|
Pikachu (JP) is one of the many species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is an Electric-type Pokémon that made its first appearance in the first generation games Red and Blue. Created by Satoshi Tajiri and his team at GameFreak, Pikachu quickly became the most popular of the 151 species introduced in the first generation and overall all over 1,000 Pokémon, mostly because of its prominent role in the Pokémon anime. Pikachu is the mascot of the franchise, appearing in nearly every Pokémon game. It has appeared in every movie and is a regular in the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Pikachu is also one of the world's most famous video game characters of all time.
Pikachu is number 25 in the National Pokédex and Kanto regional Pokédex. When given a Thunderstone, it will evolve into Raichu regardless of its level. Pichu evolves into Pikachu when it reaches its utmost happiness level. Pikachu also had various forms: a Gigantamax form, wearing various costumes, a Partner Pokémon, and wearing Ash Ketchum's hats.
Physiology and Behaviour[]
A Raichu and a Pikachu in Pikachu's Vacation.
Pikachu are one foot tall yellow mouse. They have long ears with black tips and a lightning shaped tail (appropriate for their Pokémon type). Female Pikachu have two little bumps at the end of their tail, making it resemble a heart (this is the only gender difference of a Pikachu). Pikachu have two red cheeks in which they store their electricity, and if angered they absolve the energy and release it at their target. Pikachu most often recharge their electricity at night, and will accidentally discharge it when they wake up. With their electricity they are capable of healing their ally Pikachu. They are notably similar in appearance not only to Pichu and Raichu, but also to Plusle and Minun.
Pikachu live in the wild but are also known as great pets, though precautions are needed if one wishes to keep one. In the wild one will typically find them in packs, though they aren't particularly territorial and will only attack when threatened. Despite being good house pets, they can also be a nuisance due to their habit of destroying human made electrical appliances. Pulling on a Pikachu's tail will automatically send an electric shock to the one who pulled it and subsequently cause the Pikachu to bite the foe. In the wild, a group of Pikachu's have the ability to cause a lightning storm, though only do so when needed. Even when they do this, the lightning storm doesn't last long.
While Pikachu are commonly found in forests, plains, and around mountains, they may also be found in cities in towns due to the electrical allure of these areas, which will occasionally cause a Pikachu to even enter a building. In the wild, they have an appetite for berries which, if too hard, they will roast with their electricity to make them tender enough to eat. When in the wild, Pikachu will raise their tails to investigate their surroundings, though doing so may sporadically cause lightning to strike the creature.
Cosplay Pikachu[]
In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pikachu is always female, has a black heart-shaped spot at the end of its tail, and can be dressed in any of five outfits corresponding to the five Contest conditions. The outfits are Rock Star, Belle, Pop Star, Libre and Ph.D. Pikachu Libre also appeared in Pokkén Tournament and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Cap Pikachu[]
The second form is Pikachu in a cap, which debuted as an event-exclusive Pokémon in the Seventh Pokémon generation. It is always male and has eight variants, each wearing one of Ash Ketchum's hats from the anime.
Partner Pikachu[]
Partner Pikachu is the Pokémon the player starts with in Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu!. This Pikachu can be either gender, has higher base stats, and has access to moves that normal Pikachu do not.
Gigantamax Pikachu[]
As Gigantamax Pikachu, it becomes larger and chubbier. Its tail becomes longer and becomes capable of storing all of the electricity it generates, causing it to glow a bright yellow and enabling it to become as powerful as a lightning strike. Three red clouds float around the tail. Its power is equal to that of a power plant; however, it is difficult to use it in peoples' homes since Pikachu can only remain in its Gigantamax form for a short time.
