Ness vs. Samus Super Smash Bros. 4 tiers, match-up votes and discussion

This matchup is, according to ESAM, about 55/45 in Samus's favor. To start with, Grapple Beam is a really great zoning option against Ness since he can't absorb it, so the neutral goes to Samus. The boxing also goes to Samus, as forward tilt is a great up close option against Ness. Since Samus is rather heavy, she won't be KOed at good percents for back throw; most of Ness's KOs against Samus come from back air. Ness is one of those matchups where Missiles are a great option; Ness either has to shield or dodge them, as forward smash is way too punishable. Charge Shot is another factor, as the threat of it will often make Ness throw out sudden PSI Magnets, which are punishable. If Ness is offstage, the matchup becomes almost free for Samus; nair and Grapple Beam are great for keeping Ness away, bair and Charge Shot are especially potent at killing, and Bombs make fantastic ledge traps. In fact, in a lot of situations, Samus can just dair Ness during PK Thunder, and so while Samus will survive to around 120%, she will KO Ness around 70 or 80% from her edgeguards. Just be careful to time Charge Shot as a punish, as if Samus shoots one wrong, Ness will recover at least 30% from absorbing it. If Samus is careful, though, she can scare Ness sufficiently to swing matches between them in her favor. ESAM actually picked up Samus specifically for Ness and a few other matchups that are harder for Pikachu.