10 Powerful Video Game Bosses That Became Weak Playable Characters

King K. Rool certainly isn’t weak in the conventional sense in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. That boxing glove really, really smarts. The sad fact is, though, the hype surrounding him seemed to fade rather quickly.

The addition of Donkey Kong’s nemesis to the roster was a huge moment in Super Smash Bros. history, yes, and there’s no denying that the king of the Kremling crew makes for a unique fighter. With his armoured belly, his crown and cannon projectiles and his impressive propeller-aided recovery, there isn’t a heavyweight fighter in the series like him.

Earlier in the game’s lifespan, there were widespread complaints that these traits may make King K. Rool overpowered. Those notorious down-smash and down-throw shenanigans were the scourge of online play.

Despite his assets, though, the reptilian royalty can be exploited for his slow nature and huge hitbox like any other heavy character. The smaller, more combo-orientated characters that tend to dominate tier lists can be a nightmare for him to handle. As such, he’s a real rarity on the tournament scene and his popularity has fallen.