History Characters / SuperSmashBros64

%%
%%
%%
%%EDITOR'S NOTE: We are not meant to be the authority on the Smash Bros. metagame, so please do not add any references to the competitive scene, or write them in a more neutral manner.
%%
%%
%%
[[center:[[WMG:''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' [[Characters/SuperSmashBros characters index]]\\
[-'''Fighters introduced in:'''\\
'''N64''' | ''[[Characters/SuperSmashBrosMelee Melee]]'' | ''[[Characters/SuperSmashBrosBrawl Brawl]]'' | ''[[Characters/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSWiiU For Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'' ([[Characters/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSWiiUDownloadableContentCharacters DLC]]) | ''[[Characters/SuperSmashBrosUltimate Ultimate]]''\\
Non-playable characters:\\
[[Characters/SuperSmashBrosPokeBallPokemon Poké Ball Pokémon]] | [[Characters/SuperSmashBrosAssistTrophies Assist Trophies]] | [[Characters/SuperSmashBrosEnemies Enemies]] | [[Characters/SuperSmashBrosBosses Bosses]] | [[Characters/SuperSmashBrosOthers Others]]-]]]]]
[[quoteright:346:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/SelectionScreenSSB_3802.png]]
----
'''Warning: unlockable characters will not be spoiler-marked on this page.'''

[[foldercontrol]]

!Playable characters
!!Default

[[folder:01 – Mario]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/CharlesMartinet
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mariossbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[{{Mascot}} Mr. Video Game]] [[OneMarioLimit Himself]] /[softreturn][[BrickBreak Smashes Bricks with His Fists]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mario_ssb4_alt.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mario_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mario_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mario_ssb.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong'' [Arcade], 1981

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[PlayingWithFire Fireball]], [[AttackReflector Cape]], [[{{Shoryuken}} Super Jump Punch]], [[SpinAttack Mario Tornado]] (''64'', ''Melee''), [[MakingASplash F.L.U.D.D.]] (''Brawl'' onwards)\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[KamehameHadoken Mario Finale]]

->''"Let's-a go!"''

The titular hero of the ''Super Mario Bros.'' series, this iconic, superpowered mustachioed plumber is Creator/{{Nintendo}}'s most recognizable character. A resident of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario saves its beloved princess from the claws of the nefarious Bowser, as well as a few other threats to his home, time and again.

It's certainly no wonder that Mario is featured across the entire ''Smash'' series. He is mostly a [[JackOfAllStats balanced character]] who is good for beginners and experienced players alike.

----
* {{Acrofatic}}: As usual. While he's not really obese, he does have a belly, which doesn't impede his jumping ability. Notably, in ''Melee'', he looks much less stocky than usual. He still has his pot belly, but he's significantly taller and slimmer (not like Luigi, but still pretty OffModel).
* AdaptationPersonalityChange:
** Unlike most characters, his characterization in ''Smash'' is quite different than in his home franchise. He still says "Yahoo!" as he attacks, but as of ''Melee'' most of his animations make him seem rather serious. Further solidified in the ''Brawl'' cutscenes and ''3DS/Wii U's'' reveal trailers, where he's a sort of Old West style [[TheStoic Stoic]] and a headstrong leader, generally disinterested and straight-faced, but will jump headfirst into battle when a formidable enemy shows up. ''Smash'' really brings out his competitive streak. It overlaps with AdrenalineMakeover in which, being in a fighting game, he is near-constantly scowling rather than displaying the cheerful look from his own games. Only the [=N64=] game keeps him relatively close to the ''Mario'' games.
** Averted in ''Ultimate''. While he does take the fights seriously (as in canon games), he cracks a smile in his taunts and looks overall more cheerful at times.
* ArtEvolution:
** In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', Mario's jeans were significantly more detailed than they've ever been in his own series. In ''3DS/Wii U'', this was toned down to be more similar to his design in his home series, but there's still a noticeable denim texture that wasn't typically seen in his home series at the time of release (2017's ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'' would finally feature detail comparable to ''Smash 4'''s). ''Ultimate'' further tweaks them, giving them the detail ''Brawl'' gave them while maintaining the color from ''3DS/Wii U''.
** Mario's proportions in ''Smash 4'' have become ''somewhat'' more realistic compared to his home series, with his head being scaled slightly down in comparison to his body. Unlike the case in ''Melee'', described above, this seems to be a deliberate design decision, as Mario otherwise comes across as being on model. Luigi and Dr. Mario's proportions were similarly tweaked.
* AsskickingEqualsAuthority: In any group he's ever been with, be it the Subspace Emissary or the ''3DS/Wii U'' trailers, Mario's at the forefront. And nobody, not even ''Bowser'' tries to contest it.
* AsskickingPose: Does his ''Brawl'' pose in promotional trailers and ''The Subspace Emissary''.
* AttackReflector: His cape can send projectiles back and turn characters around.
* BadassAdorable: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]]. While Mario still keeps his lovable cartoony design, he shows less of the {{Keet}} attitude he has in his home series (only showing through in some of his VoiceGrunting). In any case, Mario [[DefiedTrope defies]] and downplays this trope in all his appearances, by being a capable adult man rather than a more inherently vulnerable character type; [[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Super-Mario-Galaxy/Volume-3-The-Sound-Team/2-A-Sound-That-Defines-Mario/2-A-Sound-That-Defines-Mario-205066.html according to]] WordOfGod, Mario is not primarily meant to be a "cute" character.
* BadassCape: You know your cape is badass when it can disorient enemies and reflect projectiles.
* BadassInANiceSuit: ''Ultimate'' gives him his classy wedding suit from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' as an alternate costume.
* BadassMustache: Though it was originally put there in ''Donkey Kong'' just to make it clear he had a nose in his sprite, it has become one of his signature features.
* BalanceBuff: Throughout the series, Mario was considered an unremarkable all rounder, in the middle of the tier list until ''Brawl'' where he was near the bottom. His buffs in the most recent game caused a striking improvement in his popularity in competitive play, taking him from bottom tier to widely being considered among the top ten best characters in the game. At one point on official tier lists he was top ''five'', making him the most dramatically improved veteran of the series.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: Mario's silliness is slightly toned down here, but in the end, he's Nintendo's cartoonish mascot and definitely looks out of place compared to the likes of Link or Samus. However, he's Nintendo's most seasoned veteran, is far more serious here than in his home series, and frequently [[AsskickingEqualsAuthority leads the charge]] whenever he forms a group with other fighters. The PAL version of ''Wii U'' even gives him a serious Boxing Ring title that contrasts with his usual cartoony nature, as seen above.
%%* BigDamnHeroes: In the Subspace Emissary.
* BlowYouAway: His customizable options include a gust cape.
* BoringButPractical:
** His side-special has him swish the Feather Cape to turn around projectiles and enemies without any knockback. As lame as it sounds, it's still an AttackReflector, can leave opponents left exposed as they attack in the wrong direction, or even have their recovery go ''away'' from the stage.
** His down-special from ''Brawl'' onward, F.L.U.D.D. It doesn't deal any damage, just knockback, but like the Feather Cape is great at preventing the opponent from getting back on the stage since it doesn't give opponents another chance to use their recovery move.
* BringIt: He makes this pose in Duck Hunt's trailer. (In 8-Bit Form, no less!)
* ButtMonkey: This is more an impermanent/[[DownplayedTrope downplayed]] example. On one occasion during Adventure Mode in ''Melee'', Mario attempts to jump onto the rooftop of Mushroom Castle... only to be jumped on top of, and sent falling down... by ''Luigi'' of all characters. Funny, considering that in terms of humiliating characters in their respective games, [[UnacceptableTargets Mario seems to be the only character considered off-limits by Nintendo]] — even more so since Luigi himself is usually depicted as ''the'' ButtMonkey of their franchise.
* BroughtToYouByTheLetterS: The "M" on his cap.
* CatchPhrase: "Let's-a-Go!", said at the beginning of each match.
* ChargedAttack: His down special as of ''Brawl'', [[https://www.ssbwiki.com/F.L.U.D.D. F.L.U.D.D.]], must be briefly charged up before it can be used at full effectiveness. The charge can also be stored.
* ComboBreaker: The [[{{Shoryuken}} Super Jump Punch]] is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSYBG_1gmFE#t=33 useful in this regard]].
* {{Combos}}: A surprising example as of ''3DS/Wii U''; Mario has received a number of buffs that make his attacks faster and reduce his lag time, making him a very combo-heavy character, especially in competitive ''Smash Bros.''
* FamedInStory: Snake and Pit both acknowledge Mario's fame and history of heroism.
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: In [[Franchise/{{Metroid}} Ridley's]] trailer in ''Ultimate'', it's implied that Mario had his skull crushed by Ridley.
* FinalBoss: In ''Brawl'', Mario is one of the final opponents fought in the final Single-Player event match, as Giant Mario. In ''Wii U'', he's the last character to show up in the last events of both Single and Co-Op Event Modes.
* {{Fireballs}}: His neutral B. They bounce weakly along the ground. They can be customized to fire straight-shooting faster variants, or a slower, multi-hitting fireball.
* GradualGrinder: Reworked in ''3DS/Wii U'' to be this, as his melee attacks chain together much better.
* GroundPunch: In the ''Subspace Emissary'', not as an attack but to avoid hitting the princess Bowser held out in front of him.
* TheHero: While ''Smash'' in general has no storyline and Mario is not the clear-cut main character of ''VideoGame/TheSubspaceEmissary'', he otherwise essentially fills this role among the cast, as Nintendo's mascot and a RedIsHeroic PrimaryColorChampion who is depicted as front-and-center in most marketing materials.
* HeroesFightBarehanded: Most of his moveset consists of bare attacks, with the exception of his forward smash and some of his specials.
* JackOfAllStats: Mario almost always fills this role in his home series, and ''Smash'' is no different. He's got plenty of combo options, a cape that comes in very handy, he's a great juggler, and he's good at edgeguarding, but he suffers from a lackluster recovery, low range, and he lacks a reliable non-smash finishing move.
* KamehameHadoken: His [[LimitBreak Final Smash, the Mario Finale]]. His forward smash can also be considered a short-range version of this, especially as it involves cupping one of his hands in a way similar to Ryu and Ken when firing their Hadokens.
* {{Keet}}: Ever since ''Melee'', this usual trope for Mario has been subverted, him wearing a pretty solidly serious countenance whenever Smash rolls back around. As of ''Ultimate'', Mr. Nintendo's sporting his smiles again, in an air not dissimilar from the upbeat competitive attitude he tends to sport in his own series spinoffs, and his new taunts show off his pluck.
* {{Knockback}}: The purpose of F.L.U.D.D. is to cause this (or, more accurately, pushback) without additional chance of recovery. His cape also will give a spent target no recovery chance.
* LadyAndKnight: The White Knight to Peach's Bright Lady. Mario is not a knight by job but otherwise plays the trope straight.
* TheLeader: Mario is always front and center of the group in cutscenes.
* {{Leitmotif}}: As it is in his home series, usually Super Mario Brothers Ground Theme and its variations.
** In ''64'', it's the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMNx8EFNF20 Peach's Castle Stage]] rendition.
** In ''Melee'', he's more associated with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuj4gcUQ1MA Super Mario Bros. 3]].
** In ''Brawl'', there's no theme heavily associated with him, but [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u589pvON9nE there's a new ground theme.]]
** In ''Ultimate'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhciLj5VzOk Jump Up, Super Star]].
* LetsYouAndHimFight: He and Pit fight against Link and Yoshi in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode, but they later join forces.
* LimitBreak: Mario Finale, where Mario [[KamehameHadoken fires two giant, spiraling fireballs forward]].
* MakingASplash: His Down Special starting in ''Brawl'', the F.L.U.D.D.
* MeteorMove: His Forward Aerial (from ''Melee'' onwards) and Down Special, Mario Tornado (''64'' only, if the final hitbox connects), are Meteor Smashes, as well as his down air in ''Smash 64''.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: The PAL version gives him "[[BadassBoast Smashes Bricks with his Fists]]" as a Boxing Ring title.
* NonPlayerCompanion: [[VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey Cappy]] comes along for the ride in ''Ultimate''; while not performing in combat, he shares a few animations with Mario and occasionally breaks character as a hat to look around as he does in his game of origin.
* OhCrap: In Mega Man's trailer, he has a brief look of shock when he barely dodges Mega Man's Metal Blade; and in Bowser Jr.'s, he pulls this reaction after seeing Bowser Jr. call in [[TheCavalry the Koopalings]].
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: Mario's still pretty smiley in the heat of battle, but as ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' show, he's more than capable of getting good and pissed. Make no mistake, you are the unluckiest person in the world if you are on the recieving end of that glare.
* OutOfFocus: Half of the fourth game's reveal trailers feature Mario leading a group of fighters to face off against the new challenger. The other half depict the new fighters showing themselves off or facing off against a single veteran such as Samus, Link or Captain Falcon (sometimes involving an ArtShift), and only feature Mario in gameplay; this type became more prevalent from Palutena's trailer onwards, with (fittingly) Bowser Jr.'s being the only one from that point to return to the previous format.
* PaletteSwap: Notable ones include Wario and Fire Mario (though these two currently seem to have been removed as of ''Ultimate'' for his new Builder and Wedding costumes). There's also one that resembles his classic outfit (albeit with a blue hat instead of his distinctive red one). WordOfGod on the brown overall palette is that it's based on Foreman Spike from ''VideoGame/WreckingCrew''. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he has a blue and pink outfit that was previously used for "overalls" Wario in Brawl, a stars and stripes outfit only seen in [[VideoGame/MarioGolf NES Open Tournament Golf]], and a Waluigi outfit.
* PerpetualFrowner: In ''Brawl'', inexplicably. See AdaptationPersonalityChange above.
* PinballProjectile: His {{Fireballs}} can bounce off of walls and floors.
* PlayingWithFire: One of his attacks is a fireball, his Side Smash is a burst of fire from his hand, and his Final Smash is a duo of ''huge'' twirling fireballs.
* PrimaryColorChampion: The most iconic hero in the series, and appropriately wears blue and red.
* RedIsHeroic: Again, his iconic outfit is heavy on the red. His fire motif does not hurt in this regard either.
* TheRival: He's generally paired off against [[ArchEnemy Bowser]], appropriately enough. The animated trailers for ''3DS/Wii U'' also have him assume this role against Charizard and Bowser Jr.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: The Manly Man to Luigi's Sensitive Guy. This is taken even further here than in the Bros.' home series, with Mario acting like more of a serious, stoic leader, and Luigi being his usual cowardly self ''and'' having all sorts of extra wacky mannerisms.
* SeriesMascot: Mario is Nintendo's official {{mascot}}, and while never explicitly stated to be such for ''Smash'' itself, he takes on this role in all but official titling. He's the most prominent character in all four games and consistently gets first billing, being prominent on all games' boxart, appearing as the default online avatar, being used to customize controls and test stages, the name ''"Super Smash Bros."'' itself being a parody of the name of ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'', and being sold as the most common and prominent Toys/{{amiibo}} in the ''Smash'' line (even being a pack-in with the Wii U version in some instances). Despite this, he doesn't play a notably important role in ''The Subspace Emissary'' and frequently finds himself getting [[TheWorfEffect Worfed]].
* ShockAndAwe: His customizable attacks include an electric cape.
* {{Shoryuken}}: Super Jump Punch, which has a near-identical trajectory and appearance as the ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' Shoryuken. In ''3DS/Wii U'', it can even be customized into a flaming punch. Ryu's Classic Mode image even shows him performing the real Shoryuken together with Mario doing a Super Jump Punch, along with other characters performing similar moves. [[note]]Yes, the Super Jump Punch actually does spin. Google search a GIF.[[/note]]
* {{Shotoclone}}: He's got a [[{{Fireballs}} fireball]] [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]], and a coin gathering {{Shoryuken}}, is the most prominently marketed character, and part of a MovesetClone pairing (two in ''Melee'' and ''3DS/Wii U''). His Mario Tornado could also be considered a variation of the HurricaneKick, and a never before seen KamehameHadoken attack was used for his final smash. From ''Brawl'' and onwards, he changed his input for his Tornado move. It should be noted that [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ryu himself]], the definitive Shotoclone, has very similar stats in ''Smash'' to Mario apart from size and weight.
* SiblingTeam: He teams up with his younger brother in the 1P mode of ''64'', certain events, and if the player sees fit.
* SkillGateCharacter: What Mario can essentially be considered in ''Melee'' and especially ''Brawl''. While Mario is an easier character to use, he is surpassed by many other characters in higher levels of play. ''3DS/Wii U'' instead has his MovesetClone and alter-ego Dr. Mario take up this role, while regular Mario gets improved combo abilities, KO power, and mobility that remain effective at higher levels of play.
* SpamAttack: Spamming fireballs is a great way to edgeguard and keep a good distance from an opponent.
* SpinAttack: His Mario Tornado, which was at first a Down-B, then his Down-Air.
* StandardizedLeader: As always. Not the flashiest character in Nintendo's stable, but he's the face of ''Smash'' and of Nintendo in general as the quintessential [[TheEveryman everyman]] and JackOfAllStats.
* SupernaturalMartialArts: '''HEAVILY''' on the martial, minimal on the magical. Less magic/supernatural variety than his brother, but has more powerful [[PlayingWithFire fire]] attacks.
* ThreePointLanding: Mario likes doing this in the character reveal trailers for ''U[=/=]3DS''.
* TheWorfEffect:
** In ''The Subspace Emissary,'' he gets trophified anywhere from two to four times during cutscenes, potentially more than any other character with Bowser as a close second. Most notably, he is taken out in one shot from the Halberd.
** In some of the ''3DS/Wii U'' introduction trailers, he serves as the go-to punching bag for showing off the combat prowess of other characters. The most prominent example happens when Bowser Jr. (someone he usually beats quite handily by himself) utterly crushes him despite Mario being backed up by Samus, Mega Man, Kirby, Link, and Rosalina.
* TrueFinalBoss: In Brawl's and Wii U's The FINAL Final Battle. In Brawl, he is giant-sized in comparison to the other fighters he's facing you with, while in the Wii U version he is the final opponent to appear when you've beaten two opponents or the battle has dragged on for too long. He's also the last opponent to face you in The Ultimate Battle on Wii U's Co-Op Events.
* WallJump: Just like in his own games (a glitch in the first, official ''Super Mario 64'' and onward).
* WearingAFlagOnYourHead: One of Mario's palette swaps in ''3DS/Wii U'' is him wearing red and white striped overalls along with a blue shirt with white stars. The end result makes him look like the U.S. flag.
* WhiteGloves: Keeps them inexplicably shiny, considering his profession.
* WorkingClassHero: Mario remains highly original as a video-game hero. Despite being the first major video game star, and living in a fantasy world, he stands out as a stocky, mustached plumber in working overalls whose real powers are his ability to move with his hands and legs, as opposed to video-game heroes who are elites — soldiers, warriors, and super-soldiers, as ''Smash''[='=]s roster demonstrates.
* WrestlerInAllOfUs: One of the most consistent things about him is his B-Air being a dropkick.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:02 – Donkey Kong]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/donkeykongssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[EverythingsBetterWithMonkeys King of the Jungle]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/donkey_kong_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/donkey_kong_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/donkey_kong_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/donkey_kong_ssb.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/DonkeyKong''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:'''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Donkey Kong in name debuts in: ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong'' [Arcade], 1981
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Current Donkey Kong debuts in: ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry'' [SNES], 1994

-> '''Playable in:''' ''64'', ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[MegatonPunch Giant Punch]], [[UseYourHead Headbutt]], [[SpinAttack Spinning]] [[InstantFlightJustAddSpinning Kong]], Hand Slap\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[VideoGame/DonkeyKonga Konga Beat]] (''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''), [[VideoGame/DonkeyKongJungleBeat Jungle Beat]] (''Ultimate'')

A carefree inhabitant of Donkey Kong Island, one of Mario's longest-lasting rivals, and has taken on armies of enemies in his previous adventures including the Kremlings, the Tiki Tak Tribe, and the Snowmads. He's the son ([[MultipleChoicePast or grandson]]) of the original arcade Donkey Kong, and King of Kongo Jungle. If anyone invades it, or tries to steal his banana hoard, he'll make them realize why he has his title. He's a very strong physical fighter, [[DumbMuscle if a little slow on the uptake.]]

