trainer to place 3rd at {{Trn|Ascension II}}, 4th at {{Trn|Ascension III}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Ascension}}. Formerly ranked 2nd on the [[Arizona Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Arizona Ultimate Power Rankings]]. He has since switched to {{SSBU|Joker}} and is on a semi-hiatus status.

*{{Sm|Wishes|USA}} - Formerly one of the best Pokémon Trainer players in the world before dropping them for Joker. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Suplex City Smash}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} and {{Trn|Collision 2019}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} with wins over {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|Tea}}, {{Sm|yeti}}, {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}, and {{Sm|Fatality}}.

*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} (#7) - Uses Pokémon Trainer as one of his many secondaries. Placed 1st at {{Trn|KVOxTSB 2019}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}, and 7th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}} using Pokémon Trainer as one of his characters.

Pokémon Trainer's route refers to the player's goal of becoming the {{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Champion}} in the ''Pokémon'' games. Like in {{SSBU|Pikachu}}'s route, the opponents are all Pokémon and all rounds are on ''Pokémon'' stages. Each round will start with the Pokémon chosen on the character select screen regardless of which one was active at the end of the previous round.

|6||{{head|Pokémon Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}} ({{head|Pokémon Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20px}}) Opposite-gender Pokémon Trainer||Pokémon Stadium 2||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|The Battle at the Summit!}}''

|colspan="4"|Bonus Stage

|Final||{{CharHead|Mewtwo|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, then [[Master Hand]]||{{SSBU|Final Destination}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}'' <small>(Mewtwo)</small><br>''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand}}'' <small>(Master Hand)</small>

During the opening cutscene, the Pokémon Trainer was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed its beams of light. Working together with {{SSBU|Bowser}} and his [[Fire Breath]], he sent out Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard in an attempt to fight back against the beams with [[Triple Finish]], to no avail. All four were vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment along with the rest of the fighters (excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}).

The male Pokémon Trainer can be found at the southeast near the maze that resembles [[Pac-Maze]]. Defeating him also allows access to all of his Pokémon as well as his female counterpart.

|[[Battlefield]] ([[Ω form]])

{{-}}

While Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard's fighter spirits are obtained by completing [[Classic Mode]] as Pokémon Trainer, the spirits for the Trainers themselves are only available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins. Unlocking Pokémon Trainer in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As fighter spirits, they cannot be used in Spirit Battles and are purely aesthetic. Unlike most fighters, the spirits for Pokémon Trainer only use their artwork from ''Ultimate'', rather than also having alternative artwork from a previous appearance.

Pokémon Smash Bros.png|Artwork of all playable Pokémon characters and Poké Ball Pokémon, as posted by the official Pokémon Twitter account.

Pokémon Trainer amiibo.png|Pokémon Trainer's [[amiibo]].

SSBUWebsitePokémonTrainer4.jpg|The Pokémon trio running from a [[Burrowing Snagret]] on [[The Great Cave Offensive]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle1.jpg|Squirtle getting splashed by {{SSBU|Isabelle}} on [[Delfino Plaza]].

SSBUWebsiteLucario4.jpg|Squirtle struck by {{SSBU|Lucario}} on the [[Bridge of Eldin]].

SSBUWebsiteMegaMan4.jpg|Ivysaur attacking a [[Leaf Shield]]ing {{SSBU|Mega Man}} with its dash attack on [[Tortimer Island]].

===Character Showcase Video===

** To have been separated in a sequel and later reformed back into a composite character.

** To become unlockable in any game, as Zelda and Sheik were starters in ''Melee'' and both alongside Pokémon Trainer, Samus and Zero Suit Samus were all starters in ''Brawl''. Zero Suit Samus, Zelda and Sheik became unlockable in ''Ultimate'', but they were split into separate characters by then.

** To have male and female variants.

*As the pairings of {{SSBB|Zelda}}/{{SSBB|Sheik}} and {{SSBB|Samus}}/{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} remain split up unlike in ''Brawl'', Pokémon Trainer's ability to switch characters has now become a unique character attribute, despite being the only transformation that cycles between different entities rather than alter-egos of the same person.

*Each of the three Pokémon appear as solo CPU characters during {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}, [[World of Light]], and [[spirit]]s battles without the presence of Pokémon Trainer. They also use individual stock icons. In World of Light, if the player selects Pokémon Trainer as well as the individual Pokémon to start with, its stock icon is used on the battle preview screen as well.

