Super Smash Bros. Brawl/Characters

Below is a list of all the known characters for Super Smash Bros. Brawl to date. Move lists for the characters are available here.

Bowser
The arch-nemesis of Mario and probably the most popular of the Nintendo villains makes its reappearance to SSBB since its success in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Bowser will still remain on the slow side, like from Melee, but will pack quite a punch to make up for his slow speed. Bowser is one of the more heavy characters, so it takes a lot to send him flying!
 * Series: Super Mario series
 * Original Game: Super Mario Bros. (NES) — 1985

For his final smash, Bowser will turn into Giga Bowser from Super Smash Bros. Melee for a short amount of time, wiping out anything in his path!

Diddy Kong
Donkey Kong's best buddy and partner arrives as a new character on the scene. Diddy Kong, Unlike Donkey Kong, is pretty lightweight, so can go flying pretty easily, but is very agile. Diddy isn't very powerful, but cannot be considered weak.
 * Series: Donkey Kong series
 * Original Game: Donkey Kong Country (SNES) - 1994

For his final smash, Diddy will bring back his Barrel Jetpack and Peanut Popgun from Donkey Kong 64 and fly around insanely, being trigger happy at the same time.

Donkey Kong
He's the king of the jungle. Donkey Kong is another character that comes back from Super Smash Bros. but has had a lot of changes since then. Donkey Kong will remain as he did in Super Smash Bros. meaning that he is still a bit on the heavy side, but packs a punch!
 * Series: Donkey Kong series
 * Original Game: Donkey Kong (Arcade) - 1981

For his final smash, Donkey Kong will whip out his bongos from Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat and blow all the other opponents away!

Fox McCloud
Since the lift off from Super Smash Bros., Fox McCloud makes his continuity consistent in Brawl. Though not much is currently known, it has been observed that Fox will have his laser gun in hand at all times, unlike earlier in the series where he only uses his laser gun upon invocation.
 * Series: Star Fox series
 * Original Game: Star Fox (SNES) — 1993

For Fox's final smash, he will get into the Landmaster from Star Fox 64 and will run over opponents while blowing them away with heavy firepower.

Ice Climbers
Unexpectedly returning from Super Smash Bros. Melee, the hammer wielding Ice Climbers are here. The player mainly controls Popo (usually wearing a blue or purple parka), with Nana (pink parka) following automatically.
 * Series: Ice Climbers
 * Original Game: Ice Climber (NES) — 1985

Ike
Another Fire Emblem character hits the Smash family. Ike's incredible strength lets him carry a two-handed sword in one hand. He can also perform "Aether", a move where he slashes an opponent with his sword.
 * Series Fire Emblem series
 * Original Game: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube) — 2005

Kirby
Kirby is another classic character in the Super Smash Bros. Series. Although not much is known about his abilities, it is known that he will retain his ability to swallow enemies and use their powers.
 * Series: Kirby series
 * Original Game: Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy) — 1992

Link
Link has been updated to match his recent "Twilight Princess" appearance. Some of his moves have been updated as well, as his Gale Boomerang can slightly pull opponents towards him, and he can charge his Spin Attack.
 * Series: The Legend of Zelda series
 * Original Game: Legend of Zelda (NES) — 1986

Lucas
Lucas is a timid boy who has psychic abilities, similar to Ness.
 * Series: EarthBound
 * Original Game: Mother 3 (Japan only)

Mario
Mario returns in the third entry of the Smash Bros. series, though he is not exactly the same as before, using the Mario Tornado as a normal move and the FLUDD as a special move in its place.
 * Series: Super Mario series
 * Original Game: Donkey Kong (Arcade) — 1981

Meta Knight
Kirby's arch-rival makes his debut in SSBB. He can fly like Kirby, but is a master swordsman. His cape will also deflect projectiles.
 * Series: Kirby series
 * Original Game: Kirby's Adventure (NES) — 1993

Peach
Princess Peach returns with her trusty parasol and Toad shield. She can also perform her floating jumps just like last time.
 * Series: Mario series
 * Original Game: Super Mario Bros. (NES) - 1985

Pikachu
Pikachu comes back with its new Final Smash attack.
 * Series: Pokémon series
 * Original Game: Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy) — 1996

Pit
Pit fights using his bow, which can be split into two knife type weapons.
 * Series: Kid Icarus series
 * Original Game: Kid Icarus (NES) — 1992

Pokémon Trainer
The Pokémon Trainer finally hits the Smash field, but not exactly. He comes out and stays on the sidelines cheering the three Pokémon he brought with him on. He brought with him Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard. One Pokémon is out at a time and when you want to switch, you perform the Pokémon Change. The change cycle goes like the order that the Pokémon had just been named, and each one has their own attacks.
 * Series: Pokémon series
 * Original Game: Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy) - 1996

Samus Aran
The female bounty hunter Samus Aran returns to the Smash Bros. arena. for the third time. She will still have the ability to charge up shots and use a grappling lazer to grab foes and hook onto walls.
 * Series: Metroid series
 * Original Game: Metroid (NES) — 1986

Samus' final smash will shoot a giant blast of energy, in turn, making her armor fall off and turning her into Zero Suit Samus (See Below)

Zero Suit Samus
To use Zero Suit Samus you must play with Samus and use her Final Smash (Zero Laser). After that your space suit will fall and you will only be able to use the Zero Suit. You'll be faster and the pieces of your space suit can be picked up and thrown like items. You will be able to use a small hand held gun that can also turn into a lazer whip.
 * Series: Metroid series
 * Original Game: Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA) — 2004

Solid Snake

 * Series: Metal Gear series
 * Original Game: Metal Gear (MSX2/NES) — 1987

Solid Snake makes an unexpected appearance in Brawl, being the first third-party character to ever debut in a Super Smash Bros. game. In Brawl, Snake does not use real-world guns, but still utilizes explosives.

Wario

 * Series: Wario series
 * Original Game: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy) — 1992

Brawl is Wario's first debut in the world of Smash Bros. (although he appeared as a mere trophy in Melee). He wears the costume from the WarioWare games, as opposed to his traditional outfit. Nintendo stated that they aimed to give Wario some rather excessive movements, such as his motorcycle and flatulence.

Yoshi

 * Series: Mario series
 * Original Game: Super Mario World (SNES) - 1991

Yoshi is back from Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee and he is cuter than ever, with more airtime for his egg-throwing abilities.

Zelda

 * Series: The Legend of Zelda series
 * Original Game: Legend of Zelda (NES) — 1986

Zelda, like Link, has changed between Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It is still unknown whether or not she can transform into Sheik.