----
* AccessoryWearingCartoonAnimal: His [[IconicItem trademark tie]].
* ArmorPiercingAttack: His Headbutt attack is capable of shattering shields. This is especially notable in ''Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/Wii U'', where it is capable of bringing a shield to its final bar of health in one hit. His Hand Slap attack is also an effective shield breaker in that game.
* ArtEvolution: In ''Melee'', Donkey Kong's fur was made a darker shade, making him look like a cross between his ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong64'' model and a real gorilla. ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' brightened these colors and made him notably less scrawny in the arm department. ''Ultimate'' takes it a step further and not only gives DK more detailed fur like he has in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongJungleBeat'' and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns'' onward, but also makes him as expressive as he was in those titles.
* AssKicksYou: Can use one to return to the stage when hanging if he is at low damage, though it has been removed as of ''Smash 4''.
* BareFistedMonk[[{{Pun}} ey]]: Fought purely with body attacks, until ''Brawl'' introduced Final Smashes.
* BerserkButton:
** Never steal his banana hoard. His opening cutscene in the Subspace Emissary shows him crushing several Goombas and Koopas, before going on a rampage after the Hammer Bros that are driving away with his bananas.
** King K. Rool in general is this for him. His rivalry with the Kremling King has long since passed the usual LostFoodGrievance that usually sets off DK, and into intense vitriol on both sides. By the end of K. Rool's trailer, the surprise has worn off and DK is visibly ''pissed'' that said croc managed to follow him into ''Smash''.
* BlowYouAway: Two of his customs, [[MegatonPunch Storm Punch]] (for neutral-B) and [[EverythingsBetterWithSpinning Kong Cyclone]] (for Up-B) have powerful wind effects.
* BoringButPractical: [[MultiMookMelee Fighting Polygon Team, Multiman Melee/Brawl, Kirby Team/Galore, etc]]? Stand underneath a platform, repeatedly press B while holding down on the control stick, wait until the match ends. The computer players ''finally'' started wising up to this strategy by ''Brawl'', but many players still abuse Donkey Kong's handslap anyway because they still do not deal with it well.
* BroughtToYouByTheLetterS: The "DK" on his tie.
* CanonForeigner: His white color palette is Eddie the Mean Old Yeti from the Donkey Kong Country TV series.
* ChargedAttack: Giant Punch can be charged and stored for later smacking.
* CloseRangeCombatant: Notably, he is the only ''64'' starter who lacks a projectile and it has been that way since. Not that he needs one though, as his actual moves do have reasonable reach in close combat and his surprising mobility can help him close gaps between him and his opponents.
* CompositeCharacter: The first game and ''Melee'' consider the playable Donkey Kong (who made his debut in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry1'') and the Donkey Kong from the arcade games (who later became Cranky Kong) the same character, as seen in his fighter info. This was changed in later games, which consider ''Donkey Kong Country'' his debut game, but zigzagged with various ''[=3DS/Wii U=]'' material, which uses the arcade sprite as his 8-bit form.
* CruelToBeKind: Donkey hits his buddy Diddy with a Giant Punch and sends him flying in the Subspace Emissary, but only to knock him out of the way of a trophy beam which he [[TakingTheBullet takes himself.]]
* CrutchCharacter: For novices, he is by far the easiest to use for the variations on the Multi-Man Melee, since the drones sent after you get positively creamed by the down special; there is even a bonus for using the move non stop against the fighting polygon team. Veterans, however, find that it's generally faster with any character (including DK) when using a mix of attacks.
* ElementalPunch: One of his custom specials is [[BlowYouAway Storm Punch, which causes a tornado]]. Another is an [[ShockAndAwe electric]] variant that charges and attacks quicker, but with less power.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: His up special, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Spinning Kong]].
* EyePop: Used gratuitously in the fourth game to emphasize his pain animations. Also has a ''massive'' one when [[ArchEnemy King K. Rool]] shows up, enough to '''''shatter his house window.'''''
* GoombaStomp: His down air from ''64'' is a two-footed stomp while making a strong man pose. It was replaced from ''Melee'' onwards with a one-foot variation with DK facing more towards the camera.
* GroundPound: His down special, the Hand Slap, where he repeatedly slaps the ground with his hands. It's actually based on an actual move Donkey Kong had in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry1'', but a more casual player probably wouldn't know that thanks to the move being fairly obscure.
* HammeredIntoTheGround[-/-]UseYourHead: His Headbutt drives a grounded opponent into the ground. In ''Melee'', this gives you a few seconds to rack up damage with impunity (buried opponents are completely immune to knockback). It gets better in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'', where buried opponents can be knocked away normally with a strong enough move, providing an excellent combo with his [[MegatonPunch Giant Punch]] or forward smash.
* HitboxDissonance: His floor attack ''[[https://gfycat.com/ThoroughJealousIchidna spikes!]]'' Yes, it will hit a person who is both behind and underneath him.
* ImmuneToFlinching: Since ''Brawl'', his Spinning Kong attack has Super Armor during the beginning when used on the ground. Also since ''Brawl'', the fully-charged version of his [[MegatonPunch Giant Punch]] has Super Armor during the animation. Since ''Melee'', he gains small amounts of Super Armor when carrying an opponent or a heavy item. His Stubborn Headbutt custom move in ''Smash 4'' also gives him Super Armor for the entire duration of the attack.
* JawDrop: Does this upon seeing King Dedede's K. Rool costume BaitAndSwitch.
* LaserGuidedKarma: In [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man's]] debut trailer, DK spikes him during the initial beatdown ol' Rock got from Nintendo's all stars. Guess who gets to be the guinea pig for [[MeteorMove the game's version]] of the Hard Knuckle?
* {{Leitmotif}}: As it is in his home series, usually Jungle Level and its variations.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d0Can2TTJ4 Kongo Jungle]].
** In ''Melee'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTVXOthfoVQ Jungle Japes]].
** In ''Brawl'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RwYZrI8Bzg Jungle Level V2]] plays during his entrance in Subspace. It also plays in his ''Ultimate'' character trailer.
* LightningBruiser: Despite being huge and heavy, his movement speed in the games is actually quite fast. However, some of his attacks are rather sluggish to balance this.
* LimitBreak: Konga Beat (based on the ''VideoGame/DonkeyKonga'' bongo-style controllers), which require players to succeed in playing a psuedo-RhythmGame in order to maximize the range and damage of the attack. In ''Ultimate'', this is changed to a RapidFireFisticuffs attack inspired by ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongJungleBeat''.
* MegatonPunch: His neutral special, Giant Punch. He [[ChargedAttack charges it up]] and can be stored like Samus' Charge Shot.
* MeteorMove: Has the most Meteor Smashes of any character: Headbutt (on an aerial opponent), down aerial, and forward aerial. In ''3DS/Wii U'', his Hand Slap becomes yet another one when used in midair.
* MightyGlacier: He was closer to being this in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' When slower, more powerful characters such as Bowser & Ganondorf were introduced in ''Melee'', DK's speed was increased and his strength was decreased (though he's still very powerful) in order to stand out and he became more of a LightningBruiser.
* MusicalGameplay: Tapping A in time to the music makes Konga Beat much more effective. In the fourth game, there's even a visible beat meter.
* MythologyGag:
** In ''3DS/Wii U'', whenever the crowd is cheering for him, they'll chant, ''"DK! Donkey Kong! DK! Donkey Kong!"'' to the beat of ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong64's'' DK Rap.
** His forward aerial in all Smash games resembles his midair attack from ''Donkey Kong 64''.
* PaletteSwap: Notable Swaps: his original [[https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/4/4d/Donkey_Kong_Pallette_02.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151022230704 black]] [[ColorCodedMultiplayer second player palette swap]] from ''Donkey Kong Country'' and his [[https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/e/e7/Donkey_Kong_Pallette_06.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151022230745 white costume]] is based on [[WesternAnimation/DonkeyKongCountry Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]]. Fitting, since Eddie was simply a palette swap of DK. His [[https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/8/8e/Donkey_Kong_Pallette_03.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151022230715 red costume]] resembles his appearance in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong'', and his [[https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/b/b9/Donkey_Kong_Pallette_08.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151022230810 pink costume]] resembles Junior (II) from ''Donkey Kong Jr. Math''.
* PrimalChestPound: A taunt of his since ''Brawl''.
* PrimalStance: He's almost constantly standing with his fists on the ground; very appropriate for a gorilla.
* RapidFireFisticuffs: His new Final Smash in ''Ultimate'' is a flurry of punches a la ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongJungleBeat'', ending in a big uppercut.
* RetCanon: Without giving anything away, he uses the Giant Punch in ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountryReturns''.
* RollingAttack: Has one in ''3DS/Wii U'', based on his rolling attack from the ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry'' series.
* SkillGateCharacter: His relatively high mobility & powerful attacks make him easy to use for beginners, but his large size & lack of a projectile attack hold him back at higher levels of play.
* SuicideAttack: His ability to carry opponents with his grab can be used to suicide and KO other players along with himself by walking off the stage or into an horizontal blast line, though it is extremely unreliable and an opponent can easily escape with moderate ButtonMashing if they're not at extreme damage, at which point DK may be better off just throwing them away.
* UseYourHead: His up aerial attack and his Headbutt attack since ''Melee''. He didn't have any head attacks in ''Smash 64''.
* WhoWritesThisCrap: His responding to the dramatic montage of various Nintendo protagonists facing off against their rivals by turning off his TV and yawning can be percieved as this.
* WrestlerInAllOfUs: In ''3DS/Wii U'', the ground version of his Spinning Kong was reworked to look like a [[Franchise/StreetFighter Zangief]]-esque Double Lariat. On top of that, his ''Smash 64'' B-Air is a dropkick.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:03 – Link]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/NobuyukiHiyama (in the original game and ''Melee''), Creator/AkiraSasanuma (in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''), Kengo Takanashi (in ''Ultimate'')
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/linkssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[TheChosenOne Champion of Hyrule]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/link_ssb4.png]][softreturn][[TheHero The Hero of Hyrule]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/link_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/link_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/link_ssb_7.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:'''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Link in name debuts in: ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI The Legend of Zelda]]'' [NES], 1986
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Link from ''64'' and ''Melee'' debuts in: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'' [N64], 1998
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Link from ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' debuts in: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' [GCN/Wii], 2006
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
---> Link from ''Ultimate'' debuts in: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' [Wii U/Switch], 2017

-> '''Playable in:''' ''64'', ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[ArcherArchetype Bow]], [[BattleBoomerang Boomerang]] (all games except ''Brawl''), [[BlowYouAway Gale Boomerang]] (''Brawl''), SpinAttack, [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Bomb]] (''64'' through ''3DS/Wii U''), [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Remote Bomb Rune]] (''Ultimate'')\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[BladeSpam Triforce Slash]] (''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''), [[{{Magitek}} Ancient Arrow]] (''Ultimate'')

->''[[HeroicMime "SKRAAA!"]]''

The hero of ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' series, Link is one of many incarnations of the spirit of the hero, and the chosen champion of the Golden Goddesses. Throughout his many {{reincarnation}}s, he manages to grow from an ordinary boy to a legendary warrior and defeat the ultimate evil plaguing his world.

''64'' and ''Melee'' use the design of the legendary Hero of Time from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' base him on the shape-shifting ranch hand from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' and ''Ultimate'' uses the Hylian Champion from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild''.
----
* AlternateSelf: Is this to Toon Link in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''.
* AnnoyingArrows: Even when charged, Link's arrows lack KO power outside absurdly high damage percentages. Subverted with the Power Bow custom variant, which has slower but more powerful arrows that can be used to easily KO foes to awesome effect.
* BadassAdorable: Not as much as his younger counterparts, but ''64'' and ''Melee'' Link brought his pretty looks and {{adorkable}} mannerisms from his home game, particularly with his HairFlip taunt. ''Ultimate'' features the Link from ''Breath of the Wild'', who is also very much this trope in his home game for similar reasons.
* BalanceBuff: Link was often considered to be one of the worst characters in the series, but ''3DS/Wii U'' gave him some huge buffs by improving his speed and making his weapons much better in combos.
* BattleBoomerang: Changed in ''Brawl'' to the gale boomerang, giving it pull back effects.
%%* BigDamnHeroes: In Subspace Emissary.
* {{Bishonen}}: As has become standard for every Link in their teens, Link in ''Smash Bros.'' is very pretty. He also has the honor of being the ''only'' youthful human(oid) male character out of the original 12. Viridi even swoons over him in a Palutena's Guidance conversation, and Pit is visibly jealous of both adult Link's handsomeness and Toon Link's cuteness.
-->'''Pit:''' They're cherry-picking all the best bits!
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: His Dark Link alternate costume in ''3DS/Wii U'' is updated to have pupils and black sclera in addition to red irises, rather than solid red eyes like in ''Brawl''.
* BlowYouAway: The Gale Boomerang is of the wind element, though because it's a tornado, it actually sucks people towards the projectile.
* BlueIsHeroic: ''Ultimate'' has him wear the blue Champion's Tunic from ''Breath of the Wild'', the {{Magitek}} attacks he uses consist in large part of blue HardLight, and the Master Sword glows blue during stronger attacks.
* BowAndSwordInAccord: From ''Melee'' onward.
* BreakoutCharacter: Link's role seems to have increased with each game. In ''Smash 64'', he wasn't very prominent on the box art and hardly appeared in ads, but was a fan-favorite character to play as; as a result, he earned himself a more prominent spot on ''Melee''[='s=] box art along with Mario, Pikachu, and Bowser. From that point, he began to be treated as one of the four "mascots" of ''Smash'' along with Mario, Pikachu, and Kirby, even becoming the most prominently displayed character on the cover of ''3DS'', being shown with nearly equal status to Mario in other CastHerd artworks, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckoh6zvW1tw earning himself his own video]] by Nintendo of Europe about his status as a fan-favorite. The teaser for ''Ultimate'' depicts him and Mario as equals, as the two returning veterans who are clearly visible (albeit in shadow), and they're the most prominent characters featured on the game's boxart, both being in the dead center and larger than all the other characters.
* ChargedAttack: In addition to the Smashes, which are shared by everyone, his bows can be charged to shoot farther and faster, and in ''Brawl'', his recovery special can be charged when used on the ground, as the Spin Attack always was in his games.
* CompositeCharacter: The ''Smash'' franchise tends to build characters off of moves they've used throughout their history (or stuff that's just flat-out made up). However, Link is a LegacyCharacter, so unlike most characters, who might change their costume or artstyle, the different Links are ''different people'' from across the ''Zelda'' timeline evidenced by their different designs, voices actors, and even movesets. Despite the fact that the majority of Links in ''Zelda'' proper are 'Young/Toon Links,' the "03 - Link" banner that stands in for the character as a whole has always been an 'Adult Link.'
** In ''64'', he's based on ''Ocarina'' Adult Link, with the Fairy Boomerang from ''Ocarina's'' Young Link (that turns blue when thrown like the Magic Boomerang from the original and ''A Link To The Past''). Apparently, this is only because of an oversight on Sakurai's part, [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Storage/SmashBros/I-ve-been-making-a-comprehensive-list-of-unused-characters/page/1 who didn't know that]] ''[[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Storage/SmashBros/I-ve-been-making-a-comprehensive-list-of-unused-characters/page/1 Ocarina]]'' [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Storage/SmashBros/I-ve-been-making-a-comprehensive-list-of-unused-characters/page/1 adult Link couldn't use the attack.]]
** In ''Melee'', he's based on an updated version of the ''Ocarina'' Link. His segment in the intro sequence has him reliving moments from ''Ocarina.''
** In ''Brawl'', his design is lifted from ''Twilight Princess'', including swapping the Hookshot for the Clawshot, the Fairy Boomerang for the Gale Boomerang, and one of the updates on the official website referencing Barnes, the bomb shop from ''TP''. However his on-screen entrance uses the warp tornado, from the original, instead of the cel-shaded dark portal transportation more fitting for Link from ''Twilight Princess''. Navi also appears in one of his taunts. In Subspace, he finds the Master Sword in the woods harkening to ''A Link To The Past'', and again he clearly has Navi from ''Ocarina'' following him. He retains this design and its composite aspects in ''3DS/Wii U.''
** ''Ultimate'' features Link's ''Breath of the Wild'' incarnation in both his blue Champion's Tunic and green Tunic of the Wild. His bombs are now the Bomb Rune and remotely detonated instead of on a fuse, he no longer has a hookshot for grabs and tethers, he no longer has the Gale Boomerang, and his Final Smash is an Ancient Arrow. But the promotional videos and pictures imply that he is TheChampion and an ImpliedLoveInterest for the Princess Zelda from ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds A Link Between Worlds]]'', despite the latter coming from a different generation and possibly a different timeline.
* CoolSword: The Master Sword, which is also known as "The Blade of Evil's Bane".
* CutscenePowerToTheMax: In Palutena's reveal trailer for ''3DS/Wii U'', Link uses his Clawshot to grab Pit in mid-flight by his ankle and pulls him down to earth. Yeah — go ahead and try doing that in the actual game.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Has Dark Link's ''very'' sinister colors as a palette swap, but it's still the same old Link we're used to. This is the same as in ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', where Dark Link is just a costume recolor of regular Link rather than a separate character and a villain.
* DeathOrGloryAttack: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]]. His new dash attack in the fourth installment is the jump attack from his home series, and like it is there, it's very powerful, almost as much as a smash attack, and able to KO at appropriate percentages. However, also like in his home series, missing will briefly leave Link wide open for punishment.
* DemotedToExtra: His ''Ocarina of Time'' [[LegacyCharacter incarnation]] (aka the Hero of Time), who was the playable Link in ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'', is merely a trophy in ''3DS'' (and didn't appear at all in ''Brawl''). As the playable Link is a CompositeCharacter, having a separate Link as a trophy can seem rather odd.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: His recovery attack.
* FacialMarkings: The Fierce Deity has red streaks on the cheekbones and blue arc on the forehead.
* FingerlessGloves: Of the "ready to go at a moment's notice" variety.
* GlacierWaif: Link has the body of a nimble, slender teen, but generally has below-average speed and above-average strength, in keeping with his movement speed and broad, spaced-out sword slashes from his home series. ''Brawl'' exemplified this by making him much slower and stronger than in ''Melee''; ''3DS/Wii U'' gives him better mobility and increases the speed and combo ability of his attacks, making him more well-rounded if still a bit on the slow side.
* GrapplingHookPistol: Link uses the Hookshot/Clawshot for his grab. True to its use in the ''Zelda'' games, it can also be used to tether him to ledges. He loses it in ''Ultimate'' due to it being absent from ''Breath of the Wild''.
* HairFlip: Had this as his taunt as his ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation in ''Melee''; absent from ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' (where he's ''Twilight Princess'' Link).
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: The archetypical blond-haired, blue-eyed hero, just like [[Franchise/StarWars Luke Skywalker]] and many others.
* HeroesPreferSwords: The Master Sword can only be wielded by the legendary Hero.
* HeroicAmbidexterity: Holds his sword with his left hand but has no problem grabbing items and secondary weapons with his right. Canonically speaking, Link was just left-handed until the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'' onward began depicting him as right-handed in order to accommodate motion controls, so WordOfGod declared he was ambidextrous in order to solve the discrepancies.
* HeroicMime: No dialog in his own games, no spoken words here.
* HumansByAnyOtherName: Apart from the PointyEars, Hylians are virtually indistinguishable from real-life humans.
* {{Hunk}}: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]] in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''. ''Twilight Princess'' Link had some very {{hunk}}y characteristics in his home game, which showed him to have a HeroicBuild via a ShirtlessScene and undertake various [[RatedMForManly manly]] deeds. ''Smash'' doesn't show off these characteristics, though he still comes across as quite aloof and masculine compared to some of the other {{Bishonen}} characters such as Shulk, Marth, and especially [[{{Adorkable}} Pit]].
* HyperspaceArsenal: All of his weapons come out of nowhere.
* JackOfAllStats: Not quite as pronounced as Mario, but his main strength is versatility, with both a strong melee and ranged game that is generally hampered by his below-average running and attack speed. Depending on playstyle, Link can reliably be a LongRangeFighter, CloseRangeCombatant, or even a MightyGlacier.
* {{Kiai}}: Pretty much the only noises he makes are screams.
* KidHero: His ''Twilight Princess'', and ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnations are older teenagers.
* LadyAndKnight: The White Knight to Zelda's Bright Lady.
* TheLancer:
** During his time in the ''Subspace Emissary'' with the five-hero grouping, he was shown serving as this to Mario for some brief stints.
** Link is essentially portrayed as the Lancer to Mario's Hero in marketing, especially for later games. He's the second most prominent character (first on the cover of ''3DS'', equal to Mario on the cover of ''Wii U''), is a more realistic and serious character juxtaposed with Mario's quirky and cartoony vibe, and wears green, a secondary color that directly contrasts with Mario's [[RedIsHeroic red]].
** In the first teaser trailer for ''Ultimate'', Mario and Link were the only two characters to get closeups when a lineup of Veterans greeted the Inklings.
* LaserGuidedKarma: A few screenshots for ''3DS/Wii U'' showed Peach and Link together with flirtatious undertones, including one with Zelda eyeing them from the background. During a video showcasing items, Zelda drops a Motion-Sensor Bomb near Link (who's near to Peach). Zelda "calls" him over [[StuffBlowingUp and, of course, he promptly trips over the Bomb]].
* LateArrivalSpoiler: Link's Tunic of the Wild was an unlockable outfit in the original game that required you to complete every shrine. Here, it's a costume at the start of the game.
* LegacyCharacter: The first and third variations of Link playable in series, used to represent the idea of Link as a whole. The adult Link used in ''64'' and ''Melee'' is the predecessor of Toon Link, while the adult Link used in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' is descended from the Young Link in ''Melee.''
* {{Leitmotif}}: As it is in his home series, usually The Legend of Zelda Theme and its variations.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks0FZDbbi_I Hyrule Castle]].
** In ''Melee'', he gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPegm_sIf0U Great Bay]].
** In ''Brawl'', the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odRKeDQOJLE Title Theme]] plays during his entrance in Subspace.
** In ''Ultimate'', the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWBG6_jn4Y Breath of the Wild Main Theme]] plays during his character trailer.
* LetsYouAndHimFight: He and Yoshi fight against Mario and Pit in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode, but they later join forces.
* LimitBreak: [[BladeSpam Triforce Slash]], where Link traps his opponent between two [[SigilSpam Triforce symbols]] and repeatedly slashes them, launching them with one final thrust that breaks the symbols. In ''Ultimate'', he instead breaks out an Ancient Bow to shoot a powerful Ancient Arrow at his enemies.
* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: If Link is standing still or crouching, his shield will stop most projectiles that touch it, just like in ''VideoGame/ZeldaIITheAdventureOfLink''. It is easy to forget in a frantic game like this one.
* {{Magitek}}: In ''Ultimate'', his Down-B has him use Remote Bombs, HardLight explosives produced by the tablet-like Sheikah Slate, while his new Final Smash has him pull out the high-tech Ancient Bow and fire an equally high-tech Ancient Arrow.
* MasterSwordsman: He qualifies by default. His sword is even called the [[AwesomeMcCoolname Master Sword]].
* MeteorMove: His down strong attack (''Melee'' onward), down aerial (''3DS/Wii U''), and Meteor Bomb Custom Special will Meteor Smash targets.
* MonochromaticEyes: The Fierce Deity, of course.
* {{Multishot}}: In ''Ultimate'', if Link shoots an arrow and then picks that arrow back up (a mechanic lifted straight from ''Breath of the Wild''), he'll shoot two arrows at once next time.
* MysticalWhiteHair: In his Fierce Deity and Dark Link palettes.
* MythologyGag: In [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} Simon's]] reveal trailer, he uses his Holy Water to "cook" a chicken and a shish kebab in front of Link, a reference to how cooking meals was an important mechanic in ''Breath of the Wild''.
* {{Nerf}}: From ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'', where despite being given a large power buff, he was made into a generally slower character, with his air speed significantly reduced, special moves being less effective, and having his aerial game significantly hindered by the loss of [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/L-Canceling L-Canceling]]. His Spin Attack also gains significantly less distance during recovery, reducing Link's recovering capabilities to again being one of the worst. ''3DS/Wii U'' undid this by buffing his mobility and recovery while still keeping most of his power.
* PaletteSwap: Notable swaps: [[Videogame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime red and blue Goron and Zora Tunics]] in all ''Smash Bros.'', [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI Blue Ring]] lavender up until the fourth game, Dark Link's cameo from ''Twilight Princess'' in ''Brawl'', a ''Skyward Sword'' casual clothes-patterned Link, and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask Fierce Deity Link]] in ''3DS/Wii U''.
* PinkGirlBlueBoy: In ''Ultimate'', his default outfit is blue as it was in ''Breath of the Wild'', while Zelda's is white and pink as it was in ''A Link Between Worlds''.
* PointyEars: Has these, as a member of the Hylian race. While these are a stereotypically [[OurElvesAreBetter elven]] trait, Hylians like Link are merely a pointy-eared race of humans rather than elves.
* ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: In ''Ultimate'', he looks like a teenager like the ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess'' versions before him but is actually over a century old due to him having spent that time asleep in the [[HealingVat Shrine of Resurrection]].
* RealMenWearPink: His {{Adorkable}} HairFlip taunt in ''Melee'' is almost laughably girly.
* TheRival:
** Marth is his primary foil, as acknowledged by Sakurai. It was [[http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/12/13/sakurai-fe25/#more-4331 intended that the two]] would be a ForceAndFinesse duo in ''64.'' In future games Event matches and official pictures often make the two face off.
** Palutena's reveal trailer portrays him as such with Pit — both the chosen warriors of goddesses of light. Pit's commentary further enforces this as he sees Link as ripping off his style and complains that there's two Links.
** Cloud is another as the poster boys for critically acclaimed, blond haired, fantasy, video game heroes of the late 90s, ''Ocarina of Time'' for Nintendo and ''Final Fantasy VII'' for Sony. A nod is given to this in the Final Video Presentation, and the centerpiece of Cloud's character illustration has him crossing swords with Link.
** In general, Link is TheRival to just about anyone who brings a sword to ''Smash''. See RunningGag below.
* RocketJump: A recovery method for him, called the [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/Bomb_recovery bomb recovery]], though it isn't that useful outside ''Melee''.
* RunningGag: As the poster child for Nintendo swordsmen and the first to get into ''Smash'', Link is TheRival to just about everyone else who brings a sword to the series. Since ''Melee'', he's often pitted against Marth in event matches and official screenshots, and he also had event matches vs. Self and vs. Young Link. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he's seen fighting Pit in Palutena's reveal trailer, faces off with Lucina in her official portrait, and teams up with Marth to fight Shulk in his reveal trailer.
* SeriesMascot: As of ''[=3DS/Wii U=]'' and ''Ultimate'', Link seems to have supplanted Kirby as the series' secondary mascot, frequently portrayed alongside Mario as an equal and foil of sorts. ''Ultimate'''s trailer depicts him (in his ''Breath of the Wild'' incarnation) and Mario as the two prominent veterans that the Inklings encounter.
* ShipTease:
** Link gets quite a bit of these with [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Princess Peach]] in ''3DS/Wii U''. Zelda is... less than pleased about it.
** [[VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising Viridi]] has quite the obvious crush on Link. She's quick to deny it, despite evidence to the contrary. Palutena even offers to introduce the two of them, which she doesn't deny.
* ShockAndAwe: A custom variant of his Spin Attack is a more powerful, electric variant.
* SkillGateCharacter: Most pronounced in ''Melee''. In casual play, he can hit like a train, but put him in competitive play and he just can't keep up.
* TheSouthpaw: As per tradition, though some of his games have made him right handed.[[note]]Namely, the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', and later, ''Skyward Sword''. Since the Wii Remote is usually held in the right hand, Nintendo made Link hold his sword in his right-hand since they wanted to map his sword attacks to the motion sensors in the Remote. In adventures that are not on the Wii (such as ''Videogame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'' for the 3DS, which was released after ''Skyward Sword''), Link is still depicted as a leftie.[[/note]] Averted in ''Ultimate'', where he is right handed like in ''Breath of the Wild''.
* SpinAttack: The one from his very games. It becomes a charged attack in ''Brawl''.
* StabTheSky: His up aerial, one of his win poses, and his up smash in the first game.
* TheStoic: Link's mannerisms make him come across as quite determined, serious, and battle-focused. A bit more so for his ''Twilight Princess'' version, since his ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation still shows shades of being {{Adorkable}} and HotBlooded, in keeping with each of their respective games of origin.
* SwordAndFist: His moveset has multiple kick moves along with the weapons.
* SwordBeam: In ''Ultimate'', if Link hasn't received any damage, he can launch beams with his side smash, a mechanic used in multiple ''The Legend of Zelda'' games.
* SwordPlant: His down aerial.
* ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill: Triforce Slash, where Link traps an opponent between two Triforce symbols and slashes them repeatedly.
* WarmUpBoss: In the 1P Mode of ''64'', he's the first enemy faced and puts up so little resistance he often doesn't even bother to recover when launched offstage. This allows the player to practice and get used to the game's controls.
* WeaponTwirling: Link's UnorthodoxSheathing from ''Twilight Princess'' is used as a victory pose and a taunt.
* YouWillNotEvadeMe: His Gale Boomerang in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' can pull enemies and items toward Link if aimed correctly. To a lesser extent, his Hookshot and Clawshot embody this trope.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:04 – Samus]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samusssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[BountyHunter Bounty Hunter Extraordinaire]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samus_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samus_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samus_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samus_ssb_3.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''[[VideoGame/{{Metroid 1}} Metroid]]'' [NES], 1986