Appearances[]
Main Pokémon games[]
Pikachu has appeared in every main entry in the series, except for Pokémon Black and White, where it has to be transferred from Generation IV games. In Pokémon Red and Blue players can find the rare rodent in either Viridian Forest or the Power Plant, though in the game's third version Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu!, Pikachu was the only available starter Pokémon, and would follow the player around as it did in the Pokémon anime. In the second generation of games Pikachu could be found on Route 2, while in the GBA third generation titles he was only available in the Safari Zone (excluding the original game's remakes, where they were once again in Viridian Forest and the Power Plant). In the fourth generation of games for the Nintendo DS Pikachu and Pichu can both be found in the Trophy Garden. Pikachu is one of the starters in Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. In Yellow and all mainline Pokémon games from Pokémon X and Y until Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pikachu is voiced by Ikue Otani. Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not contain Otani's Pikachu voice in these games.
There have been various games in which Pikachu is the central character. The previously mentioned Pokémon Yellow features Pikachu as the starter Pokémon, and, like its anime counterpart, is not comfortable inside a Poké Ball and thus remains outside of it, following its trainer around like a loyal pet. In the game the trainer has the ability to interact with it, but this option is very limited. While Yellow is the only game in the main series that contains Pikachu as a starter, some entries in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series also have it as a starter as well, though unlike Yellow being a Pikachu is a choice among many. In the Nintendo 64 game Hey You, Pikachu!, players could interact with an onscreen Pikachu using a microphone that came with the game.
Other Pokémon games[]
Pikachu has appeared on the cover of a variety of video games, including Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Trozei, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness, Pokémon Battle Revolution, Pokémon Channel, Pokémon Dash, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, and other Pokémon spin-offs.
There have been multiple consoles that were redesigned to have Pikachu placed on it. A special orange Nintendo 64 and blue Nintendo 64 were released with Pikachu on the right side of it. A bundle was made available that included both the console, a pocket watch, and Hey You, Pikachu! for the Nintendo 64. When Pokémon Yellow was released Nintendo released a Game Boy Color with Pikachu decorated on the front. Released exclusively in the PokéCenters in Japan was a Game Boy Advance SP that had the facial features of Pikachu on the flap of the hardware. This special edition GBA SP was titled the Pokémon Pikachu Edition. In November of 2005 a special Game Boy Micro was released that featured Pikachu above the face buttons. Similar to the Pikachu themed GBA SP, Nintendo released a yellow DS Lite with Pikachu on the front cover. Four Pikachu faces were also present on the cover of the Pokémon DAISUKI Club edition DS Lite.
Pokémon Rumble Blast[]
Pikachu is the starter Pokémon in Pokémon Rumble Blast.
Pokkén Tournament[]
Pikachu is a playable character for Pokkén Tournament as well as Pikachu Libre. His moveset includes electrical attacks the species uses in the main games, like Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, and Thunder. In Burst form, he can use the Burst Attack Volt Shock Fist. Several of his attacks and victory poses are directly taken from Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima's movesets from the Tekken series.
Detective Pikachu[]
Detective Pikachu
In Detective Pikachu, a Pikachu is capable of speaking the human language, but only the player character Tim Goodman is capable of hearing him. Much like Meowth from the anime, he is incapable of using moves that most Pikachu is capable of using. This Pikachu also really loves to drink coffee. Early on in the game, a regular Pikachu also briefly appears.
Detective Pikachu appears as the titular character of the live action Detective Pikachu movie. Detective Pikachu was created when Harry Goodman's Pikachu pleaded with Mewtwo to save Goodman. Mewtwo agreed but only on the condition that Pikachu find Goodman's son Tim. Detective Pikachu goes on an adventure with Tim, who seems to be the only one capable of understanding him, and a journalist named Lucy Stevens.
Detective Pikachu returned in Detective Pikachu Returns, the sequel of Detective Pikachu, release on the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023.
Super Smash Bros. series[]
Pikachu from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch.
In Super Smash Bros., several of Nintendo's biggest characters fight against each other. And since Pikachu is the mascot of the popular Pokémon series and Pokémon is Nintendo, Pikachu was one of the original 8 starter characters. Pikachu return in subsequent games in which Pikachu is playable in all of them. In this series, Pikachu can use Thunder, Quick Attack, Thunder Jolt, and Skull Bash (Skull Bash was introduced in Melee). Since Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Pikachu can use a move called Volt Tackle as his "Final Smash". Pikachu can use this move after it breaks a Smash Ball and Pikachu will turn into a giant electric ball that the player can control, but when Pikachu controls the ball the player has to be careful because the ball goes really fast and you won't have enough control. In Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, its pre-evolved form (and clone), Pichu is playable. In Ultimate, Pikachu had an alternate costume based on Pikachu Libre. Its final evolved form, Alolan Raichu, appears as a Poké Ball Pokémon. In the Subspace Emissary, Pikachu teams up with Samus Aran to escape an enemy-laden laboratory.
