Pokémon Trainer (Super Smash Bros.)

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Pokémon Trainer ポケモントレーナーPokémon Trainer
Male Pokémon Trainer inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate Female Pokémon Trainer inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Gender	Male* Both*
Eye color	Brown
Hair color	Dark brown, Light brown, Black*
Hometown	Unknown
Region	World of Trophies
Trainer class	Pokémon Trainer
Game counterpart	Red Leaf
English voice actor	Michele Knotz(Brawl) Billy Bob Thompson^[1](Ultimate; male) Kate Bristol^[2](Ultimate; female)
Japanese voice actor	Tomoe Hanba(male) Wakana Kingyo(female)

ThePokémon Trainer (Japanese:ポケモントレーナーPokémon Trainer) is a playable character in theSuper Smash Bros. series, specificallySuper Smash Bros. Brawl andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, and is a trophy inSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U. They are a generic, unnamed representation of theplayer characters in thecore series Pokémon games, based on the protagonists ofPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Pokémon Trainer is one of the fighters unlocked from the start in Brawl. He is based on the maleplayer character (canon nameRed) fromPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Unlike the other fighters, Pokémon Trainer doesn't actually fight his opponents himself. Instead, he sends out hisPokémon team, consisting ofSquirtle,Ivysaur, andCharizard, to fight on his behalf, each with its own set of moves, strengths, and weaknesses. The Trainer is able to switch between the three Pokémon using the Down-Special move, Pokémon Change, which each Pokémon has access to. If a Pokémon fights for too long, it will gradually weaken. The Pokémon Trainer'sFinal Smash,Triple Finish, is performed by all three Pokémon at once.

During a fight, the Pokémon Trainer can be seen in the background, using hand signals and commands to direct his Pokémon, and running across the screen (on large stages) so he can be near his Pokémon at all times. When his Pokémon are defeated, he remains in the background, but pulls his hat over his eyes and assumes a defeated posture.

Type effectiveness

Asimplified form oftype effectiveness is implemented for each of the three Pokémon: Squirtle is weak to Grass and resists Fire, Ivysaur is weak to Fire and resists Water, and Charizard is weak to Water and resists Grass. A resisted attack does 0.9× knockback, while a supereffective attack does 1.1× knockback. No characters aside from Mario's non-damaging F.L.U.D.D, another Pokémon Trainer (or a Kirby having copied Squirtle or Ivysaur) have access to Grass- and Water-type attacks, but several characters have KO-capable Fire-type attacks, which overall gives Squirtle more survivability and cuts Ivysaur's noticeably. It also heavily affects matches where one Pokémon Trainer faces another, as each player will try to switch to gain the advantage.

Pokémon Change

Pokémon Change (Japanese:ポケモンチェンジPokémon Change) isPokémon Trainer's down special move inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. Unlike other special moves being exclusive to onePokémon (for instance,Flamethrower only being available toCharizard), Pokémon Change is universal between Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard (as is Triple Finish).

When sent out, each Pokémon is initially granted 100 points of energy calledstamina. 0.5 points of stamina is deducted for every second a Pokémon is in battle, thus allowing for a maximum of approximately 3 minutes and 20 second of normal performance. Executing an attack also drains 0.5 stamina points. When a Pokémon's stamina reaches 40, their stance will change to signal oncoming fatigue. Once stamina reaches 0, the Pokémon's attacks drop in effectiveness to 0.7× damage. When any Pokémon is knocked out, the stamina of all three is increased by 30%. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, stamina no longer exists, allowing the use of just one Pokémon without penalty.

Pokémon Change mimicsanimated series/manga-style battling byswitching out to the next available Pokémon to let the previously used one rest; while not in battle, each Pokémon will regenerate 0.8 points of stamina per second (until restored to 100).

While switching out, the user is temporarily immune to any on-screen attacks. This makes it an effective method for avoiding certain Final Smashes if timed correctly. Damage percentage is shared by all three Pokémon, so changing Pokémon will not affect damage at all.

In Brawl, effects such as increased or decreased size held by the previous Pokémon will not be carried over during Pokémon Change (Final Smash wielding being one exception). Pokémon Change cannot be activated in midair. Both of these are no longer the case in Ultimate.

Due to the Pokémon Trainer starting with only Squirtle, Pokémon Change is disabled inThe Subspace Emissary until the player obtains Ivysaur; it is then limited until Charizard is obtained.