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[ArmCannon Charge Beam]], Missile, [[SpinAttack Screw Attack]], [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Bomb]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[WaveMotionGun Zero Laser]]

Hailing from the ''Metroid'' series, Samus Aran is the galaxy's most feared BountyHunter and the first female fighter in the series. She tears through galactic threats, kills giant monsters and destroys planets for a living. After her home planet and parents were wiped out by the Space Pirates, she was taken in by the Chozo civilization and trained to be one of the galaxy's most powerful warriors. She brings their advanced PowerArmor into the mix, allowing her to fight with all different kinds of weaponry.

The original and ''Melee'' use the ''Super Metroid'' design, ''Brawl'' uses the design from ''Metroid: Zero Mission'' and the ''Metroid Prime Trilogy'', and ''3DS/Wii U'' and ''Ultimate'' use an ''Other M'' design.
----
* ActionGirl: One of Nintendo's — and gaming in general's — most definitive examples.
* AnchoredAttackStance: She uses her suit's built in jet pack as retrorockets when firing her [[WaveMotionGun Zero Laser]] in ''Ultimate'', presumably to keep herself from being blown away by the massive recoil.
* AndroclesLion: In Subspace Emissary, her saving Pikachu makes him an immediate ally who eventually saves her from Ridley.
* ArchEnemy: To Ridley, considering he killed her parents.
* ArmCannon: Her main means of attack come from there.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', Samus' design was based off of ''Super Metroid''. In ''Brawl'', her costume was lifted from ''Metroid Zero Mission'', bringing her in line with the then recently debuted Zero Suit Samus. As of ''3DS/Wii U'', she matches her ''Other M'' design (with added black vents around the suit), but is just as tall in previous games and has her visor in full combat mode.
* TheArtifact:
** Because Samus is almost exclusively a projectile-based character in the ''Metroid'' series, the exclusively hand-to-hand standard moveset she's had since ''64'' is outdated and OutOfCharacter when compared to the dedicated projectile-oriented characters (Mega Man, Mii Gunner, and to a lesser extent, Villager and Bayonetta) introduced in ''Smash for [=3DS/Wii U=]''. While Samus only uses her projectiles in special moves and otherwise is mostly Brawler-style for her standard moves (as has traditionally been the case for ''Smash'' characters), the newer Gunner-style characters use projectiles for many of their special ''and'' standard moves both. Interestingly enough, this increased emphasis on physical combat seems to have been [[RetCanon worked into newer Metroid games]], with Samus performing a series of brutal close-quarters takedowns on her opponents in both ''Other M'' and ''Samus Returns''.
** ''Ultimate'' has a lot less focus on ''Other M'' as a whole, with all the other ''Metroid'' characters getting new designs based on older Metroid games. However, Samus still retains the same design she had in ''for 3DS/Wii U''. This is partly justified since ''[[VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns Samus Returns]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/MetroidPrime4 Prime 4]]'' most likely started development much later than ''Ultimate''.
* ArtifactTitle: The Zero Laser's name made sense in ''Brawl'', as using it forced her to transform into Zero Suit Samus. This is no longer the case in the fourth game.
* BackToBackBadasses: With Pikachu in ''Subspace Emissary'' when facing an army of clone Samus.
* BeamSpam: Able to spam both missiles and her power shot.
* BountyHunter: ''Melee'' says she is a take no prisoners bounty hunter, and ''Brawl'' says she is the most renowned bounty hunter in the galaxy.
* ChargedAttack: The aptly named [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/Charge_Shot Charge Shot.]]
* CoolHelmet: As part of her standard bounty hunter attire.
* CoolStarship: Her ship, simply titled "Samus's Starship". In the fourth game, it becomes more closely associated with Zero Suit Samus than regular Samus, as both her stage entrance and her Final Smash.
* DecompositeCharacter: Regular Samus and Zero Suit Samus are separate characters in the fourth game.
* DifficultButAwesome: While a reckless usage of Samus' attacks and projectiles generally doesn't work out too well, careful and proper use of them can allow her to adapt to a variety of situations. For example, ''3DS/Wii U'' gives Samus a number of Charge Shot combos that are fairly difficult to learn, but are useful for breaking the enemy's shield and leaving them stunned.
* TheFaceless: [[ZigZaggingTrope Zigzagged]]. In ''Smash 64'', Samus' face isn't shown at all. ''Melee'' then gives her a rare "Samus Unmasked" trophy that shows her face. ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' unmask her in full as Zero Suit Samus, but when in the Power Suit, her face can't be seen at all through the visor except in two cases (a Subspace Emissary cutscene and Bayonetta's newcomer poster). This is retained in ''Ultimate'', though we can see her [[OhCrap expression]] through the visor when Ridley appears.
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: She's a gorgeous blonde underneath that iconic helmet, and she's one of the kindest and most heroic bounty hunters you could hope for — as seen when she rescues and teams up with the adorable Pikachu in ''The Subspace Emissary''.
* HartmanHips: In ''3DS/Wii U'', her Power Suit is slightly more... "form-fitting" around her hips and pelvis.
* HeroicMime: She never says a word when in armor, possibly because her armor completely mutes her voice (as she gets fully voiced taunts as Zero Suit Samus).
* HomingProjectile: Her weaker missiles, which would retain these properties in ''Metroid Prime''.
* {{Irony}}: Almost all of regular Samus' attacks deal less damage and knockback than Zero Suit Samus', even including regular Samus' projectiles and Screw Attack, with Charge Shot being the only real standout, in order to give the Varia Suit a focus on [[StoneWall defense]] and the Zero Suit a focus on [[GlassCannon offense]].
* JackOfAllStats: Like Link, Samus is a fairly well-rounded character in ''Melee'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' with unique strengths of her own, if not a definitive example of this trope like Mario is. While her strength, attack speed, and mobility are merely average, she's heavy and has a good recovery, decent combo potential, and a variety of projectiles with different specific uses.
* JumpJetPack: She has one built into her suit that she uses for her standard jump. In ''Ultimate'', they get re-purposed as retrorockets to cancel out the recoil of her Zero Laser.
* LawOfInverseRecoil: Her charged shot and missiles.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Typically Brinstar and its variations.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Boebe2Uuvx4 Planet Zebes]].
** In ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate'', she gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR47lpQoPc8 Brinstar]].
** In ''Brawl'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPkImiUzdBk Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior]] plays when she dons her suit for the first time in Subspace. This is her theme from her home series.
* LimitBreak: [[{{BFG}} The Zero Laser]], a giant [[WaveMotionGun laser that shreds the stage]]. In ''Brawl'', this overheats Samus's Power Suit, causing it to fall apart at her feet, leaving her in the Zero Suit. She apparently fixed this issue by the fourth game, where her suit remains intact.
* LongRangeFighter: Samus has a fairly poor melee attacking ability, but has a stronger long-range projectile game on her arsenal.
* MeteorMove: Her down aerial in all games and Slip Bomb Custom Special will Meteor Smash opponents.
* MetronomicManMashing: She can wack enemies around with her up grapple attack in ''Brawl''.
* MoeCouplet: Forms one with Pikachu in ''Brawl''.
* {{Nerf}}: From ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'', her [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/Missile Smash Missiles,]] Smash attacks, and melee attacks were weakened in power. This may have been justified as her Zero Suit form was introduced as a more agile close-range fighter to contrast her Varia Suit's focus on long range attacks.
* NotSoAboveItAll: Much like in her home series, she is usually a serious and stoic bounty hunter. Upon meeting Little Mac, however, her first reaction is confusion followed by [[BerserkButton making sure he actually is that short]]. It earns her an uppercut to the kidneys.
* OffModel: A few versions of her official amiibo figure accidentally gave her [[DualWielding dual arm cannons.]]
* PainfullySlowProjectile: The Slow Beam variant of her Charge Shot. A fully charged shot is so slow that Samus can actually walk past it. Her Homing Missles also qualify to a lesser extent.
* PaletteSwap: Her notable ones include the [[VideoGame/MetroidFusion Fusion Suit]], the [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness Pink Varia Suit]] from the original ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'', the [[VideoGame/SuperMetroid Gravity Suit]], [[VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes Dark Suit, Light Suit]], and [[EvilKnockoff Dark Samus]], which was replaced by a black-and-yellow suit when she was PromotedToPlayable in ''Ultimate''.
* PlayingWithFire: Her down tilt and (as of ''3DS/Wii U'') her forward smash involve a single burst of flame from the tip of her arm cannon, and her forward aerial and up smash each involve multiple blasts of fire.
* PowerCreepPowerSeep: In her home series, Samus is a LightningBruiser who runs at high speeds and has a ton of different projectiles of varying potency. In ''Smash'', her movement speed is much slower (with Zero Suit Samus inheriting the "high speed" aspect), her moveset is mostly based on hand-to-hand combat, and her projectiles are more limited, turning her into a [[JackOfAllStats balanced]] StoneWall.
* PoweredArmor: She wears her Power Suit at all times (unless you're playing ''Brawl'' and use her Final Smash), which gives her increased weight but not-so-great speed.
* PracticalTaunt: In ''Brawl'', taunting fast enough will allow her to shed her armor and turn into Zero Suit Samus.
* TheRival: To Captain Falcon in numerous Event Matches.
* RocketJump: Samus has her own variation of the aforementioned Bomb Recovery, based on her Bomb Jump ability from her own games. It's not very useful since the boost is very small.
* SamusIsAGirl: ''Brawl'' makes this obvious, but it's noticeable in the first game as well (if Samus is hit with electricity, her XRaySparks animation shows a non-textured female model instead of a skeleton like the other characters). To anyone not familiar with her or miss the clues like the electricity silhouette, the fact that she fights you alongside Zelda and Peach in the "Girl Power" event match of ''Melee'' gives the traditional reveal. She also had a DummiedOut trophy where she was depicted with her helmet off.
* ShedArmorGainSpeed: When she switches to Zero Suit Samus in ''Brawl'', she's lighter and more agile, but that makes her easier to knock farther.
* ShouldersOfDoom: Since she's donning the Varia Suit, she has massive shoulder pads. They aren't serving any function like in her home series; they're there purely for cosmetic reasons.
* SlapstickKnowsNoGender: In a sense. Being [[TheSmurfettePrinciple the only unambiguously female character]] in the first game, she's depicted on the box art being punched out by Fox. Even after more female fighters were introduced over time, Samus appears to be the only humanoid female that can be hit by the male characters in the updates by Sakurai. And she was a main victim of Little Mac in his debut trailer. The only other woman he tried to hit (or who even showed up) dodged him, resulting in him being KO'd.
* SmurfettePrinciple: In the first game, she was the only explicitly female member of the roster. Increasingly averted in the later installments, as more female fighters have joined her in the cast.
* SpinAttack: Her Screw Attack, which can also be used by anyone holding the item of the same name. It causes her to jump upwards while spinning, pulling in nearby foes and damaging them.
* StoneWall: Samus has average movement speed with above-average weight and recovery, and her Morph Ball roll covers a lot of distance but is also very punishable. This mixed with her strong projectile game can make her hard to get close to and deal with, but her weak melee abilities (especially in ''64'' and ''Brawl'') give her problems dealing with enemies herself. ''Melee'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' make her a bit more balanced by giving her some comboing and shield-breaking ability.
* {{Tomboy}}: Samus (in both her forms) is one of the least feminine out of the female ''Smash'' fighters, perhaps only being rivaled by [[SweetPollyOliver Sheik]] and [[{{Bifauxnen}} Lucina]].
* TomboyishPonytail: Wears her hair in a ponytail underneath her helmet for practical reasons, as shown both in her DummiedOut helmetless ''Melee'' trophy and her playable appearance as Zero Suit Samus.
* WallJump: One of the characters with the ability to wall jump, just like some games in her home series.
* WaveMotionGun: Her [[LimitBreak Final Smash]] is the Zero Laser, a massive blue laser that deals a lot of damage and has a vacuum effect to suck in opponents.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:05 – Yoshi]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Kazumi Totaka
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yoshissbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[ExtremeOmnivore Omnivore of the Year]] /[softreturn][[WeaponizedOffspring He's Not Yolking Around]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yoshi_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yoshi_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yoshi_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yoshi_ssb_0.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''[[VideoGame/YoshisIsland Yoshi]]''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' [SNES], 1990

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': Egg Lay, [[RollingAttack Egg Roll]], Egg Toss, [[GroundPound Yoshi Bomb]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[PowerGivesYouWings Super Dragon]]
'''YOSHI ROLLS INTO BATTLE!'''

->''"[[PokemonSpeak Yoshi!]]"''

Yoshi is one of Mario's most reliable pals and the most iconic PowerUpMount in gaming. He is a happy-go-lucky creature that has helped Mario across several of his adventures, and has also been in some of his own. His species helped Mario and Luigi several times when they were babies, and starting with ''Super Mario World,'' this particular one (which happens to be the seventh of the Star Children) got to help Mario once again. His signature long tongue allows him to swallow enemies whole and put them in eggs that explode when thrown.
----
* AnthropomorphicShift: In ''Brawl'', his stance is much more upright than the ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' stance in ''64'' and ''Melee''. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he's even more upright.
* AntiAir: His Egg Throw can only be thrown in an arc. It's very easy to miss on opponents who are up close and on the ground, but those approaching from above had better watch out, as it's a particularly powerful projectile.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', he has a much longer and draconic appearance and red shoes, similar to ''Super Mario World'' and ''Super Mario 64''. In ''Brawl'', he's chubbier and stouter with brown shoes. as was codified in the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube era. In ''3DS/Wii U'', Yoshi is more in line his modern appearance, with a more upright stature and much brighter skin tone.
* BadassAdorable: It's not hard to view him this way, especially with his cartoon-y voice. The games seem to be sticking to this, as other animal characters such as Donkey Kong and Bowser were upgraded to having a more realistic look and sound, while Yoshi stayed himself. Justified, though, as trying to make Yoshi look more realistic would seem ''very'' out of character.
* BalloonBelly: When performing his Egg Lay move, Yoshi briefly bloats up.
* BigEater: Yoshi uses his tongue to grab enemies into his mouth and release them as eggs. And yes, he is a male.
* CreatorCameo: Not exactly by a creator, but Yoshi is voiced by Kazumi Totaka, who composed the ''Yoshi's Story'' score.
* DinosaursAreDragons: ''Smash'' labels Yoshi as a dragon just as much as it labels him as a dinosaur. His Super Dragon attack has him grow wings and attack via fire-breathing; all powers he could get in ''Super Mario World''.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The only playable dinosaur in the roster unless one counts [[MixAndMatchCritters mix-and-match critter]] Bowser.
* EverythingsBetterWithRainbows: In ''3DS/Wii U'', Yoshi's Egg Throw leaves a [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/images/b/b3/SSB4_-_Yoshi_and_Samus.jpg rainbow trail]].
* {{Foil}}: ''[=3DS/Wii U=]'' juxtaposes Yoshi with fellow draconic reptile [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Charizard]] in many situations, such as Conquests, Event Matches, and Bayonetta's newcomer artwork. While Yoshi is adorable, childish, and cheery, Charizard is fierce, intimidating, and fiery. In terms of Final Smashes, Yoshi's turns it into an [[DragonsAreDivine angelic white-winged dragon]], while Charizard's turns it into a [[DragonsAreDemonic demonic black dragon]].
* GoodWingsEvilWings: Similar to Meta Knight and Pit, Bayonetta's newcomer artwork gives him this dynamic with Charizard; Yoshi is depicted in his Super Dragon form, with white feathery wings, while opposite of him is Charizard, another reptile with more dragon-like wings.
* GroundPound: His Down Special is the move of the same name right from his own games. If used in midair, he does a little twirl in midair before heading straight down, while using it on the ground causes him to jump up and ahead slightly before doing the same thing.
* HalfDressedCartoonAnimal: Saddle and shoes, but that's it.
* ImprobableWeaponUser: Throws eggs that explode.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Varies.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUeDAtZEGDU Yoshi's Island]] (which is actually a song from ''VideoGame/YoshisStory'').
** In ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcHiSeA57TU Yoshi's Story]].
** In ''Brawl'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOatb7f677s Ending (Yoshi's Story)]], which was showcased on the Dojo before release, and is his unique credits theme.
** In ''3DS/Wii U'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsvQLY7kgGs Yoshi's Island]] plays when he's introduced in the April Nintendo Direct. It's also one of only 2 new Yoshi series songs made for the game.
* LetsYouAndHimFight: He and Link fight against Mario and Pit in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode, but they later join forces.
* LightningBruiser: His ground speed is always high, his weight is above average, his air speed in all games is always one of the fastest (if not ''the'' fastest), and he possesses attacks that are generally quick and powerful.
* LimitBreak: Super Dragon (which uses the shell abilities from ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'').
* MeteorMove: His forward air in all games will Meteor Smash targets, as well as his down air in all games but ''[=SSB4=]''.
* MechanicallyUnusualFighter:
** Yoshi uses an egg as his shield instead of a bubble. The egg doesn't shrink, meaning that he is invulnerable to all non-grab attacks while shielding, but in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', he can't jump out of it, limiting his mobility while defending. This was removed in the fourth game, but now he can no longer drop through soft platforms while shielding.
** Yoshi's double jump is his Flutter Jump, which grants him super armor and covers much more distance than any other double jump. As a drawback, his Up-Special is a very poor recovery move.
* MultipurposeTongue: It is used in his neutral special and his grab.
* {{Nerf}}:
** He was able to jump out of his shield in ''64'', but ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'' made it so that he couldn't anymore (probably to balance the fact that his shield cannot be pierced). ''3DS/Wii U'' finally removes this limitation.
** To compensate for meteor smashes being uncancelable, ''3DS/Wii U'' establishes more sourspots to make it harder to land the ones that send downward; Yoshi's forward aerial now only meteor smashes with the tip of his nose.
* NoBiologicalSex: According to the Japanese version of ''Melee'', Yoshis are neither male or female, and reproduce asexually. Even Viridi is confused by Yoshi's biology (and she's a goddess of nature). Though this is contradicted by various other official media, as well as his in-game trophy.
* NoSell: Yoshi's double jump has [[ImmuneToFlinching super armor]], meaning extremely high resistance to knockback[[note]]in the original and ''Melee'', Yoshi actually takes heavily reduced knockback if an attack has enough to get through the resistance, while in later games, anything that gets through the resistance fully affects Yoshi[[/note]]. Yoshi still takes full damage, though, so it is mainly just to make getting back on the stage easier.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: While ''Smash'' considers Yoshi to be a dragon, he's quite different from the more traditional Charizard and Ridley, as a [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter cutesy]] ridable [[DinosaursAreDragons dinosaur]] who throws explosive eggs.
* PaletteSwap: Has the main 6 ''Yoshi's Story'' colors from ''64'' onward (though in ''64'', blue and pink were CPU only). ''3DS/Wii U'' adds Black Yoshi, also from ''Yoshi's Story'', and Purple Yoshi.
* PokemonSpeak: As usual, the only thing he says is ''"Yoshi!"''.
* PowerupMount: What Yoshis were in their first appearance; Mario briefly rides Yoshi during the ''Subspace Emissary''.
* PrimalStance: Uses the ride-ready stance from ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' in ''64'', ''Melee'', and ''Brawl''. After his AnthropomorphicShift in the main ''Mario'' franchise was standardized, he uses an upright stance in ''[=SSB4=]''.
* RollingAttack: His side special, which makes him charge inside a spining egg. It can be sped up by holding B, but be careful not to go over an edge.
* ShockwaveStomp: His GroundPound generates damaging stars on contact with the ground which count as projectiles (meaning they can be reflected). One of his customs for this move weakens the GroundPound itself while making the stars larger and stronger.
* SirNotAppearingInThisTrailer: Seems to always be the last of the original eight to be confirmed. He was the only one of the original characters to be confirmed on ''Brawl'' via Smash Bros. Dojo before appearing in a trailer[[note]]Mario, Link, Kirby, and Pikachu were all featured in [[http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/movies/movie01.html the original trailer released for E3 2006]], Samus briefly appeared in the same trailer before becoming Zero Suit Samus, Fox debuted at the very end of [[http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/movies/movie02.html the Nintendo World 2006 trailer]], and Donkey Kong made a brief cameo in [[http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/movies/movie070712a.html a short montage video created for E3 2007]]. Yoshi was confirmed nearly two weeks after Donkey Kong's reveal[[/note]], and his reveal in ''3DS/Wii U'' was not accompanying with any cinematic trailer featuring him. Likewise, he and Luigi are the last two veterans to appear in the announcement for ''Ultimate''.
* SuperMode: Yoshi's [[LimitBreak Final Smash]] can transform Yoshi, a dinosaur, into a fire-breathing dragon with [[PowerGivesYouWings angel wings]]. It is based off of the Yoshi power ups from ''Super Mario World''.
* TailSlap: A few of his attacks utilize this, such as his back aerial.
* UseYourHead: In many of his attacks.
* WolfpackBoss: The second stage of 1P Mode in ''64'' features a fight against ''eighteen'' Yoshis, three of each of the six colors[[note]]Two of these colors cannot be normally accessed by the player[[/note]]. Like Link, they just meander around and wait to be disposed of except on higher difficulties. You earn a special bonus if you KO them in the exact order they appear.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:06 – Kirby]]
!!!!!! '''Voiced by:''' Creator/MakikoOhmoto
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kirbyssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[WaddlingHead The Pink Puffball]] /[softreturn][[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore Gritty in Pink]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kirby_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kirby_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kirby_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kirby_ssb_8.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''VideoGame/{{Kirby}}''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand'' [GB], 1992

