Ash's Pikachu: Difference between revisions

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{{AnimePokémonInfobox|
:{{samename|alternate Pikachu who appeared in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]|Ash's Pikachu (EToP)}}
trainername=Ash|
:''For the alternate Pikachu who debuted in the {{pkmn|movie}} [[M20|I Choose You!]], see [[Ash's Pikachu (M20)]].''
pokemonname=Pikachu|
{{AnimePokémonInfobox
jtrainername=サトシ|
|trainername=Ash
jpokemonname=ピカチュウ|
|pokemonname=Pikachu
tmtrainername=Satoshi|
|jtrainername=サトシ
tmpokemonname=Pikachu|
|jpokemonname=ピカチュウ
image=[[File:Ash Pikachu.png|250px]] |
|tmtrainername=Satoshi
caption=Ash's Pikachu|
|tmpokemonname=Pikachu
gender=Male<ref>Confirmed in ''[[DP142|Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!]]''.</ref>|
|image=[[File:Ash Pikachu.png|250px]]
ability={{a|Static}}|
|caption=Ash's Pikachu
location=[[Professor Oak's Laboratory]]|
|gender=Male<ref>First confirmed in the Japanese version of ''[[DP142|Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!]]''.</ref>
prevonum=025|
|ability={{a|Static}}
type1=Electric|
|nature=Unknown<ref>Game events based on Ash's Pikachu can be either Naughty, Brave, or Hardy depending on which event Pikachu is received from.</ref>
epnum=EP001|
|location=[[Professor Oak's Laboratory]]
epname=Pokémon - I Choose You!|
|type1=Electric
current=[[Party|With Ash]]|
|epnum=EP001
enva1=[[Ikue Ohtani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season one}}|
|epname=Pokémon - I Choose You!
java1=[[Ikue Ohtani]]
|numeps1=less than 1
|firststagename=Pichu
|secondstagename=Pikachu
|evolution=1
|firstevoep=JN001
|firstevoname=Enter Pikachu!
|prevonum=172
|evo1num=025
|current=[[Party|With Ash]]
|java1=[[Ikue Otani]]
|java2=[[Ikue Otani]]
|enva2=[[Ikue Otani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season 1}}
}}
}}
'''Ash's Pikachu''' (Japanese: '''サトシのピカチュウ''' ''Satoshi's Pikachu'') is the signature {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of the anime series, and the [[starter Pokémon|first Pokémon]] that {{Ash}} obtained on his journey as a [[Pokémon Trainer]].


==History==
'''Ash's Pikachu''' (Japanese: '''サトシのピカチュウ''' ''Satoshi's Pikachu'') is the signature {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', and the [[List of characters' first Pokémon|first Pokémon]] that {{Ash}} obtained on his {{pkmn|journey}} as a [[Pokémon Trainer]], given to him by {{an|Professor Oak}}. Pikachu travels [[Walking Pokémon|outside his Poké Ball]].
===[[Original series]]===
 
====Kanto====
==In animation==
[[File:Ash Pikachu EP001.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu's debut appearance]]
===History===
In the first episode of the [[Pokémon anime]], ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Ash woke up late the day he was supposed to go to {{DL|Professor Oak's Laboratory|In the anime|Professor Oak's Laboratory}} to obtain his first Pokémon. When he arrived at the lab, the three available starter Pokémon, {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}, had already been taken by other Trainers who had arrived on time. (Gary chose Squirtle). Seeing Ash's disappointment, {{an|Professor Oak}} gave him Pikachu, who, at first, [[Obedience|did not care at all for his new Trainer]], constantly zapping him and anyone else nearby. He refused to go into his [[Poké Ball]], and when Ash failed to catch a {{p|Pidgey}}, he laughed at him. However, by the end of the episode, Ash gained Pikachu's trust by protecting him from an attack by a flock of {{p|Spearow}}. Seeing this act of selflessness, Pikachu defended Ash from the Spearow as well and the two of them became inseparable friends, a moment that was capitalized on by catching a glimpse of an {{an|Ho-Oh|unknown Pokémon}} flying by. Ash then rushed to [[Viridian City]] in order to get Pikachu hospitalized quickly, as he had been badly injured during the fight.
====Pre-series====
[[File:Ash Pikachu Pichu and Kanghaskan.png|thumb|250px|Pichu with his adoptive family]]
As shown in ''[[JN001|Enter Pikachu!]]'', Pikachu was once a lonely, orphaned {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Pichu}} who lived in the woods in the outskirts of [[Pallet Town]]. After falling off a cliff, he was saved by a mother {{p|Kangaskhan}}, who, after realizing Pichu had nowhere to go, placed Pichu in her pouch and took him into her care. Eventually, Pichu and the child Kangaskhan grew bigger, and carrying them both became a burden to the mother. Realizing this, Pichu left his adoptive mother's pouch in the middle of the night while Kangaskhan's pack was asleep. Turning back to say goodbye to his family, his feelings of gratitude caused him to [[evolution|evolve]] into Pikachu. After taking a moment to realize what had just happened to him, Pikachu finished his goodbyes and left for parts unknown.


[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png‎|thumb|220px|Ash and Pikachu meeting for the first time]]
At some point after his departure, Pikachu was {{pkmn2|caught}} and eventually came under the possession of {{an|Professor Oak}}. It is unknown how long Pikachu spent at Professor Oak's laboratory before the first episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.
In ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', Ash managed to get to the Viridian City [[Pokémon Center]] just in time with the help of [[Officer Jenny]], who scolded Ash for "mistreating" Pikachu. [[Nurse Joy]] agreed to heal Pikachu, and thanks to her, Pikachu managed to regain his health. At the end of the episode, Pikachu had regained enough of his strength to send {{TRT}} blasting off for the very first time.


Pikachu participated in Ash's first Gym battle with {{an|Brock}} in ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]''. He faced {{TP|Brock|Onix}}, but his {{type|Electric}} attacks were ineffective. Onix then started {{m|bind}}ing Pikachu. Seeing no other option, Ash forfeited. Ash and Pikachu later trained with {{ka|Flint}} in order to increase the strength of Pikachu's Electric-type moves. Ash later challenged Brock to a [[rematch]], where Pikachu managed to defeat [[Brock's Geodude]] thanks to his training. Pikachu then faced Onix again. Onix was able to Bind Pikachu once again, but this time Pikachu's Electric-type attacks dealt quite some damage. However, despite their training, Pikachu was still unable to defeat Onix, who was tightening its grip on Pikachu. As Ash was about to forfeit again, Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} managed to turn on the gym's sprinkler system, severely harming Onix. As Ash was about let Pikachu finish Onix off, he was stopped by [[Brock's siblings]] and he decided to forfeit again. Despite Ash forfeiting the match, Brock still gave him the {{badge|Boulder}}.
====[[Original series]]====
=====Kanto=====
[[File:Ash Pikachu EP001.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu's debut appearance]]
In the first episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Ash woke up late the day he was supposed to go to [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] to obtain his first Pokémon. When he arrived at the lab, the three available first partner Pokémon–{{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{TP|Gary|Squirtle}}–had already been taken by other Trainers who had arrived on time. Seeing Ash's disappointment, Professor Oak gave him Pikachu, who, at first, [[Obedience|did not care for his new Trainer]], constantly zapping him and anyone else nearby. He refused to go into his {{i|Poké Ball}}, and when Ash failed to catch a {{p|Pidgey}}, he laughed at him. However, by the end of the episode, Ash gained Pikachu's trust by protecting him from an attack by a flock of angry {{p|Spearow}}. Seeing this act of selflessness, Pikachu defended Ash from the Spearow as well, and the two of them became inseparable friends, a moment that was capitalized on by catching a glimpse of {{an|Ho-Oh|an unknown Pokémon}} flying by. Ash then rushed to [[Viridian City]] to get Pikachu hospitalized quickly, as he had been badly injured during the fight.
[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu meeting Ash for the first time]]
In ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', Ash managed to get to the Viridian City [[Pokémon Center]] just in time with the help of [[Officer Jenny]], who scolded Ash for "mistreating" Pikachu. [[Nurse Joy]] agreed to heal Pikachu, and thanks to her, Pikachu managed to regain his health. At the end of the episode, Pikachu had regained enough of his strength to send {{TRT}} [[blasting off]] for the very first time.


[[File:Ash Pikachu wounded.png|thumb|left|220px|Ash rushing Pikachu to the Pokémon Center]]
Pikachu participated in Ash's first [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with {{an|Brock}} in ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]''. He faced {{TP|Brock|Onix}}, but his {{type|Electric}} attacks were ineffective. When Onix started {{m|bind}}ing Pikachu, Ash saw no other option than to forfeit the match. Ash and Pikachu later trained with {{ka|Flint}} to increase the strength of Pikachu's Electric-type [[move]]s. Ash then challenged Brock to a [[rematch]], where Pikachu managed to defeat [[Brock's Geodude]] with his training. Pikachu then faced Onix again, but despite their training, he was still unable to defeat it. As Ash was about to forfeit again, Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} started a fire, turning on the Gym's sprinkler system, severely harming Onix. As Ash was about to let Pikachu finish Onix off, he was stopped by [[Brock's siblings]], and he decided to forfeit again. Despite this, Brock still gave him the {{badge|Boulder}}.
Pikachu's next major battle was in Ash's [[Vermilion Gym]] battle against [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]] in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. [[Lt. Surge]] laughed at Ash for attempting to defeat his Raichu with its pre-evolved form, angering Ash and Pikachu. Pikachu started off using {{m|Thunder Shock}} which seemed to do nothing to Raichu. Raichu then used its own Thunder Shock, which was much more powerful than Pikachu's attack, and dealt much damage. Following advice from Brock, Ash tried recalling Pikachu and forfeit. Pikachu, however, was determined to defeat Raichu and kept fighting. While trying to attack, Pikachu got overwhelmed by Raichu's {{m|Mega Punch}} and {{m|Mega Kick}} and was finally defeated by a powerful Thunderbolt. Due to all the damage he had taken during the battle, Pikachu had to be hospitalized. Later in the episode, Ash offered to let Pikachu evolve into a Raichu with a [[Thunder Stone]] that Nurse Joy had given him. However, Pikachu refused, wanting to defeat Raichu on his own terms.
[[File:EP014.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu battling against Lt. Surge's Raichu]]
Pikachu's next major battle was in Ash's [[Vermilion Gym]] battle against [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]] in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. [[Lt. Surge]] laughed at Ash for attempting to defeat his Raichu with its pre-evolved form, angering Ash and Pikachu. Indeed, Raichu turned out to be more powerful than Pikachu, and a combination of attacks from it resulted in so much damage to Pikachu that he had to be hospitalized. Later, Ash offered to let Pikachu evolve into a {{p|Raichu}} with a [[Thunder Stone]] that Nurse Joy had given him. However, Pikachu refused, wanting to defeat Raichu on his terms. During the subsequent rematch with Lt. Surge, Pikachu once again faced Raichu. Using moves like {{m|Agility}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}, which Raichu didn't know, Pikachu managed to gain the upper hand, dodge Raichu's attacks, and ultimately defeat it, thus earning Ash the {{badge|Thunder}}.


Later, Ash challenged Lt. Surge for a rematch, where Pikachu once again faced Raichu. Trying to get close, Pikachu got smacked to the ground by Raichu's tail, followed up by repeating hits from its tail. Raichu then hit him hard with {{m|Body Slam}}. As Raichu was about to finish him off with another Body Slam, Pikachu managed to get up and dodge it. Ash soon found out that since Raichu was evolved so early, it did not learn any of the moves that it could only learn as a Pikachu, such as {{m|Agility}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}. Through his use of these moves, Pikachu managed to gain the upper hand and dodge Raichu's attacks. Raichu responded with an extremely powerful Thunderbolt attack that Lt. Surge was sure could defeat Pikachu. Pikachu, however, used his tail as an anchor to absorb the shock. Raichu tried using Thunderbolt again but due to its previous attack it had run out of electricity. It then tried to hit Pikachu with a {{m|Take Down}}, but was outsped by Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu then used his tail to slam Raichu and defeat it, earning Ash the {{badge|Thunder Badge}}.
Pikachu was separated from Ash in ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]''—along with {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Charmander}}, and {{AP|Squirtle}}—after a group of {{p|Gyarados}} sent them flying with {{m|Dragon Rage}}. During the separation, Pikachu remained adamant that Ash was looking for them, despite Bulbasaur's belief they were abandoned. When Ash's Pokémon came across Team Rocket's Pokémon, who were also separated from their Trainers, the two groups of Pokémon joined forces to look for them. The next day, the group came across a group of giant Pokémon and ended up being chased by them straight to Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket, allowing them to reunite.


In ''[[EP022|Abra and the Psychic Showdown]]'', Pikachu was sent out to battle against [[Sabrina's Abra]] during Ash's [[Saffron Gym]] battle. It proved to be a tough foe, using {{m|Teleport}} to avoid Pikachu's Thunder Shock. Abra then suddenly evolved into Kadabra, making it much stronger. Pikachu tried filling the battlefield with lightining to prevent Kadabra from using Teleport, but Kadabra countered with {{m|Confusion}} to send the attack back at Pikachu. Kadabra then used {{m|Psychic}} to control Pikachu's body and started to repeatedly smash him into the ceiling and back down. Unwilling to see his friend suffer even more, Ash forfeited the match.
In ''[[EP022|Abra and the Psychic Showdown]]'', Pikachu was sent out to battle [[Sabrina's Abra]] during Ash's [[Saffron Gym]] battle. It proved to be a tough foe, using {{m|Teleport}} to avoid Pikachu's attacks. Abra then suddenly evolved into Kadabra, making it much stronger. Eventually, Kadabra used {{m|Psychic}} to control Pikachu's body and repeatedly smash him into the ceiling. Unwilling to see his friend suffer, Ash forfeited the match. In Ash's subsequent rematch with [[Sabrina]] in ''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'', Pikachu fought Kadabra again, since {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}} didn't show up and his other Pokémon were too terrified. Eventually, Haunter appeared and made Sabrina and Kadabra laugh, leaving them incapacitated. As a result, Ash was declared the winner by [[Sabrina's father]], which earned him the {{badge|Marsh}}.
In Ash's rematch with [[Sabrina]] in ''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'', Pikachu selflessly fought Kadabra, since {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}} didn't show up and his other Pokémon were too terrified. Pikachu used Thunder Shock, which Kadabra avoided using Teleport. After taking a hit from Kadabra's {{m|Psybeam}}, Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt which dealt major damage to Kadabra. Kadabra, however, quickly used {{m|Recover}}, negating the damage it had taken. At that moment Haunter appeared and made Sabrina and Kadabra laugh. As both Sabrina and Kadabra were unable to continue the battle, Ash was declared the winner which earned him the {{badge|Marsh Badge}}.


In ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]'', Pikachu entered the [[Big P Pokémon Race]] with {{AP|Squirtle}}. The two were at a significant disadvantage due to Squirtle's short legs and Pikachu's comparative weight, but in a way this helped as they managed to escape an {{p|Electrode}} self-destructing. They made ground when they reached the water stage, putting them in the top four with Ash, {{an|Misty}} and [[Dario]]. However, intervention from Team Rocket forced a battle, and the two were put out of the running by a {{m|Glare}} attack from {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}.
In ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]'', Pikachu entered the [[Big P Pokémon Race]] with Squirtle. The two were at a significant disadvantage due to Squirtle's short legs, and Pikachu's comparative weight, but in a way, this helped as they managed to escape an {{p|Electrode}} self-destructing. They made ground when they reached the water stage, putting them in the top four with Ash, {{an|Misty}}, and [[Dario]]. However, intervention from Team Rocket forced a battle, and the two were put out of the running by a {{m|Glare}} attack from {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}.


In ''[[EP039|Pikachu's Goodbye]]'', Ash and {{ashfr}} ran into a group of {{pkmn2|wild}} Pikachu, which was a very rare find. Pikachu tried to make friends with the other Pikachu, but received a lukewarm response. After saving a baby Pikachu from falling down a waterfall, Ash's Pikachu was accepted by the group. Ash was overjoyed by this at first, but soon began to feel sad, because he thought that Pikachu would be better off with the rest of his kind. After stopping Team Rocket from poaching his Pikachu and the wild Pikachu, Ash decided it was best to leave Pikachu behind with the others. Pikachu refused to leave Ash, however, and quickly ran to catch up with him, followed by the wild Pikachu, who supported Ash and Pikachu being together.
In ''[[EP039|Pikachu's Goodbye]]'', Ash and {{ashfr}} ran into a group of wild Pikachu, which was a very rare encounter. Pikachu tried to make friends with the other Pikachu but received a lukewarm response. After saving a baby Pikachu from falling down a waterfall, Ash's Pikachu was accepted by the group. This overjoyed Ash at first, but he soon began to feel sad because he thought that Pikachu would be better off with the rest of his kind. After stopping Team Rocket from poaching his Pikachu and the wild Pikachu, Ash decided it was best to leave Pikachu behind with the others. However, Pikachu refused to leave Ash and quickly ran to catch up with him, followed by the wild Pikachu, who supported Ash and Pikachu being together.


In ''[[EP052|Priness vs. Princess]]'', Pikachu was borrowed by Misty, so she could use him in the {{DL|Princess Festival|Queen of the Princess Festival contest}}, where he was seen defeating a {{p|Fearow}}. In the finals, Pikachu was Misty's first Pokémon used against [[Jessie]]. Pikachu easily managed to defeat Arbok, {{TP|James|Weezing}} and {{MTR}} in succession with a single Thunder Shock. Pikachu then faced [[Jessie's Lickitung]]. He tried attacking with Thunderbolt, but was then licked by Lickitung and knocked away, knocking him out.
In ''[[EP052|Princess vs. Princess]]'', Pikachu was borrowed by Misty so she could use him in the [[Queen of the Princess Festival]], the main event in the annual [[Princess Festival]]. During the competition, he was seen defeating a {{p|Fearow}}. In the finals, Pikachu was Misty's first Pokémon used against [[Jessie]]. Pikachu easily managed to defeat Arbok, {{TP|James|Weezing}}, and {{MTR}} in succession with a single Thunder Shock. Pikachu then faced [[Jessie's Lickitung]]. He tried attacking with Thunderbolt but was then licked by Lickitung and defeated.