** This makes Pokémon Trainer one of two characters that is only fought as their original fighter in World of Light (the other being {{SSBU|Cloud}}).

** Despite this, a [[False character|puppet fighter]] of the male Trainer appears during the Army of Puppets cutscene.

*The male Pokémon Trainer shares his English voice actor, Billy Thompson, with another playable ''Pokémon'' character, {{SSBU|Greninja}}. Thompson has confirmed this [https://twitter.com/BillyBobThomps/status/1072186616465252357 in a Tweet] where he jokingly asserted that the Pokémon Trainer's name is Momo and later joked about Pokémon Trainer being his "[https://twitter.com/BillyBobThomps/status/1159842512116178947 most hated role yet]" due to fan mockery.

*The official render of the female Pokémon Trainer uses her Pokémon's default colors, as does her appearance in the promotional image for the "[[The Ultimate Partnership]]" [[Online Tourney]]; however, in the game, they use an alternate color scheme.

*The Trainer's Pokémon do not appear on the victory screen if there are three or more players on the winning team, nor do they appear on the "No Contest" screen in all cases. Despite this, Ivysaur can still be heard whenever it's the fighter with the highest score/stock count at the end of a match. Additionally, if Pokémon Trainer loses all stocks but still wins in a Team Battle, the next Pokémon will be shown on the victory screen rather than the last one KO'd.

*When freeing Pokémon Trainer from [[Galeem]], the male Trainer's eyes will be normal in-battle despite his pre-battle render having the red-eye glow that other World of Light spirit fights has. His Pokémon will have possessed red eyes, however.

*Prior to launch, there was a glitch where Pokémon Trainer could win a [[time]] match regardless of the score. This would only occur when [[Sudden Death]] was supposed to happen. It is not clear whether this has since been patched out or not.

*Pokémon Trainer can be directly controlled by the player, in a sense; in World of Light, the Trainer can be moved around the world map, in a coincidental parallel to the ''Pokémon'' games where the Trainer is used to navigate the world while the Pokémon are controlled in battle. However, during the Classic Mode [[credits]] minigame as well as when freeing a spirit from the Spirit Board, the selected default Pokémon is used with the Trainer being absent; this is likely due to both Trainers having no animations for using items, unlike their Pokémon.

*In Spanish, German, French, and Italian, the voice clip from the announcer on the victory screen is slightly different from the one used on the character select screen, instead featuring a noticeable translation of "the" (respectively, "'''el''' Entrenador Pokémon"/"'''la''' Entrenadora Pokémon", "'''der''' Pokémon-Trainer"/"'''die''' Pokémon-Trainerin", "'''le''' Dresseur de Pokémon"/"'''la''' Dresseuse de Pokémon", and "'''l''''Allenatore di Pokémon"/"'''la''' Allenatrice di Pokémon"). The fighter shares this trait with Wii Fit Trainer, Inkling, {{SSBU|Villager}}, {{SSBU|Hero}}, the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, [[Steve (SSBU)|Zombie, Enderman]], and the Mii Fighters.

*The Pokémon Trainer is one of 4 characters whose Fighter Spirit uses their ''Ultimate'''s artwork as opposed to in their home series. The others are Wii Fit Trainer, {{SSBU|Robin}}, and {{SSBU|Cloud}}.

*If Pokémon Trainer is present in an 8-Player Smash, the sound effects for transitioning to the results screen will be out of sync, with the sound playing before the animation.

*If a game modification is used to enable [[instant KO]]s during a result screen, Pokémon Trainer will instantly [https://youtu.be/KVPh4EB-YUc change animations from the victory/defeated animation to the weeping "Pokémon KO'd" animation].

*In World of Light, Pokémon Trainer is one of the few fighters who is not affiliated with [[Dharkon]] in any way, as his encounter as himself is associated with Galeem. Squirtle, Ivysaur, Wii Fit Trainer, {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Roy}}, {{SSBU|Olimar}}, {{SSBU|Toon Link}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}}, and {{SSBU|Mii Gunner}} all share this distinction as well.

*If the game is hacked to select one of the Pokémon Trainer's specific Pokémon to play as, [https://youtu.be/Q6PthMfdBuc the Trainer will function normally] aside from multiple of the same costume being able to be selected, and using each Pokémon's stock icon (which changes with the Pokémon in play) rather than the Trainer's own.