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[PowerCopying Inhale]], [[DropTheHammer Hammer]] (''Melee'' and ''Brawl''), Hammer Flip (''3DS/Wii U''), Final Cutter, Stone\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[StewedAlive Cook Kirby]] (''Brawl''), [[{{BFS}} Ultra Sword]] (''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate'')

->''"Poyo!"''

A resident of the planet Pop Star and main character of the ''Kirby'' series, which was also created by Creator/MasahiroSakurai. Kirby may be a cute puffball, but he's saved his homeland several times against [[EldritchAbomination all kinds of enemies.]] He has the unique ability to copy his enemies' powers and use them himself.

Though a separate canon, the anime ''Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa'' paints him as one of the new generation of Star Warriors meant to combat Nightmare Enterprises and their ever-growing supply of monsters.

In ''Smash Bros.'', Kirby uses several attacks lifted directly from the various Copy Abilities across his home series. He can also copy the Neutral Special of whomever he inhales.
----
* AchillesHeel: His Down Special, Stone, makes him completely invincible to all damage for a short time. Grabs don't deal damage and will immediately pull him out of the move.
* AnIcePerson: With Custom Moves in ''3DS/Wii U'', Inhale can be replaced with the Ice Breath ability from his games. It deals damage instead of sucking in opponents and may freeze them.
* ArtEvolution: Noticeably averted. Kirby's design in ''Smash'' has stayed basically the same since 2001, in spite of the evolution in his home series — compare his ''Ultimate'' model to ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''. This is even lampshaded in ''Brawl'''s reveal trailer, where Kirby remains the same while other characters receive conspicuous changes.
* TheArtifact: Kirby's hats stay the same between games even if the character he's copied them from have changed. For example, he wears Young Zelda's headdress from ''Ocarina of Time'' despite Zelda being updated to her ''Twilight Princess'' design. Or Falco's ''Melee'' looks despite him looking different in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''. But Ganondorf's reflects his current design in each game, and Zelda's is updated to her ''A Link Between Worlds'' look in ''Ultimate''.
* BadassAdorable: He may look really harmless, but Kirby is really hardcore, especially in the ''Subspace Emissary'' mode. [[spoiler:He is the one to destroy the Subspace Gunship with his legendary Air Ride machine, the Dragoon!]]
* BattleBoomerang: The Cutter Boomerang, but he doesn't throw it. Instead, he uses it like a sword for his Final Cutter attack from the Cutter ability.
* {{BFS}}: His Final Smash in ''3DS/Wii U'' is the Ultra Sword Super Ability from ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand''. The handle alone is larger than his body, and the blade is larger than that.
* BigEater: Kirby is one of the characters who can eat his enemies (and items on the battlefield from ''Brawl'' onward).
* BornLucky: In ''Brawl''[='=]s story mode, with the exception of saving Peach or Zelda and joining Mario and Link's group for a time, Kirby spent the entirety of the story charging headlong into whatever caught his interest. And by some bizarre circumstance of this constant doing whatever reckless thing popped into his head, he ended up being instrumental in the final act.
* BottomlessMagazines: Averted for Inkling Kirby, who has a limited ink tank with his Splattershot. However, because Kirby cannot become a Squid, Kirby cannot recharge his ink tank and loses the Copy Ability when he runs out of ink.
* BreathWeapon: One of Kirby's customizable abilities in ''3DS/Wii U'' swaps out his inhale for Ice's [[AnIcePerson Ice Breath]].
* BreakableWeapons: Inhaling Robin will give Kirby the Thunder Tome, which shares the same durability system Robin uses. Once the tome is exhausted, Kirby loses both the Copy Ability and Robin's hair.
* CallingYourAttacks: Amusingly, Kirby also mimics the person who he's copied. This is particularly funny with the likes of Robin and Shulk, who have several attack call-outs for Kirby to copy, with adorable results.
-->''"Thunder!" "Elthunder!" "Arcthunder!" "Thoron!"''
-->''"Jump!" "Speed!" "Shield!" "Buster!" "Smash!"''
-->''"Autoreticle!"''
-->''"PK Fire! PK Flash!" "PK Freeze!"''
-->''"Falcon Punch!"''
-->''"Hadouken!"''
* CatchAndReturn: In ''Ultimate'', Kirby's Inhale gains the ability to inhale and spit projectiles back at the opponent, much like what he does in his games.
* CatchPhrase: "Hiiiiiii!"
* ChargedAttack: In ''3DS/Wii U'', Hammer can do this, which turns it into the powerful Hammer Flip. It deals absurd damage when fully charged, but is short ranged, slow, and charging for too long will constantly deal minor damage to Kirby until he unleashes the attack.
* ChefOfIron: Cook Kirby in ''Brawl'' has him transform into a chef and cook his foes alive.
* CoolStarship: His Warp Star and Dragoon could technically count as starships, with the Warp Star being a "Star Ship" in the most literal sense.
* DanceBattler: His dash attack in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' is the Yo-Yo ability's Break Spin from ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar''.
* DishingOutDirt: Stone, which is invulnerable to strikes but can be grappled out of. Best used on top of somebody else. ''Melee'' adds additional objects, such as a brick and weight, while ''Brawl'' makes it less invulnerable (attacks doing fifty damage and higher tend to break it).
* DropTheHammer: Kirby's side-special is Hammer, where he [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin swings his signature Hammer.]] In ''3DS/Wii U'', [[ChargedAttack charging this]] turns it into Hammer Flip, where the Hammer [[PlayingWithFire catches fire]] and deals incredible damage on impact, but the flames will hurt him if held too long.
* ExtremeOmnivore: He can eat practically any item in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' by inhaling it. He can even eat explosives, which will cause Kirby to stagger a bit while the explosive goes off in his stomach. This does minuscule damage but removes the explosive from play.
* GlassCannon: In both the original and ''Brawl'', Kirby has impressive attack power, but is one of the lightest characters.
* GratuitousJapanese: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', he says "よし！" (''yosh!'', essentially "all right!") when returning to normal from his Stone form.
* GroundPound: Turns into a rock to do it. He can also turn into other heavy objects from other Nintendo games.
* HappyDance: All of his victory poses are variations on his famous "Kirby Dance". From ''Brawl'' onwards, he can perform a truncated version of it as his Up Taunt.
* HyperspaceArsenal: He only pulls his weapons out when the player activates them, such as the Hammer and the Cutter Boomerang. This also applies to all of his copied weapons, such as the [[Franchise/FireEmblem Falchion/Reverse Falchion]], the [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda Hero's Bow]], or [[{{Franchise/Kirby}} Galaxia]]. Averted with the [[VideoGame/{{Xenoblade}} Monado]], although he uses it for the Monado Arts instead of fighting.
* InfiniteAmmo: Averted. Of all of Kirby's copied abilities in ''Ultimate'', the Inklings' Splatter Shot has a finite amount of ammo. Since Kirby only copies the basic B button push, Kirby must discard the Inkling Cap once he runs out of ink.
* KidAppealCharacter: Kirby has a cutesy, simplistic design, a childish personality, and an easy-to-use moveset. In every game, he tends to be a popular choice with beginners and children.
* KidHero: It's vague how old Kirby really is, but he's pretty childlike anyway. The [[Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa anime]] continuity portrays him as an infant, but as it's less of a direct adaptation and more of an AlternateUniverse, it's debatable if this aspect of Kirby is canon.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Usually Green Greens as it is in his home series.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64H1MQJJ12Y Dreamland]], a remix of the Gourmet Race.
** In ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNmzmnSzZEg Green Greens]].
** In ''Brawl'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AThGueayrJg Butter Building]] is his unique credits theme.
** In ''3DS/Wii U'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORXonp2lc0g Green Greens V2]] was featured on the site and used in the April Direct when explaining Kirby's new moves.
* LimitBreak:
** ''Brawl'': Cook Kirby (from ''Kirby Super Star''): Kirby sucks all of his opponents into a pot and cooks them before launching them out. Just like in his own games it turns all nearby items into food.
** ''3DS/Wii U'': Ultra Sword (from ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''): Kirby cleaves his opponent with a humongous sword multiple times (but only if the first swing connects).
* MechanicallyUnusualFighter: By copying Shulk in ''3DS/Wii U''. Doing so gives Kirby the Monado, and with it access to Shulk's [[StanceSystem Monado Arts]], which can drastically change how Kirby is played. Jump and Speed turn Kirby into a FragileSpeedster, Shield turns him into a StoneWall [[note]]Shield takes him from the fifth lightest character up to between the second and third heaviest[[/note]], and Buster and Smash crank up his GlassCannon status, by making him even more fragile and powerful (in either damage or knockback) than before.
* MeteorMove: His Meteor Stone Custom and down aerial.
* MythologyGag: Copying Ryu gives him the Hadoken, of course, which he can perform as Fighter Kirby in several mainstream ''Kirby'' games.
* NiceHat: When Kirby inhales and copies another fighter, he usually gets a hat of either their hair, a part of their head, or something the fighter wears on their head. There are a few exceptions, such as Mr. Game and Watch turning Kirby [[DeliberatelyMonochrome black and white]], or getting the Monado from Shulk.
* PaletteSwap: His swaps include yellow, red, green, and blue, which are colors commonly used for multiplayer in most ''Kirby'' games. They are also sometimes linked to his powers--most consistently Beam, Fire, Plasma, and Ice, respectively. Further, the yellow could be a DevelopmentGag to yellow consistently being the second-player Kirby color, which is in turn because Shigeru Miyamoto originally visualized Kirby as being yellow. He also has a grayscale one as a ContinuityNod to his first appearance on the monochrome UsefulNotes/GameBoy. ''3DS/Wii U'' adds an orange swap akin to Suplex Kirby, and a dark blue swap with yellow eyes that resembles a maskless Meta Knight.
* PintsizedPowerhouse: Especially in the first game, since he was [[{{Nerf}} nerfed]] somewhat in the sequels.
* PlayingWithFire: His dash attack is a fireball dash (Burning/Fire power) from his own games in ''Melee'', which was swapped out for the Break Spin in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'', but returned in ''Ultimate''. In ''3DS/Wii U'', his [[ChargedAttack Hammer Flip]] is denoted by the Hammer catching fire, although this will [[HoistByHisOwnPetard start to hurt him.]]
* PowerCopying: Kirby's ability to inhale and swallow enemies allows him to copy the neutral special move of the character he inhales. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he cannot copy a character's custom neutral move[[note]]Except for Olimar's due to how copying Olimar works, but what special he copies depends on what custom side special Kirby has equipped[[/note]] (For example, he will always copy Palutena's Auto Reticule regardless of what special move she has equipped).
* PracticalTaunt: Taunting while having a copy ability makes him lose it. Notably, his down taunt is the single shortest in the entire series, probably to make it easier to drop the copy when needed.
* RapidFireFisticuffs: Has the Vulcan Jab move from the Fighter ability as his standard combo.
* RetCanon: His moveset was adapted into the ''Kirby'' franchise as the "Smash" ability, which gives him the Hammer, Final Cutter, Stone, Vulcan Jab, and Twinkle Star attacks, rolled into a single Ability. ''Kirby's Dream Collection'' adds the Smash Kick to the mix, which is his Side Smash attack, and ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' adds Jumping Body Slam, his up throw.
* SeriesMascot: Not ''quite'' to the extent of Mario, but Kirby is one of the most prominent characters in the franchise (particularly in ''Brawl''), being the brainchild of Creator/MasahiroSakurai. His Copy Abilities are a major element of each game, many of the mechanics in ''Smash'' are based on his home series, he appears on every boxart, he fights alongside Mario in the first Event Match in ''Brawl'', he plays a major role in the plot of VideoGame/TheSubspaceEmissary'', and Sakurai drew a sketch of him as part of his signature for the official soundtrack album.
* ShoutOut: His Stone ability can transform into, besides the classic rock-with-a-"\ /"-face and among other things, [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros a Thwomp]] (''Super Mario 64'' design in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', ''Super Mario Galaxy'' design in ''3DS/Wii U''), [[VideoGame/PanelDePon Lip's garbage block]], and, as of ''Ultimate'', a treasure chest from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild''.
* SkillGateCharacters: In ''Brawl'', at least, Kirby is a relatively popular character among lower level players, having strong, spammable smash attacks, a simple yet very effective recovery, and generally easy to utilize moves. Among higher-level play, Kirby is much less common, though subverted in that unlike your typical skill gate character, Kirby is still relatively effective.
* SkySurfing: His Warpstar and Dragoon allow him to do this. In gameplay, anyone can ride on them.
* SticksToTheBack: Copying Shulk gives Kirby the Monado instead of a hat, and he keeps it on his back just like Shulk. It's particularly more absurd in Kirby's case, since the sword sticks to his spherical body in its middle.
* SuicideAttack:
** If he inhales an opponent with his neutral Special without swallowing, walking off a ledge or off-screen with them still captured will KO both him and the opponent.
** His forward and back throws can force a mutual KO if used next to a ledge in ''Melee'', as they involves a piledriver and suplex maneuver respectively.
* SummonBackupDancers: In ''Ultimate'', he splits into three during his victory dances, much like in his home series. This only occurs if he's not on a team.
* TagalongKid: While has a VagueAge, he essentially counts as this when traveling with Mario, Link, Pit, and Yoshi in ''Subspace Emissary''.
* WolfpackBoss: In the 1P Mode of ''64'', the player faces a team of eight Kirbys. They each sport a copy ability from the other seven starter fighters and one unlockable, or just regular Kirby if you have not unlocked anyone yet. [=KOing=] them in order of appearance earns the player a special bonus.
* WrestlerInAllOfUs: From ''Melee'' onwards, he has a backdrop and jumping pile driver (from [[VideoGame/KirbySuperStar Suplex]]). They were first noted for their [[SuicideAttack tendency to go off the edge]], but ''Brawl'' removed this.
* YourSizeMayVary: Hardly noticeable, but it's there. In ''Kirby's Dream Land 3'' he came up to Samus' knees. Here, he roughly reaches her waist.
* VocalEvolution: Kirby has a somewhat deeper, softer-sounding voice in ''3DS/Wii U'' compared to previous installments.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:07 – Fox]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Shinobu Satouchi (in the original and ''Melee''), Steve Malpass (English cutscenes in ''Melee''), Creator/KenjiNojima (in Japanese ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''), Jim Walker (in English ''Brawl''), and Mike West (in English ''3DS/Wii U'' and ''Ultimate'')
-> '''Home Series:''' ''VideoGame/StarFox'' [[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/foxssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[TheLeader Leader of Star Fox]] /[softreturn][[{{Determinator}} Never Gives Up! Trusts His Instincts!]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fox_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fox_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fox_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fox_ssb.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''[[VideoGame/StarFox1 Star Fox]]'' [SNES], 1993

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[FrickinLaserBeams Blaster]], [[FlashStep Fox Illusion]], [[WreathedInFlames Fire Fox]], [[AttackReflector Reflector]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[TankGoodness Landmaster]] (''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U''), [[AlphaStrike Arwing Blitz]] (''Ultimate'')

->''"[[BringIt Come on!]]"''

The protagonist of the ''VideoGame/StarFox'' series, Fox [=McCloud=] is the leader of the titular team of mercenaries, Star Fox, known for blowing through entire fleets of enemy starships. His designs are taken throughout several games: ''64'' and ''Melee'' are based on his ''Star Fox 64'' appearance, ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' take inspiration from ''Star Fox Command'' with the latter giving him his voice from ''64 3D'', and ''Ultimate'' takes design elements from ''Star Fox Zero.''