Trophy descriptions[]
Pikachu (Melee)
- "It's safe to say that Pikachu is the most famous and popular of all Pokémon. It has electric pouches in both cheeks; when in danger, it shoots electricity at its enemies. Although Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by exposure to a Thunderstone, many trainers like Pikachu so much that they don't let it evolve."
Pikachu (Adventure) (Melee)
- "While its electrical attacks, such as Thunder and Thunder Jolt, are powerful, Pikachu is at its best speeding around the fray and waiting for its chance to strike. You can control the path of Pikachu's two-directional Quick Attack, allowing you to jump twice. Hold down the B Button to charge up Skull Bash."
Pikachu (All-Star) (Melee)
- "The angle of the Control Stick controls the direction of Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu will move blindingly fast, and it will also cause damage to any character it runs into. Move the Control Stick during Quick Attack and Pikachu will move in up to two directions. Be sure to check out the ceilings on the level when you use Thunder."
Pikachu (Brawl)
- "A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes thunderbolts on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into Raichu."
Volt Tackle (Brawl)
- "Pikachu, transformed into a ball of light that can slam into foes. It can also fly to chase down those who try to jump out of range. Sparks get stronger when you press the attack button. However, its increased inertia makes midair movement tough. If you get carried away flying, the effect will end, and you'll destroy yourself. Be careful it doesn't happen to you."
Trivia[]
- In Brawl, some of Pikachu's new attributes, such as wall-jumping and its goggle costume, were previously held by Pichu in Melee; additionally, prior to Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pikachu could only learn Volt Tackle if it evolved from a Pichu who had Volt Tackle as an egg move. The Smash community has noted these similarities, and a common fan theory states that the Pikachu in Brawl actually evolved from Melee's Pichu.
- As of the current Tier lists for each installment of Super Smash Bros., Pikachu and Fox McCloud are the only characters who have never been ranked lower than the upper portion of the mid-tier.
- Both characters have incidentally also been at the top of a tier list before.
In the anime[]
Pikachu is among the main characters of the anime, which consists of both the extremely long-running television series for more than 25 years and the film franchise which spans over 20 movies.
Ash's Pikachu[]
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu is the signature Pokémon of trainer Ash Ketchum, and was his first Pokémon. Pikachu detests the idea of being kept inside a Poké Ball, whereas most Pokémon don't seem to matter. Because of this, Ash allows Pikachu to roam around free, though nonetheless Pikachu is loyal and stays by Ash's side. He is the signature Pokémon of the anime series from the original series to Pokémon Journeys: The Series and appeared in almost every non-special episode and released up to that point.
In the first episode, titled Pokémon, I Choose You!, Ash was going to go to Professor Oak's and receive his very first Pokémon, which in his region (Kanto) was typically either a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander. However, by the time he got there, all of those Pokémon had been given out so he was given a Pikachu instead. Pikachu, however, would have nothing to do with Ash, and would consistently ignore him and his requests. When attacked by a group of Spearows, however, Ash saved the Pikachu and brought it to the medic where they were able to heal it. Following this, Pikachu gradually came to accept Ash and the two became the best of friends.
Captain Pikachu[]
Captain Pikachu
In Pokémon Horizons: The Series, Ash and his Pikachu are no longer the main protagonists, as Liko and Roy replaced them. Another Pikachu is owned by Friede wearing a captain suit named Captain Pikachu, who accompanies the new protagonists. Otani continued to voice the character just like Ash's. Taito Okiura, the vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International, stated that Pikachu would "continue to have a significant presence in the animated series and remain an icon for the brand".