In ''[[EP058|Riddle Me This]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his seventh Gym battle at the [[Cinnabar Gym]], where he faced off against [[Blaine]]'s {{p|Rhydon}}. Pikachu used his fast movements to dodge Rhydon's {{m|Fury Attack}} and then used Thunderbolt, which was ineffctive. Despite being immune to Electric moves, Rhydon was defeated when Pikachu aimed his Thunderbolt attack at the horn on Rhydon's head. Pikachu then faced [[Blaine's Magmar]]. Pikachu tried dodging Magmar's {{m|Fire Punch}} the same way he had dodged Rhydon's Fury Attack, but got hit. Pikachu then tried hitting Magmar with an Electric-type attack, but it proved to be ineffective due to Magmar's Air Lens ability, which heated the air surrounding Magmar, making Electric-type attacks ineffective. Magmar then attacked with a series of Fire Punches, driving Pikachu to the edge of the battlefield. Magmar then unleashed its {{m|Fire Blast}}, which managed to push Pikachu back and almost caused him to fall of the battlefield in the lava. Ash then decided to forfeit the match.
In ''[[EP058|Riddle Me This]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his seventh Gym battle at the [[Cinnabar Gym]], where he faced off against [[Blaine]]'s {{p|Rhydon}}. Despite being immune to Electric moves, Rhydon was defeated when Pikachu aimed his Thunderbolt attack at the horn on Rhydon's head. Pikachu then faced [[Blaine's Magmar]], whose attacks eventually almost caused Pikachu to fall off the battlefield and into the lava below. Seeing that, Ash then decided to forfeit the match.


[[File:Ash Pikachu Poké Ball.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu's Poké Ball, with a lightning bolt mark, at Professor Oak's Laboratory]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu Poké Ball.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu's Poké Ball, with a lightning bolt mark, at Professor Oak's Laboratory]]
In ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'', Ash had Pikachu attack Team Rocket and their Pokémon after they sent out Arbok and Weezing to attack during their Gym battle. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu hit all the opposing Pokémon at once, causing {{p|Machamp}}, Rhydon and {{p|Kingler}} to run away in fear and defeating Arbok and Weezing. Later, after Team Rocket got blasted off, Ash got his eigth Gym Badge, the {{badge|Earth}}.
In ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'', Ash had Pikachu attack Team Rocket and their Pokémon after they sent out Arbok and Weezing to attack during their Gym battle. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu hit all of the opposing Pokémon at once, causing {{p|Machamp}}, Rhydon, and {{p|Kingler}} to run away in fear, and defeating Arbok and Weezing. After Team Rocket got blasted off, Ash got his eighth Gym Badge, the {{badge|Earth}}.


Pikachu made friends with another Pikachu, [[nickname|named]] [[Puka]], in ''[[EP067|The Pi-Kahuna]]''. This particular Pikachu had blue eyes and was an excellent surfer. Ash and his friends had to save both Pikachu when Team Rocket tried to steal them both.
Ash used Pikachu many times during the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]]. In ''[[EP076|Fire and Ice]]'', Pikachu defeated [[Pete Pebbleman]]'s powerful {{p|Arcanine}}, but in ''[[EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble]]'', he was defeated by [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s {{p|Bellsprout}}. Pikachu then faced off against Happy, [[Ritchie]]'s {{p|Butterfree}}, in ''[[EP079|Friend and Foe Alike]]''. Despite being exhausted from battling Team Rocket earlier, he still wanted to fight. After defeating Happy, he faced off against [[Zippo]], Ritchie's {{p|Charmander}}, but due to being exhausted by all his battles, Pikachu was defeated.


Ash used Pikachu many times during the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]]. In ''[[EP076|Fire and Ice]]'', Pikachu fought against [[Pete Pebbleman]]'s powerful {{p|Arcanine}}. Pikachu started off using Agility to confuse Arcanine, but this strategy was countered by Arcanine who melted the ice field using its Fire Blast, causing to whole battlefield to become one big pool of water. Pikachu, however, used this to his advantage by using the water to conduct his electricity and managed to defeat Arcanine with Thunderbolt.
In ''[[EP081|Pallet Party Panic]]'', Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with some of his other Pokémon, to the [[Orange Islands]] with him.


In ''[[EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble]]'', he fought against [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s {{p|Bellsprout}}, who already had defeated [[Ash's Bulbasaur]]. Pikachu tried using Thunder Shock, but Bellsprout dodged and used {{m|Razor Leaf}}. Managing to avoid Razor Leaf, Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but it was ineffective since Bellsprout used its roots to conduct the electricity to the ground. Pikachu then engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Bellsprout, but despite trying his best, he was easily defeated by the skilled Pokémon's {{m|Slam}}.
=====Orange Islands=====
In ''[[EP086|Pikachu Re-Volts]]'', [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] used a {{p|Drowzee}} to take over the minds of many Pokémon on [[Mandarin Island North]], including Pikachu. To rescue the Pokémon, Ash taunted Pikachu into using Thunderbolt on him, which also hit the machine that Drowzee was wired to, freeing all of the Pokémon from its control.


Pikachu later faced off against Happy, [[Ritchie]]'s {{p|Butterfree}}, in ''[[EP079|Friend and Foe Alike]]''. Despite being exhausted from battling Team Rocket earlier, he still wanted to participate in the battle. Pikachu started off with {{m|Double-Edge}}, knocking Happy to the ground. As Happy tried flying up, he held on to it and defeated the Butterfly Pokémon with a Thunderbolt. He then faced off against [[Zippo]], Ritchie's {{p|Charmander}}, but due to being exhausted by all his battles, Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Zippo's {{m|Flamethrower}} and was knocked out by its {{m|Tackle}}.
In ''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'', Ash called Pikachu to help mold a block of ice into a sled as part of his competition against [[Danny]]. He later rode in the sled along with his Bulbasaur and Squirtle in a race against Danny and his team. In the end, Ash managed to win the coveted {{badge|Sea Ruby}}.


In ''[[EP081|Pallet Party Panic]]'', Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with some of his other Pokémon, to the [[Orange Archipelago]] with him.
In ''[[EP099|The Mandarin Island Miss Match]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against [[Lorelei]]{{tt|*|Referred to as Prima in the dub}} of the [[Elite Four]], where he faced her {{TP|Lorelei|Cloyster}}. Eventually, Pikachu lost.


====Orange Archipelago====
In ''[[EP103|Misty Meets Her Match]]'', Pikachu participated in the first part of Ash's battle with [[Rudy]], using his Thunderbolt to blast targets. He then faced off against Rudy's {{p|Electabuzz}}, which kept shrugging off Pikachu's attacks. He was eventually defeated by a powerful {{m|Thunder Punch}}.
In ''[[EP086|Pikachu Re-Volts]]'', [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] used a {{p|Drowzee}} to take over the minds of many Pokémon on [[Mandarin Island North]], including Pikachu. In order to rescue the Pokémon, Ash taunted Pikachu into using Thunderbolt on him, which then hit the machine that Drowzee was wired to, freeing all of the Pokémon from its grasp.
[[File:PikaMeowthOffer.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu offering {{MTR}} an apple]]
In [[EP104|the following episode]], Team Rocket had a plan to capture Pikachu that involved tying him up with Meowth. This succeeded at first, but Meowth and Pikachu got separated from Jessie and [[James]]. Being lost on the island, the two Pokémon had to work together to defeat powerful Pokémon and get to safety. In the end, Ash, Misty, and {{Tracey}} managed to find the duo first and separated them from each other.


In ''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'', Ash called on Pikachu to help mold a block of ice into a sled, as part of his competition against [[Danny]]. He later rode in the sled along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle in a race against Danny and his team. In the end, Ash managed to win the coveted {{badge|Sea Ruby}}.
In ''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against [[Luana]], where he had to fight alongside {{AP|Charizard}}. Despite both Pokémon being eager to battle, they started getting angry at each other right before the battle, affecting their teamwork negatively. However, after seeing Charizard being repeatedly attacked by Luana's {{p|Alakazam}} and {{p|Marowak}}, Pikachu decided to help his partner, cementing their cooperation. Both of their opponents ultimately knocked each other out accidentally, thus earning Ash the {{badge|Jade Star}} and allowing him to enter the [[Orange League]].


In ''[[EP099|The Mandarin Island Miss Match]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against [[Lorelei]]{{tt|*|Referred to as Prima in the dub}} of the [[Elite Four]], where he faced her {{TP|Lorelei|Cloyster}}. Pikachu started off with Thunderbolt, but Cloyster used {{m|Withdraw}} to protect itself from the attack. Pikachu then used Agility, but got knocked back by Cloyster's {{m|Reflect}}. He then managed to hit Cloyster, with a super-effective {{m|Thunder}}, but Cloyster was still standing. After using {{m|Rage}} to increase its {{stat|Attack}}, Cloyster stopped Pikachu's Quick Attack with {{m|Aurora Beam}} and knocked him out with Take Down.
In ''[[EP111|Hello, Pummelo!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}, where he faced off against Drake's {{p|Ditto}}. Despite Ditto being able to copy Pikachu's attacks, it wasn't in as good of shape as Pikachu was. After continuously exchanging attacks, Pikachu managed to defeat it. Pikachu was then recalled when Drake sent out his {{p|Onix}}. [[EP112|Later]], Pikachu faced off against Drake's powerful {{TP|Drake|Dragonite}}, who had already defeated three of Ash's Pokémon. After an exchange of attacks, Pikachu defeated Dragonite, earning Ash the [[Winner's Trophy]] and a spot in the [[Palace of Victory|Orange League Hall of Fame]].


In ''[[EP103|Misty Meets Her Match]]'', Pikachu participated in the first part of Ash's battle with [[Rudy]], using his Thunderbolt to blast targets. He then faced off against Rudy's {{p|Electabuzz}}. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but Electabuzz absorbed the attack. He and Electabuzz then both used Quick Attack, but Electabuzz was able to overpower him. Pikachu then got defeated by a powerful {{m|Thunder Punch}}.
In ''[[EP116|The Rivalry Revival]]'', Pikachu battled [[Gary's Eevee]] and was eventually defeated after Eevee used a powerful {{m|Skull Bash}}. Later on in the episode, Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to [[Johto]] with him.


[[File:PikaMeowthOffer.png|thumb|230px|right|Pikachu offering {{MTR}} an apple]]
=====Johto=====
In [[EP104|the following episode]], Team Rocket hatched a plan to capture Pikachu that involved tying him up with Meowth. This succeeded at first, but Meowth and Pikachu got separated from Jessie and [[James]]. Being lost on the island, the two Pokémon had to work together to defeat powerful Pokémon and get to safety. In the end, Ash, Misty and {{Tracey}} managed to find the duo first, and separated them.
In ''[[EP118|The Double Trouble Header]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his second battle against {{an|Casey}}, where he faced her {{TP|Casey|Chikorita}}. Despite Casey having only recently obtained {{p|Chikorita}}, it quickly gained the upper hand. Just then, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who tried to steal their Pokémon. Their plan failed, however, when Pikachu and Chikorita were reunited with their Trainers and teamed up to defeat Team Rocket.


In ''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against [[Luana]], where he had to fight alongside {{AP|Charizard}}. Despite both Pokémon being eager to battle, they started getting angry at each other right before the battle affecting their teamwork negatively. Charizard tried hitting {{p|Alakazam}} and {{p|Marowak}} with Flamethrower, while Pikachu dashed forward. Alakazam and Marowak managed to dodge the Flamethrower, causing it to hit Pikachu. As Charizard went for Tackle, Alakazam stopped him using Psychic. Seeing how Charizard got continuously attacked by Alakazam and Marowak, Pikachu decided to help his partner and attacked Alakazam, freeing Charizard from Psychic's grasp. Pikachu then got hit by Marowak's Body Slam, but got caught by Charizard's wing. Now finally being able to work together, Pikachu jumped on Charizard's back and used Thunderbolt to stop Marowak after dodging its {{m|Bonemerang}}. As Alakazam was about to unleash its {{m|Hyper Beam}} at Charizard, it got hit by Marowak's Bonemerang, causing Hyper Beam to be launched at Marowak, knocking both Pokémon out. This gave Ash the victory, winning him the {{badge|Jade Star}} and allowing him to enter the [[Orange League]].
In ''[[EP131|Fighting Flyer with Fire]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's [[Violet Gym]] battle against [[Falkner]], where he battled and defeated Falkner's {{p|Hoothoot}} and {{p|Dodrio}}. Pikachu then briefly faced Falkner's {{p|Pidgeot}}, but since he was already tired from his previous matches, he was quickly defeated by a {{m|Whirlwind}}.
[[File:Bugsy Scyther Fury Cutter.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu struggling against Scyther]]
In ''[[EP144|Gettin' The Bugs Out]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his [[Azalea Gym]] battle, where he went up against [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Metapod}} and defeated it. He then went up against Bugsy's last, and most powerful Pokémon, {{TP|Bugsy|Scyther}}. Despite having the type advantage, Pikachu's Thunderbolts constantly missed because of {{p|Scyther}}'s Double Team. The real Scyther then appeared behind Pikachu and hit him with a series of {{m|Fury Cutter}} attacks, knocking him out.


In ''[[EP111|Hello, Pummelo!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against [[Drake]], where he faced off against Drake's {{p|Ditto}}. Despite Ditto being able to copy Pikachu's attacks, it wasn't in good shape as Pikachu and after continuously exchanging attacks, Pikachu managed to defeat it. Pikachu was then recalled when Drake sent out his {{p|Onix}}. [[EP112|Later]], Pikachu faced off against Drake's powerful {{TP|Drake|Dragonite}}, who had already defeated three of Ash's Pokémon. Pikachu headed towards Dragonite using Agility, but got knocked back by Dragonite's tail. Dragonite then attacked with Hyper Beam, but Pikachu managed to jump on Dragonite's head by using his tail as a spring board to dodge the attack and finally defeat it with a powerful Thunder, earning Ash the [[Winner's Trophy]] and a spot in the [[Orange League Hall of Fame]].
In ''[[EP158|A Goldenrod Opportunity]]'', Pikachu faced off against [[Whitney]]'s powerful {{TP|Whitney|Miltank}}, who had already easily defeated [[Ash's Cyndaquil]] and Totodile using {{m|Rollout}}. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Miltank since she got wet by Totodile's earlier {{m|Water Gun}}. However, due to Miltank spinning at great speed, she had already dried up, making Thunderbolt useless. Afterwards, Pikachu was defeated by two Rollout attacks, causing Ash to lose the battle. In [[EP159|the following episode]], Pikachu battled Miltank again in Ash's rematch. Due to Ash's strategy with Cyndaquil and Totodile, Miltank lost her balance. This allowed Pikachu to throw Miltank in the air by hiding in one of the ditches and then finish her off with a Thunderbolt, earning Ash the {{badge|Plain}}.


In ''[[EP116|The Rivalry Revival]]'', Pikachu battled against [[Gary's Eevee]]. Pikachu started off with Quick Attack, but Eevee used Reflect to block the attack. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, but Eevee dodged the attack using {{m|Double Team}}. Eevee then switched to offense and dashed forwards using Take Down. Pikachu, however, dodged this using Agility and prepared to use Thunder. Before he was able to launch his attack, however, Eevee managed to hit him with a powerful {{m|Skull Bash}}, knocking him out. Later in the episode, Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to [[Johto]] with him.
In ''[[EP161|The Bug Stops Here]]'', Pikachu and Ash entered the [[Bug-Catching Contest]]. The two encountered a {{p|Weedle}}, but before Pikachu could attack it, Casey's Chikorita intervened, and Casey caught the Hairy Bug Pokémon. Later, Ash and Pikachu chased after a Scyther, but accidentally disturbed a swarm of {{p|Beedrill}} in the process. Pikachu managed to shock one of the Beedrill with Thunderbolt, giving Ash the chance to catch it. With this capture, Ash managed to win the contest, winning him a [[Sun Stone]].


====Johto====
Pikachu befriended a group of Pichu in ''[[EP179|The Apple Corp!]]''. At first, they framed Pikachu for eating some apples, but when the Pichu were attacked by a Fearow, Pikachu warded it off with Thunderbolt. Later, Pikachu was kidnapped by Team Rocket after they sucked away its electricity. However, the Pichu eventually managed to restore Pikachu's electricity, and together, they blasted Team Rocket off.
In ''[[EP118|The Double Trouble Header]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his second battle against {{an|Casey}}, where he faced her {{TP|Casey|Chikorita}}. Despite Casey having only recently obtained {{p|Chikorita}}, it quickly gained the upper hand. Chikorita first used its {{m|Sweet Scent}} to tranquilize Pikachu and followed up with a Tackle. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was then deflected by Chikorita's leaf and was hit by Tackle again. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket, who tried to steal their Pokémon. Their plan failed however, when Pikachu and Chikorita were reunited with their Trainers and teamed up to defeat Team Rocket.


In ''[[EP131|Fighting Flyer with Fire]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's [[Violet Gym]] battle against [[Falkner]], where he battled Falkner's {{p|Hoothoot}}. Pikachu used Agility to avoid getting hit by Hoothoot's Tackle. Hoothoot tried flying up to get out Pikachu's range, but Pikachu was still able to hit it with a super-effective Thunderbolt and then finished Hoothoot off with a Quick Attack. He then faced Falkner's {{p|Dodrio}}. Both Pokémon started off using Agility, matching each other's speed. Pikachu then went for Thunderbolt, but Dodrio used its great jumping ability to dodge the attack. It then hit Pikachu hard with Fury Attack followed up by {{m|Drill Peck}}. When Dodrio was about to finish him off with {{m|Tri Attack}}, Pikachu jumped high in the air and unleashed a super-effective Thunder, defeating Dodrio. Pikachu then briefly faced Falkner's {{p|Pidgeot}}, but as he was already tired from his previous matches he was quickly defeated by a {{m|Whirlwind}}.
In ''[[EP182|From Ghost to Ghost]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against [[Morty]]. He faced off against Morty's {{p|Gastly}} but was defeated by a single {{m|Night Shade}}.


In ''[[EP144|Gettin' The Bugs Out]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his [[Azalea Gym]] battle, where he went up against [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Metapod}}. Metapod used its jumping abilities to jump high and use Tackle. Although Pikachu dodged it, it created a dust cloud and used the leaves of a nearby tree to make it unable to spot. Pikachu, however, managed to spot Metapod by using his hearing and after dodging a series of Tackles with Agility, Pikachu managed to jump on Metapod's back and defeated it with Thunderbolt. He then went up against Bugsy's last and most powerful Pokémon, {{p|Scyther}}. Despite Pikachu having the [[Type|type-advantage]], his Thunderbolt attacks constantly missed, because of Scyther using Double Team. The real Scyther then appeared behind Pikachu and hit him with {{m|Fury Cutter}}, with each Fury Cutter doubling in power, knocking Pikachu out.
In ''[[EP209|Machoke, Machoke Man!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against [[Chuck]]. Pikachu battled Chuck's {{p|Poliwrath}}, but his Thunderbolt and Quick Attack did not defeat it. Afterwards, it hit Pikachu with a series of powerful {{m|Double Slap}}s, knocking him out.