Though he mostly fights behind the controls of his Arwing, he's also a proficient fighter on foot, bearing gadgets made by his partner Slippy.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Fox is one of the best pilots in his games, but he never demonstrated fighting skills in the ''Star Fox'' series (except in 64's multiplayer if you unlocked bazookas, ''Star Fox Adventures'' and ''Star Fox Assault'', and even then they only showed weapon skills). ''Super Smash Bros.'' gives him prowess in hand-to-hand combat.
* AttackReflector: His "Reflector" move.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', his design was a more streamlined version of his ''Star Fox 64'' appearance. In ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'', he has the square shaped head from ''Star Fox Command'', boots that take their color but not their design from ''Star Fox Assault'', layered flight pants from ''Star Fox Adventures,'' and rolled up sleeves from ''Star Fox 64'' and along with other original Smash Bros embellishments. In ''Ultimate'' he's mostly based off of his ''Star Fox Zero'' design, but still has a little extra red on his shoes as a nod to his old ''Smash'' costume.
* ArtificialBrilliance: Fox's ''Brawl'' AI can use a technique called "Reflector hovering", which is spamming the Reflector in the air in order to slow descent.
* BadassNormal: Although the first game gave the impression that he was an EmpoweredBadassNormal (for the move [[{{Pun}} Fire Fox]]), in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'' it's more evident that he's using rocket boots for Fox Illusion and Fire Fox. Fox has no super powers, but he does have advanced technology.
* BalanceBuff: In ''Melee'', Fox went from an unremarkable fighter to a speed demon, considered by many to be the best characters in the game thanks to his incredible combo ability, power, speed and his many options available, like the infamous shine.
* BarrierWarrior: His Reflector produces an electrical attack when it's activated. In ''Melee'' in particular, certain advanced techniques revolving around the ability to jump out of it has made it a fan-favorite move among the competitive community.
* BeamSpam: With his gun from ''Melee'' onwards, only it can't cause flinching to balance it out.
* BigDamnHeroes: His first appearance in ''Subspace Emissary'' features Fox saving Diddy Kong from Rayquaza.
* ButtMonkey: For the fourth instalment, there is a staggering amount of official snapshots from the main website that have Fox being hurt by nearly every character and/or item to the point they try to invoke AmusingInjuries.
* CaptainCrash: In the ''Subspace Emissary'', almost every time Fox gets in his Arwing, it winds up crashing or being destroyed. Isn't he supposed to be a great pilot?
* CatchPhrase: Generally seems to be "Mission complete!", which he says in all of his victory poses in International versions of ''Melee'' as well as one of his victory poses in later games (but that part is often meant to be literally translated as "Operation complete!").
* CompositeCharacter: Two of his custom moves in the fourth game are based off of Wolf, who didn't return from ''Brawl'' (not even in DLC). He also gained a Wolf-inspired palette swap.
* CoolStarship: His Arwing.
* DoABarrelRoll: He performs one when attacking the Halberd in the ''Subspace Emissary''.
* ExtremityExtremist: A ton of his attacks are kick-based.
* FlashStep: Fox Illusion, his side B. He dashes forward and leaves a trail of blue SpeedEchoes.
* FragileSpeedster: One of the fastest (and lightest) characters in the series, especially after the original game.
* FrickinLaserBeams: His projectile in every game has him shoot a laser from his blaster. Starting with ''Melee'', these lasers don't cause any knockback.
* GlassCannon: Exemplifies this very well in all games, but has this trope in higher spades in ''Melee''. He's one of the fastest characters in all games, is gifted with some of the best KO moves since they come out quickly and do massive knockback (his up smash and up aerial), and consistently has some of the best combo abilities thanks to his high fall speed and assortment of quick weak attacks. However, his fall speed is both a blessing and a curse, as it causes Fox to be juggled easily. He's also very light, and his predictable recovery makes him highly susceptible to horizontal [=KOs=] and edgeguards.
* GratuitousEnglish: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', his dialogue was in English but spoken by Shinobu Satouchi, a Japanese voice actor. ''"Misshun complrete!"''
* JetPack: ''Melee'' onward, it's made clear that Fire Fox and Fox Illusion are used via jet boots.
* JustFrameBonus: The famous one-frame hitbox at the very beginning of Fox's Reflector, which turns the move into a combo starter before segueing into its intended purpose.
* {{Kitsune}}: While he lacks the extra tails present in most interpretations, his Fire Fox and Fox Illusion attacks, and even his red scarf, are strong allusions to the kitsune of Japanese folklore.
* LauncherMove: Very notable for having two of these moves (up smash and up aerial) being his main kill moves, ''especially'' in ''Melee''.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Varies in each game.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk0hlLsZtoM Sector Z]], a remix of the theme from ''Star Fox 64''.
** In ''Melee'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KKoo_5v8rM Corneria]] a mix of the theme from Venom and the main theme in ''Star Fox SNES''. This theme was used in his debut trailer for ''Brawl'' and character trailer for ''Ultimate'' also.
** In ''Brawl'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_78yEpXSiU Space Armada]] which played during his introduction in Subspace. It was also featured on the Dojo pre-release.
** In ''3DS/Wii U'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rdXNQeDLok Theme from Area 6 / Missile Slipstream]] was featured on the site pre-release. Area 6 is Fox's base mission theme in ''VideoGame/StarFoxCommand.''
* LimitBreak: Summons a [[TankGoodness Landmaster]] for Fox to control in ''Brawl'' and ''[=3DS/WiiU=]''. In ''Ultimate'', he summons the rest of his team to blast his opponents with a barrage of FrickinLaserBeams.
* MeteorMove: His down aerial is a weak one in all games but [=SSB4=]. Also, his down throw meteor smashes opponents into the floor in Melee.
* {{Nerf}}: Between ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', Fox's endurance was reduced via changes to the 'gravity' statistic, his up smash and up aerials were weakened (along with a new back aerial that doesn't have as much active frames), and his numerous reflector combos (known as "shine combos" in competitive circles) were removed. The reflector has much more endlag in ''3DS/Wii U'' to keep people from spamming it in the air to float for long periods of time and it no longer semi-spikes, and his up smash was weakened again. However, in spite of this, Fox benefits from the gameplay changes to [=SSB4=] enough to overcome these nerfs completely.
* NoSell: From ''Melee'' onwards, his blaster shots cause no knockback whatsoever, unless it is part of one of his grapple moves where he shoots it. It racks up damage quickly despite this (in fact, the lack of flinching is the trade-off for its ludicrously fast rate of fire), so his opponents would still do their best to avoid it.
* PaletteSwap: Notable ones include Dark Fox, named by the dev team in ''Brawl'', and one that looks like Wolf O'Donnell in ''3DS/Wii U''. In ''Brawl'', Falco and Wolf also got dark costumes to match.
* PettingZooPeople: An alien fox man.
* PlayingWithFire: His Up-special, Fire Fox.
* RapidFireFisticuffs: Kicks, has something akin to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Chun-li's Hyakuretsu Kyaku]] as a standard combo, and has a finishing kick for good measure in ''Smash 4''.
* TheRival: To Falco, indicated by them having specific dialogues prepared should one beat the other in battle. He also faces off against Sheik briefly in Subspace in what might be a nod to how consistently the two are used in the competitive scene.
* TailSlap: His down tilt/strong and up aerial, despite Foxes not really being known for strong tails.
* TankGoodness: His Landmaster tank, and you can DoABarrelRoll while piloting it.
* TrashTalk: In ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'', if Falco is present.
-->''"Better luck next time, Falco!"'' (or in Japanese: "Mada mada da na, Faruko!/Not just yet, Falco!")
* WakeUpCallBoss: He provides the first real challenge of the 1P Mode in ''64''.
* WallJump: Even though he could not do so in his own games.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:08 – Pikachu]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/IkueOtani
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pikachussbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[PokemonSpeak Pika Pika!]] /[softreturn][[ShockAndAwe The Electric Mouse Pokémon]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pikachu_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pikachu_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pikachu_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pikachu_ssb_3.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue'' [GB], 1996

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[ShockAndAwe Thunder Jolt]], [[UseYourHead Skull Bash]], [[FlashStep Quick Attack]], [[PowerOfTheStorm Thunder]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[RideTheLightning Volt Tackle]]

->''"[[PokemonSpeak Pika!]]"''

The Electric Mouse Pokémon, and the most famous {{Mon}} of them all, Pikachu has been a key partner to several trainers across the various regions, most notably [[VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue Red]] and [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Satoshi/Ash Ketchum]]. It stores electricity in the red pouches on its cheeks and shocks its foes with powerful lightning strikes.

Pikachu has boosted its fame with his appearance across the entire ''Smash'' series, bringing its electrical powers and lightning-quick reflexes to the fight.

Smash's Pikachu is male, however in ''Ultimate'' the female's heart-tail design and female Pikachu Libre are available as alternate costumes.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Pikachu might not be very impressive in his home series, but the ''Smash Bros.'' games portray him as one of the more tricky fighters to deal with.
* AndroclesLion: After Samus rescues him from the Subspace Army's generator, he teams up with her to explore their labs. He eventually returns the favor in full when Ridley blindsides her.
* AntiAir: His down special, Thunder, covers a respectable vertical area. This allows it to KO effectively after an up smash, known as "Thunderspiking". This is toned down in ''[=SSB4=]'' due to Thunder now potentially meteoring foes.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'', Pikachu is fairly chubby. He gets slimmer with each iteration of the series, mirroring his ArtEvolution in the ''Pokémon'' series.
* TheArtifact: In ''Brawl'' and the fourth game, Pikachu was referred to using gender-neutral pronouns, despite gender differences being introduced before in ''VideoGame/PokemonDiamondAndPearl'', with female Pikachu having heart-shaped notches on their tails, while the Pikachu in those two games (as well as the subsequent ''Ultimate'', where female Pikachu are playable as alternate costumes) has straight-edged tails, technically making him male.
* BadassAdorable: This little yellow mouse is one tough cookie, too.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: One of the most loyal and nicest Pokémon in history. Arceus help you if you hurt someone he has become loyal to. Take Samus, for instance; Ridley messes her up bad, only to wind up electrocuted.
* BlackBeadEyes: Up until ''3DS/Wii U'', where he gains brown irises to go with the Sugimori art from Gen III onwards (as well as its model in ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'' and the updated design of [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Ash's Pikachu]]).
* ChargedAttack: Skull Bash. The longer it's charged, the farther it sends Pikachu and the more damage it does when used.
* CompositeCharacter: Pikachu's voice and mannerisms are heavily based on [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Ash's Pikachu]], but isn't the exact same character due to coming out of a Poké Ball for his entrance animation, while Ash's Pikachu is known to refuse to go in one.
* ContinuityCameo: Has [[VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue Red's hat]] as an alternate costume in ''Melee''. ''Brawl'' adds Pichu's goggles and [[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Brendan's Emerald bandana]]. ''3DS/Wii U'' gives him [[VideoGame/PokemonGoldAndSilver Ethan's]] hat and [[VideoGame/PokemonXAndY Calem's]] (starting) hat.
* CutlassBetweenTheTeeth: He holds and uses most weapons with his mouth.
* FlashStep: Quick Attack, his Up Special, has him quickly darting in the air up to two times.
* FragileSpeedster: He's fast, but also one of the lightest characters.
* GlassCannon: He's very light but can also do some serious damage, especially with his Thunder.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: Normally, his down-B Thunder attack involves striking himself with lightning and use that lightning to become briefly invulnerable. But the lightning itself counts as a projectile, and all AttackReflector moves only reverse the horizontal momentum of all projectiles. Therefore, if Pikachu's Thunder so much as touches Mario's Cape or Fox's Reflector, he strikes himself with lightning... and, amusingly, gets harmed by it. Especially if multiple Foxs keep reflecting it, potentially dealing over 500% and instantly [=KOing=] Pikachu.
* KillerRabbit: He may be a cute yellow mouse, but don't let that fool you: Pikachu is one tough fighter.
* {{Leitmotif}}: The main Pokémon theme.
** In ''64'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8v3C9cD2Dc Saffron City]], a remix of the main Pokémon theme.
** In ''Melee'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8-zZ9EZCA Pokémon Stadium]], another remix of the same.
** In ''Brawl'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnIQ9CG7ezU Pokémon Center]], a mix of both the center and briefly the main theme.
** In ''Ultimate'', it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miad67m6bPw Road to Viridian City]], a remix of the Red and Blue Route 1 theme.
* LimitBreak: [[RideTheLightning Volt Tackle]], the signature move of his line. It functions differently from the ''Pokémon'' games or anime, though, behaving more like ''[[VideoGame/{{Pulseman}} Pulseman's]]'' Volteccer instead.
* LivingBattery: Pikachu gets used as a living generator by the Subspace Army's lab, in what is clearly a painful manner. Samus releases it, but it doesn't appear to affect the lab much.
* {{Mon}}: Of the Poké variety.
* MeteorMove: Thunder can potentially be this in ''[=SSB4=]'' after lacking any type of meteor smash in the first three games.
* NiceHat: Red's hat, and also Brendan's headband.
* PaletteSwap: Pikachu's shiny form (which is just a darker yellow bordering on tan) is always one of the palettes available (while wearing a hat based on Red's). In ''Brawl'', he gains [[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Brendan]]'s headband, and Pichu from ''Melee's'' swimmer [[GogglesDoNothing goggles.]] In ''3DS/Wii U'' he gains [[VideoGame/PokemonGoldAndSilver Ethan's hat]] and [[VideoGame/PokemonXAndY Calem's hat]]. In ''Ultimate'', he gets a few female alts with heart tails, including Pikachu Libre.
* PintsizedPowerhouse: Most notable in the first game with his 28% infinite vertical range Thunder.
* PokemonSpeak: Interestingly (though not unexpectedly), the game went with Pikachu's anime noises instead of his game noises. This is most likely due to the anime being at its most popular at the time of ''Smash 64'''s release, as well as the only fully animated and voiced version of ''Pokémon'' at the time. This would later be ported back into ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'' (but ''only'' for Pikachu), bringing the business full circle.
* PowerSource: Pikachu was actually a power source for a Subspace Army base.
* PurelyAestheticGender: ''Ultimate'' adds female Pikachu (and even [[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Pikachu Libre]] who is also female) as alternate costumes, but like other examples in this series, it has zero effect on gameplay.
* RideTheLightning: For Volt Tackle, he'll surround himself in a giant ball of electricity and try to ram opponents.
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: Just take a look at that smile. Mei Ling certainly sees that in ''Brawl''.
* ShockAndAwe: He's an Electric-type Pokémon, though many of his attacks don't actually involve using his powers.
* SkillGateCharacter: Pikachu has slowly diminished into this as the games progressed. He was [[CharacterTiers S-Tier]] in ''64'', in part because at the time there was no way to avoid his aerial and anti-air attacks like Thunder. This was toned down when air dodging was introduced in ''Melee'', and even more so when air dodging was improved in ''Brawl'', but against opponents who haven't quite mastered the air dodge yet, even a slightly skilled Pikachu can be ''brutal''. ''3DS/Wii U'' both plays this straight and inverts this; as before, it can be very difficult to face for players who haven't mastered air dodging, but also has a number of very advanced techniques that make it very strong at the highest levels of play.
* StaticStunGun: The Thunder Wave variant of Thunder Jolt stuns the opponent, but has less range.
* TertiarySexualCharacteristics:
** The various hats he's worn through ''64'' and ''Melee'' suggested he was male, but his tail made his sex official in ''Brawl''. In ''VideoGame/PokemonDiamondAndPearl'' and all ''Pokémon'' games since, [[SecondarySexualCharacteristics female Pikachus have a heart-shaped dent in their tails that this Pikachu lacks.]] He's always been heavily influenced by [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Ash's Pikachu]], which is also male.
** For ''Ultimate'' however, you have the option to play as female Pikachu who do have heart-shaped tails. You even have the option to play as Pikachu Libre, who is female.
* UseYourHead: As his standard combo, his forward aerial, his down aerial, and his Side Special, Skull Bash.
* WallJump: Can do this from ''Brawl'' onwards, a transfer from Pichu.
* WingDingEyes: In ''3DS/Wii U'', Pikachu's eyes become spirals if he gets stunned, just like when a Pokémon is knocked out in the animé.
* YourSizeMayVary: An average Pikachu is 1'04", [[http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120220235250/pokemon/images/c/c8/AshPikachu.jpeg which is small enough for a ten-year-old kid to pick up in his hands]]. Pikachu obviously has to be scaled up to [[http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/5/5d/Pikachu_SSB4_(4).jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20131029014305 match his opponents]].
[[/folder]]

!!Unlockable

[[folder:09 – Luigi]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/CharlesMartinet
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/luigissbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[LesserStar The Eternal Understudy]] /[softreturn][[ConfusionFu Lean, Green Fighting Machine!]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/luigi_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/luigi_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/luigi_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/luigi_ssb_9.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/MarioBros'' [Arcade], 1983

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[PlayingWithFire Fireball]], [[UseYourHead Green Missile]], [[{{Shoryuken}} Super Jump Punch]], [[SpinAttack Luigi Cyclone]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[HumiliationConga Negative Zone]] (''Brawl''), [[WeaponsThatSuck Poltergust 5000]] (''3DS/Wii U'')

->''"Bang! Bang!"''

Mario's cowardly younger brother. Luigi has played second fiddle to his famous brother for a long time. Although he got [[Advertising/TheYearOfLuigi his own year]] in celebration of his debut, it's apparently made him even more timid. Despite this, he's just as capable of fighting as his older brother and even shown to be a better jumper, and has even saved his own brother [[VideoGame/MarioIsMissing a]] [[VideoGame/LuigisMansion few]] [[VideoGame/LuigisMansionDarkMoon times]]. Even if he may be scared out of his wits most of the time, do not understimate the green wonder.
----
* {{Adorkable}}: He was in the dorky side in ''64'' and ''Melee''. Then his LovableCoward persona started surfacing in his home series, and it carried over to ''Brawl'', giving this effect. It's especially visible in stuff like his taunts and victory poses.
* AmbiguousSituation: It's unclear at the end of [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} Simon and Richter's]] trailer in ''Ultimate'' if he was stopped by Carmilla from returning to his body or simply got spooked while doing so.
* AnIcePerson: One of his Fireball customs is a slow-travelling iceball variant with the ability to freeze opponents at higher percents.
* AssKicksYou: As the last part of his standard combo attack.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'', he had purple pants like in ''Super Mario World''. In ''Melee'', his jeans matched Mario's like in the N64 era, and as in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'', his jeans are a darker shade of blue than Mario's as they've been since the Gamecube era. See Mario entry above for level of detail. Also, as of ''Brawl'', his face and height are more in-line with the ''Mario'' series, instead of resembling Mario's with few modifications.
* ArtificialStupidity: In ''Melee'', CPU Luigis will only use Green Missile to recover. That means that they will never make it back on stage if they fall below the ledge.
* BadassAdorable: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]], though not as much as Mario. Here, Luigi is even more of a lovable, cowardly weirdo than in his home series, but the fact that he's a capable adult man (despite his cutesy, cartoony design) undermines this trope somewhat.
* BadassMustache: Same as Mario, being his twin.
* BareFistedMonk: Most of his moveset, like his brother, but he doesn't seem to use his fists a whole lot, preferring open-palm strikes more.
* BroughtToYouByTheLetterS: The "L" on his cap.
* ButtMonkey:
** Before Bowser was added to the roster in later installments of the series, he was used as the punching bag in ''64's'' How-to-Play video.
** In ''Subspace Emissary'', Luigi is scared half to death by [[{{Mook}} Waddle Dees]], [[ATwinkleInTheSky hit into the sky]] with King Dedede's hammer, unnoticed by his own brother when he needed help, [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking and he gets a badge stuck to his nose]]. It must suck being Luigi.
** For his reveal in ''3DS/Wii U'', 6 out of 10 of the screenshots [[http://www.smashbros.com/us/characters/luigi.html on the official website]] were of him in pain or fear. For comparison, the rest of the characters screenshots are either of them doing something badass or silly.
** Whoever takes the promotional screenshots seems to have a thing for [[http://www.smashbros.com/images/character/secret01/screen-10.jpg Luigi getting]] [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/fcf5f20dc9a1af5c52e4f1ef82399cba/tumblr_ndrl3wB9Xw1tp7afwo2_1280.jpg destroyed in]] [[http://www.smashbros.com/images/character/shulk/screen-8.jpg Boxing Ring]].
** In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOdhFajSdj8 the trailer for the Super Mario Maker stage]], Luigi is attacked by his brother for... No reason.
** His trophy in ''3DS/Wii U'' makes a point in saying all the attention from Advertising/TheYearOfLuigi just made him ''more'' shy and awkward.
** His appearance in ''Ultimate'''s E3 reveal trailer has him appear at the very end, after the logo is shown, the epic music stops and everyone else (other than Yoshi) has already shown up. He even gets eaten and trapped into an egg by Yoshi, and is still in the egg by the time the video ends.
** In Simon Belmont's trailer for ''Ultimate'', he not only finds himself in Castlevania, with his usual method of ghostfighting [[NoSell failing to work]] on the various creatures, he also gets his soul torn out of him by Death. And right as he's about to reenter his body, he gets spooked by Carmilla and her TearsOfBlood.
* ChargedAttack: Green Missile, which is similar to Pikachu's Skull Bash. Has a small chance of "misfiring", which does even more damage than being fully charged. Charging for too long will tire Luigi out and leave him briefly stunned.
* ComboBreaker: Luigi's neutral aerial attack hits very quickly and has decent knockback, which can interrupt an opponent's combo and give Luigi some breathing room.
* ConfusionFu: A mild example. He has odd characteristics, some odd moves, and some of his moves don't hit exactly when you expect them to. And his Final Smash in ''Brawl'': Negative Zone, is all kinds of weird. The misfire on his Green Missile is also unpredictable, whether it is charged or not.
* ContinuityNod: His nickname in the Boxing Ring stage is the same as his unlock message from the original ''Super Smash Bros.''
* CowardlyLion: Luigi may be scared out of his wits most of the time (well, at least here in Smash from Melee onwards), but that won't stop him from kicking some ass.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: Luigi is clumsy and cowardly, but his slippery skills can make him a bigger threat than his more composed brother.
* DanceBattler: Whatever Negative Zone is, Luigi starts it by dancing and it compels opponents to taunt more frequently.
* DifficultButAwesome:
** His recovery in every game since ''Melee''. It can be great if his three moves capable of recovery are mastered and utilised together, but is otherwise poor. The Luigi Cyclone (Down Special) in particular can be used to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyNWNYw4aC4 fly up even higher]] than his Up Special, Super Jump Punch, but it requires mashing the special attack button ridiculously fast.
** To bring out his Super Jump Punch's full power you need precise spacing and timing (the hitbox is ''really'' small), but successfully landing it rewards Luigi with a powerful attack with the potential KO at low percentages.
* DivergentCharacterEvolution: He started out almost a clone to Mario, but by Brawl, their attacks and playstyle have become quite different. Comparing his and Mario's moves in the original to his and Mario's moves in ''Brawl'', Mario seems to draw more inspiration from kick-boxing while Luigi seems to have practised an odd form of karate.
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: He gets his ''spirit slashed out of his body'' during Simon and Richter's trailer in ''Ultimate'' by Death itself. [[BigDamnHeroes Thankfully, Simon showed up to intervene.]]
* FightingClown: His attacks fall squarely on the silly side, like using his butt or shooting himself like a missile.
* {{Fireballs}}: His Neutral Special has him throw a Fireball like Mario. It's different from Mario's in that it just floats forward instead of obeying gravity, and it's [[TechnicolorFire colored green]]. One of his fireball customs however give him a variant with a bounce more powerful than Mario's fireballs.
* FishOutOfWater: When tasked to capture ghosts, he's a natural at this. Unfortunately, he's not so good at combatting supernatural ''corporeal'' beings like living mummies, as he finds out in Simon and Richter's trailer in ''Ultimate''.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: In ''64'', Luigi appears in both the "How to Play" demo as well as the 1P Mode, making it rather obvious he's playable.
* GlassCannon: He has frighteningly fast and powerful attacks that can combo into each other well with finishers that can knock away with under 100% damage. However he has poor and slow mobility, and because of his terrible traction causing him to slide far when shielding attacks, Luigi really can't punish shielded attacks. This makes it hell for Luigi to approach (especially in ''Brawl''), and the shielding issues give him a very poor defensive game.
* GroundPunch: The Burial Header variant of his Super Jump Punch removes the attack on the jump while doing damage on the way down.
* {{Leitmotif}}:
** In ''Melee'' it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCDsowdPt1g Mushroom Kingdom II]] to continue his second banana theme.
** In ''Brawl'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjdgxK44ctQ Luigi's Mansion]] his theme from his home series. In Ultimate, he gets a more upbeat remix to it.
* LimitBreak:
** Negative Zone in ''Brawl'', which inflicts enemies with various debuffs and status effects, while buffing Luigi.
** In ''3DS/Wii U'', he pulls out [[VideoGame/LuigisMansion the Poltergust]], and sucks up enemies all around him before popping them away.
* LovableCoward: Luigi may be easily frightened, but he has many, many fans.
* MeteorMove: His down taunt can Meteor Smash (''Brawl'' onwards, it's his only taunt in ''Melee'') if you hit the opponent while they're hanging from the ledge. He also has his down aerial, which will knock the opponent downward if hit just right. His down tilt could meteor smash in Brawl.
* ManChild: His taunts include a whole photo shoot session within a few seconds. Also, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrG2Q61dMo "Bang bang!"]]
* MovesetClone: The first true clone in the series. He started sharing all 3 specials and all neutral moves (except his dash attack) with Mario. Thanks to DivergentCharacterEvolution, in Melee he gained a significant amount of changes, and his new side special was completely different from Mario's, and after ''Brawl'' only 2 of his specials and a few of his normal moves remain similar to Mario's in some way. Toned down further in [=SSB4=], where he got a new down throw and several new animations for his moves, to the point where it's debatable if he can even be considered a semi-clone by this point.
* MythologyGag:
** Luigi assumes the poses from his official artwork for ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and the boxart for ''VideoGame/LuigisMansion'' during his up taunt.
** In an obscure animated movie based on the original ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros'', Luigi wore a blue hat, blue overalls, and a yellow shirt. This color palette returns in ''3DS/Wii U'' as one of his costumes.
* OneHitKO: A timed Fire Jump Punch while inside the Negative Zone will mostly be this. Curiously, the down taunt can be this as well when inside the zone and with a light enough opponent. It can also be this as a Meteor Smash in Brawl and [=SSB4=].
* PaletteSwap: His notable palette swaps include Fire Luigi and one based on Waluigi, orange based on the cover art for NES Pinball, and blue from the cover of NES Mario Bros. In ''64'' and ''Melee'', he had one which gave him his palette from the original Super Mario Bros., complete with tan skin.
* PinballProjectile: Not as noticeable as his brother, but his fireballs can indeed bounce off of walls and floors like Mario's fireballs do. The Bouncing Fireball custom also functions identically to Mario's.
* PlayingWithFire: His fireballs, missile, and sweet-spotted Super Jump Punch.
* PracticalTaunt: His down taunt can Meteor Smash, and KO offstage characters at 0% in Brawl and Smash 4 when performed against midair or ledge grabbing foes. [[AwesomeButImpractical Problem is that it's so slow, leaves Luigi vulnerable, and it's hard to hit.]]
* SecretCharacter: One of the original four in the first game, and is usually grouped together with Captain Falcon, Jigglypuff, and Ness for this reason. Together with Jigglypuff, he has also stayed consistently unlockable through the first three games, though he finally made the leap into the starting roster in both versions of the fourth game.
** '''For N64:''' Complete Break the Targets with all of the starting characters.
** '''For Melee:''' Finish Stage 1 of Adventure Mode with the seconds digit ending in 2, then defeat Luigi and Peach, and finishing the rest of the mode; or fight 800 VS. Matches.
** '''For Brawl:''' Have him join you in The Subspace Emissary by clearing "Subspace (Part I)", clear Classic Mode without continuing, or fight in 22 brawls.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: The Sensitive Guy to Mario's Manly Man. This is taken even further here than in the Bros.' home series, with Mario acting like more of a serious, stoic leader, and Luigi being his usual cowardly self ''and'' having all sorts of extra wacky mannerisms.
* {{Shotoclone}}: Just like Mario, with his fireball [[KamehameHadoken Hadoken]] and his Fire Jump Punch {{Shoryuken}} and Luigi Cyclone HurricaneKick.
* {{Shoryuken}}: His Super Jump Punch, though it works a lot differently compared to Mario's. It's a very good KO move, but it requires close space and precise timing.
* SiblingTeam: He pairs up with Mario in the 1P mode of ''64'', some events, and if the player chooses to do so.
* SignatureMove: Super Jump Punch, despite originating from Mario's moveset, is strongly associated with Luigi in the Super Smash Bros. series due to it's rather different properties and satisfying effects [[DifficultButAwesome when properly landed]]. There's also his PracticalTaunt which can be considered as another signature move.
* SphereOfDestruction: Negative Zone. Sort of.
* StandardStatusEffects: The Negative Zone's main purpose is to incapacitate or hinder the opponents by inflicting these while inside the SphereOfDestruction, making them easier to finish off.
* StatusBuff: Luigi himself is able to knock opponents a little further than normal while inside the Negative Zone's sphere.
* StockSoundEffect: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', his voice is merely Mario's pitched up. In Melee, his Luigi Cyclone voice clip is directly ripped from Mario's Mario Tornado in Smash 64, from quality right down to the pitch.
* SupernaturalMartialArts: Heavily on the martial, minimal on the magical, like his brother.
* ThrowTheDogABone: He was one of the characters who could rescue the others in the final parts of the ''Subspace Emissary'' [[spoiler:when the majority were turned into trophies by Tabuu]], making him one of the six characters who will stay in your final party [[spoiler:if you miss or purposefully don't rescue the others]]. Those six are also always a part of the ending sequence for the same reason.
* UseYourHead: His Up Smash, grab attack, and his Side Special [[FastballSpecial Green]] [[DynamicEntry Missile]]!
* VocalEvolution: In the original game and ''Melee'', his voice clips were just high-pitched, sped-up Mario clips. Starting with ''Brawl'', Luigi was voiced as his own character, with the distinctively deeper tone from his home series, though he has the same voice actor.
* WeaponsThatSuck: His LimitBreak in ''3DS/Wii U'' is the Poltergust 5000 from VideoGame/LuigisMansion.
* WhiteGloves: Same as Mario.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:10 – Ness]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/MakikoOhmoto
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nessssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[PsychicChildren The PSI Powerhouse]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ness_ssb4_0.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ness_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ness_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:123:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ness_ssb_3.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' [SNES], 1994