Sparky[]
Ritchie has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sparky, unlike most Pikachu, has a tuft of fur on the top of its head, and, unlike Ash's Pikachu, has no problem with living inside a Poké Ball.
Pikachutwo[]
In Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Mewtwo cloned Ash's Pikachu named Pikachutwo. This Pikachu can be distinguished from Ash's due to the spikes in the black marks found on the tips of its ears. It is also comparatively more aggressive than Ash's Pikachu and slurs its speech, defects possibly caused by Ash tampering with Mewtwo's cloning machine during the cloning process. It reappeared in the sequel special Mewtwo Returns and its CGI remake, Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.
Other[]
A Pikachu nicknamed Puka was owned by Victor on Seafoam Islands in The Pi-Kahuna. This blue-eyed Pikachu saved Ash from drowning by having the ability to sense tidal waves approaching.
Goh caught a Pikachu in Gotta Catch a What?!. She, along with a few others of her kind, later evolved into Raichu during the episode.
Red's Pikachu appeared in Pokémon Origins (cameo only) and Pokémon Generations (first episode). Pikachu appeared in all episodes of Pokémon Evolutions, cosplaying all the playable characters in the mainline games.
Pikachu appeared in cameos in other animated media such as Pokémon: Twilight Wings, Pokétoon, and Bidoof's Big Stand.
Pikachu appeared in The Journey of One Dream, under the ownership of Dominic.
Other media[]
Pikachu fought Blanka in Death Battle and lost.
The Brazilian music video Lightning Force features a stop motion animated Pikachu. This Pikachu is also shown later as a live action actor with a full-body costume.
Pikachu is featured in a Katy Perry song, Electric.
Pikachu appeared in the music video for Celestial. It is also featured in the single cover for the song.
In manga[]
There are many different members of this species in the Pokémon manga, of which there are many series. Pikachu have appeared in the mangas known as Pokémon Adventures, Electric Tale of Pikachu, Pokémon PiPIPi Adventure, Pocket Monsters, Pokémon Zensho (where it evolves into a Raichu), Pokémon Get da ze!, Akari and Pikachu's Birthday, Golden Boys, and the Pokémon newspaper strip. Pikachu's most common appearance is that in Pokémon Adventure, where it was owned by Red until he went missing. After this, Pikachu teamed up with Yellow for a couple years to find Red.
Trading Card and Figure Game[]
Pikachu has very many different Pokémon Trading Cards, with an estimated thirty of them being known. In some trainer cards, Pikachu can be seen. The first set that contained Pikachu was the Base Set, which was after its release available at E3. In the Trading Card Game there are three moves that Pikachu can perform that it can't in the video games, including Spark, Scratch, and Tackle. So far one figure of Pikachu has been made in the Trading Figure Game, that figure being Next Quest: Pikachu.
Cameos[]
The Keaton Mask from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is speculated to be based on Pikachu. One of the guards in the game explains that it's really popular with children, which is the case with Pokémon. In The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, a species was created based on the mask and was called a Keaton. In Picross NP Vol. 1, Pikachu is one of the images you can create in the game. In the Game Boy Camera, there is a stamp and a frame based on Pikachu.
Origin and inspiration[]
Pikachu's original appearance.
Ken Sugimori, who befriended the series creator years prior to the creation of Pokémon, designed the species. Pikachu first appeared in the Japanese Game Boy game Pokémon Red and Green, and in America they appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue. Due to Pikachu's increase in popularity, GameFreak made Pikachu the mascot of Pokémon Yellow and soon later Pikachu became the official mascot of the series, appearing in nearly every Pokémon game to date. In the main Pokémon games Pikachu is represented by sprites, and its overall in-game design has become slimmer as the series progressed. It has no speaking roles in the games, though rather the species is known to simply repeat their name, or the various syllables of it (Pi, Ka, and Chu). Pikachu is noted as the first electric type Pokémon created, and its name was decided upon because it would greatly appeal to both Eastern and Western audiences.
Pikachu's name originates from the Japanese word "Pika" (ぴかぴか), which means to sparkle or electrify, and "chūchū", which is a Japanese term for squeaking. In English, Pika means any of several small, furry mammals, of which Pikachu is, while in Finnish Pika means "quick".