In ''[[EP151|The Totodile Duel]]'', Pikachu was used to battle Misty for the ownership of {{AP|Totodile}}. He went up against {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}. Pikachu, however, did not want to hurt his friend and forfeited the match by running away.
In ''[[EP224|Nerves of Steelix!]]'', Ash sent out Pikachu to battle Jasmine's {{p|Magnemite}}. Both Pokémon proved to be equal in speed, but finally, Ash decided to let Pikachu take a {{m|Thunder Wave}} from Magnemite so it could get hit by a Thunderbolt, causing a lot of damage. Pikachu then finished it off with a Quick Attack, crashing it into a wall. Next, Pikachu faced off against Jasmine's strongest Pokémon, {{TP|Jasmine|Steelix}}. Due to his previous battle against Magnemite, Pikachu was tired and subsequently defeated by a powerful {{m|Iron Tail}}.
[[File:EP238.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu facing Piloswine]]
In ''[[EP237|As Cold as Pryce]]'', Pikachu was seen aiding Cyndaquil in reviving [[Pryce's Piloswine]]. In [[EP238|the following episode]], Pikachu was sent out to battle Piloswine, who had already defeated Cyndaquil. Though the battle was well-fought, Pikachu wound up receiving more damage. Despite this, he refused to give up and was about to attack again when [[Pryce]] forfeited, giving Ash the win and earning him the {{badge|Glacier}}.


In ''[[EP158|A Goldenrod Opportunity]]'', Pikachu faced off against [[Whitney]]'s powerful {{TP|Whitney|Miltank}}, who had already easily defeated [[Ash's Cyndaquil]] and Totodile using {{m|Rollout}}. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Miltank since she got wet by Totodile's {{m|Water Gun}}. However, due to Miltank spinning at great speed, she had already dried, making Thunderbolt useless. Pikachu then tried attacking with Agility, but he got overpowered by Miltank's Rollout and was then defeated by another one, causing Ash to lose the battle.
In ''[[EP252|Fangs for Nothin']]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against [[Clair]], pitting him against her {{p|Kingdra}}. Since Ash was unaware of Kingdra's {{t|Dragon|secondary type}}, Pikachu's Electric attacks and [[physical move]]s didn't affect the Dragon Pokémon, forcing him to follow Misty and Brock's advice and recall Pikachu. Their battle was later stopped due to Team Rocket's theft of the [[Dragon Fang]]. In [[EP253|the following episode]], Pikachu helped stop the rampage of a {{p|Dragonite}} that belonged to the old {{gy|Blackthorn}} {{OBP|Gym Leader|EP253}}.


In [[EP159|the following episode]], Pikachu battled Miltank again in Ash's rematch against Whitney. First Ash had Cyndaquil tire out Miltank and then had Totodile create ditches to slow her down. Thanks to this strategy, Miltank lost her balance, giving Pikachu the opportunity to throw Miltank in the air by hiding in one of the ditches and then finish her off with a Thunderbolt, earning Ash the {{badge|Plain}}.
In [[EP254|the next episode]], Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Clair, where he faced her {{p|Gyarados}}. Despite Pikachu having the double type-advantage, Gyarados proved to be powerful and initially gained the upper hand. Eventually, Pikachu got close enough to defeat the Atrocious Pokémon with a powerful Thunderbolt. Clair then sent out her {{TP|Clair|Dragonair}} to battle Pikachu. It managed to dodge Pikachu's attacks and knock him out with a point-blank Hyper Beam.


In ''[[EP161|The Bug Stops Here]]'', Pikachu and Ash entered the [[Bug-Catching Contest]]. The two encountered a {{p|Weedle}}, but before Pikachu could attack it, Casey's Chikorita intervened and Casey caught the Hairy Bug Pokémon. Later, Ash and Pikachu chased after a Scyther, but accidentally disturbed a swarm of {{p|Beedrill}}. Pikachu managed to shock one of the Beedril with Thunderbolt, giving Ash the chance to catch it. With this capture, Ash managed to win the contest, winning him a [[Sun Stone]].
Pikachu was used many times during the [[Silver Conference]]. In ''[[EP266|A Claim to Flame!]]'', he defeated [[Salvador]]'s {{p|Furret}}. In ''[[EP268|Tie One On!]]'', this good showing was followed by [[Vincent|Jackson]]'s {{p|Azumarill}}, but Pikachu was then defeated by Jackson's {{Shiny}} {{p|Magneton}}. In ''[[EP271|Playing with Fire!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against {{jo|Harrison}}, defeating his {{p|Kecleon}} before being defeated in turn by [[Harrison's Sneasel]].
[[File:Pikachu illness.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu suffering from an illness]]
After saying farewell to Misty and Brock in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later!]]'', Ash decided to only take Pikachu with him to [[Hoenn]], and left Pallet Town with him at the end of the episode. In [[EP274|the following episode]], while getting ready to depart for Hoenn by ship, Ash and Pikachu were attacked by Team Rocket, who used an electromagnet to stick Pikachu to it and drain his electricity. Eventually, thanks to some wild Pokémon and Officer Jenny, Pikachu was saved. The next day, Ash tried to wake Pikachu up, but he soon noticed that he was suffering from a severe illness caused by the electromagnet.


In ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his Pokémon to assist him in the [[Seaking Catching Day]]. After Ash managed to reel in a {{p|Seaking}}, Pikachu weakened it with Thunderbolt so Ash could catch it.
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]''====
=====Hoenn=====
In ''[[AG001|Get the Show on the Road!]]'', Pikachu was treated by [[Professor Birch]], who strapped him to a machine to drain out the overload of electricity he received. However, the machine exploded when the electricity levels became too high. Pikachu then ran off, with Ash and Professor Birch chasing after him. Eventually, Ash found Pikachu, but in his confused state, Pikachu attacked him and fled off a cliff. Ash jumped after him and caught him before grabbing onto a branch. Pikachu tried resisting, but Ash was able to get through to him and calm him down. When Ash and Pikachu were pulled up to safety, Team Rocket arrived and captured Pikachu. However, their [[Team Rocket's mechas|mecha]] accidentally cured Pikachu of his illness, and he was able to blast them off, destroying {{an|May}}'s bike in the process.


Pikachu befriended a bunch of {{p|Pichu}} in ''[[EP179|The Apple Corp!]]''. At first they framed Pikachu into eating apples, while they actually ate them. When the Pichu were attacked by a Fearow, Pikachu scared the Fearow off with a Thunderbolt. Later Pikachu's electricity was sucked away by Team Rocket and got kidnapped. The Pichu eventually managed to restore Pikachu's electricity and together they blasted Team Rocket off.
In ''[[AG003|There's no Place like Hoenn]]'', Ash used Pikachu in an unofficial battle against [[Norman]], since Ash only had one Pokémon at the time instead of the three required. In the end, Norman's {{p|Vigoroth}} defeated Pikachu with a series of {{m|Scratch}} attacks. After their match, Team Rocket tried to steal Pikachu and Vigoroth but accidentally stole [[May's Torchic]] instead. Later, Pikachu was used alongside Vigoroth to battle Team Rocket and blasted them off in addition to rescuing Torchic.


In ''[[EP182|From Ghost to Ghost]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against [[Morty]], where he faced off against Morty's {{p|Gastly}}. Pikachu managed to hit Gastly with a Quick Attack after Ash had {{AP|Noctowl}} use {{m|Foresight}} earlier in the match. Despite this Gastly used its great speed to dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt and defeated him with a single {{m|Night Shade}}.
In ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', Ash began teaching Pikachu Iron Tail in preparation for his [[Rustboro Gym]] battle, a {{type|Rock}} Gym, and got help from a {{pkmn|Coordinator}} named {{an|Chaz}} and his {{p|Sentret}}. Despite their effort and training, Pikachu was still unable to fully master Iron Tail.
[[File:AG016.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu fighting against Roxanne's Nosepass]]
In ''[[AG016|The Winner by a Nosepass]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his Gym battle against [[Roxanne]], where he went up against her {{p|Geodude}} and eventually defeated it. Pikachu then faced [[Roxanne's Nosepass]], who took advantage of his difficulties in mastering Iron Tail. Despite this, Pikachu defeated Nosepass and mastered Iron Tail in the process, as well as earning Ash the {{badge|Stone}}.


In ''[[EP209|Machoke, Machoke Man!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against [[Chuck]]. Pikachu battled Chuck's {{p|Poliwrath}} and managed to hit it with a super-effective Thunderbolt. Despite this Poliwrath was still standing and after absorbing a Quick Attack with its muscled body it hit Pikachu hard with a series of {{m|Double Slap}} attacks, knocking him out.
In ''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'', after entering the [[Mauville Gym]], Ash and his friends encountered a robot {{p|Raikou}}. Thinking it would attack, Ash ordered Pikachu to attack the robot with Iron Tail, causing an explosion. This destroyed the robot but also overcharged Pikachu with electricity, unbeknownst to the rest. Later, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his Gym battle against [[Wattson]]. Due to being overcharged, Pikachu defeated Wattson's Magnemite, {{p|Voltorb}}, and Magneton with one attack each, earning Ash the {{badge|Dynamo}}.


In ''[[EP224|Nerves of Steelix!]]'', Ash sent out Pikachu to battle Jasmine's {{p|Magnemite}}. Both Pokémon proved to be equal in speed by constantly dodging each other's attacks. Finally Ash decided to let Pikachu take a {{m|Thunder Wave}} from Magnemite so Magnemite could get hit by a Thunderbolt, causing a lot of damage. After dodging another attack from Magnemite, Pikachu finished it off with a Quick Attack, crashing it into a wall. Next Pikachu faced off against Jasmine's strongest Pokémon {{TP|Jasmine|Steelix}}. Due to his previous battle against Magnemite, Pikachu was tired and was quickly defeated by a powerful {{m|Iron Tail}}.
In ''[[AG056|Going, Going, Yawn]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his [[Lavaridge Gym]] battle. He was sent out against [[Flannery]]'s {{p|Slugma}} after it {{status|Burn|burned}} {{AP|Treecko}} and put {{AP|Corphish}} to {{status|sleep}}. During the battle, he finally broke {{p|Magcargo}}'s Reflect that was affecting previous battles. Then, Pikachu defeated Slugma and proceeded to battle Flannery's last Pokémon, {{p|Torkoal}}. Despite Pikachu's efforts, Torkoal used {{m|Overheat}} to defeat him.


In ''[[EP237|As Cold as Pryce]]'', Pikachu was seen aiding Cyndaquil in reviving [[Pryce's Piloswine]]. In the following episode, ''[[EP238|Nice Pryce, Baby!]]'', Pikachu was sent out to battle Piloswine, who already had defeated Ash's Cyndaquil. Due to the icy field Pikachu constantly slipped causing his Agility to be ineffective and almost unable to avoid Piloswine's attacks. Ash then got the idea to use the ice pillars to change Pikachu's direction while sliding on the ice. Using this tactic Pikachu gained a big amount of speed and slid under Piloswine giving him the opportunity to hit Piloswine hard with Thunder. Piloswine then started to use {{m|Rest}} in order to return to full health. Pikachu tried to finish it off with a Quick Attack, but was too late and got hit hard by a Take Down. Pikachu was still able to battle and countered Piloswine's next Take Down with a Quick Attack and hit it with Thunder. This caused the ice under Piloswine to break causing Piloswine to fall into the water. Pikachu then hit Piloswine with Thunderbolt which caused massive damage due to Piloswine's wet fur. Despite this Piloswine was still standing and constantly hit Pikachu with Fury Attack. Seeing no other option to escape Pikachu used a close-range Thunder causing a massive explosion. Pikachu got knocked down while Piloswine still seemed to be able to battle. Pikachu still managed to stand up and as he was about to attack again [[Pryce]] threw in the towel resulting into a T.K.O., giving Ash the win and earning him the {{badge|Glacier}}.
In ''[[AG070|Balance of Power]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his official [[Petalburg Gym]] battle against Norman, and he went up against {{p|Slakoth}} but was recalled after Slakoth's {{m|Blizzard}} temporary disabled him. Later, Pikachu faced off against Norman's Vigoroth. Through strategy, Ash had Pikachu let himself get hit by Vigoroth, which activated Pikachu's {{a|Static}} Ability and paralyzed Vigoroth. This allowed Pikachu to defeat Vigoroth, but he fainted right afterwards due to extensive fatigue from the battle, thus ending it in a draw.


In ''[[EP252|Fangs for Nothin']]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against [[Clair]], sending him out against her {{p|Kingdra}}. Unaware of Kingdra's {{t|Dragon|secondary type}}, Ash had Pikachu go for Thunderbolt, which Kingdra easily took, much to Ash's surprise. Pikachu then tried dodging Kingdra's {{m|Twister}}, but as Kingdra was able to control the direction of the attack, Pikachu was caught in the tornado. Pikachu then went for Thunder, but also this Electric-type move left Kingdra unscathed. After a collision between, {{m|Hydro Pump}} and Thunderbolt, Pikachu managed to dodge several blasts of Hydro Pump before hitting Kingdra with Quick Attack. However, after seeing that [[physical move]]s didn't work either, Ash followed Misty and Brock's advice to recall Pikachu. Their battle was later stopped due to Team Rocket's theft of the [[Dragon Fang]]. In [[EP253|the following episode]], Pikachu helped calming down the rampaging {{p|Dragonite}} that belonged to the old [[Blackthorn Gym]] Leader.  
In ''[[AG085|Sky High Gym Battle!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon in his [[Fortree Gym]] battle against [[Winona]]. Pikachu battled Winona's {{p|Pelipper}}, and despite having a major type advantage, Pelipper proved to be a formidable opponent. As a result, Ash decided Pikachu should fight at close range and told him to use Quick Attack to get closer before using Thunder on Pelipper. With both Pokémon being hit by powerful attacks, Pikachu and Pelipper both fainted.


In [[EP254|the next episode]], Pikachu was used in Ash's last Johto Gym battle against Clair, where he faced her {{p|Gyarados}}. Despite the double type-advantage, Gyarados proved to be quite a match for Pikachu, using its {{m|Dragon Breath}} to block Pikachu's Electric-type attacks. After getting hit by a Hydro Pump, Pikachu got wrapped by Gyarados. This, however, allowed Pikachu to hit Gyarados hard with a Thunderbolt. Gyarados quickly managed to recover and launched a barrage of {{m|Bite}} attacks, causing Pikachu to get cornered. As Clair was ready to finish the battle with a close-range Hydro Pump, Ash had Pikachu use Agility to get onto Gyarados's Hydro Pump, and defeated the Atrocious Pokémon with a Thunderbolt. Clair then sent out her {{TP|Clair|Dragonair}} to battle Pikachu, who managed to dodge Pikachu's attacks and knock him out with a point-blank Hyper Beam.
In ''[[AG089|A Scare to Remember!]]'', Pikachu developed amnesia after an attack by Team Rocket and their machine. Team Rocket took advantage of this and tricked Pikachu into joining them. He was then ordered to attack the group. Trying to get Pikachu back, Ash jumped on their balloon. Team Rocket ordered Pikachu to hit Ash with Thunderbolt, but this caused them to get blasted off while Ash and Pikachu fell in a river. As Ash protected him, Pikachu managed to regain his memory and got rid of Team Rocket once again.
[[File:Blue Orb possession.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu being possessed by the Blue Orb]]
In ''[[AG097|Gaining Groudon]]'', Ash and the group got on a submarine owned by [[Team Magma]], where they met Team Magma's leader [[Maxie]]. An explosion triggered by {{DL|Kyogre and Groudon (Ruby and Sapphire series)|Kyogre}} caused the [[Blue Orb]] to fly off Maxie's desk. Pikachu managed to catch the orb before Team Magma could regain it, but the orb then melted into Pikachu's body, greatly increasing his power but also making him lose control over himself. In [[AG098|the next episode]], Pikachu awakened {{DL|Kyogre and Groudon (Ruby and Sapphire series)|Groudon}} and aided it in its battle with {{p|Kyogre}}. Due to everyone's teamwork, {{p|Groudon}} was able to defeat Kyogre, causing the Blue Orb to emerge from Pikachu's body. Pikachu was then saved by Kyogre and later bade it and Groudon farewell.


In ''[[EP266|A Claim to Flame!]]'', Pikachu was used by Ash in the Athlete's Round of the [[Silver Conference]] against [[Salvador]] and his {{p|Furret}}. Furret proved to be a tough opponent by repeatedly using {{m|Dig}} to confuse and attack Pikachu. Eventually Pikachu managed to grab onto Furret's back and as it dove back into one of its holes, Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt and finally finished the match with a Quick Attack.
In ''[[AG100|Solid as a Solrock]]'', Ash used Pikachu and {{AP|Swellow}} in the [[Double Battle]] against [[Tate and Liza]] with their respective {{TP|Tate|Solrock}} and {{TP|Liza|Lunatone}}. Eventually, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who destroyed the Gym using their machine. Following Team Rocket's defeat, they agreed to resume their battle outdoors. With Solrock and Lunatone gaining the upper hand, Ash thought about how to negate their dual attacks and then had Pikachu use Thunder on the clouds. Lightning struck Pikachu and Swellow, which the two managed to endure, thus creating a "Thunder Armor". Using this technique, Pikachu and Swellow managed to pierce through Solrock's Solar Beam and Lunatone's {{m|Light Screen}}, and defeated them with Iron Tail and Aerial Ace, earning Ash the {{badge|Mind}}.


Pikachu was used again in ''[[EP268|Tie One On!]]'', where he faced off against [[Vincent|Jackson]]'s {{p|Azumarill}}. Azumarill started off using Water Gun. Pikachu evaded this attack using Quick Attack and reversed to hit Azumarill, which it nearly dodged. After a collision of Thunderbolt and {{m|Bubble Beam}}, Pikachu got hit by {{m|Icy Wind}}. Azumarill then hit Pikachu with Iron Tail, but Pikachu managed to hold on his tail and launched a super-effective Thunder knocking out Azumarill. Next Pikachu went up against Jackson's [[Shiny Pokémon|Shiny]] {{p|Magneton}}. After exchanging hits from each other's Thunderbolt, Magneton dodged Pikachu's Quick Attack and stunned Pikachu with Thunder Wave before defeating him with Tri Attack.
In ''[[AG101|Vanity Affair]]'', Ash used Pikachu against [[Hoenn Elite Four]] member [[Drake]] and his {{p|Shelgon}}. However, Pikachu quickly lost, which dealt a serious blow to the massive ego Ash had developed at the time.


In ''[[EP271|Playing with Fire!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against {{jo|Harrison}}. Pikachu battled Harrison's {{p|Kecleon}}, which used its {{a|Color Change}} [[Ability]] to hide itself in the tall grass while hitting Pikachu with its tongue. Eventually, Pikachu managed to grab Kecleon's tongue and defeated it with Thunderbolt. Harrison then sent out his {{TP|Harrison|Sneasel}}. Sneasel managed to avoid Pikachu's Thunderbolt and defeated him with a single {{m|Metal Claw}}.
In ''[[AG110|The Great Eight Fate!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu and {{AP|Snorunt}} as his first two Pokémon in a Double Battle in the first round of his [[Sootopolis Gym]] battle. They went up against [[Juan]]'s {{p|Sealeo}} and Seaking. Eventually, Snorunt was knocked out by Seaking's Hyper Beam, and Ash sent out Corphish. Soon after, Pikachu defeated Seaking and rode on Corphish's back as it headed towards Sealeo and defeated it, thus ending the first round of the Gym battle in Ash's favor. Both Pokémon were then recalled. In [[AG111|the next episode]], Pikachu was used as Ash's last Pokémon in the second round of the battle, going up against Juan's last and strongest Pokémon, his {{p|Milotic}}. Eventually, Milotic tried hitting Pikachu with Iron Tail in an ambush, but he dodged it, climbed onto Milotic's body, and flipped the Tender Pokémon into the water. While underwater, Pikachu used Thunder, knocking out Milotic, winning Ash the battle, and earning him the {{badge|Rain}}.


