Frame data

In the context of Super Smash Bros., frame data is information related to the number of frames it takes for certain things to take place. For example, Little Mac's jab comes out on the first frame after the attack button is pressed, so it is said to come out on fram 1. Since all Smash games run at 60 frames per second, this means that the attack will come out in 1/60 of a second (not counting input lag, but that's a story for another day).

There are many different types of frame data that all become factors when finding out how useful and punishable a move is. For example, generally weaker attacks come out on earlier frames, but many can be used to set up or continue combos. Stronger attacks, such as smash attacks, usually come out much later. For example, Bowser's forward smash, a powerful kill move, comes out on frame 22, while Pikachu's jab comes out on frame 2, but can be used repeatedly to rack up damage.

Some characters, such as Shulk, have notoriously bad frame data, and as such are low tier characters.