Subspace Emissary

The Pokémon Trainer is first encountered byLucas in the Ruined Zoo. For most of the game, the two are paired together. Pokémon Trainer's mission is to capture Charizard and Ivysaur while Lucas's is to saveNess. On their way tothe Ruins, the two are ambushed byWario, who is eventually defeated by the two. Later inThe Ruined Hall, they are attacked byGalleom. Once defeated, it sets off a time bomb. Lucas saves the Pokémon Trainer, and they are then both saved byMeta Knight who carries them away from the explosion, which sucks up Wario's trophy into Subspace. From then on, the two join Meta Knight,Marth, andIke on their quest to take down theSubspace Army.

Pokémon

Squirtle

Voice actors
Debut	Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Japanese	Rikako Aikawa
English	Michele Knotz

Main article:Squirtle (Super Smash Bros.)

Squirtle is a fast, lightweight fighter and uses various attacks using its shell and jets of water. It can useWaterfall to dash upward on a wave of water to recover from falls,Withdraw to retreat into its shell and propel itself forward while shooting water out; which makes up for its below-average dash speed. It also usesWater Gun to push enemies backward with a chargeable stream of water, but does no damage at all (unless fired without charging it up, though it also shortens the range). Because of its lightweight build, it excels in aerial combat and is hard to combo, but is easy to knock around and KO. Squirtle is also the shortest-ranged of the 3 Pokémon and needs to be in close range to deal damage, due to its small size and poor reach. It usesHydro Pump in the Pokémon Trainer's Final Smash,Triple Finish.

In theSubspace Emissary, Squirtle is the first Pokémon to appear alongside the Pokémon Trainer. It is sent out to assist a distraughtLucas inThe Ruined Zoo.

Standard Special Move	Side Special Move	Up Special Move	Down Special Move	Final Smash
Water Gun	Withdraw	Waterfall	Pokémon Change	Triple Finish (Hydro Pump)
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Ivysaur

Voice actors
Debut	Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Japanese	Tomoko Kawakami
English	Craig Blair

Main article:Ivysaur (Super Smash Bros.)

In many ways, Ivysaur is the balance between the heavyweight, hard-hittingCharizard and the lightweight, agileSquirtle. Despite this, it lacks the heavy-hitting moves of Charizard and the fast attack rate of Squirtle. It is very good at racking up damage percentages with its attacks, but has a very hard time KOing its opponent since its strongest finishing moves are too slow to pose a threat. Ivysaur especially suffers in aerial combat and recovery. Despite these flaws, Ivysaur can be used to irritate its foes and rack up damage with its attacks (especially Bullet Seed). Its throws are decent, as its forward and down throws can leave the opponent vulnerable to combos. It uses mostlyphysical Grass-type attacks, such asBullet Seed, a rapidly upward-hitting move, andVine Whip, a tether recovery move that shoots vines out to latch onto edges of a stage and pull Ivysaur up. Like all tether recoveries, however, Vine Whip can beedgehogged, sending Ivysaur to its doom. It also uses the projectile attackRazor Leaf. It usesSolar Beam in the Pokémon Trainer's Final Smash,Triple Finish.

In theSubspace Emissary, Ivysaur is found by the Pokémon Trainer, Squirtle, and Lucas after an encounter withNess's captor,Wario; it is captured in trophy form inThe Ruins. This allows the Pokémon Trainer to usePokémon Change in the story mode.

Standard Special Move	Side Special Move	Up Special Move	Down Special Move	Final Smash
Bullet Seed	Razor Leaf	Vine Whip	Pokémon Change	Triple Finish (Solar Beam)
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Charizard

Voice actors
Debut	Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Japanese	Shin-ichiro Miki
English	Shin-ichiro Miki

Main article:Charizard (Super Smash Bros.)

Charizard is the Pokémon Trainer's powerhouse, boasting heavy-hitting moves, above-average dash speed (slightly faster than Pikachu), and long-range attacks. Charizard's drawbacks include large weight, subpar aerial game, and slow walking speed. Its varied arsenal of attacks includesRock Smash, a powerful frontal attack, andFly, a recovery move that sends Charizard skyward and allows it to glide. It can also use Flamethrower to attack from a short distance, but its power decreases over time. It usesFire Blast in the Pokémon Trainer's Final Smash,Triple Finish.

In theSubspace Emissary, Charizard is found shortly after Ivysaur. After being defeated in battle, it is turned into a trophy and captured, completing the Trainer's team.

Standard Special Move	Side Special Move	Up Special Move	Down Special Move	Final Smash
Flamethrower	Rock Smash	Fly	Pokémon Change	Triple Finish (Fire Blast)
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Trophy information

Pokémon Trainer

"A person whoraises Pokémon andtrains them aspartners in battle. In battle, a Trainer givesorders to the Pokémon and usesitems. It's not an exaggeration to saybattles can be won or lost on a Trainer's single strategic move. Trainers pour theirhearts into their Pokémon and share anger, sadness, and joy as they adventure in hopes of becomingPokémon Masters."

