Today's two part Smash Bros update introduces the generically-named Pokemon Trainer and his ability to cycle through three pokemon. I'm sure he has no name because you get to name him, and I'm equally sure he will have a female version.

The Trainer stands on the sidelines of the stage and is seen actually giving commands. Just like we should have seen in every console Poke-craphat game to date.

Yeah, Sakurai seems to indicate that the Trainer is limited to three types... but I bet that's a ruse. This is a huge change from the usual Smash Bros character, so it seems like a waste to come up with the concept and then only offer one M/F Trainer and three associated pokemon. Plus, those are all G1 characters... you gotta think there's a doppelganger Trainer with a trio from Diamond/Pearl, the most successful Pokemon game in years.

This makes me think that we won't see the return of Pichu and Jigglypuff as playable characters, since those two aren't usually seen to be as independant as Pikachu. I hope we still get Mewtwo, though. He was my Most Played in Melee.

This is probably cooler news than last month's Smashville announcement. I am so excited that I am weblogging this from work and humming the Pokemon stage theme from Melee.