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''[[StockRPGSpells Specials]]''': [[LightEmUp PK Flash]], [[PlayingWithFire PK Fire]], [[ShockAndAwe PK Thunder]], [[HealingFactor PSI Shield]]\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[DeathFromAbove PK Starstorm]]

->''"Okay!"''

The hero of ''[=EarthBound=]'', Ness is a kind child with psychic powers, born and raised in Onett, Eagleland. He was sent on a quest by Buzz Buzz, a [[ARareSentence time-traveling rhinoceros beetle from the future]], to learn the Eight Melodies and stop the evil [[EldritchAbomination Giygas]] from taking over the world. Alongside his psychic abilities, he brings bats and yo-yos to smack his opponents with.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Invoked. In his home game, his PSI abilities are [[WhiteMage focused more on healing than combat]]. Paula taught him PK Fire and PK Thunder in [[TeachMeHowToFight preparation for Smash,]] and Poo [[EnlightenmentSuperpowers taught him the secret of]] PK Starstorm. Lucas apparently taught him PK Freeze between games to boot.
* TheAllAmericanBoy: What he was designed to be, coming from the game that's set in {{Eagleland}}.
* AnIcePerson: One of his custom neutral specials replaces PK Flash with Lucas's PK Freeze.
* AshFace: His intro animation has him appearing covered in soot, which is what happens if you collide into something while running up for a PSI Teleport in his home game.
* AssistCharacter: Ultimate's version of PK Starstorm has Paula and Poo assist in the attack.
* AttackReflector: The bat he uses for his forward smash attack can be used this way.
* AwesomeButImpractical:
** The only way you're going to hit someone with a fully charged PK Flash is if there are a 3rd or 4th player to keep each other busy, the opponent is incapacitated, or as an edgeguard to catch an opponent returning to the stage.
** PK Thunder as a recovery move, since it has an extra "step" to the process that, if interrupted (such as the opponent merely jumping into it), will cause Ness to fall to his doom, though this was changed in the ''3DS/Wii U'' games (see BalanceBuff below). It also tends to [[EpicFail fail horribly]] in tight vertical corridors or below one-way platforms.
** PK Starstorm in ''Brawl'' was so segmented with the falling meteors that at any level higher than casual play it could be very easily dodged with one or two hits at best. Thankfully, ''3DS/Wii U's'' version condenses it into a consistent beam that's nigh unavoidable and behaves similarly to Lucario's Aura Beam in ''Brawl''.
* BadassAdorable: He's a young child taking on some of the best fighters in Nintendo's stable.
* BalanceBuff: His recovery move got a significant one in the ''3DS/Wii U'' games, as it can no longer be interrupted simply by jumping into it upon startup. While it can still be interrupted, especially if the opponent can reflect or absorb the attack, this makes it much harder and riskier to attempt to stop Ness's recovery than in previous games.
* BatterUp: His forward smash involves him swinging forward with his bat.
* BlackBeadEyes: As with most characters in his series.
* BerserkButton: Though he doesn't show it on his face, he is ''pissed'' when he discovers that Porky has returned, and is tormenting another innocent kid (Lucas). One PK Flash later, and the statue explodes.
* BigDamnHeroes: In his first appearance in the ''Subspace Emissary'', Ness saves Lucas from Porky by using PK Flash to destroy the statue chasing him. Much later, Lucas goes on to return the favor in his reveal trailer as DownloadableContent for ''3DS/Wii U'' when he saves Ness from the clutches of Bowser, this time by using PK Fire.
* ButtMonkey: He gets mercilessly beaten up by the other fighters in Lucas's trailer. That is, until Lucas steps in and seemingly repays the favor.
* BreakoutCharacter: To a certain extent - Ness' [[VideoGame/{{MOTHER}} home series]] was far more obscure before being included in ''Super Smash Bros.'', but his appearances in this series has led to greater exposure, including [[VideoGame/EarthboundBeginnings the original game]] finally being released outside of Japan 26 years after its initial release. Ness himself is generally considered a staple character of ''Smash'' nowadays, as well as being more prominent as one of the faces of the ''MOTHER'' series than the original game's protagonist Ninten.
* CallingYourAttacks: ''"PK Flash!" "PK Fire!" "PK Thunder!" "PK STARSTORM!!!"''
* TheCameo: Ness and his friends will appear in the background of Magicant. Unlike Toon Link or King Dedede, Ness will appear even if he's on the battlefield at the same time.
* CatchPhrase: "Okay!"
* ChromaticArrangement: His three offensive specials in order PK Fire (neutral B, later side B) is red, PK Thunder (up B) is blue, and PK Flash (new neutral B) is green. Somewhat appropriately, PK Fire is fairly straightforward (TheHero) PK Thunder is an unconventional and highly technical recovery move, or a player guided projectile (TheSmartGuy) and PK Flash is slow moving but is one of his most powerful attacks at its maximum (TheBigGuy) matching the stereotypes of the trope.
* CompositeCharacter:
** He uses PSI moves (PK Fire, PK Thunder, and PSI Magnet) that originally belonged to Paula and Poo, and has Poo's signature PK Starstorm as his Final Smash. This is justified as Ness was primarily a [[WhiteMage healer]] in his home game, so incorporating moves exclusively from his learnset wouldn't translate well. InUniverse, one of his trophies states that Ness's teammates trained him to use their moves so he could be prepared for Smash.
** As a in-series example, Ness receives all of [[MovesetClone Lucas]]'s special moves as custom specials in ''3DS/Wii U''. Oddly, this didn't stop Lucas himself from returning as DownloadableContent.
* DeathFromAbove: PK Starstorm, Poo and Kumatora's move in his home series.
* DifficultButAwesome: Particularly in the first game -- his attacks' hitboxes were a bit disjointed (not as bad as some later characters, but in the original, it was quite noticeable), he had some awkward ways to get his moves to work, and his saving maneuver was the one of the hardest to use. However, he also had insane power, incredible jumps, was the only character that could regain health by absorbing enemy attacks, and anyone that could [[http://www.ssbwiki.com/PK_Thunder#PK_Thunder_2 use PK Thunder as a recovery move]] well had the ability to use one of the most powerful saving maneuvers in the game, but is still considered bottom tier. While still one of the trickier to use in the game, Ness is one of the most {{Nerf}}ed characters from the original to Melee, despite already being terrible in the first game.
%%* {{Eagleland}}: Where he's from. The Trope-namer, to be precise.
* EnergyAbsorption: His down special, PSI Magnet, causes energy attacks to heal him by the amount they should have damaged him, making him one of only five characters who can heal on their own (Lucas, Mr. Game & Watch with food items, Robin with Nosferatu and Wii Fit Trainer are the other four). More potent in the original game, where any projectile, physical or energy, would be absorbed by the move (with the exception of Link's boomerang).
* FireIceLightning: He has fire and lightning by default, and in ''3DS/Wii U'' he can get ice through character customization (replacing his own PK Flash with Lucas' PK Freeze), with each mapped to a different button combination press.
* GratuitousEnglish: Speaks English, but is voiced by a Japanese voice actor. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as he's supposed to be American.
* HeroicSacrifice: Performs one by shoving Lucas out of the way of a trophy beam, [[TakingTheBullet taking the hit himself]].
* ImprobableWeaponUser: He fights with a baseball bat and a yo-yo.
* KidHero: One of ''Smash's'' youngest contenders at about 13 years old, and described as such in Lucas' event match in ''Brawl''.
* KillerYoYo: His up and down smashes have him using his yo-yo.
* {{Leitmotif}}:
** In ''Melee'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgAdgZguFSw Mother]] despite him not appearing in said game.
** In ''Brawl'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Md2ODg-0M Snowman]] is his unique Credits theme.
** While ''3DS/Wii U'' doesn't heavily associate characters with music, it's notable that [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgAD0argmzA Smiles and Tears,]] his theme from his home series finally makes its debut. It was planned and scrapped for ''Brawl.''
** ''Ultimate'' gives him the theme of his first stage, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgAdgZguFSw Onett]].
* LightEmUp:
** PK Flash is a green ball of light that gains power the longer it's on the screen. Hard to hit with, but it's ''very'' powerful when done.
** PK Starstorm is his [[LimitBreak Final Smash]], calling down meteors of light onto the arena with a slight diagonal arc to them.
* LimitBreak: [[DeathFromAbove PK Starstorm]], a meteor shower that was Prince Poo's SignatureMove in ''VideoGame/EarthBound''. He summons Paula and Poo to his side when using the attack in ''Ultimate''.
* MagicKnight: Though his special moves are entirely PSI-based, most of his other moves are more physical.
* MechanicallyUnusualFighter: His down smash attack is one of few to strike in back of him before striking in front of him. It, along with his up smash attack, can also damage opponents while the moves are being charged.
* MeteorMove: Down air, and a strong one at that, untill [=SSB4=].
* MindOverMatter: A few of his regular attacks are PSI-boosted, and he uses this as a means for his double jump.
* PaletteSwap: In ''64'', he has a blue-and-white striped shirt with a blue capped, as a double reference to his pajamas and his younger self found in Magicant, as well as a yellow-and-black striped shirt resembling both the Gigantic Ant as well as the Japanese Baseball team (the Hanshin Tigers). In Brawl, he gains a white shirt with red sleeves based off of Fuel from ''Mother 3'' as well as a shirt with a Mr. Saturn sprite. ''3DS/Wii U'' gives him shirts based on Master Belch and ''[=EarthBound=]'s'' checkerboard-patterned main menu screen.
* PintsizedPowerhouse: In the first game, his down aerial being especially lethal.
* PlayerGuidedMissile: Ness's "PK Thunder" is a fully-steerable bolt of electricity. Starting with ''Melee'', he also acquires "PK Flash", which can be guided left or right before detonating it.
* PrimaryColorChampion: Wears a red cap and sneakers along with a blue and yellow striped shirt as his IconicOutfit.
* PsychicPowers: He'd hardly represent his [[{{VideoGame/Earthbound}} home game]] without them.
* PlayingWithFire: PK Fire is a little lightning bolt that erupts into a small pillar of fire upon impact, which hits the target multiple times and sometimes even locks them in place as a result. PK Starstorm in ''3DS/Wii U'' now sets opponents ablaze.
* RapidFireFisticuffs: Kicks, his down tilt can be rapidly spammed.
* SecretCharacter: One of the original four in the first game, and is usually grouped together with Luigi, Captain Falcon, and Jigglypuff for this reason. The only games where he is playable from the start are ''Melee'' and the ''Wii U'' version of the fourth game.
** '''For N64:''' Beat 1-Player Mode on Normal difficulty with just three lives.
** '''For Brawl:''' Have him join you in The Subspace Emissary by clearing "Subspace (Part I)", reflect 10 projectiles, or fight in five brawls.
** '''For 3DS:''' Complete Classic Mode on any intensity.
* ShockAndAwe: PK Thunder takes the form of a string of lightning that can either be used to hit something, or to hit Ness ''himself'' as a recovery move that also does damage. Literally a PlayerGuidedMissile.
* SquishyWizard: Though he's not entirely fragile for one, he can be hard to use. His unwieldy recovery move doesn't help.
* VocalEvolution: Ness's voice has gone through changes since his appearance in the original Smash 64 game, but he sounded deeper and older in the N64, Melee, and 3DS and Wii U games compared to his voice in Brawl.
* WeaksauceWeakness: If his second jump wasn't enough to reach the edge, Ness' only recovery move is using PK Thunder on himself. If anyone intercepts PK Thunder before it hits him, he's doomed. This can be averted if Ness uses the "Lasting PK Thunder" variant, which doesn't disappear if it hits someone. Also downplayed in ''3DS/Wii U'', where this no longer works upon the startup part of the attack.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:11 – Captain Falcon]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/RyoHorikawa
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/captainfalconssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[SuperSpeed The Supersonic Slugger]] /[softreturn][[AcePilot Supersonic F-Zero Pilot]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/captain_falcon_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/captain_falcon_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/captain_falcon_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:100:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/captain_falcon_ssb.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' VideoGame/FZero
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''F-Zero'' [SNES], 1990

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''[=3DS/Wii U=]'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[MegatonPunch Falcon Punch]], [[DashAttack Raptor Boost]], [[GrappleMove Falcon Dive]], Falcon Kick\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[CarFu Blue Falcon]]

->''"[[MemeticMutation Show me your moves!]]"''