In-game information[]
Pokédex entries[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| First Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Red and Blue | When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. |
| Pokémon Yellow | It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you. |
| Pokémon Stadium | Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked. |
| Second Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Gold | This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. |
| Pokémon Silver | It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. |
| Pokémon Crystal | When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. |
| Third Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Ruby | Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge. |
| Pokémon Sapphire | This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up. |
| Pokémon Emerald | It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt. |
| Pokémon FireRed | It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. |
| Fourth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Diamond | It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks. |
| Pokémon Pearl | If it looses crackling power from the electrical pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary. |
| Pokémon Platinum | It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. |
| Pokémon HeartGold | This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. |
| Fifth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Black | It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. |
| Pokémon White | It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. |
| Pokémon Black 2 | It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. |
| Pokémon White 2 | It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. |
| Sixth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon X | It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. |
| Pokémon Y | It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby | Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge. |
| Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up. |
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | A plan was recently announced to gather many Pikachu and make an electric power plant. |
| Pokémon Moon | It's in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if it's unable to fully discharge the electricity. |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | Its nature is to store up electricity. Forests where nests of Pikachu live are dangerous, since the trees are so often struck by lightning. |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | While sleeping, it generates electricity in the sacs in its cheeks. If it's not getting enough sleep, it will be able to use only weak electricity. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu |
This forest-dwelling Pokémon stores electricity in its cheeks, so you'll feel a tingly shock if you touch it. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Eevee |
This forest-dwelling Pokémon stores electricity in its cheeks, so you'll feel a tingly shock if you touch it. |
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy. |
| Pokémon Shield | When Pikachu meet, they'll touch their tails together and exchange electricity through them as a form of greeting. |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. |
| Pokémon Shining Pearl | If it looses crackling power from the electric sacs on its cheeks, it is being wary. |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Possesses cheek sacs in which it stores electricity. This clever forest-dweller roasts tough berries with an electric shock before consuming them. |
| Ninth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Scarlet | When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. |
| Pokémon Violet | When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms. |
Cap Pikachu[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | This form of Pikachu is somewhat rare. It wears the hat of its Trainer, who is also its partner. |
| Pokémon Moon | This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer’s cap. Since the cap’s not the right size, the fit is a bit loose. |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | This form of Pikachu is somewhat rare. It wears the hat of its Trainer, who is also its partner. |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer’s cap. Since the cap’s not the right size, the fit is a bit loose. |
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | Original: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through many different regions. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region. Partner: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of when they first met. World: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through different regions. |
| Pokémon Shield | Original: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled across many regions together. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region together. Partner: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol of a fateful encounter. World: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol that travels across different regions with Pikachu. |
| Ninth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Scarlet | Original: The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across lots of different regions together. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola: The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region together. Partner: The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon traveling together with its partner, whom it met in a fateful encounter. World: The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the world together. |
| Pokémon Violet | Original: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across many different regions. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region. Partner: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed as the two overcame many hardships together. World: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the world. |
Gigantamax Pikachu[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | Its Gigantamax power expanded, forming its supersized body and towering tail. |
| Pokémon Shield | When it smashes its opponents with its bolt-shaped tail, it delivers a surge of electricity equivalent to a lightning strike. |
Game locations[]
Evolution[]
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
Base Stats[]
Gen I-V[]
| HP | 35 |
| Attack | 55 |
| Defense | 30 |
| Sp. Attack | 50 |
| Sp. Defense | 40 |
| Speed | 90 |
| Total | 300 |
Gen VI onwards[]
| HP | 35 |
| Attack | 55 |
| Defense | 40 |
| Sp. Attack | 50 |
| Sp. Defense | 50 |
| Speed | 90 |
| Total | 320 |
Partner[]
| HP | 45 |
| Attack | 80 |
| Defense | 50 |
| Sp. Attack | 75 |
| Sp. Defense | 60 |
| Speed | 120 |
| Total | 430 |
Moveset[]
Form change[]
Gigantamax[]
|
Gigantamax Form | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Legacy[]
Pikachu in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Game Freak created 151 Pokémon species for the first game in the series, which initially released in 1996 in Japan. When creating each Pokémon, none of them were created with the intention of becoming the series' mascot, but rather GameFreak would observe fan's reactions towards each Pokémon and determine the mascot accordingly. Pikachu ultimately became the most popular of the first batch of creatures, and thus became the official mascot of the Pokémon franchise. Because of its prevalent appearance as one of the main characters in the anime, its popularity among fans was fueled even further. To date, Pikachu can be obtained in every single Pokémon video game and is a playable character in every Super Smash Bros. title.