After saying farewell to Misty and Brock in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later!]]'', Ash decided to only take Pikachu with him to [[Hoenn]] and left [[Pallet Town]] with him at the end of the episode. In [[EP274|the following episode]], while getting ready to depart for Hoenn by ship, Ash and Pikachu got attacked by Team Rocket, who used an electromagnet to stick Pikachu to it and drain his electricity. Eventually Pikachu got saved thanks to the help of some wild Pokémon and Officer Jenny. The next day, Ash tried to wake Pikachu up, but soon noticed that he was suffering from a severe illness caused by the electromagnet.
In ''[[AG118|Less is Morrison]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against his new rival [[Morrison]], and he faced off against [[Morrison's Beldum]]. At first, Pikachu had the upper hand as the only move Beldum knew was Take Down, but Beldum eventually managed to land some hits. Soon, Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter another Take Down, causing a big explosion that knocked both Pokémon out.


==={{series|Advanced Generation}}===
Pikachu was used many times by Ash in the [[Ever Grande Conference]]. In ''[[AG126|Saved by the Beldum]]'', he defeated {{OBP|Gilbert|AG126}}'s {{p|Hitmonlee}} after a hard-fought battle. In ''[[AG128|Shocks and Bonds]]'', Pikachu initially went up against {{ho|Katie}}'s {{p|Golduck}}. However, Katie immediately switched to her {{p|Dugtrio}}, who had a type advantage over Pikachu, and the Mole Pokémon defeated him easily. In ''[[AG130|Choose It or Lose It!]]'', Pikachu went up against Morrison's {{p|Steelix}} and was knocked out as well. In ''[[AG131|At the End of the Fray]]'', Pikachu defeated {{ho|Tyson}}'s {{p|Metagross}} before being defeated himself by [[Tyson's Meowth]] despite all of his efforts. His defeat caused Ash to end up in the Top 8 of the Ever Grande Conference.
====Hoenn====
In ''[[AG001|Get the Show on the Road!]]'', Ash was willing to take Pikachu for some help in taking care of the illness. He met up with [[Professor Birch]], who took Pikachu to his lab. Even though they were able to strap him to the machine to drain out the overload electricity he received, the machine exploded as the electricity levels were too high. Pikachu then ran off, with Ash and Professor Birch chasing after him. Eventually, Ash managed to find Pikachu, but Pikachu, in his confused state, attacked him and fled towards the end of a cliff. As Pikachu fell off the cliff, Ash jumped after him and managed to catch him and grab a branch. Pikachu tried resisting, but Ash was able to get through and calm him down. When Ash and Pikachu were pulled up to safety, Team Rocket arrived. Their [[Team Rocket's mechas|mecha]] accidentally cured Pikachu of his illness and he was able to blast them off, destroying {{an|May}}'s bike in the process.


In ''[[AG003|There's no Place like Hoenn]]'', Ash used Pikachu in an unofficial 1-on-1 battle against [[Norman]], since Ash only had one Pokémon at the time instead of the three required. Norman's {{p|Vigoroth}} proved to be a tough opponent, dodging Pikachu's attacks with ease and hitting him hard with multiple {{m|Scratch}} attacks. Pikachu managed to successfully hit Vigoroth with Quick Attack, but Vigoroth hit him again and defeated him with one final Scratch. After their match, Team Rocket tried to steal Pikachu and Vigoroth but accidentally stole {{TP|May|Torchic}}. Later Pikachu was used alongside Norman's Vigoroth to battle Team Rocket and blasted them off as well as rescuing Torchic.
=====Kanto Battle Frontier=====
[[File:Agatha Gengar Double Team.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu battling Agatha's Gengar]]
In ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his battle against [[Elite Four]] [[Agatha]] and her {{TP|Agatha|Gengar}} at the [[Viridian Gym]]. Eventually, when Pikachu was about to finish Gengar off with Thunder, Gengar used {{m|Hypnosis}}, putting him to sleep, then defeated him with {{m|Dream Eater}}. Afterwards, he helped defeat Team Rocket along with Agatha's {{p|Golbat}}. Later on, Ash decided to enter the [[Kanto]] {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} along with Pikachu and his other Pokémon. He was later reunited with Misty when he and Ash returned to Pallet Town.


In ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', Ash began teaching Pikachu Iron Tail in preparation for his [[Rustboro Gym]] battle, a {{type|Rock}} Gym, and got help from a {{pkmn|Coordinator}} named {{an|Chaz}} and his {{p|Sentret}}. Despite their effort and training, Pikachu was still unable to fully master Iron Tail.
In ''[[AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure]]'', while battling Team Rocket's mecha, he used Quick Attack, which morphed into {{m|Volt Tackle}}, easily destroying the mecha and blasting Team Rocket off. Despite this, Pikachu couldn't master the move. After lots of {{pkmn|training}}, Pikachu was finally able to master Volt Tackle in ''[[AG155|The Green Guardian]]'', using the move to blast Team Rocket off, and saving a wild {{p|Celebi}}.


In ''[[AG016|The Winner by a Nosepass]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his Gym battle against [[Roxanne]], where he was sent out against her {{p|Geodude}}. Pikachu started off using Thunder to flatten the rocky battlefield. Geodude countered with {{m|Rock Throw}}, which Pikachu managed to dodge using Quick Attack only to end up right in front of Geodude. This gave Geodude the chance to hit him hard with a Mega Punch. As Geodude used Rollout to finish Pikachu off, it got stuck and couldn’t execute its attack because of the flattened battlefield. Pikachu used this opportunity to get close using Quick Attack and hit Geodude with a powerful Thunder, defeating it.
In ''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]'', while going to the [[Battle Pike]], Pikachu was captured by Team Rocket using their fake Battle Pike until he was rescued by [[Lucy]] and her {{TP|Lucy|Seviper}} from the real Battle Pike. Later, Ash used Pikachu as his second and last Pokémon in his Battle Pike challenge against Lucy and her Milotic. When Pikachu suffered major damage, Ash had him use Thunderbolt on himself. This allowed him to use a supercharged Volt Tackle and defeat Milotic, earning him the [[Symbol|Luck Symbol]].
Pikachu then faced [[Roxanne's Nosepass]]. Pikachu started off using Iron Tail, which managed to successfully hit Nosepass. After dodging Nosepass’s attack, Pikachu went for a second Iron Tail, but failed this time. Nosepass then used {{m|Rock Tomb}} to trap Pikachu, but he managed to break free using Thunder. Nosepass then countered with {{m|Sandstorm}}, deteriorating Pikachu’s sight. Nosepass, however, was able to sense Pikachu using its electromagnetic nose and managed to slam its body into him. Nosepass then tried to stomp on Pikachu, but he managed to avoid it by using Quick Attack. After using Quick Attack again to dodge Nosepass’s Rock Tomb, Pikachu used Quick Attack to run around Nosepass in order to confuse it. He then managed to get behind Nosepass and used Iron Tail, only to fail once again. Nosepass then went for Thunder Wave, which Pikachu barely avoided. Ash then had Pikachu charge towards Nosepass and let him take its {{m|Zap Cannon}}, causing Pikachu to absorb the electricity. Pikachu then tackled Nosepass, releasing the electricity at Nosepass, causing it to become {{status|Paralysis|paralyzed}}. Pikachu then defeated Nosepass with one final Iron Tail, finally mastering the move in the process as well as earning Ash the {{badge|Stone}}.


In ''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'', Ash and his friends arrived at [[Mauville City]] and immediately proceeded to the [[Mauville Gym]]. Inside the group encountered a robot {{p|Raikou}}. Thinking it would attack, Ash ordered Pikachu to attack the robot with Iron Tail, causing an explosion. This destroyed the robot, but also overcharged Pikachu with electricity, unbeknownst to the rest, however. Later, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his Gym Battle against [[Wattson]]. Pikachu first faced Wattson's Magnemite. Due to being overcharged, Pikachu defeated Magnemite with a single Thunderbolt after dodging a {{m|Swift}} attack. Next, Pikachu battled Wattson's {{p|Voltorb}} and also managed to easily defeat it with another Thunderbolt. Getting agitated, Wattson sent out his Magneton and ordered it to use Zap Cannon. Pikachu easily managed to overpower this attack with Thunder, which also knocked Magneton out, earning Ash the {{badge|Dynamo}}.
In ''[[AG169|Talking a Good Game!]]'', Pikachu was the third Pokémon to battle [[Anabel]]. He went up against her Alakazam, who had already defeated Ash's previous two Pokémon. Pikachu eventually managed to defeat Alakazam. He went up against Metagross next but was defeated, losing Ash the battle. In [[AG170|the next episode]], Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Anabel, this time facing her {{p|Espeon}}. Though Espeon had great speed and power, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to disable the ceiling lights, temporarily blinding Espeon. Once the lights turned on again, Pikachu was able to overwhelm and defeat Espeon, earning Ash the [[Symbol|Ability Symbol]].


In ''[[AG056|Going, Going, Yawn]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his [[Lavaridge Gym]] battle. He was sent out against [[Flannery]]'s {{p|Slugma}}, after it had {{status|Burn|burned}} {{AP|Treecko}} and put {{AP|Corphish}} to {{status|Sleep}}. After using Quick Attack to dodge Flamethrower, he finally broke {{p|Magcargo}}'s Reflect that was affecting previous battles. Slugma then used {{m|Smog}} to cover itself. Pikachu, however, was able to sense it and used Iron Tail. Slugma managed to dodge and hit him with a Flamethrower. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt and although it looked like it initially missed, it electrified the Smog, harming Slugma. Flannery called for {{m|Yawn}}, but Ash unwilling for that to happen, had Pikachu use Quick Attack, hitting it before Yawn could be executed and then finished Slugma off with Thunder. Ash kept Pikachu in when Flannery used her last Pokémon, {{p|Torkoal}}. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but it was blocked by {{m|Iron Defense}}. Pikachu then dodged a Flamethrower and used Iron Tail, but it was blocked by Iron Defense as well. Torkoal then used {{m|Sludge Bomb}}, which hit Pikachu. Pikachu tried attacking with Thunder, but his attack was blocked by Iron Defense once again. Torkoal then used {{m|Overheat}}, defeating Pikachu.
In ''[[AG189|Gathering the Gang of Four!]]'', in preparation for Ash's rematch against {{an|Brandon}} for his final Frontier Symbol, Pikachu reunited with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charizard for training. Using Quick Attack to round up leaves created by Squirtle's {{m|Rapid Spin}} and Bulbasaur's {{m|Vine Whip}}, they were able to make a den to sleep in. Pikachu was later captured by Team Rocket but was rescued by Ash and the other Pokémon. They then combined their attacks to send Team Rocket blasting off. Afterwards, they met up with Brandon again, and he agreed to have a four-on-four rematch with Pikachu and the other Pokémon at the [[Battle Pyramid]].


In ''[[AG070|Balance of Power]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his [[Petalburg Gym]] battle against Norman. He went up against {{p|Slakoth}}. Pikachu used Quick Attack on Slakoth, which was dodged. After dodging a {{m|Shadow Ball}}, Pikachu used Iron Tail, only to be dodged as well, dazing Pikachu. Slakoth then used {{m|Hidden Power}}. Pikachu tried to destroy them with Thunderbolt, but failed and was hit by the circling Hidden Power. Pikachu then tried hitting Slakoth with Thunder, but this was dodged as well. Slakoth then countered with {{m|Blizzard}}, disabling Pikachu to move. Being unable to move, Pikachu was recalled. Later, Pikachu was sent out against Norman's Vigoroth. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Vigoroth swiftly dodged it and launched a Scratch attack. Pikachu, however, successfully blocked the attack with Iron Tail, but Vigoroth quickly recovered and launched a Flamethrower, dealing much damage. Pikachu's electricity gave Ash an idea, he got Pikachu use Quick Attack to dodge Vigoroth's Flamethrower. When Vigoroth launched another Scratch, Ash told Pikachu to stop and let him get hit. This activated Pikachu's Ability {{a|Static}}, paralyzing Vigoroth. This allowed Pikachu to defeat Vigoroth with Iron Tail. However, all this battling took its toll, as Pikachu fainted as well, ending the battle in a draw.
Pikachu was the fourth and final Pokémon used in Ash's Battle Pyramid challenge against Pyramid King Brandon in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'', going up against {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regice|Brandon's Regice}}. Pikachu initially had trouble dealing with Regice's combination of Ice-type attacks, ice-based strategies, and {{m|Rest}}; and he was almost declared unable to battle. However, Pikachu overcame Regice's strategies and ultimately knocked the Iceberg Pokémon out. This gave Ash the win, earning him his last Symbol, the [[Symbol|Brave Symbol]], and a position in the Battle Frontier [[Hall of Fame]].
[[File:Ash Pikachu contest.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu performing in a Pokémon Contest]]
In ''[[AG191|Once More With Reeling]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the [[Appeal|Performance Stage]] of the [[Terracotta Town]] [[Pokémon Contest]], an informal event not sanctioned by the [[Pokémon Activities Committee]]. He used Quick Attack and Thunderbolt at the same time to create electrical rings, then used Iron Tail to combine them and trigger a firework-like effect. This performance allowed Ash to proceed to the [[Contest Battle|Battle Stage]].


In ''[[AG085|Sky High Gym Battle!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon used in his [[Fortree Gym]] battle against [[Winona]]. Pikachu battled against Winona's {{p|Pelipper}} and despite the major type-advantage, Pelipper proved to be a formidable opponent, being able to use {{m|Steel Wing}} as a lightning rod to conduct Pikachu's Electric-type attacks to the ground, thus preventing damage. After Pikachu got hit by a Quick Attack, Ash decided Pikachu should fight at close-range and told him to use Quick Attack to get closer. This, however, gave Pelipper the opportunity to hit Pikachu hard with a Hydro Pump. Pikachu, however, stood his ground and when Pelipper lifted its wing from the ground for a moment, Ash had Pikachu use Thunder on Pelipper. With both Pokémon being hit by powerful attacks, Pikachu and Pelipper both fainted.
In ''[[AG192|Home is Where the Start Is!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a friendly battle against {{Gary}}, who used his powerful {{TP|Gary|Electivire}}, a Pokémon from the [[Sinnoh]] region. After a hard-fought battle, Pikachu was eventually defeated. Later, Pikachu went with Ash to Sinnoh, and he was meant to be the only Pokémon to go with him, as he left his other Pokémon at Professor Oak's laboratory. However, {{AP|Aipom}} sneaked aboard their ship, and Ash eventually allowed her to accompany them to Sinnoh.


In ''[[AG089|A Scare to Remember!]]'', Pikachu developed amnesia after an attack by Team Rocket and their mecha. Team Rocket took advantage of this and tricked Pikachu into joining them. He was then ordered to attack the group. Trying to get Pikachu back, Ash jumped on their balloon. Team Rocket ordered Pikachu to hit Ash with Thunderbolt, causing them to get blasted off and causing Ash and Pikachu to fall down in a river. With Ash protecting Pikachu, Pikachu managed to regain his memory and got rid of Team Rocket once again.
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''====
In ''[[DP001|Following a Maiden's Voyage!]]'', Pikachu was temporarily separated from Ash due to yet another plot by Team Rocket. Eventually, in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation!]]'', {{an|Dawn}} found Pikachu and tried to catch him, but failed since he already had a Trainer. She also protected him from Team Rocket and managed to blast Team Rocket off alongside him. Pikachu was eventually reunited with Ash in ''[[DP003|When Pokémon Worlds Collide!]]''. Later, he was used as Ash's final Pokémon in a battle against Ash's new rival [[Paul]] and his {{TP|Paul|Elekid}}. The heated battle proved to be a surprisingly even match, as both Pokémon were eventually left so exhausted that they collapsed, resulting in the battle being declared a tie.


In ''[[AG097|Gaining Groudon]]'', Ash and the group got on a submarine owned by [[Team Magma]], where they met Team Magma's leader, [[Maxie]]. An explosion caused by {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Kyogre}}, caused the [[Blue Orb]] to fly off Maxie's desk. Pikachu managed to catch the orb before Team Magma could regain it. The orb, however, soon started to glow and melted into Pikachu's body, greatly increasing his power, but also making him lose control over himself. In [[AG098|the next episode]], Pikachu awakened {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Groudon}} and aided it in its battle with {{p|Kyogre}}. Due to everyone's teamwork, {{p|Groudon}} was able to defeat Kyogre, causing the Blue Orb to emerge from Pikachu's body. Pikachu was then saved from drowning by Kyogre and later bade it and Groudon farewell.
In ''[[DP004|Dawn of a New Era!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to battle [[Nando's Budew]]. Despite Budew evolving into {{p|Roselia}}, Pikachu was still able to defeat it.
[[File:Ash and Pikachu DP080.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu and Ash in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'']]
In ''[[DP016|A Gruff Act to Follow]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his first Sinnoh Gym battle against [[Roark]] and his {{TP|Roark|Cranidos}} while Paul observed from the sidelines. Initially, Pikachu was overwhelmed by Cranidos's attacks and speed. When Paul got up to leave, believing Ash had already lost, Pikachu suddenly showed his strength by letting off a powerful Electric attack in the air, causing Paul to stay. Both Pokémon were eventually seriously injured, forcing Ash to recall Pikachu. He later sent Pikachu out to battle Roark's Onix, but Pikachu was overwhelmed by Onix's {{m|Screech}} and blasted away, knocking him out and losing Ash the battle.


In ''[[AG100|Solid as a Solrock]]'', Ash used Pikachu and {{AP|Swellow}} in the [[Double Battle]] against [[Tate and Liza]] with their respective {{TP|Tate|Solrock}} and {{TP|Liza|Lunatone}}. Solrock and Lunatone both started off using Tackle which both scored a direct hit on Pikachu and Swellow. Pikachu and Swellow then tried hitting their opponents with Quick Attack and {{m|Peck}}, but their attack was dodged, causing them to crash into planets hanging from the ceiling and fall on top of each other on the ground. This gave Solrock and Lunatone the opportunity to launch a {{m|Solar Beam}} and {{m|Ice Beam}}. As the attacks were about to hit their marks, the two beams accidentally collided, canceling each other out, causing the twins to quarrel. Ash used this chance to recover and had Pikachu and Swellow strike the opposing Pokémon with a respective Iron Tail and {{m|Aerial Ace}}. Both Meteorite Pokémon then charged towards Pikachu using Tackle, but Swellow was able to save him in time, causing Solrock and Lunatone to crash into each other. The battle then got interrupted by Team Rocket, who destroyed the gym using their mecha and stole Solrock and Lunatone.
In ''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos We Watched!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his rematch against Roark, where he faced Roark's Onix again and defeated it this time. Pikachu was recalled when Roark sent out his Geodude, only to be sent out to battle Roark's {{p|Rampardos}}. Despite the activation of Pikachu's Static Ability during the battle, Rampardos was able to hit him hard with Zen Headbutt, knocking him out.


