With the addition of Sora from Kingdom Hearts as DLC, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is finished adding new fighters into the game post-release. Unfortunately, this is bad news for Pokemon fans who are excited about the recent releases of Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and the highly-anticipated Pokemon Legends Arceus.
Pokemon has been a staple of the Super Smash Bros franchise since its debut on Nintendo 64 in 1999. Every installment has featured new Pokemon characters, though many generations are still unrepresented in the crossover fighter. These twelve Pokemon would be excellent additions to a future installment of Super Smash Bros.
12 Marowak: The Bone Keeper Pokemon
Marowak originated all the way in Generation 1, which is the most over-represented generation in terms of Pokemon fighters in Super Smash Bros. Marowak would be joining Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Mewtwo, and Pokemon Trainer as Kanto-region Pokemon appearing in the franchise. This would probably be the biggest reason not to include Marowak in a future Super Smash Bros game.
However, Marowak's Alolan form could possibly differentiate it from the other Gen 1 Pokemon currently in the game. While Marowak's original typing is Ground, its Alolan form is Fire and Ghost, giving it quite a unique moveset split between the two forms.
11 Skarmory: The Armor Bird Pokemon
As it stands, the only fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate who represents Pokemon's second-gen is Pichu, the self-harming pre-evolved form of Pikachu. If Masahiro Sakurai was considering adding another Johto Pokemon to the series, Skarmory would be an excellent choice.
As a Steel and Flying-type, Skarmory would boast a compelling moveset, with Steel Wing, Brave Bird, and Drill Peck in its arsenal. That being said, Skarmory is not the most popular or recognizable Pokemon in the franchise's history. It would still make for a pretty cool character to play as, though!
10 Sceptile: The Forest Pokemon
When it comes to Gen 3 starters, most Super Smash Bros. fans would probably prefer Blaziken over his grass-type counterpart, Sceptile. However, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate currently features two Fire-type Starter Pokemon as fighters (Charizard and Incineroar) as well as two Water-type starters (Squirtle and Greninja). It's Grass-type's time to shine!
Sceptile's no stranger to fighting games either, as this Pokemon also makes an appearance in Pokken Tournament for Wii U and Pokken Tournament Deluxe for Nintendo Switch. Considering it also has a Mega Evolution, Sceptile would be a great pick for the long-underrepresented Hoenn region.
9 Gallade: The Blade Pokemon
Gallade is a split-evolution of Gardevoir, a Generation 3 Pokemon who currently appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Pokeball Pokemon. Naturally, with Gallade's Psychic and Fighting-type combination, it makes for an easy choice for a potential Smash Bros. fighter.
In addition, Gallade would work as a second representative from the fourth generation of Pokemon games, alongside Lucario, another Fighting-type. Gallade makes for a great counterpart to the Aura Pokemon, focusing on grace and style over Lucario's aggression and swiftness.
8 Zoroark: The Illusion Fox Pokemon
Zoroark is the obvious choice to represent the currently absent Generation 5 in the Super Smash Bros series. As the star of its own anime movie, Zoroark is popular with fans and has a moveset that makes it unique among the current Super Smash Bros roster, with abilities that let it shapeshift and cast illusions.
In addition, Zoroark has an alternate form in the upcoming Pokemon Legends Arceus, swapping its pure Dark-typing for an unseen Normal and Ghost-typing. Perhaps Zoroark's representation in Super Smash Bros could feature both forms with a moveset that combines the best of both mysterious foxes.
7 Hawlucha: The Wrestling Pokemon
While the role of wrestling-based Pokemon fighter seems occupied by Generation 7's Incineroar, Hawlucha has enough differences to earn its spot as a potential Super Smash Bros character. Hawlucha also appeared as a member of Ash Ketchum's team during his travels in the Kalos region.