Outside of Pokémon media[]
Pikachu has been featured on airplanes, automobiles, and even a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon (it introduced the 2006 show and was the first balloon to have built in electricity to light up the Pokémon's cheeks). Pikachu was present in a "got milk?" commercial (Mario was also present in one), and TV Guide regarded Pikachu as the fifteenth best cartoon character on television, beating out characters such as Mickey Mouse, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, Superman, and Batman. Pikachu has been mentioned in movies such as Top Gear and television shows such as Heroes. The character Ling-Ling from Drawn Together is based on Pikachu. Pikachu has appeared in a skit in Robot Chicken that shows what goes on in a Poké Ball. Pikachu was present in The Simpsons episode Bart vs. Lisa vs. The Third Grade, while Maggie Simpson was dressed as Pikachu in the episode 'Tis the Fifteenth Season. In the movie Austin Powers in Goldmember, a character dressed as Pikachu is seen running down a street.
People have named their pets after Pikachu. Sarah Natochenny, the current voice actress of Ash Ketchum for the anime's English dub, named her cat Pikachu.
Pikachu (or at least, Pikachu's tail) was to have a cameo appearance in Rare's controversial Nintendo 64 game, Conker's Bad Fur Day. While it had to be scrapped before release at Nintendo's request, footage from an unfinished cutscene surfaced that the Pokémon was to be beaten up by Don Weaso, but his attacks missed leaving Pikachu to flee.
On December 11, 2023, Google revealed that Pikachu was the "most searched Pokémon" in the platform's history during its 25 years of creation.
Gallery[]
| Main article: Pikachu/gallery |
Sprites[]
Cosplay[]
| Renders | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Cap[]
| Renders | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||
Gigantamax[]
| Renders | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
Videos[]
External links[]
- Pikachu at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Pikachu at Pokémon Wiki, the Fandom wiki on Pokémon.
- Pikachu (Pokémon) at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Ash's Pikachu at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Captain Pikachu at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Pikachu (Super Smash Bros.) at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Pikachu variants at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Cosplay Pikachu at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
- Pikachu in a cap at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.
[]
| First partner Pokémon | |
|---|---|
| Generation I | Bulbasaur • Charmander • Squirtle • Pikachu (Yellow and Let's Go Pikachu!) • Eevee (Let's Go Eevee!) |
| Generation II | Chikorita • Cyndaquil (also in Legends: Arceus) • Totodile |
| Generation III | Treecko • Torchic • Mudkip |
| Generation IV | Turtwig • Chimchar • Piplup |
| Generation V | Snivy • Tepig • Oshawott (also in Legends: Arceus) |
| Generation VI | Chespin • Fennekin • Froakie |
| Generation VII | Rowlet (also in Legends: Arceus) • Litten • Popplio |
| Generation VIII | Grookey • Scorbunny • Sobble |
| Generation IX | Sprigatito • Fuecoco • Quaxly |
| Characters in Pokémon anime | |
|---|---|
