An item is an object that appears on stage that characters can use or throw. Items are a large part of the gameplay of the Super Smash Bros. series. They may appear at any time in designated spawning areas during a match or summoned by a character's special move.
The items that appear during regular gameplay and are listed under Item Switch may be broken down into several different types of categories based on how they are used and their effects.
Container items[]
Container items can be broken if attacked or thrown and usually release other items when destroyed. Rarely, the container will explode when destroyed instead.
Shooting items are items that fire projectiles when used, typically replacing the neutral attack and neutral aerial of the user. They all have limited ammunition and will shoot blanks once they run out. Starting in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, trying to shoot an item with no ammunition will throw it instead.
Throwing items are items that can be thrown at opponents. It's impossible to perform a regular attack while holding one as pressing the attack button will throw the item instead.
Recovery items can be used to heal the damage of the fighter who uses them. Starting in Super Smash Bros. Melee, fighters can pick up a healing item while holding another item.