LogFAQs > #979826911

ViewtifulJoe posted...

Is there actually a difference between Self-Destruct and Explosion aside from one having 200 base power and the other having 250?

Nope, none at all. Explosion is objectively better, and the only reason to use Self-Destruct is if the Pokemon can't also learn Explosion, which only applies to specifically Muchlax/Snorlax and Mewtwo.

EDIT: To clarify, there are some situations where a Pokemon can learn Self-Destruct but not Explosion within a generation, like Sudowoodo having Self-Destruct as an egg move in G/S/C but not being able to learn Explosion until the gen 3 move tutors. But Muchlax/Snorlax and Mewtwo are the only Pokemon who have never been able to learn Explosion but have been able to learn Self-Destruct.