After Team Rocket was defeated, they all agreed to resume their battle outdoors. This time, however, the twins managed to put their differences aside and worked together as a team. Ash first had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Solrock, but his attack was sent back by Lunatone's {{m|Light Screen}}, sending Pikachu flying into a wall. As Swellow tried to attack with Aerial Ace, Solrock used Sandstorm to sent Swellow flying as well. Pikachu then jumped on Swellow's back and used Thunderbolt again, only to be deflected back by Light Screen again, hitting Pikachu and Swellow hard. Swellow then used Double Team, but Solrock and Lunatone countered using Solar Beam and Ice Beam to wipe out the copies. Much to Tate and Liza's surprise, however, Pikachu and Swellow got away unscathed. Swellow then dove down from the sky along with Pikachu to attack, but Solrock and Lunatone quickly responded and hit them with Solar Beam and Ice Beam. Ash thought about how to negate the dual attacks and then had Pikachu use Thunder on the clouds. Lightning then struck Pikachu and Swellow, which the two managed to endure. Once clear, Pikachu and Swellow were coated in a "Thunder Armor". Using this technique, Pikachu and Swellow managed to pierce through Solrock's Solar Beam and Lunatone's Light Screen and managed to defeat them using Iron Tail and Aerial Ace, earning Ash the {{badge|Mind}}.
In ''[[DP033|All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!]]'', Ash entered Pikachu in the [[Pokémon Dress-Up Contest]]. Pikachu was able to imitate several Pokémon and, as a result, advanced to the finals. However, he ended up losing to [[Brock's Croagunk]].


In ''[[AG101|Vanity Affair]]'', Ash used Pikachu against [[Hoenn Elite Four]] member [[Drake]]. Pikachu battled against his {{p|Shelgon}}. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and scored a direct hit. As Pikachu went for a second Thunderbolt, Shelgon used Double-Edge and managed to dodge the attack. Due to Shelgon's low {{stat|Speed}}, Pikachu easily dodged the attack with Quick Attack. When Pikachu was about to finish Shelgon off with Iron Tail, Shelgon had Pikachu come close and then hit him hard with Dragon Breath. Shelgon then followed up with {{m|Dragon Claw}}, knocking Pikachu out.
In ''[[DP050|Tag! We're It...!]]'', Pikachu was used in the first round of the [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]], where he battled alongside [[Paul's Chimchar]]. Pikachu and Chimchar faced a Rhydon and a Magmar, and their teamwork allowed both of their opponents to be knocked out, allowing Ash and Paul to proceed to the next round of the tournament.


In ''[[AG110|The Great Eight Fate!]]'' Ash chose Pikachu, along with his {{AP|Snorunt}} as his first two Pokémon in a Double Battle in the first round of his [[Sootopolis Gym]] battle. They went up against [[Juan]]'s {{p|Sealeo}} and Seaking. Pikachu used his Thunderbolt on Sealeo, but Seaking used {{m|Horn Drill}} to reflect it to Snorunt. Pikachu then used Thunder, but Seaking once again used Horn Drill to reflect the attack to Snorunt again. This time, however, Pikachu protected Snorunt, taking most of the damage. Sealeo then used Blizzard on the two, dealing much damage to Pikachu. Ash then had Snorunt use its Icy Wind to freeze the Blizzard, creating an ice pillar, which blocked Juan's view. Sealeo and Seaking destroyed the pillar with their Aurora Beam and Hyper Beam respectively, this created ice shards, which Ash had Snorunt and Pikachu jump on. Snorunt then used {{m|Headbutt}}, while Pikachu used Iron Tail. Seaking and Sealeo responded using Hyper Beam and Aurora Beam. While Pikachu was able to dodge Aurora Beam, Snorunt wasn't able to avoid the Hyper Beam and was knocked out.
In ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', Ash and Pikachu tried stopping a wild {{p|Spiritomb}}, which had gone on a rampage after the group accidentally destroyed the [[Hallowed Tower]], freeing Spiritomb from the [[Odd Keystone]]. Eventually, Pikachu managed to defeat Spiritomb with Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt after a hard-fought battle and the group managed to seal Spiritomb in the Keystone again.
Ash then sent out his Corphish. After dodging Corphish's Bubble Beam, both of Juan's Pokémon attacked from below with Sealeo using Aurora Beam on Pikachu's platform, which he was able to dodge. Seaking attacked Corphish with {{m|Horn Attack}}, but Corphish was able to grab its horn. Seaking, however, used Horn Drill, sending Corphish flying. Ash then had Pikachu use Iron Tail on Seaking. Despite Sealeo trying to stop Pikachu using Aurora Beam, Pikachu was able to defeat Seaking as well as avoid the attack in time. Pikachu then rode on Corphish's back, heading towards Sealeo. Sealeo tried stopping them using {{m|Ice Ball}}, which got stronger with each attack. While Pikachu and Corphish managed to destroy the first three Ice Balls, the fourth one managed to hit them both. Sealeo then launched a fifth Ice Ball at them both. Pikachu launched a Thunder at the Ice Ball and after increasing its power, he was able to break it. While the falling ice shards were hurting Sealeo, Corphish was able to defeat it with its {{m|Crabhammer}}, knocking it out and ending the first round of the Sootopolis Gym battle in Ash's favor. Both Pokémon were then recalled.
In [[AG111|the next episode]], Pikachu was used as Ash's last Pokémon in the second round of the Sootopolis Gym battle, going up against Juan's last and strongest Pokémon, his {{p|Milotic}}. Ash had Pikachu use Thunder and although it dealt a lot of damage, Milotic nullified the damage by using Recover. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, in which Milotic's overpowered Pikachu's. Milotic quickly followed up with Twister, which was powered up by the water. Much to Juan's surprise, Pikachu was able to break through with Thunder and followed with up with a powerful Quick Attack. Milotic then used Hydro Pump, which Pikachu dodged and used a super-effective Thunderbolt. Milotic, however, shook the attack off and used Recover, healing itself once again. Milotic then went underwater, making both Ash and Pikachu unable to see it. Milotic then tried hitting Pikachu with Iron Tail, but he dodged it and climbed onto Milotic's body. Milotic tried stopping him using Hydro Pump, but he dodged the attack. Pikachu then grabbed onto its eyebrows and flipped the Tender Pokémon into the water. While underwater, Pikachu used Thunder, dealing major damage to Milotic as water was an excellent conductor of electricity. This knocked out Milotic, winning Ash the battle and earning him the {{badge|Rain}}.


In ''[[AG118|Less is Morrison]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a 1-on-1 battle against his new rival [[Morrison]]. He faced [[Morrison's Beldum]]. At first, Pikachu had the upperhand as the only move Beldum knew was Take Down, which he easily dodged before retaliating with Quick Attack and Thunderbolt. Pikachu then dodged another Take Down, but this time Beldum reversed and finally managed to hit Pikachu with its attack. After getting hit by a second Take Down, Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter another one, causing a big explosion which knocked both Pokémon out.  
In ''[[DP066|Lost Leader Strategy!]]'', Pikachu encountered Paul's Electabuzz again at [[Reggie]]'s home, where the two started fighting, but the Pokémon got separated by [[Maylene's Lucario]]. Later, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in a battle against Reggie. Pikachu faced off against Reggie's {{p|Staraptor}} and ultimately won.


In ''[[AG126|Saved by the Beldum]]'', Ash used Pikachu for the first round in the [[Ever Grande Conference]], he went up against {{OBP|Gilbert|AG126}} and his {{p|Hitmonlee}}. Hitmonlee used {{m|Rolling Kick}}, but Pikachu managed to avoid the attack and hit Hitmonlee with Iron Tail. Hitmonlee then went for {{m|High Jump Kick}}, which Pikachu managed to dodge as well using Quick Attack, causing crash damage to Hitmonlee. As Pikachu charged in for one final attack, Hitmonlee hit him with Mega Kick. While heading towards the ground, Pikachu managed to escape Hitmonlee's kick and hit him with Iron Tail, knocking it out and causing Ash to advance to the next round of the tournament.
In ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'', an arrogant Electric-type Trainer named [[Sho]] asked Ash to trade Pikachu to him, as he already had a Pichu and Raichu and wanted to have the full evolutionary line in his team. Ash refused, so Sho challenged him to a battle against Raichu. Unlike Lt. Surge's Raichu, this particular Raichu was fast in addition to knowing powerful attacks. The battle soon ended with Pikachu's defeat. During his recovery, Pikachu began to reconsider his earlier decision to not evolve. When Ash went to check on Pikachu, he found both Pikachu and his Thunder Stone missing, causing him to think Pikachu may have decided to evolve into Raichu. However, he soon found Pikachu training in the forest, trying to get stronger without evolving. After some hard training, Ash and Pikachu re-challenged Sho and Raichu and ultimately won after a test of strength for Pikachu.


In ''[[AG128|Shocks and Bonds]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his [[Full Battle]] against {{ho|Katie}} in the Victory Tournament part of the Ever Grande Conference. He went up against Katie's {{p|Golduck}} and was sent out due to the type advantage he had. Katie, however, immediately switched to her {{p|Dugtrio}}, who had a type-advantage of its own. Pikachu used Quick Attack, but Dugtrio used Dig to dodge the attack. Dugtrio then used {{m|Sand Tomb}}, creating a huge patch of quicksand, Pikachu tried to escape but couldn't and got pulled by the sand. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt, which had no effect on Dugtrio since it was a {{type|Ground}} Pokémon. Dugtrio then used Double-Edge and Pikachu attempted to block with Iron Tail, but when both moves collided, Pikachu was knocked out while Dugtrio emerged unharmed.
In ''[[DP083|A Crasher Course in Power!]]'', Pikachu and {{AP|Buizel}} got into a fight after Buizel got accidentally hit by Pikachu's Thunderbolt while training. Later, Pikachu was the first Pokémon used in Ash's [[Pastoria Gym]] battle. He went up against [[Crasher Wake]]'s Gyarados and eventually won but was recalled after Crasher Wake sent out {{p|Quagsire}}. Later, after Buizel was recalled, Pikachu went up against {{p|Floatzel}}, which almost defeated him and even left a part of his back frozen. Pikachu was then recalled after Buizel wanted to fight again. As they passed each other, they exchanged high-fives, and Buizel broke the ice on Pikachu's back with Water Gun.
[[File:Hearthome Collection Pikachu.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu in the Hearthome Collection]]
In ''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'', Pikachu was used in the [[Hearthome Collection]], a fashion show for {{pkmn|Stylist}}s and their Pokémon whose winner would get the chance to work on a photo shoot for the {{DL|Magazines in the Pokémon world|Poké Chic}} magazine. At first, Pikachu was shy to go on stage wearing the outfit Ash had designed for him, but after hearing some encouraging words from Ash, he overcame his shyness and went onstage to perform. He used his Thunderbolt attack to light up the [[Contest Hall|hall]], captivating the judges' attention. [[Hermione]] commented that, although Ash didn't quite get what it means to be a Pokémon Stylist, he was at least making an effort to show off his Pokémon, instead of focusing solely on the clothing aspect. For this reason, Pikachu was among the three finalists, along with [[Dawn's Buneary]] and [[Cocoa]]'s {{p|Mismagius}}. When the results were announced, it was revealed that Ash and Pikachu had ended up in third place, receiving the Unique Award for their original costumes and performance.


In ''[[AG130|Choose It or Lose It!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his Full Battle against Morrison in the Ever Grande Conference. He went up against his {{p|Steelix}}. Steelix used Dragon Breath, but Pikachu dodged it and used Quick Attack. Steelix countered with Iron Tail, hitting Pikachu hard. Steelix then used Dig, hitting Pikachu from underneath. Pikachu tried using Iron Tail, but Steelix quickly dodged that with another Dig. Pikachu then managed to dodge Dig and hit Steelix with Quick Attack. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but Steelix's managed to overpower Pikachu's, knocking him out.
In ''[[DP093|Playing The Leveling Field!]]'', Pikachu was used in an unofficial battle against the [[Hearthome City]] Gym Leader [[Fantina]]. Pikachu faced her {{p|Drifloon}}, who had already defeated Buizel and put Chimchar to sleep. Eventually, Drifloon evolved into {{TP|Fantina|Drifblim}} and put Pikachu to sleep with Hypnosis. With two of his Pokémon sleeping, Ash decided to forfeit the match.


In ''[[AG131|At the End of the Fray]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his sixth and last Pokémon in his Full Battle against {{ho|Tyson}}. He went up against Tyson's {{p|Metagross}}, who had already defeated Swellow and Grovyle, but had a crack in its armor as a result. Pikachu used Thunderbolt on the crack, but it didn't do much to Metagross. Metagross then used Psychic on Pikachu, but he was able to dodge it and hit Metagross with Iron Tail. Pikachu then climbed onto Metagross, and as Metagross was unable to shake him off, Pikachu finally defeated the Iron Leg Pokémon with Thunder. Pikachu then went up against Tyson's last Pokémon, his {{TP|Tyson|Meowth}}.
In ''[[DP101|Barry's Busting Out All Over!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his final Pokémon in a three-on-three battle against {{an|Barry}}, where he faced [[Barry's Empoleon]]. Despite some initial difficulty, Pikachu was able to defeat Empoleon after hearing Ash's words of encouragement.
Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Thunder attacks soon proved to be useless, as Meowth each time defended itself against Pikachu's Electric-type attacks with its Thunderbolt. After realizing this, Ash had Pikachu fight close-range and ordered him to use Quick Attack. Meowth, however, dodged this with Double Team and followed up with Iron Tail. Pikachu countered with his own Iron Tail, causing the moves to collide. Pikachu and Meowth started attacking unceasing, with each time their attacks colliding. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, with both Pokémon taking the hit, knocking them both down. Though initially both of them got up, Pikachu fainted from exhaustion, causing Ash to end up in the Top 8 of the Ever Grande Conference.


====Kanto Battle Frontier====
In ''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon in his [[Hearthome Gym]] battle. He went up against Fantina's Drifblim. Eventually, like their last battle, Drifblim hit Pikachu with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep, and finished him off with Ominous Wind.
In ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his battle against [[Elite Four]] [[Agatha]] and her {{TP|Agatha|Gengar}} at the [[Viridian Gym]]. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack, but failed since Gengar was a {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon. It was too fast for Pikachu's Thunderbolt, but after dodging a Shadow Ball, Pikachu was able to hit Gengar with an Iron Tail. Gengar then hit Pikachu with Shadow Ball, but Pikachu was able to climb on the Shadow Ball and went for Iron Tail. Gengar, however, was able to prevent Pikachu from using Iron Tail with Double Team. Pikachu was able to destroy all the copies with Thunderbolt as well as hit Gengar with it. He then dodged a Shadow Ball and hit Gengar with Iron Tail. When Pikachu was about finish Gengar off with Thunder, Gengar used {{m|Hypnosis}}, putting him to sleep. Gengar then proceeded to defeat him with {{m|Dream Eater}}. Afterwards, he helped to defeat Team Rocket along with Agatha's {{p|Golbat}}, Ash later decided to enter the [[Kanto]] {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} along with Pikachu and his other Pokémon. He was later reunited with Misty, when he and Ash returned to Pallet Town.


In ''[[AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure]]'', while battling Team Rocket's mecha, he used Quick Attack, which morphed into {{m|Volt Tackle}}, easily destroying the mecha and blasting Team Rocket off. Despite this, Pikachu couldn't master the move. After lots of {{pkmn|training}}, Pikachu was finally able to master Volt Tackle in ''[[AG155|The Green Guardian]]'', using the move to blast Team Rocket off and save a wild {{p|Celebi}}.
In ''[[DP124|To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's partner in a [[Pokémon Ping Pong Tournament]]. In the first round they faced [[Wilkinson]] and his {{p|Farfetch'd}}. Despite putting up a good match, Ash and Pikachu got eliminated.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Static.png|thumb|left|250px|Static activated]]
In ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's fifth Pokémon used in his Full Battle against Paul. First, he went up against {{TP|Paul|Magmortar}}. During the battle, Pikachu received multiple serious burns, and though he finally struck Magmortar with an Iron Tail, he had to be recalled. Later, he went up against Paul's very powerful {{TP|Paul|Ursaring}}. His Static Ability activated and paralyzed Ursaring, but this, in turn, activated Ursaring's {{a|Guts}} Ability, greatly increasing Ursaring's Attack and allowing it to defeat him.


In ''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]'', when going to the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Pike}}, Pikachu was captured by Team Rocket using their fake Battle Pike until rescued by {{FB|Pike Queen|Lucy}} and her {{TP|Lucy|Seviper}} from the real Battle Pike. Later, Ash used Pikachu as his second and last Pokémon in his Battle Pike challenge against Lucy. Pikachu went up against her Milotic. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Lucy had Milotic take the attack and countered with Hydro Pump. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but Milotic managed to overpower Pikachu. Pikachu's Quick Attack was then countered by Twister and he was then hit by Hydro Pump. Milotic then used Iron Tail, but Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle, blocking Iron Tail and paralyzing Milotic. Pikachu then used Quick Attack, but Milotic countered with a {{m|Facade}}, and since Milotic was paralyzed its power was doubled, dealing major damage to Pikachu. Ash then had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on himself. As Milotic was about to end the match with Twister, Ash had Pikachu, boosted by Thunderbolt, jump into the Twister. Inside the Twister, Pikachu began spinning and used Volt Tackle, increasing his power and proceeded to knock Milotic out, winning Ash the battle and earning him the [[Symbol#List of Symbols|Luck Symbol]].
In ''[[DP140|Historical Mystery Tour!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against Barry's {{p|Heracross}}, but the battle ended prematurely when Barry saw a {{p|Xatu}} flying and decided to follow it. In [[DP141|the following episode]], Pikachu was used in the [[Festival Battle Challenge]], a tournament marking the end of the [[Twinleaf Festival]], whose winner gets the opportunity to battle [[Palmer]]. Pikachu faced off against Barry's Empoleon in the final round and managed to win, earning Ash a battle against the [[Frontier Brain]].


In ''[[AG159|Off the Unbeaten Path]]'', Pikachu was chosen as Ash's partner in the [[Pokémon Orienteering]]. In the end, however, the competition was won by James and his {{TP|James|Mime Jr.}}.
In ''[[DP160|A Marathon Rivalry!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the Hurdle Dash event of a [[Pokéathlon]] held in [[Camellia Town]]. Pikachu and {{OBP|Daniel|DP160}}'s {{p|Snorlax}} quickly managed to take the lead, and after racing neck-to-neck with Snorlax, Snorlax's large belly passed the finish line first, giving Daniel the win.


