Pichu (Super Smash Bros. Melee)


 * For the trophy, see Pichu (trophy).

Pichu (Japanese:, Pichū) is a Pokémon character in SSBM. He is unlocked by completing Event Match 37: Legendary Pokemon or by playing 200 vs. matches.

Pichu in SSBM
Pichu is said to be a joke character amongst many players and even in the game itself. Because of this reason he fits into the game uniquely as a harmless, cute, and even laughable gag. It has been argued about his placing in the tier-list, with many people asking for Mewtwo, Bowser, and Kirby to be considered under Pichu. Despite the nuances of the ever-changing lists, Pichu remains profoundly known as the character nobody wants to competitively play for long.

But it is for all the character's downfalls that he has a following of players at all. The ability to win with Pichu is a Smasher's dream. The reality of it, however, is that nobody has won any notable tournament with only Pichu, not even pro players like Chu Dat or Korean DJ. Pichu is always a fleeting moment of desire, and then it is forgotten. Even most of the Pichu players in the Smash community do not mainly play as Pichu, using the character as a secondary to play against lesser opponents.

Pros

 * Low landing framerate (2 frames)
 * Small size helps in avoiding attacks
 * Ground-level attacks are good for edgeguarding
 * Two recovery attacks (Skullbash [smash+B] and Agility [Up+B])
 * Far recovery distance and choice in direction helps get past edgeguarding
 * Juggles fastfallers well with U-air
 * Can chainthrow fastfallers
 * Powerful F-Smash Knockback (on last hit)

Cons

 * Lightest character in the game
 * Electrical attacks inflict self-damage
 * Extremely short attack range
 * Poor grab range
 * Shortest tech/ledge roll
 * Laggy attacks
 * Easily comboed despite light weight