Captain Douglas Jay Falcon is an F-Zero championship racer and renowned bounty hunter. He brings blindingly fast and burning hot attacks to battle, with a HotBlooded personality to match. And of course, his ever-famous [[ElementalPunch Falcon Punch]] is nothing to scoff at either.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: {{Downplayed| trope}}, as Captain Falcon has always been a bounty hunter who apparently does not need that thing in his holster. We had never actually seen him fight until ''Super Smash Bros.'', however, and were given no indication he had super powers.
* AdaptationPersonalityChange: Looking at his characterization in his home series after ''Smash Bros.'' can be jarring, as ''F-Zero'' firmly establishes him as a blunt, [[TheComicallySerious comically serious]] bounty hunter, while ''Smash Bros.'' has him as a HotBlooded and somewhat campy {{Toku}} Hero.
* AnimalThemedSuperbeing: More obvious in ''Smash'', as in his home series he never displayed any superpowers (outside of ace driving skills).
* AwesomeButImpractical: His FALCON PUNCH is very powerful (and just fun to use because [[RuleOfCool it looks cool]] and [[RuleOfFunny hearing Captain Falcon is hilarious]]), but it's too slow to hit anything without good planning and it leaves him vulnerable. Further exemplified in [=SSB4=], where it's much weaker and has more ending lag.
* BadassDriver: Naturally, this comes with the territory of being from [[VideoGame/FZero a racing game series.]] This skill comes into play for Captain Falcon's Final Smash where he runs you over at mind-numbing speeds.
* BareFistedMonk: Fights purely using punching and kicking attacks, though a few of them have fire properties.
* BarehandedBladeBlock: In the trailer introducing Robin and Lucina for ''3DS/Wii U'', he does a variation by parrying Lucina's sword with the back of his hand.
* BigYes: When successfully pulling his Up-special move, Falcon Dive. He also yells "YEAAAAAAAH!" in ''Melee'' after "defeating" Bowser in Adventure mode prior to the potential Giga Bowser fight.
* BreakoutCharacter: Thanks to ''Smash'', Captain Falcon became one of the more popular Nintendo characters despite the obscurity of his home series, and got his share of {{Ascended Meme}}s and spotlight appearances both in ''Smash'' and in other Nintendo games (such as ''VideoGame/MarioKart8'', where he can be seen on billboards proclaiming "Show me your moves!").
* BringIt: All of his taunts are this in some way. His taunt in ''Melee'' and his down taunt in ''Brawl'' onwards commands opponents to "Show me your moves!" His side taunt provokes opponents to "Come on!" with an outstretched hand, and his up taunt charges a fiery aura similar to his Falcon Punch.
* CallingYourAttacks: ''"Falcon Punch!" "Falcon Kick!" "C'mon, Blue Falcon!"''
* CaptainSpaceDefenderOfEarth: He's more or less a stereotypical campy American space superhero as seen through Japanese eyes.
* CarFu: His Final Smash has him slamming his opponents with his Blue Falcon at full speed.
* CatchPhrase: His most prominent one is "Show me your moves!"
* CloseRangeCombatant: Like Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon has no projectile game whatsoever, but compensates for it with overwhelming mobility coupled with a plethora of hard-hitting attacks.
* CoolCar: The Blue Falcon.
* CoolHelmet: A red racing helmet adorned with a golden falcon emblem.
* CoolStarship: Falcon Flyer.
* CurbstompBattle: Implied to have given one to Chrom in the Lucina/Robin reveal trailer. It starts with the Ylissean Prince on the ground defeated while the Captain looks no worse for wear. He was even still able to get the upper hand on Lucina.
* CutscenePowerToTheMax: In Robin and Lucina's debut trailer for ''3DS/Wii U''. In a fight involving him against the three Lords of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'', he apparently [[CurbStompBattle curbstomps]] Chrom [[OffScreenMomentOfAwesome off-screen]], and on-screen, he parries several attacks from Lucina [[BarehandedBladeBlock with his bare hands]], and is about to Falcon Punch her when Robin intervenes.
* DeathOrGloryAttack: His signature Falcon Punch has a lot of build-up to it, making it easily punishable either by a quick attack, or in the worst case by a CounterAttack special move. If it hits however, it ''will'' hurt.
* DifficultButAwesome: His forward air, which has used his knee to damage opponents. It has consistently been ''the'' most powerful aerial attack in the series and is visually entertaining to watch, but it can be rather difficult to land the necessary sweet spot. ''3DS/Wii U'' in particular added lag before and after the attack while making it much stronger. If you manage to time it correctly, the Falcon Punch falls in that category too, despite its shortcomings.
* ElementalPunch: A couple of his attacks, like his Falcon Punch and Falcon Kick, are fire elemental. His forward aerial is electric elemental instead if sweet-spotted, and he gains a custom variant of the Falcon Kick that gives it the electric element as well.
* GlassCannon: While Falcon is heavy and quite durable, he ''cannot'' be played defensively due to his vulnerability to combos and consistently poor recovery. To be played well, he must constantly maintain offensive pressure on the opponent.
* GratuitousEnglish: Voiced by the Japanese Creator/RyoHorikawa in all versions, speaking English with a fake American accent.
* HotBlooded: In direct contrast to his home series, where he is usually TheStoic.
* {{Hunk}}: At least from what we can see of his face, he isn't too bad-looking, and he has the HeroicBuild typical of this archetype. Both his home series and the ''F-Zero'' anime show his face in full occasionally, and he's a rather good-looking man.
* LargeHam: He delivers no lines subtly.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Mute City, which has an original rendition in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZCkPeUk5-A Melee]]'', ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN36CetQw6I Brawl]]'', and ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D5B_uEt-g0 Wii U/3DS]]''; the last remix is also used in his ''Ultimate'' trailer.
* LetsFightLikeGentlemen: He has a gun in the holster on his belt, which he never uses (he has never been seen using it in the F-Zero storyline either, discounting a comic based off the first game).
* LightningBruiser: He's very fast, has some of the most powerful moves, and has one of the best endurances. Despite his nerf, Captain Falcon still fits the Lightning Bruiser build in ''Brawl'', though without the competitive success that's typical for a lightning bruiser.
* LightningFireJuxtaposition: Captain Falcon mostly uses fire for his elemental attacks, in contrast to the electrical attacks used by Zero Suit Samus, his rough DistaffCounterpart and [[TheRival rival]] through Event Matches.
* LimitBreak: Summons the [[CarFu Blue Falcon]] to run over opponents.
* MeteorMove: His down aerial and Side Special Raptor Boost (when used in midair) will Meteor Smash. In ''Melee'', hitting the opponents with the upper hitbox of his down aerial causes the target to launch at a slightly different downward angle that makes it so the game doesn't recognize it as a Meteor Smash, preventing the use of the mechanic that allows cancelling the knockback of Meteor Smashes and makes it a spike (the strongest in the game)In Smash 4, he gains a third one with his up strong attack which will meteor you if he lands it on the heel of the move once it starts moving down.
* MovesetClone: DownplayedTrope. In ''64'', he and Samus had the same neutral aerial, down smash, floor attack, forward/up strong attacks, ledge animations, and dash attack. He has since then gotten some new moves, specifically a new down smash and neutral aerial, but still shares the same dash attack, up strong attack, and floor attack with her. Albeit with altered physics on each.
* MrFanservice: In ''3DS/Wii U'', the good Captain's suit becomes noticeably tighter, about as much as much as Samus and her Zero Suit. This gives a very detailed look at his muscles, buttocks, and even his crotch.
* MythologyGag:
** Similarly to Luigi, one of his alt. costumes resembles the "Bart Lemming" version of Falcon from the Anime.
** His seemingly baseless moveset is a remnant of the prototype title ''Dragon King: The Fighting Game'' (before it became a MascotFighter), where it was the moveset for the one character programmed in at the time.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: His Story-Mode entrance in ''Brawl'' has him take down an R.O.B... Along with most of Olimar's Pikmin.
* NonStandardCharacterDesign: His official character art from the Nintendo 64 game gives him much more realistic and human body proportions than the art for the other characters. Even Link and Samus, who had realistic body proportions in their home games, are given more stylized looks in the ''Smash 64'' art. Averted with the in-game models, which give Link and Samus designs more faithful to their home games, and with all character art from ''Melee'' onward.
* OffScreenMomentOfAwesome: Lucina's and Robin's reveal trailer in ''3DS/Wii U'' starts off with Chrom lying in defeat and Lucina attempting to hold her own after facing Captain Falcon in battle.
* PaletteSwap: One of them is his evil clone Blood Falcon. [[RealMenWearPink Another one]] is based on a fellow ''VideoGame/FZero'' racer Jody Summer, and later a gold costume that may be inspired by Dr. Stewart.
* PlayingWithFire: Several of his attacks involve fire in some form.
* PreAsskickingOneLiner: ''"Show me ya moves!"''
* RapidFireFisticuffs: As his standard combo, using only one hand.
* RatedMForManly: He's a very muscular LightningBruiser BountyHunter and futuristic racecar driver who [[CallingYourAttacks yells the names of his attacks]] in a HotBlooded manner.
* RealMenWearPink: One of his {{Palette Swap}}s.
* TheRival: To Samus as well as Lucina. In Samus' case, the good Captain is frequently pitted against her in Event Matches and the like. In the latter's debut trailer, she's seen facing off against him in revenge for seemingly having beaten up Chrom. To a lesser extent, Robin and Chrom are this to him too.
* SecretCharacter: One of the original four in the first game, and is usually grouped together with Luigi, Jigglypuff, and Ness for this reason. However, he has alternately joined the starting roster in both ''Melee'' and both versions of the fourth game.
** '''For N64:''' Beat 1-Player Mode in under 20 minutes.
** '''For Brawl:''' Have him join you in The Subspace Emissary by clearing "Outside the Ancient Ruins", fight in 70 brawls, or beat Classic Mode in under 12 minutes.
* ShockAndAwe: His forward aerial, the aforementioned Knee Smash. Also one of his Falcon Kick custom variants.
* SignatureMove:
** His Neutral Special, Falcon Punch. Snake's CODEC Conversation in ''Brawl'', Palutena's Guidance in ''3DS/Wii'', and several of his trophies mention it, and it's found its way into his home series.
** To a lesser extent, his forward aerial, Knee Smash. It's powerful, flashy, one of the few standard attacks in the series to be consistently named, and his only move that wasn't cloned onto any version of Ganondorf.
* SpearCounterpart: Is a collective male counterpart to both versions of Samus within the context of ''Smash''; he's a space-faring bounty hunter, has a red helmet like regular Samus and shares a few of her move animations, and has a blue bodysuit, a handgun and a gender-appropriate ([[LargeHam and larger-than-life]]) "sexy" disposition similar to Zero Suit Samus. Fittingly, the two hunters have been depicted as rivals in various Event Matches.
* SuperSpeed:
** He was the fastest character until ''Brawl'', where he was slowed down and Sonic was introduced.
** One ''Melee'' event has Falcon running on a track while F-Zero cars are zooming by and the entire game speed is literally hyper speed, making Falcon possibly as fast as Sonic for that one level.
* SupernaturalMartialArts: Fights entirely using punches, kicks, and knee attacks, many of which are imbued with [[PlayingWithFire fire]] or [[ShockAndAwe electric]] properties.
* SurprisinglyGoodEnglish: Because Creator/RyoHorikawa is a fluent English speaker, Falcon's English is better than the other "Engrish"-speaking characters in ''64'' and ''Melee'' (such as Fox and Ness), if still awkward, silly and weirdly-accented. [[SubvertedTrope Subverted]] in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'', which use more actual American and British dub voices for many characters.
* TerseTalker: As part of his bizarre Engrish-y speech pattern, none of his quotes in ''Smash'' are particularly lengthy or complicated.
* {{Toku}}: As an animal themed hero in a mask and bright colored costume, his moveset and mannerisms are inspired by this genre even if it contrasts with his main series portrayal. It's also rumored that his moveset is partially taken from the original ''Dragon King'' beta since he's the only one with a body type that matches the prototype characters.
* TruthInTelevision: Did you know that his Knee Smash is a legitimate Muay Thai fighting move? Well, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_%28strike%29#Flying now you do.]] The same knee strike has even been used in other fighting games, such as for [[Franchise/StreetFighter Sagat]]'s Tiger Knee.
* WallJump: He can do this maneuver the same way everyone else does or with the Falcon kick.
* WhiteGloves: More like white and yellow gloves.
* TheWorfEffect: In Lucina and Robin's reveal trailer. Unlike most trailers though, he has no trouble fighting Lucina after defeating Chrom. In fact, had it not been for Robin, he would have won without a scratch.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:12 – Jigglypuff]]
!!!!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/MikaKanai (Japanese) and Creator/RachaelLillis (English)
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jigglypuffssbu.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[MagicMusic The Sleepy Singer]] /[softreturn][[LivingGasbag The Delightful Balloon Pokémon]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jigglypuff_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Brawl]][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jigglypuff_ssbb.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:Melee]][[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jigglypuff_ssbm.jpg]]]][[/labelnote]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:64]][[quoteright:121:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jigglypuff_ssb_5.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

-> '''Home Series:''' ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}''
%%TO PRESERVE FONT SIZE; DO NOT REMOVE
--> '''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue'' [GB], 1996

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[RollingAttack Rollout]], Pound, [[Sing Lullaby]], Rest\\
'''Final Smash:''' [[MakeMyMonsterGrow Puff Up]]

->''"[[PokemonSpeak Jigglypuff!]]"''

The Balloon Pokémon. Jigglypuff (or Purin in Japan) has accompanied Pikachu across the entire ''Smash'' series. Jigglypuff is known for putting others to sleep with its singing, and its elastic properties can allow it to float similarly to Kirby. This fighter brings a silly and seemingly weak moveset [[LethalJokeCharacter with surprising potential]] to the fray.
----

* AmbiguousGender: Jigglypuff have no SecondarySexualCharacteristics between males and females. The latter is the more common gender in its home series (75% on the gender ratio as opposed to the males' 25%), and its {{Palette Swap}}s give it [[TertiarySexualCharacteristics hats based off the female protagonists from its home series]], but there has never been solid confirmation on this particular one's gender.
* ArtEvolution:
** In previous games, its design was chubbier and had bigger eyes similar to its early artwork. In the fourth installment, it's drastically redesigned to resemble its ''Pokémon X and Y'' model instead. Its eyes are far more expressive than its previous incarnations, as in not being fully open all the time and showing emotions.
** ''64'' through ''Brawl'' gave Jigglypuff a [[http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ssb/images/2/2a/Jigglypuff_Clear_SSBB.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20160118010536 color scheme]] similar to that of the anime's Jigglypuff. ''[=Wii U/3DS=]'' changed it so that Jigglypuff resembles [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:Spr_6x_039.png its in-game, non-Shiny color scheme]] more.
* BadassAdorable: Don't let its adorable looks fool you: Jigglypuff is a very dangerous fighter when used properly.
* BonusBoss: One of the 3 for the ''Subspace Emissary''.
* ChargedAttack: Rollout, which gains power and speed depending on how long you hold the charge for. The charge ranges from "harmless taunt" to "balloon-shaped rocket".
* CloseRangeCombatant: Jigglypuff is this. Unlike most close range combatants in Smash, its ground game's poor, with slow movement and weak attacks, and it's one of the lightest there is. However, this is compensated with a terrific aerial game. It has one of the best air speeds and powerful aerial attacks, being able to "jump" 5 times in the air (together with Pound to extend airtime) to practically guarantee a comeback onto the stage, and some of its attacks are deceptively far-reaching.
* ContinuityCameo: That hat it wears is that of Leaf, Red's (aka the Pokémon Trainer's) female counterpart. [[TertiarySexualCharacteristics Pikachu wears Red's original hat and Jigglypuff wears Leaf's.]] The same is true of another palette swap: while Pikachu received [[VideoGame/PokemonXAndY Calem's hat and sunnies]], Jigglypuff received Serena's.
* CriticalFailure: Jigglypuff is the only character that can self-destruct if its shield gets broken, which was an intentional design flaw to balance out its advantages. Though it's particularly devastating in [=SSB4=] due to the weak shields in that game.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: Jigglypuff's most powerful move is falling asleep, but the move is [[MemeticMutation super effective]]!
* DeathOrGloryAttack: Rest, as silly as it might sound. This attack puts Jigglypuff to sleep for a few seconds, which is practically suicide at high enough damage. However, if it's activated as close as possible to the opponent, they will be sent rocketing upwards, making for a quick (and hilarious) finisher at the appropriate damage.
* DifficultButAwesome: Rest is a OneHitKO if it connects, but it has ''extremely'' small range and will leave Jigglypuff exposed for a good deal of time if it doesn't connect (since, you know, you fell asleep).
* DishingOutDirt: Rollout is a Rock-type move.
* DubNameChange: Named "Purin" in Japan. Also changed in French (Rondoudou) and German (Pummeluff); as such, it was the only playable character to be dubbed in the French and German versions of the first two games. Other countries use the English name.
* Foreshadowing: Despite being an unlockable character in ''Melee'', Jigglypuff still appears in the opening movie.
* FragileSpeedster: An odd example in that Jigglypuff is one of the slowest characters on the ground, but is among the most mobile in the air. It's also among the lightest characters in the series.
* GlassCannon: In ''Melee'', its aerial game is incredible, with the fastest air speed mixed with fast and powerful air attacks; and to top it off, its Rest is a nigh OneHitKO attack, provided it strikes. However, Jiggs is very light, and will be sent flying easily. It has slightly better endurance in ''Brawl'', though its offensive capabilities are severely reduced. Both it's offensive capabilities and it's endurance were reduced in [=SSB4=].
* GradualGrinder: Nearly all of its attacks (save for [[DifficultButAwesome Rest]] and [[RollingAttack Rollout]]) have very low knockback, allowing it to efficiently chain its moves together to deal damage. Most noticeable in Smash 64.
* GrandfatherClause: Around the time the original game was released Jigglypuff was a recurring character in the anime (and replaced Nidorino in the opening of ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue''). While it still has some level of popularity in Japan, since then Jigglypuff is rarely used in any marketing and has become less relevant as the generations go by. Despite this, it still keeps its spot in ''Smash Bros.'', unlike Young Link, Pichu etc who were removed as more modern or relevant characters from their franchises took their place, though it has come dangerously close to being cut several times.
* InertiaIsACruelMistress: Rollout is a very powerful and very fast move when fully charged, but you can't turn around in mid-air, so if you roll off the edge... [[YetAnotherStupidDeath Yeah]]. ''3DS/U'' allows you to finish the Rollout sooner if you hold the other direction while airborne, giving you a chance to get back on the stage, but the timing is rather strict.
* JokeCharacter: According to WordOfGod, Jigglypuff was originally intended to fall into this category, with its weak attacks, light weight, and its up special lacking a recovery effect. However, in practice, Jigglypuff turned out to have [[LethalJokeCharacter some nice hidden potential]], which made it so it's not considered a simple joke in later installments. PlayedStraight in ''Brawl'', where it's the third-worst character, and ''3DS/Wii U'', where it's now [[MemeticLoser the absolute worst]].
* {{Leitmotif}}: ''Ultimate'' gives her [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnIQ9CG7ezU the Pokémon Center]] theme for her character trailer.
* LethalJokeCharacter: Being one of the lightest characters and having a very low ground speed, Jigglypuff looks like a terrible character on paper. However, its strengths (having very strong aerial attacks and access to some lethal combo techniques) more than make up for its flaws.
* LimitBreak: [[SizeShifter Puff Up]], which expands Jigglypuff to absurd levels, causing it to push foes off the stage.
* MagicMusic: Its singing, which induces sleep.
* MartialArtsHeadband: One of its alternate outfits in ''Melee''.
* MirrorMonster: When Jigglypuff uses Rest on a stage with a reflective floor in ''Melee'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOiTC6Vn6Ag the reflection's eyes remain open]].
* {{Mon}}: The Balloon Pokémon.
* MeteorMove: Down air in Smash 64.
* MovesetClone: An interesting example in Jigglypuff's case in Smash 64: While it doesn't share any special moves in common, its regular moves, as well as its jumps, are very similar to Kirby's. They even share a taunt! This has [[DivergentCharacterEvolution become less pronounced]] as the series progressed however.
* {{Nerf}}: In ''Melee'', Jigglypuff is a terrifying GlassCannon. In ''Brawl'', its strong attacks are weakened and/or slowed down, and Rest is weakened, requiring more damage to score K.O.s with, and is also significantly more difficult to hit with. ''3DS/Wii U'' remedies the nerfs to Rest, but its other weaknesses are further pronounced by its ground game becoming ''even weaker'', and Jigglypuff's recovery advantages were reduced by the general improvements to other characters' recoveries (as well as its own becoming worse), and the new shield mechanics completely work against it (although they let Pound break any shield with less than 70% health, they make its [[CriticalFailure shield jump]] that much more of a problem. Also, its strengths like its air game were nerfed.
* NiceHat: Its alternate costumes have them, many of which are based off of the hats worn by the female protagonists in the ''Pokémon'' games.
* OneHitKO:
** Rest can do this at low percentages; as low as around 25% in ''Melee'', 75% in ''Brawl'', and 50% in ''3DS/Wii U''.
** If Jigglypuff's shield breaks, it will immediately fly up straight into the air and cause it to get KO'd unless it hits a solid ceiling, in which case it will stick around spinning for quite a few seconds before falling back down.
* OurFairiesAreDifferent: While trophy descriptions for ''3DS/Wii U'' do mention that it's now a Normal/Fairy type as of ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'', it remains largely the same for ''Smash Bros.''.
* PaletteSwap: Like Pikachu's, they come with hats. The bow on the back of its palette swaps in all games, the flower by its ear starting from ''Melee'', [[VideoGame/{{Kirby}} Sleep Kirby's hat]] and [[DistaffCounterpart Leaf's hat]] in ''Brawl,'' Serena's hat and [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Nurse Joy's]] in ''3DS/Wii U''. Also, in ''Melee'', another of its alternates was a crown that looked a lot like [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros Princess Peach]]'s, and it had one where it had its Shiny palette in ''Brawl''.
* PinkIsFeminine: Jigglypuff's body is a pale pink color, and its alternate costumes have it wear an array of different feminine hats & accessories.
* PintsizedPowerhouse: More so in ''Melee'' than in any following game, but its Rest is always painful.
* PokemonSpeak: It's a small, cute playable Pokémon in this series, so this is pretty much a given.
* PowerCreepPowerSeep: In ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'', Rest is a non-damaging move meant to [[HealThyself remove status conditions and restore HP]]. In ''Smash'', it is somehow extremely powerful, and a near OneHitKO in Melee.
* {{Retcon}}: Jigglypuff was originally a pure [[NonElemental Normal-type]] before ''X and Y'' made it part [[OurFairiesAreDifferent Fairy]].
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: It's small, pink, and has big blue eyes.
* RollingAttack: Rollout, its neutral special from ''Melee'' onward, which can be charged up to make one nasty attack. Just don't accidentally careen off the edge.
* SecretCharacter: One of the original four in the first game, and is usually grouped together with Luigi, Captain Falcon, and Ness for this reason. In fact, it's the only one of the four of them that remained consistently unlockable throughout most of the series, up until the ''Wii U'' version of the fourth game.
** '''For N64:''' Clear 1-Player Mode on any difficulty.
** '''For Melee:''' Fight in 50 VS. Matches, or clear Classic or Adventure Mode on any difficulty (if Mario has not yet unlocked Dr. Mario in ''Melee'', he will challenge Doc instead).
** '''For Brawl:''' Fight in 350 brawls; have it join you in The Subspace Emissary[[note]]post-game; go to The Swamp and enter the first door after defeating False Diddy Kong[[/note]]; or clear The Subspace Emissary, finish Event Matches 1-20, then finish any Event Match.
** '''For 3DS:''' Complete 120 fights; or collect 30 piece of custom equipment.
* SignatureMove: Sing and Rest are strongly associated with Jigglypuff.
* {{Sizeshifter}}: Puff Up makes it grow to absurd sizes. Better grab on to those ledges! ...Or don't, as its final shout will send any nearby opponent flying.
* TertiarySexualCharacteristics: The bow on the back of its palette swaps in all games, the flower by its ear starting from ''Melee'', and [[DistaffCounterpart Leaf's hat]] in ''Brawl'', Serena's hat and [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Nurse Joy's]] in ''3DS/Wii U''. Also, in ''Melee'', another of its alternates was a crown that looked a lot like [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros Princess Peach]]'s. It's implicitly female, but unlike Pikachu, it never got any SecondarySexualCharacteristics so its gender is not completely confirmed.
* TooFastToStop: Once Jigglypuff starts a Rollout, it won't stop until the charge peters out. This becomes a problem if it has to turn around, which removes the move's hitbox and leaves it vulnerable while turning. And let's not get started on [[InertiaIsACruelMistress rolling off the edge]]...
* YourSizeMayVary: An average Jigglypuff is about 1'08", not much bigger than Pikachu. It too has [[http://www.smashbros.com/images/character/secret11/screen-4.jpg scaled up for size]].
[[/folder]]
----

** Unlike most characters, his characterization in ''Smash'' is quite different than in his home franchise. He still says "Yahoo!" as he attacks, but as of ''Melee'' most of his animations make him seem rather serious. Further solidified in the ''Brawl'' cutscenes and ''3DS/Wii U's'' reveal trailers, where he's a sort of Old West style [[TheStoic Stoic]] and a headstrong leader, generally disinterested and straight-faced, but will jump headfirst into battle when a formidable enemy shows up. ''Smash'' really brings out his competitive streak. It overlaps with AdrenalineMakeover in which, being in a fighting game, he is near-constantly scowling rather than displaying the cheerful look from his own games.

** Unlike most characters, his characterization in ''Smash'' is quite different than in his home franchise. He still says "Yahoo!" as he attacks, but as of ''Melee'' most of his animations make him seem rather serious. Further solidified in the ''Brawl'' cutscenes and ''3DS/Wii U's'' reveal trailers, where he's a sort of Old West style [[TheStoic Stoic]] and a headstrong leader, generally disinterested and straight-faced, but will jump headfirst into battle when a formidable enemy shows up. ''Smash'' really brings out his competitive streak.
** Averted in ''Ultimate''. While he does take the fights seriously (as in canon games), he cracks a smile in his taunts and looks overall more cheerful at times.