In ''[[AG169|Talking a Good Game!]]'', Pikachu was the third Pokémon to battle against {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}. He went up against her Alakazam, who had already defeated Ash's former two Pokémon. Pikachu managed to hit Alakazam with Thunderbolt, but Alakazam nullified the damage using Recover. Both Pokémon then started exchanging Iron Tail and {{m|Focus Punch}} attacks and then hit each other with their respective Thunderbolt and Psybeam. Ash then ordered Pikachu to use Volt Tackle, but Pikachu ran straight towards the wall due to Psybeam's confusion effect. Pikachu, however, managed to snap out of the confusion, after Ash had saved it and managed to overpower Alakazam's Psybeam with Thunderbolt, defeating it. He went up against Metagross next. Metagross managed to sent Pikachu's Thunderbolt back at him using Psychic, dealing much damage. As Pikachu went for Quick Attack, Metagross used Iron Defense to block the attack and hit Pikachu hard with {{m|Meteor Mash}}. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, but Metagross fired a Hyper Beam, which defeated Pikachu, losing Ash the battle.
In ''[[DP165|Flint Sparks the Fire!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against [[Flint]]. He faced [[Flint's Infernape]], who had already defeated Ash's Buizel and his Infernape. After a hard-fought match in which both Pokémon took several hits, Pikachu was ultimately defeated, giving Flint the win.


In [[AG170|the next episode]], Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Anabel, this time facing her {{p|Espeon}}. Espeon showed to have great speed and power, dodging Pikachu's attacks and immediately after hit Pikachu with its own attacks. After getting hit by Espeon's Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt. Espeon's Zap Cannon managed to overpower Pikachu's attack and hit him hard. Pikachu tried Thunderbolt once again, but it was dodged. Espeon then countered with Psychic, smashing Pikachu to the ceiling, causing Pikachu to fall down. Pikachu, however, managed to land on his feet and used Quick Attack. Espeon used Psychic again to stop Pikachu and lifted him in the air. Pikachu managed to bounce off the ceiling and land on one of the stadium's lights. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, causing the lights to turn off. Unable to see anything Espeon was hit by Pikachu's next Thunderbolt. Pikachu then managed to avoid several Zap Cannon attacks and hit Espeon again with Thunderbolt. Just as the lights turned on again, Pikachu jumped down and hit Espeon hard with his Iron Tail. He then rushed towards Espeon using Volt Tackle. Despite trying to stop Pikachu using Zap Cannon, the attack missed and Espeon got [[Fainting|knocked out]] by the powerful attack. This gave Ash the win and earned him the [[Symbol#List of Symbols|Ability Symbol]].
In ''[[DP179|The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Volkner]]'s {{p|Electivire}} and ultimately defeated it despite the activation of Electivire's {{a|Motor Drive}} Ability. He was then recalled before going up against Volkner's {{p|Luxray}}, but he was eventually knocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave.
[[File:Ash Pikachu and Dawn Piplup.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu and Dawn's Piplup]]
During the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his battle against Paul in ''[[DP186|Familiarity Breeds Strategy!]]''. He was used against Paul's {{p|Aggron}} but was eventually recalled in place of Infernape. [[DP187|Later]], Pikachu was used again, this time facing Paul's {{p|Froslass}} and defeating it before being recalled once again. During [[DP188|the continuation of their battle]], Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Paul's Electivire, who soon knocked him out.


In ''[[AG189|Gathering the Gang of Four!]]'', in preparation for Ash's rematch against {{FB|Pyramid King|Brandon}} for his final frontier symbol, Pikachu reunited with Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charizard. Using Quick Attack to round up leaves created by Squirtle's {{m|Rapid Spin}} and Bulbasaur's {{m|Vine Whip}}, they were able to make a den to sleep. Although he got in a fight with the other Pokémon, they later calmed down. The next day, they all continued to train. Pikachu was later captured by Team Rocket but was rescued thanks to the efforts of Ash and the other Pokémon. They then combined their attacks to send Team Rocket blasting off. Afterwards, they met up with Brandon again and he agreed to have a four-on-four rematch with Pikachu and the other Pokémon at the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Pyramid}}.
In ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'', Pikachu was the last Pokémon chosen by Ash to battle {{si|Tobias}} in the semifinals of the Lily of the Valley Conference. Despite Ash losing five of his Pokémon, Pikachu tried his best to defeat Tobias's {{p|Latios}}. In the end, however, both he and Latios fainted. Since Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon, Tobias was crowned the winner of their battle, placing Ash in the Top 4 of the Lily of the Valley Conference.


Pikachu was the fourth and final Pokémon used in Ash's Battle Pyramid challenge against Pyramid King Brandon in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''. After Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Brandon's first three Pokémon were eliminated from the match, Pikachu was pitted against [[Brandon's Regice]]. Ash first had Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Regice seemed unfazed by the attack. Regice then countered with Blizzard. Pikachu quickly recovered and used Iron Tail, but was unable to land since he had to dodge the Iceberg Pokémon's Ice Beam. Regice used Ice Beam again to counter Pikachu's Quick Attack and despite Pikachu managing to dodge the attack again, the whole battle field got frozen in the process. This made Regice be able to move much quicker, while making it harder for Pikachu to move. As Regice was about to hit Pikachu with a Focus Punch, Pikachu was able to hit Regice with Thunderbolt, stunning it. This allowed Pikachu to hit Regice with a super-effective Iron Tail. Regice, however, quickly recovered and used Ice Beam, creating ice pillars, which trapped Pikachu. With Pikachu being unable to do anything, Regice used Rest to heal itself completely. Despite Pikachu managing to escape using Iron Tail, Regice was able to wake up before Pikachu could attack it and hit him with an Ice Beam, {{status|Freeze|freezing}} him. While Ash was yelling words of encouragement, the referee began to declare Pikachu unable to battle. Pikachu, however, managed to thaw out using Thunderbolt while also hit Regice with it. Regice then hit Pikachu with Focus Punch to send Pikachu bouncing across the ice field. Pikachu, however, used this to his advantage and bounced back to Regice to hit it with two consecutive Iron Tails. Regice, however, was still standing and managed to trap Pikachu again between ice pillars using Ice Beam and started to rest up again. Pikachu escaped again using Iron Tail and charged towards Regice using Volt Tackle. Regice managed to awake in time again and started using Ice Beam to stop Pikachu. Pikachu, however, dodged the attack and hit Regice with a powerful Volt Tackle, finally knocking the {{pkmn|category|Iceberg Pokémon}} out. This gave Ash the win and finally earned him his last Symbol, [[Symbol#List of Symbols|Brave Symbol]].
In ''[[DP191|Memories are Made of Bliss!]]'', Pikachu helped search for {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} when he ran away. Upon finding Piplup, both Pokémon broke down in tears since they had to say goodbye to each other soon. Team Rocket appeared, but Pikachu and Piplup managed to blast them off with a Volt Tackle and Hydro Pump combination. Later, Pikachu said goodbye to Dawn and Piplup before he, Ash, and Brock boarded a ship headed for [[Kanto]]. Upon arriving in Kanto, Pikachu and Ash bid farewell to Brock as well and the two continued towards Pallet Town.
[[File:Ash Pikachu contest.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu performing in a Pokémon Contest]]
In ''[[AG191|Once More With Reeling]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the [[Appeal|Performance Stage]] of the unofficial [[Terracotta Town]] [[Pokémon Contest]]. He used Quick Attack and Thunderbolt at the same time to create electrical rings and then sent them off with Iron Tail. When they collided, it created a firework like effect. This performance allowed Ash to proceed to the [[Contest Battle|Battle Stage]].


In ''[[AG192|Home is Where the Start Is!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a friendly battle against {{Gary}}, who used his powerful {{TP|Gary|Electivire}}, a Pokémon from the [[Sinnoh]] region. Both Pokémon used Thunderbolt and were evenly matched. Pikachu then used Quick Attack, but it was dodged by Electivire. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but they were even again. Pikachu then used a close range Thunderbolt, which Electivire dodged by jumping. This, however, was what Ash wanted and had Pikachu use Volt Tackle since it was now defenseless. Electivire, however, blocked the attack with {{m|Protect}}, damaging Pikachu due to recoil. Electivire then launched its powerful Thunder Punch, defeating Pikachu. Later, Pikachu went with Ash to Sinnoh, intending for him to be the only Pokémon to go with him, as he left his other Pokémon at Professor Oak's laboratory. However, {{AP|Aipom}} snuck on board of their ship and Ash allowed her to accompany them to Sinnoh.
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''====
=====Unova=====
[[File:Ash Pikachu No Electric Powers.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu being incapable of using his Electric-type moves]]
Ash and Pikachu accompanied Professor Oak and Delia on a trip to [[Unova]]. In ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]'', upon arriving in Unova, Pikachu had an encounter with {{p|Zekrom}}, which, unbeknownst to Ash, caused him to lose his ability to use Electric moves. Ash finally noticed this during his battle against [[Trip]] and his {{TP|Trip|Snivy}}, when Pikachu tried using Volt Tackle. Despite Ash realizing Pikachu can use other moves like Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Snivy defeated the exhausted Pikachu with {{m|Leaf Tornado}}. In [[BW002|the next episode]], following another appearance of Zekrom, Pikachu recovered his Electric moves. Afterward, knowing that the region was filled with Pokémon he'd never seen before, Ash decided to begin a new journey traveling around Unova. As with Hoenn, Ash decided to leave his other Pokémon with Professor Oak and set off with only Pikachu.


==={{series|Diamond & Pearl}}===
In ''[[BW005|Triple Leaders, Team Threats!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his second battle at the [[Striaton Gym]]. He faced [[Cress]] and his {{TP|Cress|Panpour}}, and despite having the type advantage, Pikachu was overwhelmed by their water-based strategies and eventually defeated without launching a single hit.
In ''[[DP001|Following a Maiden's Voyage!]]'', Pikachu was temporarily separated from Ash thanks to yet another plot by Team Rocket. Eventually, in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation!]]'', {{an|Dawn}} found Pikachu and tried to catch him, but failed since he already had a Trainer. She also protected him from Team Rocket and managed to blast Team Rocket off alongside with him. Pikachu was eventually reunited with Ash in ''[[DP003|When Pokémon Worlds Collide!]]''. Later, he was used as Ash's final Pokémon in a battle against Ash's new rival, [[Paul]], and his {{TP|Paul|Elekid}}. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but Elekid simply absorbed the attack and then launched a powerful Thunder at him. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, but Elekid blocked the attack using Protect, causing him to take recoil damage. Pikachu, however, managed to get up and used Iron Tail, which was countered by Elekid's {{m|Brick Break}}. As the two moves were colliding, Paul mentioned Elekid still had one free arm and ordered it to hit Pikachu with Thunder Punch. Pikachu, however, managed to block Thunder Punch with Iron Tail and then hit Elekid hard. Elekid then managed to hit Pikachu with one more Brick Break, but as both Pokémon were exhausted they both fell down, resulting the battle in a tie.


In ''[[DP004|Dawn of a New Era!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to battle [[Nando's Budew]]. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack. Budew tried countering with {{m|Bullet Seed}}, but Pikachu avoided the attack and hit Budew hard. Pikachu then got hit by Budew's {{m|Mega Drain}}, restoring some of Budew's health. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, dealing much damage to Budew. Budew then surprised everyone by evolving into {{p|Roselia}}. Roselia used {{m|Sunny Day}} and followed up with Solar Beam. Pikachu, however, managed to dodge Solar Beam and defeated Roselia with a powerful Iron Tail.
In ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', he battled Trip's {{p|Tranquill}}, who had already taken out [[Ash's Oshawott]] and {{AP|Tepig}}. After defeating Tranquill, he battled Snivy again, who had evolved into Servine by that point. As Pikachu tried to use Volt Tackle, Servine struck him with Cut in mid-sprint, knocking him out.


[[File:Ash DP 2.png|thumb|120px|left|Ash and Pikachu, as seen in {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} artwork]]
In ''[[BW013|Minccino—Neat and Tidy!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against {{an|Bianca}} and her {{TP|Bianca|Pignite}}. Eventually, Pikachu's Volt Tackle and Pignite's {{m|Flame Charge}} collided, knocking both Pokémon back. Ultimately, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.
In ''[[DP016|A Gruff Act to Follow]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his first Sinnoh Gym battle against [[Roark]] and his {{TP|Roark|Cranidos}}. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but Cranidos dodged it and used {{m|Zen Headbutt}}. Pikachu stopped the attack with Iron Tail. However, Cranidos was able to withstand the attack and used Headbutt. Although Pikachu managed to dodge and attempted to use Thunderbolt, Cranidos still managed to score a direct hit on him. Pikachu then tried to use Thunderbolt again, but Cranidos used Zen Headbutt to stop him and then used another Headbutt to knock him to the ground. When Paul got up to leave, believing Ash had already lost, Pikachu suddenly showed his strength by letting off a powerful electric attack in the air, causing Paul to stay. As the battle continued, Pikachu used Quick Attack, while Cranidos used Flamethrower. Pikachu dodged the attack and hit Cranidos with Iron Tail. Cranidos then used {{m|Head Smash}}, while Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle. The collision of these attacks caused much damage to both Pokémon. Not wanting Pikachu to take anymore damage, Ash recalled him.
Later, Pikachu was sent out again to battle Roark's Onix. Pikachu used Iron Tail, which was countered by Onix's Slam. Ash then came up with an idea and had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on the battlefield, causing rocks to be launched in the air. Onix tried heading forwards using Double-Edge, but couldn't due to the rocks. Pikachu then headed towards Onix using Quick Attack, but Onix quickly recovered and countered with {{m|Screech}}. Despite trying to still move forwards, Pikachu was overwhelmed by the attack and was blasted away, knocking him out and making Ash lose the battle.


In ''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos We Watched!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his rematch against Roark, where he faced Roark's Onix again. Pikachu used Quick Attack to climb onto Onix's body, after dodging a Slam. Onix tried to stop Pikachu using Screech, but failed and Pikachu managed to reach Onix's head. Despite trying to shake Pikachu off, Onix got hit by a super-effective Iron Tail. Onix then went for Double-Edge with Pikachu heading straight towards Onix. At the last moment, however, Pikachu used his newly learned spin technique to dodge the attack and went for another Iron Tail. Onix, however, managed to dodge and hit Pikachu hard with Slam. Onix then used {{m|Stealth Rock}}, but the move was countered by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, preventing it from being executed as well as damaging Onix. Pikachu then used Iron Tail and while Onix tried countering with Screech, he managed to outspeed the Rock Snake Pokémon and defeated it. Pikachu was recalled when Roark sent out his Geodude.
In ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]'', a trio of trouble-making {{p|Ducklett}} stole [[Ash's hat]] and [[Sunglasses Sandile|Sandile]]'s sunglasses. During the incident, Pikachu learned {{m|Electro Ball}}, forgetting Volt Tackle, and blasted the Ducklett off with his new move. Later on, he battled Sandile, who evolved into a {{p|Krokorok}} during the battle, and ultimately used Electro Ball to deflect its Stone Edge back at it, defeating it and blasting it off.
Pikachu was later sent out to battle Roark's {{p|Rampardos}}. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Rampardos dodged and went for Zen Headbutt. Pikachu tried dodging the attack using his spin technique again, but still got hurt in the process. He then used Quick Attack, while Rampardos countered with Headbutt. Pikachu managed to avoid Headbutt by spinning head over heels, but got thrown in ther air by Rampardos's tail. Pikachu then headed down using Iron Tail with Rampardos countering with Zen Headbutt. This caused Pikachu's Static to activate, but it was cancelled out by Rampardos's {{a|Mold Breaker}}. Rampardos then hit Pikachu hard with Zen Headbutt, knocking him out.


In ''[[DP026|Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against {{si|Kenny}} and his {{TP|Kenny|Prinplup}}. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but the attack was blocked by Prinplup's Metal Claw. Prinplup then used Drill Peck, but Pikachu managed to dodge the attack by spinning and hit Prinplup with Iron Tail, sending it to the ground. Prinplup, however, used Bubble Beam to create a cushion to land safely. Pikachu and Prinplup then clashed with Iron Tail and Metal Claw. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket.
In ''[[BW023|Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his last Pokémon in his [[Castelia Gym]] battle. He went up against [[Burgh]]'s {{p|Leavanny}}, who initially had the upper hand with its Leaf Storm and {{m|String Shot}} attacks. However, he turned both attacks against Leavanny and ultimately defeated it with an Iron Tail-Electro Ball combination, earning Ash the {{badge|Insect}}.


In ''[[DP033|All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!]]'', Ash entered Pikachu in the [[Pokémon Dress-Up Contest]]. Pikachu was able to imitate several Pokémon and, as a result, advanced to the finals. However, he ended up losing to [[Brock's Croagunk]].
In ''[[BW042|Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the final round of the [[Club Battle]], where they went up against {{an|Iris}} and {{TP|Iris|Excadrill}}. Though it was a hard-fought battle, Pikachu was ultimately unable to dodge Excadrill's Focus Blast, which knocked him out, making Iris the winner of the tournament and Ash the runner-up.


In ''[[DP050|Tag! We're It...!]]'', Pikachu was used in the first round of the [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]], where he battled alongside [[Paul's Chimchar]]. Pikachu and Chimchar faced a Rhydon and a Magmar. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt on Magmar, but the attack got redirected to Rhydon due to its {{a|Lightning Rod}} Ability. Unharmed by the Electric-type attack, Rhydon proceeded to hit Pikachu hard with {{m|Megahorn}}. Magmar then used {{m|Lava Plume}}, dealing minor damage Rhydon. While Pikachu managed to dodge the attack, Paul had Chimchar jump right in to power up its {{type|Fire}} moves. Despite this, Chimchar's Flamethrower did little damage to Rhydon and Chimchar got hit by a powerful {{m|Hammer Arm}}. Pikachu then managed to hit Rhydon with a super-effective Iron Tail, dealing much damage. Rhydon then used {{m|Surf}}, while Magmar protected itself with Protect. Pikachu, however, managed to break through the Surf and defeat Rhydon using Iron Tail. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, while Magmar countered with Fire Punch. This gave Chimchar the opportunity to hit Magmar with a super-effective Dig, knocking it out and causing Ash and Paul to proceed to the next round of the tournament.
In ''[[BW050|Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!]]'', Pikachu was used as the final Pokémon in Ash's Gym battle against [[Elesa]] after his two other Pokémon were defeated. He went up against Elesa's powerful {{p|Emolga}} and quickly defeated it. Pikachu then faced Elesa's {{p|Tynamo}}, which proved to be a tough opponent despite her not looking very strong. Eventually, Pikachu gained the upper hand and defeated Tynamo, thus winning Ash the {{Badge|Bolt}}.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Alder Bouffalant.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu striking Alder's Bouffalant]]
In ''[[BW052|Ash Versus the Champion!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against [[Alder]], where he faced his {{p|Bouffalant}}. Pikachu hit Bouffalant with all of his attacks, but it absorbed the hits with its afro. Alder, however, didn't give any orders, causing Bouffalant to get angry. It was then revealed that Alder had been sleeping throughout the battle. After he was woken up, Alder ordered Bouffalant to use {{m|Head Charge}}, but Bouffalant, still angry at him, used the attack on him instead. The battle was then called off.


In ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', Ash and Pikachu tried stopping a wild {{p|Spiritomb}} from rampaging, after the gang accidentally destroyed the [[Hallowed Tower]], thus freeing Spiritomb from the [[Odd Keystone]]. Eventually, Pikachu managed to defeat Spiritomb with Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt after a hard fought battle and the group managed to seal Spiritomb in the Keystone again.
In ''[[BW068|An Amazing Aerial Battle!]]'', Ash used Pikachu against [[Skyla]]'s {{p|Unfezant}} in his [[Mistralton Gym]] battle. After defeating Unfezant, Pikachu fought Skyla's last Pokémon, {{TP|Skyla|Swanna}}. Despite having a type advantage, Pikachu's Electric moves proved to be useless when Swanna used {{m|Aqua Ring}} to protect itself against them. Pikachu was ultimately defeated by a powerful combination of {{m|Hurricane}} and Brave Bird.


In ''[[DP066|Lost Leader Strategy!]]'', Pikachu encountered Paul's Electabuzz again at [[Reggie]]'s home, where the two started fighting. The Pokémon got separated by [[Maylene's Lucario]]. Later, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in a battle against Reggie. Pikachu faced Reggie's {{p|Staraptor}}. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Staraptor managed to dodge and used {{m|Brave Bird}}. Pikachu tried dodging using his spin technique, but failed to do so and got hit hard. Pikachu then managed to dodge Staraptor's Steel Wing, by using Iron Tail on the ground to jump high in the air. He then used Volt Tackle, which was countered by Staraptor's {{m|Wing Attack}}, causing both Pokémon to fall down. In the end however, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.
In ''[[BW069|Climbing the Tower of Success!]]'', Ash and Pikachu entered the [[Wishing Bell Festival]]. They managed to reach the final round, where they had to climb [[Mistralton Tower]] while protecting the flame of their {{p|Litwick}} candle. Despite Pikachu doing his best to protect the candle from a group of {{p|Pidove}}'s attacks, [[Stephan]]'s Litwick candle, which turned out to have been a real Litwick all along, blew out Ash's, causing Ash to end up in second place.
[[File:BW084.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu in Ash's final Unova Gym battle]]
In ''[[BW084|Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 2]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his final Pokémon in his Gym battle with [[Roxie]]. He faced Roxie's strongest Pokémon, {{p|Garbodor}}, who had already defeated Ash's Pignite and {{AP|Palpitoad}}. Eventually, all of the physical contact Pikachu made with Garbodor activated its Static Ability, paralyzing Garbodor. This allowed him to defeat Garbodor, earning Ash his eighth and final Unova Badge, the {{badge|Toxic}}, thus allowing him to enter the Unova League.


In ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'', an arrogant Electric-type trainer named [[Sho]] wished Ash to trade Pikachu to him, as he already had a Pichu and {{p|Raichu}} and wanted to have the full evolution line in his team. Ash obviously refused, so Sho challenged him to a battle against his powerful Raichu. Unlike Lt. Surge's Raichu, this particular Raichu was fast as well as knew powerful attacks. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was easily taken by Raichu, who then proceeded to launch Thunder at Pikachu. Pikachu unwilling to dodge, took the attack and charged in using Volt Tackle. Raichu countered with its own Volt Tackle, sending both Pokémon flying back. Raichu managed to land back on its feet, while Pikachu crashed into a rock. Both Pokémon then clashed with Iron Tail. Raichu then managed to take Pikachu's Quick Attack and started using Hyper Beam. As Pikachu was trying to get away, Raichu used its tail to trap Pikachu and proceeded to hit him with a close-range Hyper Beam, defeating him as well as seriously injuring him.
In ''[[BW093|Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!]]'', Pikachu was used in one final battle against Dawn before she headed to Johto. He faced her {{TP|Dawn|Quilava}}, who turned out to be evenly matched against him. Finally, Pikachu and Quilava collided with Quick Attack and Flame Wheel, respectively, knocking both Pokémon back. The battle was then called off by {{an|Cynthia}}.
During his recovery, Pikachu began to reconsider his earlier decision not to evolve since there would always be attacks and abilities that he simply couldn't learn otherwise. When Ash went to check on Pikachu he found both Pikachu and his Thunder Stone missing, causing him to think Pikachu may had evolved into Raichu. However, he soon found Pikachu training in the forest, trying to get stronger without evolving.


After some hard training, Ash and Pikachu re-challenged Sho and Raichu. Raichu started off using Iron Tail, but Pikachu managed to constantly dodge its attacks by circling around. However, Raichu eventually managed to hit Pikachu and threw him in the air. While he was heading down Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter Raichu's Volt Tackle. Raichu then went for another Volt Tackle, but Pikachu dodged it by spinning. Pikachu then circled around again to avoid Raichu's Iron Tail attacks, causing Raichu to lose its footing. This gave Pikachu the opportunity to hit it hard with a Quick Attack. Pikachu then proceeded to dodge Raichu's attacks and immediately after hit it with its own moves, dealing much damage. Raichu, however, was still standing and managed to trap Pikachu with its tail again, while charging Hyper Beam. As Hyper Beam was launched, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to block Hyper Beam, decreasing its power. As Raichu had to recharge, Pikachu proceeded to hit Raichu with a Volt Tackle-Iron Tail combination, dealing major damage. Pikachu and Raichu then clashed with Volt Tackle, proving to be equal in power. Pikachu then avoided Raichu's Iron Tail and flung it into a tree using Iron Tail. Raichu then tried trapping Pikachu again while using Hyper Beam, but Pikachu dodged its tail and used Hyper Beam's power to jump high in the air. Pikachu then headed down using a spinning Iron Tail and finally knocked Raichu out, proving he had once again made the right decision not to evolve.
In ''[[BW096|Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!]]'', Ash and Pikachu battled {{an|Giovanni}} and his {{TP|Giovanni|Persian}} while trying to protect {{an|Meloetta}}, but Persian immediately defeated Pikachu with {{m|Power Gem}}. Giovanni then captured Meloetta and took it, along with the imprisoned Ash and Pikachu, to the [[Abyssal Ruins]]. In [[BW097|the next episode]], Pikachu managed to break Team Rocket's force-field prison open by striking it repeatedly with Iron Tail, freeing both Ash and himself. Later, during the battle against the mind-controlled {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Forces of Nature|Therian Forme}} {{an|forces of nature}}, Pikachu protected Iris and her {{TP|Iris|Dragonite}} from {{DL|Forces of nature (anime)|Thundurus}}'s Thunder. This gave Pikachu a tremendous power boost; when he used Electro Ball, it inflicted exceptionally massive damage on the Abyssal Ruins, sending Team Rocket flying and freeing Meloetta.


In ''[[DP083|A Crasher Course in Power!]]'', Pikachu and {{AP|Buizel}} got into a fight after Buizel got accidentally hit by Pikachu's Thunderbolt while training. Later, Pikachu was the first Pokémon used in Ash's [[Pastoria Gym]] battle. He went up against [[Crasher Wake]]'s Gyarados. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and scored a direct hit on Gyarados, but despite the super-effective attack, Gyarados was unharmed. Gyarados used {{m|Dragon Rage}}, but Pikachu blocked it with Iron Tail and used the strike to jump above Gyarados. Gyarados charged in with Bite, but Pikachu, while still in mid-air, used Volt Tackle, hitting Gyarados to the face and knocking it out. He was recalled after Crasher Wake sent out {{p|Quagsire}}.
In ''[[BW103|Curtain Up, Unova League!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the preliminary round of the [[Vertress Conference]], where he went up against Trip's Serperior. The battle properly began in [[BW104|the next episode]]. Serperior initially had the upper hand and was almost able to constrict Pikachu into unconsciousness. Pikachu, however, didn't give in and defeated it with an Electro Ball-Iron Tail combination, giving Ash his first win against Trip.
Later, after Buizel was recalled, Pikachu went up again against {{p|Floatzel}}. He used Thunderbolt, but Floatzel countered with {{m|Whirlpool}}. The collision caused electrified water droplets to fall on Buizel, curing his confusion. Pikachu used Volt Tackle, but Floatzel overpowered it and damaged him with {{m|Razor Wind}}. Pikachu then got hit by {{m|Ice Fang}}, causing a part of his back to get frozen. Pikachu was then recalled after Buizel wanted to fight again. As they passed each other they exchanged high-fives and Buizel broke the ice on Pikachu's back with Water Gun, settling their quarrel.


[[File:Hearthome Collection Pikachu.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu in the Hearthome Collection]]
In ''[[BW107|Cameron's Secret Weapon!]]'', Pikachu went up against {{un|Cameron}}'s Pokémon, defeating {{p|Samurott}} and Swanna before being recalled. [[BW108|Later]], Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Cameron's newly-evolved {{TP|Cameron|Lucario}}, which had just defeated {{AP|Snivy}}, leaving him as Ash's last Pokémon. Despite the large amount of damage both Pokémon had taken, they still managed to continue battling. At the end of the fight, Lucario's Aura Sphere overpowered Pikachu's Electro Ball and him Pikachu out, thus eliminating Ash from the Vertress Conference and placing him in Top 8.
In ''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'', Pikachu was used in the [[Hearthome Collection]], a fashion show for {{pkmn|Stylist}}s and their Pokémon whose winner would get the chance to work on a photo shoot for the {{DL|Magazines in the Pokémon world|Poké Chic}} magazine. At first, Pikachu was shy to go on stage wearing the outfit Ash had designed for him, but after hearing some encouraging words from Ash, he overcame his moment of shyness and went on stage to perform. He used his Thunderbolt attack to light up the [[Contest Hall|hall]], captivating the judges' attention. [[Hermione]] commented that, although Ash didn't quite get it what it means to be a Pokémon Stylist, he was at least making an effort to show off his Pokémon, instead of focusing solely on the clothing aspect. For this reason, Pikachu was among the three finalists, along with [[Dawn's Buneary]] and [[Cocoa]]'s {{p|Mismagius}}. When the results were announced, it was revealed that Ash and Pikachu ended up in third place, receiving the Unique Award for their original costumes and performance.
[[File:Colress Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu under Colress's control]]
In ''[[BW112|Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot]]'', Pikachu battled wild Pokémon controlled by [[Colress]] to free them and stop [[Team Plasma]]. Impressed by Pikachu's power, Colress managed to gain control of Pikachu by attaching a receiver to his head, and he ordered him to attack Ash and the group. As Colress was increasing the power of the EM waves responsible for the mind control, Ash begged Pikachu to fight it off. During Pikachu's strenuous attempts to do so, the receiver overloaded and got destroyed, freeing Pikachu from Team Plasma's control.


In ''[[DP093|Playing The Leveling Field!]]'', Pikachu was used in an unofficial battle against the [[Hearthome City]] Gym Leader [[Fantina]]. Pikachu faced her {{TP|Fantina|Drifloon}}, who had already defeated Buizel and put Chimchar to sleep. After getting hit by {{m|Will-O-Wisp}}, Pikachu hit Drifloon with a super-effective Thunderbolt. He then used Volt Tackle, but Drifloon countered with {{m|Ominous Wind}}, stopping Pikachu and blowing him back. He then managed to hit Drifloon with another Thunderbolt, but this triggered Drifloon to evolve into {{p|Drifblim}}. Drifblim managed to dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt and followed up with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep. With two of his Pokémon sleeping Ash decided to forfeit the match.
In ''[[BW121|Team Plasma and the Awakening Ceremony!]]'', Pikachu and Ash's other Pokémon fought Team Plasma's Pokémon to prevent them from awakening {{an|Reshiram}}. Colress, however, activated his improved mind-control machine and managed to hit Pikachu with the machine's laser, controlling him again. This time, however, Ash's voice didn't get through to Pikachu's control, and he was knocked unconscious by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. {{an|N}} then offered to give Team Plasma the [[Light Stone]] in exchange for them freeing Pikachu from their control, and they agreed.


In ''[[DP101|Barry's Busting Out All Over!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his final Pokémon in a three-on-three battle against {{an|Barry}}, where he faced [[Barry's Empoleon]]. Ash ordered Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, but Pikachu was forced to dodge Empoleon's {{m|Hydro Cannon}}. Empoleon then used Steel Wing, which clashed with Pikachu's Iron Tail. While continuously exchanging Steel Wings and Iron Tails, Pikachu eventually got hit, knocking him back. While struggling to get back up, Empoleon fired a Hyper Beam at Pikachu, launching him in the air. When it seemed to be over, Ash's words of encouragement managed to get through and Pikachu was able to hit Empoleon with a super-effective Thunderbolt. He then hit Empoleon with a powerful Volt Tackle, knocking it out.
In [[BW122|the next episode]], Pikachu tried to destroy Colress's machine to free Reshiram and all of the other Pokémon from [[Ghetsis]]'s control. However, he was ultimately hit by the laser, which put him under control once again. To everyone's surprise, Pikachu managed to resist the machine's influence, using his electricity to fight off Ghetsis's control and used Thunderbolt on Reshiram to help it escape from Ghetsis's control as well. Despite Colress increasing the machine's power, Pikachu kept resisting, and together with Reshiram, they destroyed the machine with Electro Ball and {{m|Fusion Flare}}, freeing all of the Pokémon from Team Plasma's control and defeating the [[villainous team]].


In ''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon in his [[Hearthome Gym]] battle. He went up against Fantina's Drifblim. Pikachu used a Thunderbolt [[Counter Shield]], hurting Drifblim as well as paralyzing it. Drifblim, however, immediately blew the electricity away with Psychic. Drifblim then used a combination of Will-O-Wisp and Psychic to create a Counter Shield of its own. Pikachu used Counter Shield again, but it was overwhelmed as Drifblim's lasted longer due to it being supported by Psychic. Drifblim's Counter Shield then surrounded Pikachu, causing him to be unable to use Thunderbolt. Drifblim then proceeded to hit Pikachu with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep, and finished him off with Ominous Wind.
=====Decolore Islands=====
[[File:Bulbasaur and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu reuniting with Bulbasaur]]
In ''[[BW125|Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness!]]'', Pikachu participated in the [[Marine Cup Tournament]]. He managed to beat other Trainers and make it to the finals. He then battled [[Teaque]]'s {{p|Galvantula}} and was able to knock it out with Iron Tail, winning the tournament for Ash.


In ''[[DP124|To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's partner in a [[Pokémon Ping Pong Tournament]]. In the first round they faced [[Wilkinson]] and his {{p|Farfetch'd}}. Despite putting up a good match, Ash and Pikachu got eliminated.
In ''[[BW141|Best Wishes Until We Meet Again!]]'', Pikachu and {{TP|Iris|Axew}} were captured by Team Rocket while Ash, Iris, and {{an|Cilan}} were trapped inside the ship's cargo space. He was eventually freed from the net and, with the help of Axew, Charizard, and {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}}, Pikachu blasted Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu said farewell to Axew, Iris, and Cilan as he, Ash, and [[Alexa]] continued to Pallet Town.


In ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's fifth Pokémon used in his Full Battle against Paul. First, he went up against {{TP|Paul|Magmortar}}. Pikachu managed to hit Magmortar with Quick Attack. However, upon making contact, he was burned by Magmortar's {{a|Flame Body}}. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, which was countered by Magmortar's Flamethrower. He then went for Volt Tackle, which was countered by Magmortar's Rock Tomb. Despite managing to push through and destroy multiple rocks, Pikachu was eventually thrown back after crashing in one of the rocks and got immediately after damaged by his burn. Magmortar then used Smog, but Pikachu blocked it using his Thunderbolt Counter Shield. After taking more burn damage, Pikachu dodged Magmortar's Flamethrower and struck Magmortar with an Iron Tail, only to take burn damage again after. He was then recalled.
Pikachu was reunited with Bulbasaur and the entire Unova team at Professor Oak's Laboratory in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]''. He joined the others in a group attack on Team Rocket with his Thunderbolt to send them blasting off. Pikachu then continued to travel with Ash when he set off for the [[Kalos]] region.


[[File:Ash Pikachu Static.png|thumb|left|250px|Static activated]]
====''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''====
Later, he went up against Paul's very powerful {{TP|Paul|Ursaring}}. Pikachu hit Ursaring with Quick Attack, but the Hibernator Pokémon managed to take it and hit Pikachu hard with Hammer Arm. The physical contact activated Pikachu's Static, paralyzing Ursaring, giving Pikachu the opportunity to hit it with Iron Tail. The paralysis, however, activated Ursaring's {{a|Guts}} Ability, greatly increasing Ursaring's Attack. Pikachu tried stopping Ursaring with Thunderbolt, but it managed to push through and slammed him into [[Lake Acuity]] with an extremely powerful Hammer Arm, taking him out of the match as well as injuring him. This defeat meant that Ash had to defeat Paul's remaining five Pokémon with only Chimchar.
In ''[[XY001|Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]'', Ash and Pikachu arrived at Kalos by plane along with Alexa. After being thrown out of the [[Lumiose Gym]] for not having enough Badges, Ash was saved by {{an|Clemont}} while Pikachu was saved by {{an|Bonnie}}. Bonnie was excited to be holding Pikachu, leading to him shocking her because she was holding him too tightly. After becoming acquainted with their rescuers, Ash challenged Clemont to a battle, which Clemont reluctantly agreed to. In the battle, Pikachu faced [[Clemont's Bunnelby]]. Despite Clemont admitting that he only recently caught Bunnelby, he proved to be quite a challenge for Pikachu. However, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who once again attempted to steal Pikachu. Ash attempted to stop them, but Jessie had her {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} reflect Pikachu's attacks with {{m|Mirror Coat}}. Pikachu was saved by a {{AP|Froakie}}, who shielded him with its body at the cost of being injured. With Bunnelby and Froakie's help, Pikachu blasted the trio off. Froakie soon collapsed from its injuries, so Ash, Pikachu, and their new friends went to {{an|Professor Sycamore}} to heal Froakie.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Fletchling training.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu training for the rematch against Viola]]
In ''[[XY002|Lumiose City Pursuit!]]'', Ash and Pikachu managed to get Froakie to Professor Sycamore. Later, when Professor Sycamore's {{p|Garchomp}} went crazy from one of Team Rocket's devices, Pikachu and Ash pursued her to get the device off and free her. After chasing her to the top of Prism Tower, Pikachu removed the device from Garchomp's neck with Iron Tail. However, due to the fight damaging the tower, the ground Pikachu was standing on broke off, causing him to fall off. Ash immediately leaped in to save his friend, to the shock of many, including {{an|Serena}}. They were both saved by a {{me|Blaziken}}, who intercepted them in the air and put the two safely back onto the ground.