| Main characters | Ash Ketchum • Pikachu • Team Rocket (Jessie • James • Meowth) • Liko • Roy |
| Original series | Misty • Brock • Professor Oak • Gary Oak • Giovanni • Butch • Cassidy • Nurse Joy • Officer Jenny • Delia Ketchum • Tracey Sketchit |
| Ruby and Sapphire | May • Max |
| Diamond and Pearl | Dawn |
| Black and White | Iris • Cilan |
| XY | Serena • Clemont • Bonnie |
| Sun and Moon | Lillie • Kiawe • Mallow • Lana • Sophocles |
| Journeys | Goh • Chloe |
| Horizons | Friede • Amethio • Nidothing/Dot |
| Other animated media | Red • John • Alec • Ava • Ohara • Haru • Madoka Akagi |
| Pokémon with multiple forms | |
|---|---|
| Generation I | Pikachu |
| Generation II | Pichu • Unown |
| Generation III | Castform • Kyogre • Groudon • Deoxys |
| Generation IV | Burmy • Wormadam • Cherrim • Shellos • Gastrodon • Rotom • Dialga • Palkia • Giratina • Shaymin • Arceus |
| Generation V | Basculin • Darmanitan • Deerling • Sawsbuck • Tornadus • Thundurus • Landorus • Kyurem • Keldeo • Meloetta • Genesect |
| Generation VI | Greninja • Vivillon • Flabébé • Floette • Florges • Furfrou • Meowstic • Aegislash • Pumpkaboo • Gourgeist • Xerneas • Zygarde • Hoopa |
| Generation VII | Oricorio • Lycanroc • Wishiwashi • Silvally • Minior • Mimikyu • Necrozma • Magearna |
| Generation VIII | Cramorant • Toxtricity • Sinistea • Polteageist • Alcremie • Eiscue • Indeedee • Morpeko • Zacian • Zamazenta • Eternatus • Urshifu • Zarude • Calyrex • Ursaluna • Enamorus |
| Generation IX | Oinkologne • Maushold • Squawkabilly • Palafin • Cyclizar • Tatsugiri • Dudunsparce • Gimmighoul • Koraidon • Miraidon • Poltchageist • Sinistcha • Ogerpon • Terapagos |
| Gigantamax Pokémon | |
|---|---|
| Generation I | Venusaur • Charizard • Blastoise • Butterfree • Pikachu • Meowth • Machamp • Gengar • Kingler • Lapras • Eevee • Snorlax |
| Generation V | Garbodor |
| Generation VII | Melmetal |
| Generation VIII | Rillaboom • Cinderace • Inteleon • Corviknight • Orbeetle • Drednaw • Coalossal • Flapple • Appletun • Sandaconda • Toxtricity • Centiskorch • Hatterene • Grimmsnarl • Alcremie • Copperajah • Duraludon • Urshifu |
| Fighters in Super Smash Bros. | |
|---|---|
| Super Smash Bros. | Mario • Donkey Kong • Link • Samus • Yoshi • Kirby • Fox • Pikachu • Luigi • Ness • Captain Falcon • Jigglypuff |
| Melee | Peach • Bowser • Ice Climbers • Sheik • Zelda • Dr. Mario • Pichu • Falco • Marth • Young Link • Ganondorf • Mewtwo • Roy • Mr. Game & Watch |
| Brawl | Meta Knight • Pit • Zero Suit Samus • Wario • Snake • Ike • Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Diddy Kong • Lucas • Sonic the Hedgehog • King Dedede • Olimar (Alph) • Lucario • R.O.B. • Toon Link • Wolf |
| 3DS and Wii U | Lucina • Dark Pit • Villager • Mega Man • Wii Fit Trainer • Rosalina & Luma • Little Mac • Greninja • Mii (Brawler • Swordfighter • Gunner) • Palutena • Pac-Man • Robin • Shulk • Bowser Jr. (Koopalings (Larry/Roy/ Wendy / Iggy / Morton/Lemmy/Ludwig) • Duck Hunt • Ryu • Cloud Strife • Corrin • Bayonetta |
| Ultimate | Dark Samus • Daisy • Chrom • Ken • Inkling • Ridley • Simon • Richter • King K. Rool • Isabelle • Incineroar • Piranha Plant • Joker • Hero (Erdrick/Solo/Eight) • Banjo & Kazooie • Terry • Byleth • Min Min • Steve (Alex/Zombie/Enderman) • Sephiroth• Pyra and Mythra • Kazuya • Sora |