---> Link from ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' debuts in: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' [Wii], 2006

---> Link from ''Ultimate'' debuts in: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' [Switch], 2017

'''Specials''': Egg Lay, [[FoeTossingCharge Egg Roll]], Egg Toss, [[GroundPound Yoshi Bomb]]\\

'''Specials''': [[FoeTossingCharge Rollout]], Pound, [[Sing Lullaby]], Rest\\

'''Specials''': [[MegatonPunch Giant Punch]], [[UseYourHead Headbutt]], [[SpinAttack Spinning Kong]], Hand Slap\\

'''Specials''': [[PowerCopying Inhale]], [[DropTheHammer Hammer]] (''Melee'' and ''Brawl''), Hammer Flip (''3DS/Wii U''), Cutter, Stone\\

'''Specials''': [[FrickinLaserBeams Blaster]], [[FlashStep Fox Illusion]], [[PlayingWithFire Fire Fox]], [[AttackReflector Reflector]]\\

'''Specials''': Thunder Jolt, [[UseYourHead Skull Bash]], [[FlashStep Quick Attack]], Thunder\\

'''Specials''': [[StuffBlowingUp PK Flash]], [[PlayingWithFire PK Fire]], [[ShockAndAwe PK Thunder]], [[HealingFactor PSI Shield]]\\

'''Specials''': [[MegatonPunch Falcon Punch]], [[DashAttack Raptor Boost]], Falcon Dive, Falcon Kick\\

--> '''Debut:''' ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI The Legend of Zelda]]'' [NES], 1986

-> '''Playable in:''' 64, ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''3DS/Wii U'', ''Ultimate''\\
'''Specials''': [[ArcherArchetype Bow]], [[BattleBoomerang Boomerang]], SpinAttack, [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Bomb]] (''64'' through ''3DS/Wii U''), [[ThrowDownTheBomblet Remote Bomb Rune]] (''Ultimate'')\\

The original ''Smash'' and ''Melee'' use the design of the legendary Hero of Time from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' base him on the shape-shifting ranch hand from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' and ''Ultimate'' uses the Hylian Champion from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild''.

[[caption-width-right:350:[[TheChampion Champion of Hyrule]]]]

[[caption-width-right:350:[[TheChosenOne Champion of Hyrule]]]]

* PaletteSwap: Her notable ones include the [[VideoGame/MetroidFusion Fusion Suit]], the [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness Pink Varia Suit]] from the original ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'', the [[VideoGame/SuperMetroid Gravity Suit]], [[VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes Dark Suit, Light Suit]], and [[EvilKnockoff Dark Samus]].

[[caption-width-right:350:[[TheHero The Hero of Hyrule]] / [softreturn][[TheChosenOne Champion of Hyrule]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[labelnote:[=3DS=]/Wii U]][[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/link_ssb4.png]]]][[/labelnote]]

%%EDITOR'S NOTE: We are not meant to be the authority on the Smash Bros. metagame, so please do not add any references to the competitive scene, or write them in a more neutral manner

* {{Shoryuken}}: Super Jump Punch, which has a near-identical trajectory and appearance as the ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' Shoryuken. In ''3DS/Wii U'', it can even be customized into a flaming punch. Ryu's Classic Mode image even shows him performing the real Shoryuken together with Mario doing a Super Jump Punch, along with other characters performing similar moves.
%% Yes, the Super Jump Punch actually does spin. Google search a GIF.

* EyePop: Used gratuitously in the fourth game to emphasize his pain animations. Also has a ''massive'' one when [[ArchEnemy King K.Rool]] shows up, enough to '''''shatter his house window.'''''

* ImmuneToFlinching: Since ''Brawl'', his Spinning Kong attack has Super Armor during the beginning when used on the ground. Also since Brawl, the fully-charged version of his [[MegatonPunch Giant Punch]] has Super Armor during the animation. Since ''Melee'', he gains small amounts of Super Armor when carrying an opponent or a heavy item. His Stubborn Headbutt custom move in ''Smash 4'' also gives him Super Armor for the entire duration of the attack.

** In ''64'' it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d0Can2TTJ4 Kongo Jungle]]
** In ''Melee'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTVXOthfoVQ Jungle Japes]]
** In ''Brawl'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RwYZrI8Bzg Jungle Level V2]] plays during his entrance in Subspace. It also plays in his ''Ultimate'' character trailer.

* LimitBreak: Konga Beat (based on the ''VideoGame/DonkeyKonga'' bongo-style controllers), which require players to succeed in playing a psuedo-RhythmGame in order to maximize the range and damage of the attack. In ''Ultimate'', this is changed by a RapidFireFisticuffs attack inspired by ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongJungleBeat''.

* WhoWritesThisCrap: His response to the dramatic montage of various Nintendo protagonists facing against their rivals by turning off his TV and yawning can be percieved as this.
* WrestlerInAllOfUs: In ''3DS/Wii U'', the ground version of his Spinning Kong was reworked to look like a [[Franchise/StreetFighter Zangief]]-esque Double Lariat. On top of that, his Smash 64 B-Air is a dropkick.

* BreakoutCharacter: Link's role seems to have increased with each game. In ''Smash 64'', he wasn't very prominent on the box art and hardly appeared in ads, but was a fan-favorite character to play as; as a result, he earned himself a more prominent spot on ''Melee''[='s=] box art along with Mario, Pikachu and Bowser. From that point, he began to be treated as one of the four "mascots" of ''Smash'' along with Mario, Pikachu and Kirby, even becoming the most prominently displayed character on the cover of ''3DS'', being shown with nearly equal status to Mario in other CastHerd artworks, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckoh6zvW1tw earning himself his own video]] by Nintendo of Europe about his status as a fan-favorite. The teaser for ''Ultimate'' depicts him and Mario as equals, as the two returning veterans who are clearly visible (albeit in shadow), and they're the most prominent characters featured on the game's boxart, both being in the dead center and larger than all the other characters.

* CompositeCharacter: The Smash franchise tends to build characters off of moves they've used throughout their history (or stuff just straight made up.) However, Link is a LegacyCharacter, so unlike most characters who might change costume or artstyle, the different Links are ''different people'' from across the Zelda timeline evidenced by their different designs, voices actors, and even movesets. Despite the fact that the majority of Links in Zelda proper are 'Young/Toon Links,' the "03 - Link" banner that stands in for the character as a whole has always been an 'Adult Link.'
** In ''64'', he's based on ''Ocarina'' Adult Link, with the Fairy Boomerang from ''Ocarina's'' Young Link (that turns blue when thrown like the Magic Boomerang from the original and ''A Link To The Past.'' Apparently this is only because of an oversight on Sakurai's part, [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Storage/SmashBros/I-ve-been-making-a-comprehensive-list-of-unused-characters/page/1 who didn't know that ''Ocarina'' adult Link couldn't use the attack.]]
** In ''Melee'', he's based on an updated version of the ''Ocarina'' Link. His segment in the intro sequence has him relieving moments from ''Ocarina.''
** In ''Brawl'', his design is lifted from ''Twilight Princess'', including swapping the Hookshot for the Clawshot, the Fairy Boomerang for the Gale Boomerang, and one of the updates on the official website referencing Barnes, the bomb shop from TP. However his on-screen entrance uses the warp tornado, from the original, instead of the cel-shaded transportation more fitting for Link from ''Twilight Princess''. Navi also appears in one of his taunts. In Subspace he finds the Master Sword in the woods harkening to ''A Link To The Past'', and again he clearly has Navi from ''Ocarina'' following him. He retains this design and its composite aspects in ''3DS/Wii U.''
** ''Ultimate'' features Link's ''Breath of the Wild'' incarnation in both his blue Champion's Tunic and green Tunic of the Wild. His bombs are now the Bomb Rune and remotely detonated instead of on a fuse, he no longer has a hookshot for grabs and tethers, and his Final Smash is an Ancient Arrow. But the promotional videos and pictures imply that he is TheChampion and an ImpliedLoveInterest for the Princess Zelda from ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds A Link Between Worlds]]'' despite the latter coming from a different generation and possibly a different timeline.

* CutscenePowerToTheMax: In Palutena's reveal trailer for ''3DS/Wii U'', Link uses his Clawshot to grab Pit in mid-flight by his ankle and pulls him down to earth. Yeah -- go ahead and try doing that in the actual game.

* DeathOrGloryAttack: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]]. His new dash attack in the fourth installment is the jump attack from his home series, and like it is there, it's very powerful, almost as much as a smash attack and able to KO at appropriate percentages. However, also like in his home series, missing will briefly leave Link wide open for punishment.
* DemotedToExtra: His ''Ocarina of Time'' [[LegacyCharacter incarnation]] (aka the Hero of Time) who was the playable Link in ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'', is merely a trophy in ''3DS'' (and didn't appear at all in ''Brawl''). As the playable Link is a CompositeCharacter, having a separate Link as a trophy can seem rather odd.

* HeroicAmbidexterity: Holds his sword with his left hand but has no problem grabbing ítems and secondary weapons with his right. Canonically speaking, Link was just left-handed until the Wii version of Twilight Princess onward began depicting him as right-handed in order to accommodate motion controls; so WordOfGod declared he was ambidextrous in order to solve the discrepancies.

* {{Hunk}}: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]] in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U''. ''Twilight Princess'' Link had some very {{hunk}}y characteristics in his home game, which showed him to have a HeroicBuild via a ShirtlessScene and undertake various [[RatedMForManly manly]] deeds. ''Smash'' doesn't show off these characteristics, though he still comes across as quite aloof and masculine compared to some of the other {{Bishonen}} characters such as Shulk, Marth and especially [[{{Adorkable}} Pit]].

** Palutena's reveal trailer portrays him as such with Pit - both the chosen warriors of goddesses of light. Pit's commentary further enforces this as he sees Link as ripping off his style and complains that there's two Links.

** In general, Link is TheRival to just about anyone who brings a sword to Smash. See RunningGag below.

* RunningGag: As the poster child for Nintendo swordsmen and the first to get into ''Smash'', Link is TheRival to just about everyone else who brings a sword to the series. Since ''Melee'' he's often pitted against Marth in event matches and official screenshots, and he also had event matches vs. Self and vs. Young Link. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he's seen fighting Pit in Palutena's reveal trailer, faces off with Lucina in her official portrait, and teams up with Marth to fight Shulk in his reveal trailer.

** Link gets quite a bit of these with [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Princess Peach]] in ''3DS/Wii U''. Zelda is...less than pleased about it.

* TheSouthpaw: As per tradition, though some of his games have made him right handed.[[note]]Namely, the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', and later, ''Skyward Sword''. Since the Wii Remote is usually held in the right hand, Nintendo made Link hold his sword in his right-hand since they wanted to map his sword attacks to the motion sensors in the Remote. In adventures that're not on the Wii (such as ''Videogame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'' for the 3DS, which was released after ''Skyward Sword''), Link is still depicted as a leftie.[[/note]] Averted in ''Ultimate'', where he is right handed like in ''Breath of the Wild''.

* StabTheSky: His up aerial, one of his win poses and his up smash in the first game.
* TheStoic: Link's mannerisms make him come across as quite determined, serious and battle-focused. A bit more so for his ''Twilight Princess'' version, since his ''Ocarina of Time'' incarnation still shows shades of being {{Adorkable}} and HotBlooded, in keeping with each of their respective games of origin.

* YouWillNotEvadeMe: His Gale Boomerang in ''Brawl'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' can pull enemies and items toward Link if aimed correctly. To a lesser extent to hook shot and claw shot.

* ActionGirl: One of Nintendo's -- and gaming in general's -- most definitive examples.

* AndroclesLion: In Subspace Emissary, her saving Pikachu makes him an immediate ally that eventually saves her from Ridley.

** Because Samus is almost exclusively a projectile-based character in the ''Metroid'' series, the exclusively hand-to-hand standard moveset she's had since ''64'' is outdated and OutOfCharacter when compared to the dedicated projectile-oriented characters (Mega Man, Mii Gunner, and to a lesser extent, Villager and Bayonetta) introduced in ''Smash for [=3DS/Wii U=]''. While Samus only uses her projectiles in special moves and otherwise is mostly Brawler-style for her standard moves (as has traditionally been the case for ''Smash'' characters), the newer Gunner-style characters use projectiles for many of their special ''and'' standard moves both. Interestingly enough, this increased emphasis on physical combat seems to have been [[RetCanon worked into newer Metroid games]] with Samus performing a series of brutal close quarters takedowns on her opponents in both ''Other M'' and ''Samus Returns''.
** ''Ultimate'' has a lot less focus on ''Other M'' as a whole, with all the other Metroid characters getting new designs based on older Metroid games. However, Samus still retains the same design she had in ''for 3DS/Wii U''. This is partly justified since ''[[VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns Samus Returns]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/MetroidPrime4 Prime 4]]'' most likely started development much later than ''Ultimate''.

* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: She's a gorgeous blonde underneath that iconic helmet, and she's one of the kindest and most heroic bounty hunters you could hope for -- as seen when she rescues and teams up with the adorable Pikachu in ''The Subspace Emissary''.

* JackOfAllStats: Like Link, Samus is a fairly well-rounded character in ''Melee'' and ''3DS/Wii U'' with unique strengths of her own, if not a definitive example of this trope like Mario is. While her strength, attack speed and mobility are merely average, she's heavy and has a good recovery, decent combo potential, and a variety of projectiles with different specific uses.

** In ''64'' it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Boebe2Uuvx4 Planet Zebes]].

** In ''Brawl'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPkImiUzdBk Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior]] plays when she dons her suit for the first time in Subspace. This is her theme from her home series.

* PaletteSwap: Her notable ones include the [[VideoGame/MetroidFusion Fusion Suit]], the [[VideoGame/{{Metroid}} Pink Varia Suit from the original ''Metroid'']], the [[VideoGame/SuperMetroid Gravity Suit]], [[VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes Dark Suit, Light Suit]], and [[EvilKnockoff Dark Samus]].

* SlapstickKnowsNoGender: In a sense. Being [[TheSmurfettePrinciple the only unambiguously female character]] in the first game, she's depicted on the box art being punched out by Fox. Even after more female fighters were introduced over time, Samus appears to be the only humanoid female that can be hit by the male characters in the updates by Sakurai. And she was a main victim of Little Mac in his debut trailer. The only other woman he tried to hit (or who even showed up) dodged him, resulting in him being KO.

%%* {{Tomboy}}: Samus (in both her forms) is one of the least feminine out of the female ''Smash'' fighters, perhaps only being rivaled by [[SweetPollyOliver Sheik]] and [[{{Bifauxnen}} Lucina]].

* AntiAir: His Egg Throw can only be thrown in an arc. It's very easy to miss on opponents who are up close and on the ground, but those approaching from above better watch out, as it's a particularly powerful projectile.
* ArtEvolution: In ''64'' and ''Melee'', he has a much longer and draconic appearance and red shoes similar to ''Super Mario World'' and ''Super Mario 64''. In ''Brawl'', he's chubbier and stouter with brown shoes as was codified in the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube era. In ''3DS/Wii U'', Yoshi is more in line his modern appearance, with a more upright stature and much brighter skin tone.
* BadassAdorable: It's not hard to view him this way, especially with his cartoon-y voice. The games seem to be sticking to this, as other animal characters such as Donkey Kong and Bowser were upgraded to having a more realistic look and sound, while Yoshi stayed himself. Justified though, as trying to make Yoshi look more realistic would seem very out of character.

* DinosaursAreDragons: ''Smash'' labels Yoshi as a dragon just as much as it labels him as a dinosaur. His Super Dragon attack has him grow wings and attack via fire-breathing; all these powers he could get in ''Super Mario World''

* {{Foil}}: ''[=3DS/Wii U=]'' juxtaposes Yoshi with fellow draconic reptile [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Charizard]] in many situations, such as Conquests, Event Matches and Bayonetta's newcomer artwork. While Yoshi is adorable, childish and cheery, Charizard is fierce, intimidating and fiery. In terms of Final Smashes, Yoshi's turns it into an [[DragonsAreDivine angelic white-winged dragon]], while Charizard's turns it into a [[DragonsAreDemonic demonic black dragon]].

** In ''64'' it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUeDAtZEGDU Yoshi's Island]] (which is actually a song from ''VideoGame/YoshisStory'')

** In ''Brawl'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOatb7f677s Ending (Yoshi's Story)]] which was showcased on the Dojo before release, and is his unique credits theme.
** In ''3DS/Wii U'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsvQLY7kgGs Yoshi's Island]] plays when he's introduced in the April Nintendo Direct. It's also one of only 2 new Yoshi series songs made for the game.

* LightningBruiser: His ground speed is always high, his weight is above average, his air speed in all games is always one of the fastest, and he possesses attacks that are generally quick and powerful.

* MeteorMove: His forward air in all games will Meteor Smash targets, as well as his down air in all games but [=SSB4=].

** Yoshi uses an egg as his shield instead of a bubble. The egg doesn't shrink, meaning that he is invulnerable to all non-grab attacks while shielding, but in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'' he can't jump out of it, limiting his mobility while defending. This was removed in the fourth game, but now he can no longer drop through soft platforms while shielding.

* NoBiologicalSex: According to the Japanese version of ''Melee'', Yoshis are neither male or female, and produce asexually. Even Viridi is confused by Yoshi's biology (and she's a goddess of nature). Though this is contradicted by various other official media, as well as his in-game trophy.
* NoSell: Yoshi's double jump has [[ImmuneToFlinching super armor]], meaning immunity to knockback. Yoshi still takes full damage, though, so it is mainly just to make getting back on the stage easier.

* PaletteSwap: Has the main 6 ''Yoshi's Story'' colors from ''64'' onward (though in ''64'' blue and pink were CPU only). ''3DS/Wii U'' adds Black Yoshi, also from ''Yoshi's Story'' and Purple Yoshi.

* PrimalStance: Uses the ride-ready stance from ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' in ''64'', ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''. After his AnthropomorphicShift in the main Mario franchise was standardized, he uses an upright stance in [=SSB4=].

* WolfpackBoss: The second stage of 1P Mode in ''64'' features a fight against ''eighteen'' Yoshis, three of each of the six colors[[note]]Two of these colors cannot be normally accessed by the player[[/note]]. Like Link they just meander around and wait to be disposed of except on higher difficulties. You earn a special bonus if you KO them in the exact order they appear.

* ArtEvolution: Noticeably averted. Kirby's design in ''Smash'' has stayed basically the same since 2001, in spite of the evolution in his home series--compare his ''Ultimate'' model to ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''. This is even lampshaded in ''Brawl'''s reveal trailer, where Kirby remains the same while other characters receive conspicuous changes.

* BigEater: Kirby is one of the characters who can eat his enemies.
* BornLucky: In Brawl's story mode, with the exception of saving Peach or Zelda and joining Mario and Link's group for a time, Kirby spent the entirety of the story charging headlong into whatever caught his interest. And by some bizarre circumstance of this constant doing whatever reckless thing popped into his head, he ended up being instrumental in the final act.

* CallingYourAttacks: Amusingly, Kirby also mimics the person who he's copied. This is particularly funny with the likes of Robin and Shulk, who have several attacks call-outs for Kirby to copy, with adorable results.

--> ''"Falcon Punch!"''
--> ''"Hadouken!"''

-->''"PK Flash!" "PK Freeze!"''

-->''"PK Fire!" "PK Flash!" "PK Freeze!"''

** Unlike most characters, his characterization in ''Smash'' is quite different than in his home franchise. He still says "Yahoo!" as he attacks, but as of ''Melee'' most of his animations make him seem rather serious. Further solidified in the ''Brawl'' cutscenes and ''3DS/Wii U's'' reveal trailers, where he's a sort of Old West style [[TheStoic Stoic]] and a headstrong leader, generally disinterested and straight faced, but will jump head first into battle when a formidable enemy shows up. ''Smash'' really brings out his competitive streak.
** Averted in ''Ultimate''. While he does take the fights seriously (as in Canon games), he cracks a smile in his taunts and looks overall more cheerful at times.

* ButtMonkey: This is more an impermanent/[[DownplayedTrope downplayed]] example. On one occasion during Adventure Mode in Melee, Mario attempts to jump onto the rooftop of Mushroom Castle...only to be jumped on top, and sent falling down...by ''Luigi'' of all characters. Funny, considering that in terms of humiliating characters in their respective games, [[UnacceptableTargets Mario seems to be the only character considered off-limits by Nintendo]] - even more so since Luigi himself is usually depicted as ''the'' ButtMonkey of their franchise.

* ChargedAttack: His down special as of ''Brawl'', F.L.U.D.D., must be briefly charged up completely before it can be used. The charge can also be stored.

* KnockBack: The purpose of F.L.U.D.D. is to cause this without additional chance of recovery. His cape also will give a spent target no recovery chance.

* {{Leitmotif}}: As it is in his home series, usually Super Mario Brothers Ground Theme and it's variations.
** In ''64'' it's the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMNx8EFNF20 Peach's Castle Stage]] rendition.
** In ''Melee'' he's more associated with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuj4gcUQ1MA Super Mario Bros. 3]].
** In ''Brawl'' there's no theme heavily associated with him, but [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u589pvON9nE there's a new ground theme.]]

* LimitBreak: Mario Finale, where Mario [[KamehameHadoken fires a two giant, spiraling fireballs forward]].
* MakingASplash: His Down Special starting in ''Brawl'', the [=F.L.U.D.D=].
* MeteorMove: His Forward Aerial (from ''Melee'' onwards) and Down Special, Mario Tornado (''64'' only, if the final hitbox connects), are Meteor Smashes, as well as his down air in Smash 64.

* PaletteSwap: Notable ones include Wario and Fire Mario (Though these two currently seem to have been removed as of ''Ultimate'' for his new Builder and Wedding costumes). There's also one that resembles his classic outfit (albeit with a blue hat instead of his distinctive red one). WordOfGod on the brown overall palette is that it's based on Foreman Spike from ''VideoGame/WreckingCrew''. In ''3DS/Wii U'', he has a blue and pink outfit that was previously used for "overalls" Wario in Brawl, a stars and stripes outfit only seen in [[VideoGame/MarioGolf NES Open Tournament Golf]], and a Waluigi outfit.

* PlayingWithFire: One of his attacks is a fireball, his Side Smash is a burst of fire from his hand, and his Final Smash is a duo of HUGE twirling fireballs.

** In the some of the ''3DS/Wii U'' introduction trailers, he serves as the go-to punching bag for showing off the combat prowess of other characters. The most prominent example happens when Bowser Jr. (someone he usually beats quite handily by himself) utterly crushes him despite Mario being backed up by Samus, Mega Man, Kirby, Link, and Rosalina.

* WorkingClassHero: Mario remains highly original as a video-game hero. Despite being the first major video game star, and living in a fantasy world, he stands out as a stocky, mustached plumber in working overalls whose real powers are his ability to move with his hands and legs, as opposed to video-game heroes who are elites - soldiers, warriors, super-soldiers, as ''Smash''[='=]s roster demonstrates.

* ArmorPiercingAttack: His Headbutt attack is capable of shattering shields. This is especially notable in ''Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/Wii U'' were it is capable of bringing a shield to its final bar of health in one hit. His Hand Slap attack is also an effective shield breaker in that game.