Thunder Jolt

Thunder Jolt is Pikachu's neutral special move throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, and Pichu's neutral special in Super Smash Bros. Melee. This move is notable for not having a counterpart from the Pokémon games.

When used, Pikachu and Pichu launch a ball of electricity rotating across the stage until it collides with an opponent. The attack can travel off the sides of the stage, as well as along walls if they are not too steep, but not along the underside of fall-through platforms. When the attack is used in the air, it begins as a larger, more powerful ball of electricity until it hits the ground.

Like Pichu's other special moves, this move inflicts damage to Pichu whenever it is used; the recoil effect also carries over to Kirby if he copies Pichu and uses this move.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, this move has been given two custom variants that can be unlocked. The first of these is Thunder Wave, an Electric-type move from Pokémon, which like its namesake sends out a ball of electricity that deals less damage and does not travel as far but paralyzes opponents when it hits. The second move is Thunder Shock, another Electric-type move, which sends out a ball of electricity that travels directly ahead; although it does not travel as far and is weaker if it hits closer to Pikachu, but hits with a more powerful blast of electricity if it hits from farther away.