An Introduction

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon

Gamers have been enjoying the latest pair of Pokemon games since they hit earlier this month. Game Rant's review of Pokemon X and Y even heralded the titles as the best installments the series has ever seen, and the sheer amount of gameplay coupled with the quality of the actual content leaves very little left to be desired. Praise for the games aside, focus on which of these new and pre-existing monsters will appear in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS has started to set in amongst the masses.

It's confirmed that new Pokemon will be appearing in the forthcoming Smash Bros. games — with Xerneas being spotted in a recent screenshot — so Pokemon X and Y will be represented in some form or another. With excitement for both games understandably high, we at Game Rant decided to compose a list of the top five Pocket Monsters we feel are the most likely to make a playable appearance in the next Smash titles.

We've selected characters that weren't playable in Brawl but are feasibly the most likely to score a coveted spot in the crossover-centric beat 'em up. This means we haven't included Jigglypuff, Pokemon Trainer, or Lucario, so don't be alarmed by their absence on this list. Without any further ado, let's get to it.

Meowth

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon Meowth

Originally intended to be a character in the Nintendo 64's Super Smash Bros., Meowth has been a trademark rival to franchise mascot Pikachu since the series kicked off. Still remaining a villain to this day due to his association with Team Rocket in the ongoing anime, Meowth is one of the strongest candidates for inclusion in a new Smash Bros. game.

Despite the feline's continued relevance however, other creatures have risen to prominence in recent years, making this cat's chances of appearing in a playable form slightly slimmer. Still, he's remained one of the more requested Smash participants throughout the series' existence and handily deserves a spot on our list.

Genesect

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon Genesect

Recently scoring a prominent role in the latest Pokemon movie, Genesect has peaked in popularity — making it more likely than ever to be considered for a spot in the Super Smash Bros. roster. The once extinct creature was resurrected by Team Plasma and outfitted with a cannon to serve the morally flawed organization as it attempted to liberate Pokemon from their trainers. Long story short, it didn't work and Genesect escaped. Sounds like another familiar story from the Pokemon universe...

Genesect has a wide range of combat options that would make it a serious threat to many combatants featured in Smash Bros., and it'd sure be a lot of fun to play as given its heightened maneuverability and hodgepodge of ranged/physical attacks. Anyone who picked up a copy of Pokemon Black 2 or White 2 were also able to download Genesect for a limited time, making this a rather heavily desired creature.

Blaziken

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon Blaziken

As one of the more popular Pokemon in recent years, Blaziken has once again resurfaced as a viable combatant in the new Super Smash Bros. once it scored a Mega Evolution in Pokemon X and Y. With Torchic being given away as a special promotion for the launch of the new games, it's obvious that Game Freak is still very much aware of which monsters its fans are fond of.

Blaziken would be a nimble brawler with an emphasis on physical attacks, but would still have ranged fire attacks if the developers felt so inclined. It's Final Smash could even feature it evolving into Mega Blaziken. It all sounds good to us, but whether or not Nintendo agrees remains to be seen.

Zoroark

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon Zoroark

Starring in its own film in 2010, Zoroark was the first 5th generation Pokemon ever revealed, which puts it in a favorable position when it comes down to deciding which Pocket Monsters will make the transition to the next Smash Bros. game. Zoroark was previously unobtainable in Pokemon Black and White, requiring trainers to go through a special in-game event in order to secure the illusive Dark-type.

Zoroark is capable of taking on the form of other monsters it battles with, earning the nickname 'the mirage Pokemon'. This ability could come in handy during battle against Mario and friends and it could take on the form of any other Pocket Monster on this list, allowing it to represent several different Pokes in a similar fashion to Pokemon Trainer.

Mewtwo

Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS Pokemon Mewtwo

Mewtwo is the first Legendary to ever rear its genetically man-made head. Created by Team Rocket in an attempt to clone the mythical Mew, this Pokemon has unbelievable strength and is considered by many to be one of the strongest obtainable monsters. In the anime, Mewtwo has once again risen to prominence by starring in a new feature length film as the only force capable of competing against a pack of rampaging Genesect.

Mewtwo was believed to be a shoe-in for Super Smash Bros. Brawl after its appearance in Melee, but sadly it didn't come to be despite the sound files for the character found within the code for the game. Since the failed experiment-turned living weapon has become a poster boy of sorts for Pokemon X and Y as a result of its two new Mega Evolutions, there's little doubt that Mewtwo will be coming back.

Whether or not it'll appear in its original form is anyone's guess, but a Final Smash featuring at least one of its Mega Evolutions makes the most sense for this veteran in our eyes.

Conclusion

Pokemon X Y Super Smash Bros Wii U 3DS

Both Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS are easily contenders for the most anticipated game of 2014, and we're sure that the devs will select some interesting and unique combatants for them. Franchise director Masahiro Sakurai has already confirmed that not all fighters will be returning, which means that some Pokemon may get the axe — Lucario even topped our list of the top 5 characters unlikely to return. That said, there's still time left before the two fighting games hit store shelves, so stay tuned to Game Rant for more character reveals as they happen.

What do you think of our list, Ranters? Which Pokemon do you think should make a playable appearance in the new Super Smash Bros. games?

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Follow Riley on Twitter @TheRileyLittle.