As a Fighting and Flying-type, Hawlucha's typing is covered by other current Super Smash Bros fighters. However, Hawlucha's moveset could take advantage of its wrestling persona, with moves like Flying Press, Acrobatics, and Roost.
6 Aegislash: The Royal Sword Pokemon
This Steel and Ghost-type was once upon a time among the strongest Pokemon in the competitive meta, though it has since been nerfed. However, it's become a fan favorite in the Pokemon community for its unique design, advantageous typing, and ability to switch forms that hugely affect its stats. Design-wise, it's very easy to imagine this Pokemon's potential in a Super Smash Bros game.
With its Stance Change ability in-game, Aegislash alternates between a heavily-defense Pokemon and a powerhouse attacker. This could be incorporated into Aegislash's moveset, giving it both defensive moves like Counter and King's Shield, as well as brutal offensive moves like Shadow Sneak and Iron Head.
5 Mimikyu: The Disguise Pokemon
Another Ghost-type, this cute copycat has easily become one of the most popular Pokemon to come out of the seventh generation. Its recognizable Pikachu costume would make it fit right into Super Smash Bros next to the real Pikachu while having a completely different moveset from the Electric Mouse Pokemon.
With Mimikyu's Ghost and Fairy typing, it could utilize moves in Super Smash Bros like Play Rough, Shadow Claw, and Substitute. Given its additional high speed, Mimikyu has the potential to be a very annoying fighter, with the ability to move all across the map while setting up decoys.
4 Tapu Koko: The Land Spirit Pokemon
The four guardian deities are Legendary Pokemon who appeared in Pokemon Sun & Moon. Tapu Koko stands out among them as the one most relevant to the game's plot, making it the clear choice of the four to become a fighter in Super Smash Bros.
The only issue with including Tapu Koko is that this would give Electric-type a third representative, after Pikachu and Pichu. However, Tapu Koko's dual typing with Fairy could give it an edge, with a moveset including Nature's Madness, Electric Terrain, and Wild Charge.
3 Marshadow: The Gloomdweller Pokemon
This Fighting and Ghost-type Mythical Pokemon was made obtainable via an Event in Pokemon Sun & Moon. Currently, it appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Pokeball Pokemon, utilizing its signature move, Spectral Thief. However, Marshadow has a diverse enough learnset to warrant its inclusion as a full fighter in a future Super Smash Bros. title.
Though it has a unique type combination in Fighting and Ghost, Marshadow also learns several moves from other types, including Thunder Punch, Poison Jab, and Grass Knot. Marshadow could be a powerhouse in Super Smash Bros, and he's even cute enough to appeal to younger fans.
2 Sirfetch'd: The Wild Duck Pokemon
If there's one thing that's true about Sakurai, it's that he loves including oddball fighters in Super Smash Bros. Sirfetch'd would fit right in next to characters like Wii Fit Trainer, Duck Hunt Dog, and Mr. Game & Watch. As the evolution of Gen 1 Pokemon Farfetch'd, Sirfetch'd could have an appeal with diehard Pokemon fans, as well as casual Super Smash Bros participants.
With its lance-shaped leek, Sirfetch'd could be a unique fighter with a defensive moveset, operating like a soldier. It also learns moves like First Impression and Brick Break, which could be some fresh, original moves for a pure Fighting-type Pokemon.
1 Urshifu: The Wushu Pokemon
Urshifu is a Legendary Pokemon who appears in Pokemon Sword & Shield, serving as the mascot for the Isle of Armor DLC expansion. As such, it's popular enough to include in a future Super Smash Bros. game as a representative of the Galar region.
Urshifu also has two forms: Rapid-Strike style (Fighting and Water-type) and Single-Strike Style (Fighting and Dark-type). Urshifu's potential moveset could utilize both of these forms by giving Urshifu moves that are both swift and multi-hitting (like Surging Strikes) as well as slow and powerful (like Sucker Punch).
Pokemon Legends Arceus will be available for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available on Nintendo Switch.