Triple Finish

"The Final Smash of the Pokémon Trainer. Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard join forces to simultaneously useHydro Pump,SolarBeam, andFire Blast. This is the only time all three of them appear on the screen together, so this move boasts the strength of three in one. A window will appear on the screen saying "It'ssuper effective!" when the attack hits."

Squirtle

"A Tiny Turtle Pokémon. In times of danger, it pulls its arms and legs inside its shell to protect itself from enemy attacks. When it conceals its neck, it also shoots a powerful stream of water from its mouth. Its shell not only protects its body, it also reduces water friction when it's in the water. When it levels up, it evolves intoWartortle."

Ivysaur

"A Seed Pokémon that is the evolved form ofBulbasaur. It has a flower bulb on its back, the weight of which has made it develop strong legs and hips. If the blossom gets too big, the Pokémon can't stand on two legs alone. At a certain level, it evolves intoVenusaur. When this happens, the bulb absorbs nutrients and blossoms into a large-petaled flower."

Charizard

"A Flame Pokémon. Its fiery breath is hot enough to burn up rocks, and its wings let it fly up to 4,600 feet into the air. It's a proud Pokémon that will never use its flame breath on an opponent weaker than itself. The flame on its tail is a barometer of how much vitality it has remaining. Its signature move,Flamethrower, is a reliable technique."

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

As part of change to the mechanics of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, Pokémon Trainer was removed from the game, andCharizard became a standalone fighter. Pokémon Trainer,Squirtle, andIvysaur still appear as trophies in both versions of the game.

Trophy information

Pokémon Trainer trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

NA:Pop quiz! What do Misty, Brock, Cynthia, Iris, and Ash all have in common? That's right—they're all Pokémon Trainers! This Pokémon Master in the making is the same. Back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl,he fought to be the very best—like no one ever was. To smash them was his real test—to launch them was his cause!

PAL:Quiz time! What do Misty, Brock, Cynthia, Iris and Ash all have in common? That's right - they're all Pokémon Trainers! This Pokémon Master in the making is just the same. He fought to be the very best - like no one ever was - back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. To smash them was his real test - to launch them was his cause.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The Pokémon Trainer returned as a fighter in Ultimate, together with Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard. In addition, a female alternate palette was introduced based on the femaleplayer character fromPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (canon nameLeaf), allowing the player to choose the gender of the Trainer similar toRobin orWii Fit Trainer. By default, Pokémon Trainer now starts with Squirtle, but this Pokémon can be changed by tapping its portrait or pressing the left button (the Y button on any controller outside of a single Joy-Con) on the Character Select screen. Additionally, the Pokémon Trainer has palette swaps based on the player characters from other regions; the male Trainer has palettes based onEthan,Lucas andCalem, while the female Trainer has palettes based onMay,Hilda, andSelene.

Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon no longer grow tired if they fight for too long without rest, and they can change Pokémon faster and in midair. While switching, their Pokémon are granted invincibility frames, but these frames become shorter and less effective if overused. Type effectiveness has also been removed.

By default, Pokémon Trainer is the 26th character to be unlocked, but they can be unlocked earlier viaDonkey Kong'sunlock ladder in Classic Mode or finding them in theWorld of Light.

Classic Mode

Pokémon Trainer'sClassic Mode route is calledThe FutureChampion. Like Pikachu's scenario, all of the opponents arePokémon, save forMaster Hand. The player is allowed to heal with aMaxim Tomato between theMewtwo and Master Hand fights.

Round	Opponent(s)	Stage
1	Pikachu	Pokémon Stadium
2	Jigglypuff	Pokémon Stadium
3	Lucario	Spear Pillar
4	Incineroar	Kalos Pokémon League
5	Greninja	Pokémon Stadium 2
6	Pokémon Trainer Opposite gender of Player	Pokémon Stadium 2
Bonus	N/A
Final	Mewtwo	Final Destination
Final	Master Hand andCrazy Hand	Final Destination

World of Light

During the opening cutscene, the male Pokémon Trainer was present on the cliffside whenGaleem unleashed his beams of light. Working together withBowser and hisFire Breath, he sent out Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard in an attempt to fight back against the beams with Triple Finish, to no avail. All four were vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment along with the rest of the fighters (excluding Kirby). The female Pokémon Trainer makes no appearance in cutscenes.

Pokémon Trainer's icon is found near the eastern coast of the World of Light's overworld. After defeating him, the Pokémon Trainer is freed and can be selected in battle in the Adventure mode, as either the male or female option.