Ultimate Guide to Poké Balls in Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) on the Nintendo Switch is the most content-packed entry in the series, offering a mix of chaotic combat, competitive play, and fan-service across gaming universes. One of the most iconic features carried through each generation is the inclusion of Poké Balls, magical capsules that summon random Pokémon to fight on your behalf. These items bring an extra layer of unpredictability, strategy, and nostalgia—especially for fans of the Pokémon franchise.

Poké Balls and their rare variant, the Master Ball, function as assist items that, when thrown, release a Pokémon ally into the battle. The summoned Pokémon uses one or more attacks, creating temporary advantages or devastating blows depending on its ability. But while these items are often seen as just fun chaos-makers, a deeper look reveals their tactical potential, hidden risks, and impact on both casual and competitive gameplay.

What Are Poké Balls and How They Work

In SSBU, Poké Balls appear randomly during battles when items are turned on. Like any item, they can be picked up and thrown. Once thrown (or activated by pressing the attack button while holding), the ball breaks open and releases a randomly selected Pokémon. Each Pokémon performs a preset action—some deal damage, others apply effects like freezing, pushing, or reflecting attacks.

Pokémon summoned from Poké Balls act independently. They cannot be controlled, and their behavior is based entirely on the type of Pokémon. Some, like Bewear, rush toward enemies with brute force. Others, like Gardevoir, stay put and defend with reflective barriers. Some simply distract or inconvenience opponents, buying time for the summoner to recover or reposition.

Master Balls operate similarly, but are rarer and typically contain Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, making them more powerful and game-changing.

How to Use Poké Balls Effectively in Battle

Throwing a Poké Ball might seem straightforward, but timing and placement are crucial. Many new players waste their Poké Ball by tossing it off-stage or too far away, causing the Pokémon to spawn out of bounds or fall into pits. Experienced players understand that Poké Balls are tools of control, not just spectacle.

The best strategy involves:

• Positioning: Aim the throw so the Pokémon appears close to opponents or in a zone of control.
• Spacing: Use the summoned Pokémon to block enemy movement or force them into a corner.
• Timing: Activate the Poké Ball when you are at a disadvantage or when enemies are grouped together.
• Edge Guarding: Some Pokémon can help guard edges, making it difficult for recovering enemies to return to the platform.

Also, keep in mind that Poké Balls can be picked up by anyone, so a careless toss can give your opponent the advantage instead.

Differences Between Poké Balls and Master Balls

While Poké Balls and Master Balls function similarly, they differ in power, availability, and predictability.

Attribute	Poké Ball	Master Ball
Availability	Common in item-enabled battles	Rare, appears less frequently
Pokémon Summoned	Regular and mid-tier Pokémon	Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
Power Level	Varies widely	Generally stronger, more impactful
Appearance	Classic red and white	Purple with white and an “M” on top
Impact on Battle	Moderate to high	Very high, potentially game-changing

If you’re playing with items set to high frequency, you may see several Poké Balls in one match. Master Balls, on the other hand, are rare and designed to offer one-time, high-impact moments.

Notable Pokémon You Can Summon

There are over 50 different Pokémon that can be summoned from Poké Balls and Master Balls in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Below are some of the most effective, unique, or fun ones to look out for.

From Poké Balls:

• Alolan Vulpix – Emits icy breath that freezes opponents.
• Electrode – Explodes after a short countdown. Can be picked up and thrown.
• Snivy – Launches razor leaves in a fan pattern, providing spacing and chip damage.
• Meowth – Sprays coins in a wide arc, dealing rapid hits.
• Ditto – Transforms into your fighter and mimics your moves as an ally.

From Master Balls:

• Lugia – Soars into the background and fires massive wind blasts across the stage.
• Solgaleo – Charges with flame, dealing immense damage across a straight path.
• Zoroark – Slams an opponent repeatedly with high-speed strikes.
• Xerneas – Boosts the stats of the summoner temporarily.
• Arceus – Uses Gravity to spike airborne enemies downwards.

Each Pokémon behaves differently, so learning which ones favor offense, defense, or status effects can help you react faster when they appear on the battlefield.

Customizing Poké Ball Frequency in Settings

You can control how often Poké Balls appear in a match by adjusting the item settings:

1. From the main menu, go to Smash > Rules > Items > Item Switch.
2. Find Poké Ball and Master Ball in the list.
3. Toggle them on or off, and adjust their frequency from None to Very High.

This lets you create custom match experiences:

• All Poké Balls, all chaos.
• Poké Ball-only matches for Pokémon-themed battles.
• Item-free competitive matches where every Poké Ball counts.

You can even play 1v1 Poké Ball Throwdown matches, where the only damage comes from Pokémon and not direct attacks—a fun twist on the traditional formula.

Poké Ball Strategy in Free-for-All vs 1v1 Matches

In Free-for-All matches with 3–8 players, Poké Balls become area control tools. Dropping one in the middle of a crowded stage can clear the field or start a scramble for item control. In this format, they offer:

• Disruption during big combos.
• Denial zones to keep players out.
• Safe zones for recovering from high percentages.

In 1v1 matches, the Poké Ball’s impact is more personal. A well-placed Pokémon can break a stalemate, save a recovery, or punish an aggressive opponent. Timing and positioning matter even more, and a single Master Ball summon can determine the match.

Competitive Scene and Item Ban Culture

In the competitive Smash Bros. community, items—including Poké Balls—are typically disabled. This is due to the randomness and imbalance they introduce, which runs counter to the skill-based philosophy of tournaments. However, in casual and party settings, Poké Balls are embraced as part of the fun, adding spectacle, laughter, and surprise to every round.

That said, side events and fan-run tournaments sometimes include Poké Ball-only brackets, embracing chaos as the goal. These niche competitions celebrate randomness as skill: knowing how to manipulate item spawns, control terrain, and use Pokémon wisely becomes a game of strategy in itself.

Hidden Mechanics and Easter Eggs

Some Poké Ball Pokémon have hidden mechanics or references:

• Electrode can fake its explosion. Sometimes it doesn’t detonate as expected, catching careless players off guard.
• Ditto only appears if both players use characters that it can copy. If conditions aren’t met, it may not spawn at all.
• Wobbuffet reflects attacks but can also be knocked around like a punching bag, making it more interactive than most.

Many of the Pokémon also retain signature moves and sound effects from the mainline Pokémon games, enhancing the crossover appeal for long-time fans.

Final Thoughts

While often considered a party gimmick, Poké Balls in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are a complex feature when viewed through a strategic lens. They offer unique advantages, disrupt enemy momentum, and introduce unpredictability into every match. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying the nostalgia or a skilled fighter using items as tactical tools, Poké Balls deserve respect.

Their legacy in the Smash series is proof of how deeply rooted Pokémon is in Nintendo’s DNA. By mastering how to use them—or how to counter them—you elevate your understanding of what makes Smash Ultimate so endlessly fun.