In ''[[DP140|Historical Mystery Tour!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against Barry's {{p|Heracross}}. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack, but Heracross endured the hit and hit him with Horn Attack. Their battle was stopped, when Barry saw a {{p|Xatu}} flying and decided to follow it.
In ''[[XY005|A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle!]]'', Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used during his [[Santalune Gym]] battle with [[Viola]], sending him out to face her {{p|Surskit}}, who knocked him out. After he was healed at the Pokémon Center, he trained with {{AP|Fletchling}} for their rematch, using Alexa's {{p|Noivern}}'s {{m|Gust}} to help them withstand {{p|Vivillon}}'s Gust, which beat Fletchling in the first battle.


In [[DP141|the following episode]], Pikachu was used in the [[Twinleaf Festival]] Battle Challenge, where he was seen defeating a {{p|Feraligatr}} with Thunderbolt. In the final round Pikachu battled against Barry's Empoleon and managed to win, giving Ash the opportunity to battle [[Tower Tycoon]] [[Palmer]].
In [[XY006|the next episode]], they were finally able to withstand Noivern's Gust. Later, using one of Clemont's inventions, they practiced avoiding Surskit's {{m|Sticky Web}}. After it broke, they used Froakie and its Frubbles instead to practice. The next day, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon for his rematch against Viola, where he again went up against her Surskit and finally defeated it. Ash recalled Pikachu and substituted him for Fletchling. He was later called out again to battle Vivillon, who had beaten Fletchling. During the battle, Pikachu was nearly put to sleep by Vivillon's {{m|Sleep Powder}}, but Ash had Pikachu use Electro Ball on himself to keep himself awake. Then, Pikachu defeated the Scale Pokémon, earning Ash the {{badge|Bug}}.
[[File:Officer Jenny Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu hypnotized by {{an|Malamar}}]]
In ''[[XY019|A Conspiracy to Conquer!]]'', after overhearing one of Team Rocket's conversations, [[Officer Jenny|Madame X]] and her {{an|Malamar}} captured Pikachu. After Clemont attempted to use his "Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device" to find Pikachu, it was revealed that Malamar had hypnotized Pikachu, making him one of Madame X's subordinates. While searching for Pikachu, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were also hypnotized by Malamar. Once Ash and Meowth finally found Pikachu, Team Rocket, and Madame X, Madame X forced Pikachu to attack Ash. Ash got through to Pikachu, who started fighting Malamar's control. Afterwards, the Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device burst in and rammed into Malamar, causing it to lose its control over everyone. After Malamar revealed its plans through Meowth, Pikachu attempted to attack it, but Malamar managed to escape.


In ''[[DP160|A Marathon Rivalry!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the Hurdle Dash event of a [[Pokéathlon]] held in [[Camellia Town]]. Pikachu and {{OBP|Daniel|DP160}}'s {{p|Snorlax}} quickly managed to take the lead and after racing neck-to-neck with Snorlax, Snorlax's large belly passed the finish line first. This meant Daniel had won the Pokéathlon with Ash ending up in second place.
In ''[[XY025|Climbing the Walls!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third and final Pokémon in his [[Cyllage Gym]] battle against [[Grant]]. It went up against his {{p|Tyrunt}} and ultimately defeated it, earning Ash the {{badge|Cliff}}.


Later, in ''[[DP165|Flint Sparks the Fire!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against [[Sinnoh Elite Four]] member {{ef|Flint}}. He faced [[Flint's Infernape]], who had already defeated Ash's Buizel and his Infernape. Pikachu first used Quick Attack, but Infernape simply took the attack and used {{m|Flare Blitz}}. Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle, causing an explosion. Infernape and Pikachu then clashed with {{m|Mach Punch}} and Iron Tail, but Infernape overpowered Pikachu sending him flying into a wall. Infernape then hit Pikachu hard with {{m|Close Combat}} and slammed him down to the ground. Before hitting the ground, Pikachu still managed to hit Infernape with Thunderbolt. Infernape then headed downwards using Flare Blitz, being unable to dodge Pikachu was hit hard by the Fire-type move. Pikachu, however, still didn't give up and used Quick Attack. Infernape took the attack again and used this chance to knock him back with Close Combat. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, but Infernape countered with Flare Blitz, breaking through the attack and hitting him hard. Pikachu and Infernape then clashed with Volt Tackle and Mach Punch, causing an explosion, knocking Pikachu to the ground. As Pikachu went for one more Volt Tackle, Infernape countered with Thunder Punch, causing another explosion. As the smoke cleared both Pokémon were still standing, but eventually Pikachu fell down, giving Flint the win.
In ''[[XY028|The Bonds of Evolution!]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's battle against [[Diantha]], where he faced her {{TP|Diantha|Gardevoir}}. Gardevoir managed to dodge all of Pikachu's attacks and hit him hard with a {{m|Shadow Ball}}. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket.


In ''[[DP179|The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!]]'', Pikachu battled against [[Volkner]]'s {{p|Electivire}}. Pikachu first launched a Quick Attack, which Electivire dodged. Electivire then launched a Fire Punch and {{m|Ice Punch}}, both of which were dodged. After dodging these attacks Pikachu had hit Electivire with two Thunderbolts, which Electivire absorbed due to its Ability {{a|Motor Drive}}, increasing its Speed. Due to its increased Speed, it dodged Iron Tail with ease and managed to hit Pikachu with Fire Punch. Electivire then hit Pikachu with Ice Punch, which activated Pikachu's Static, paralyzing Electivire as well as slowing it down. Due to Electivire's paralysis, Pikachu was able to dodge an Ice Punch and countered another one with Iron Tail. As Electivire went for another Ice Punch, Pikachu managed to outspeed the Thunderbolt Pokémon and defeat it with Iron Tail. Pikachu was then recalled. He later went up against Volkern's {{p|Luxray}}. His Quick Attack was stopped by {{m|Shock Wave}}, knocking him back. Pikachu then launched three successful Iron Tails but the fourth was countered by {{m|Thunder Fang}}, which overpowered Pikachu. He was then knocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave.
In ''[[XY030|Mega Revelations!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Korrina's Lucario]] but was defeated by it. [[XY032|Later]], he battled Lucario in its [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]] form. However, during the battle, Lucario lost control of its Mega Evolution and went berserk, forcing Ash to protect Pikachu. In response, [[Gurkinn]] sent out his own {{p|Lucario}} to block the attack. Lucario then lost consciousness and the battle was called off.
[[File:XY044.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu facing Mega Lucario]]
In ''[[XY042|Battling Into the Hall of Fame!]]'', Pikachu was used in a Team Battle alongside with [[Serena's Fennekin]] and [[Clemont's Chespin]] against [[Tierno's Squirtle]], [[Shauna's Bulbasaur]], and [[Trevor's Charmander]]. Pikachu and the others initially had a hard time due to their opponents' great teamwork, but they eventually overcame this obstacle and defeated all three of their opponents, giving Ash, Serena, and Clemont the win {{tt|and the spot on the Hall of Fame|Despite having one point less than Team Chikorita, as the final scores were inconsistent with the points given on screen}}.


In the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his battle against Paul in ''[[DP186|Familiarity Breeds Strategy!]]''. He was used against Paul's {{p|Aggron}}. First he and Aggron clashed with Iron Tail and Metal Claw, proving to be equal in power. Aggron then countered with {{m|Metal Sound}}, hurting Pikachu's ears. Pikachu managed to stop Aggron with Thunderbolt and headed forwards using Volt Tackle. This attack, however, was stopped by Aggron's {{m|Flash Cannon}}, dealing much damage. Pikachu was then recalled in place of Infernape. [[DP187|Later]] Pikachu was used again in Ash's battle against Paul, this time facing Paul's {{p|Froslass}}. Froslass started off using {{m|Hail}}, activating her {{a|Snow Cloak}} Ability, making it hard to keep track of Froslass's movements. As Pikachu kept getting attacked by his opponent, he tried countering with Thunderbolt. The falling hail, however, protected Froslass from Thunderbolt, giving Froslass the chance to hit Pikachu hard with an {{m|Ice Shard}}. Pikachu then tried attacking with Volt Tackle, only to be easily dodged by the Snow Land Pokémon. As Froslass went for another Ice Shard to finish Pikachu off, Pikachu managed to avoid it by jumping and hit Froslass with a super-effective Iron Tail. Due to the large amount of damage Froslass had taken, the hail disappeared. Froslass then went for an Ice Beam, freezing Pikachu. As Froslass was about to finish Pikachu off with Ice Shard, Pikachu managed to thaw out with Volt Tackle and knocked the Snow Land Pokémon out. This gave Pikachu his first win against one of Paul's Pokémon and also gave Ash the lead in the battle. He was then once again recalled. During [[DP188|the continuation of their battle]], Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Paul's Electivire. Electivire started off by using Thunder on the battle field, launching rocks at Pikachu. Pikachu, however, managed to maneuver through the rocks with Quick Attack and strike Electivire with a direct hit on the head. Electivire, however, quickly recovered and grabbed Pikachu with its tails. As Pikachu tried using Iron Tail, Electivire smacked him to the ground. Using these movements however, Pikachu managed to escape from Electivire's grip. Pikachu and Electivire then clashed with Quick Attack and Brick Break, pushing both Pokémon back. Pikachu then went for Volt Tackle. Electivire blocked the attack, activating its Motor Drive Ability. It then went for a speedy Thunder Punch, but this was countered by Pikachu's Iron Tail. Both attacks, however, proved to be equal in power making Pikachu unable to move. This gave Electivire the opportunity to use Brick Break with its other arm, knocking Pikachu out.
In ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]'', Pikachu was the last Pokémon Ash used during his [[Shalour Gym]] battle with {{an|Korrina}}, sending him out to face Korrina's Mega Lucario. Pikachu was ultimately able to defeat Lucario with Thunderbolt, thus earning Ash the {{badge|Rumble}}.


In ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'', Pikachu was the last Pokémon chosen by Ash to battle {{si|Tobias}} in the semi-finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference. Despite Ash losing five of his Pokémon, Pikachu tried his best to defeat Tobias's {{p|Latios}}. In the beginning almost none of his attacks hit or did any damage to Latios and his attacks got easily overwhelmed by Latios's powerful attacks. However, Pikachu finally managed to jump on top of Latios and used Thunderbolt to severely damage Latios. Latios then used Light Screen, reducing the damage caused by Thunderbolt. Despite this Pikachu kept using Thunderbolt until he was shaken off. As Pikachu was about to land, Latios used {{m|Luster Purge}}. Pikachu used Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, taking against the force of the Luster Purge, causing a massive explosion. In the end, however, both he and Latios fainted. As Ash's last Pokémon had fainted, Tobias was crowned the winner of their battle, placing Ash in the Top 4 of the Lily of the Valley Conference.
In ''[[XY055|A Slippery Encounter!]]'', Pikachu helped out a {{AP|Goomy}} after they were captured by Team Rocket. The two escaped after Goomy used the slime on its body to allow them to slip through the bars. However, their escape was noticed by Team Rocket, who gave chase. When Pikachu and Goomy were about to be hit by [[Jessie's Pumpkaboo]]'s Shadow Ball, Ash arrived with Fletchinder to protect them. The ensuing battle eventually ended when Ash had Pikachu blast Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu informed Ash that Goomy wanted to go with them, allowing him to catch it.


In ''[[DP191|Memories are Made of Bliss!]]'', Pikachu helped search for {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, when he had run away. Upon finding Piplup, both Pokémon broke down in tears, since they soon had to say goodbye to each other. Then Team Rocket appeared, but Pikachu and Piplup managed to blast them off with a Volt Tackle and Hydro Pump combination. Later, Pikachu said goodbye to Dawn and Piplup, before he, Ash and Brock boarded the ship heading to [[Kanto]]. Upon arriving in Kanto, Pikachu and Ash finally bade farewell to Brock too and the two continued on towards Pallet Town.
In ''[[XY065|Good Friends, Great Training!]]'', Pikachu and Sliggoo were used in a Double Battle against Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu. Before the battle could start, however, he was grabbed by a mecha created by Team Rocket, but Sliggoo was able to save Pikachu. After the mecha took Sliggoo, Wartortle, and Raichu, Pikachu split up with Ash and Serena to look for them. After Sliggoo evolved into Goodra to save Ash and Pikachu, and the crisis was resolved, they restarted their battle with Tierno and ultimately won.
[[File:Ash Pikachu vs Clemont Bunnelby.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu battling Bunnelby]]
In ''[[XY067|The Moment of Lumiose Truth!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Lumiose Gym battle against Clemont. He went up against his Bunnelby and ultimately defeated it. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but he later sent him out to battle Clemont's last Pokémon, {{TP|Clemont|Luxray}}. Ultimately, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon managed to defeat Pikachu.


==={{series|Best Wishes}}===
In ''[[XY075|Rivals: Today and Tomorrow!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his three-round battle against [[Sawyer]]. He went up against {{p|Bagon}}, and despite the type disadvantage, Pikachu knocked the Rock Head Pokémon out.
====Unova====
Ash decided to just bring Pikachu to [[Unova]] with him, just as he did in Hoenn. In ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]'', Pikachu joined Ash, [[Delia]] and Professor Oak on a trip to the Unova region. Upon arriving in Unova, Pikachu had an encounter with {{p|Zekrom}}, which unaware by Ash, caused him to lose his ability to use Electric-type moves. Ash finally noticed this during his battle against [[Trip]] and his {{TP|Trip|Snivy}}. After scoring a direct hit with Quick Attack and avoiding Snivy's Tackle, Pikachu tried to use Thunderbolt, but was unable to and got hit by a Tackle. Unable to use Thunderbolt again, he went for Volt Tackle, but failed to use this move as well, wearing Pikachu out greatly. Noticing Pikachu's inability of using Electric-type moves, Ash ordered Pikachu to use Iron Tail. This attack, however, was dodged by Snivy, who then proceeded to defeat the exhausted Pikachu with {{m|Leaf Tornado}}. In [[BW002|the next episode]], Pikachu recovered his Electric-type moves.


In ''[[BW005|Triple Leaders, Team Threats!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his second battle at the [[Striaton Gym]], where he faced [[Cress]] and his {{p|Panpour}}. Pikachu's Quick Attack was countered with Double Team, he was then hit by Scratch. After dodging Water Gun, Pikachu tried to use Thunderbolt, but Panpour aimed Water Gun at his feet, causing him to slip. He was then attacked by multiple Water Gun and Scratch attacks. Pikachu got up and attempted to use Volt Tackle, but this was stopped with {{m|Mud Sport}}. Panpour then finished him off with a Water Gun.
In ''[[XY079|A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!]]'', Pikachu and the others visited the [[Poké Ball Factory]]. There, they were tricked by Team Rocket, who separated the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. During a battle, Pikachu avoided being recalled into his Poké Ball and hid in one of the vent shafts. He then tried to free Ash and his friends with Iron Tail, but when that failed and Team Rocket discovered him, Pikachu attempted to get the briefcase that held the group's Poké Balls. Meowth then chased Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, Team Rocket attempted to escape with all of the Poké Balls they stole, though by that point, Pikachu freed Ash and they pursued them. Pikachu managed to stop their van with his Thunderbolt, and Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one battle, which he accepted. Pikachu managed to defeat his foe despite the Scratch Cat Pokémon attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After Team Rocket got blasted off again, the group was invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory.


In ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', he battled Trip's {{p|Tranquill}}, who had already taken out [[Ash's Oshawott]] and {{AP|Tepig}}. After his Thunderbolt was dodged, Pikachu took a beating from multiple {{m|Work Up}}-boosted Aerial Aces. As Pikachu was about to be finished off, he managed to grab Tranquill's foot. He then threw Tranquill in the air and defeated it with Volt Tackle. He then battled Snivy again, who had evolved into Servine. Pikachu first used Iron Tail, which collided with Servine's {{m|Cut}}, but was then hit by Servine's Leaf Tornado. Pikachu stood up and went for Volt Tackle. Servine, however, managed to strike the running Pikachu with Cut, knocking him out.
In ''[[XY090|Tag Team Battle Inspiration!]]'', Pikachu was used in a [[Multi Battle|Tag Battle]] against [[Serena's Eevee]] and Shauna's Ivysaur with Tierno's Blastoise as his partner. When Serena called off the battle, Ash and Tierno decided to battle each other and Pikachu faced Blastoise, but the outcome of the battle was left unknown.


In ''[[BW013|Minccino—Neat and Tidy!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against {{an|Bianca}} and her {{TP|Bianca|Pignite}}. As Pikachu headed forwards he got hit by Pignite's Take Down, followed up by a powerful {{m|Heat Crash}}. Pikachu managed to get up and countered Pignite's {{m|Flame Charge}} with Volt Tackle. After both Pokémon got blown back by the collision, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.
In ''[[XY093|All Eyes on the Future!]]'', Pikachu wasn't chosen for Ash's Double Battle with [[Olympia]], but he did help Ash keep track of when the {{m|Future Sight}} from Olympia's two {{p|Meowstic}} would strike, by using his tail as a makeshift timer. This eventually allowed Frogadier and Talonflame to turn the attack against them and ultimately win the battle.


In ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]'', a trio of troublemaking {{p|Ducklett}} stole [[Ash's hat]] and [[Sunglasses Sandile|Sandile]]'s sunglasses. Pikachu assisted Sandile in defeating them. After unintentionally shocking himself with Thunderbolt, because he was stuck in a beach umbrella, Pikachu couldn't use Electric-type attacks. Eventually his anger caused him to learn {{m|Electro Ball}} and blasted the Ducklett off with his new move as well as recovering his ability to use Electric-type moves. Later on, he battled against the Sunglasses Sandile. Pikachu got hit by {{m|Stone Edge}}, but immediately countered with Quick Attack. As Pikachu used Iron Tail, Sandile used Dig to avoid getting hit and hit Pikachu hard. Sandile then used another Dig, hitting Pikachu again. As Pikachu had trouble getting up, Sandile suddenly evolved into {{p|Krokorok}}. Krokorok then went for Stone Edge, but Pikachu used Electro Ball to deflect Stone Edge back at Krokorok, defeating it and blasting it off.
In ''[[XY098|Dream a Little Dream from Me!]]'', after the group viewed the [[Litleonids|Litleonid meteor shower]], Pikachu was pulled into [[Squishy]]'s dream by a {{p|Darkrai}}. In the dream, the group's Pokémon were either in their evolved or pre-evolved forms and could speak human language, while humans spoke like Pokémon. Freaked out by this, Pikachu fled and ran into Meowth, who had also been pulled into the dream. Pikachu and Meowth then encountered a talking Squishy. Suddenly, a flaming ghost appeared and attacked them. They managed to escape, after which Squishy revealed a glimpse of its true strength to Pikachu and Meowth, motivating them to help Squishy get to its home so it could gain this strength. On their way, they were attacked by the flaming ghost again and Pikachu decided to battle it. Pikachu's attacks, however, couldn't land, but he was soon aided by the group's Pokémon, and together, they managed to defeat the creature. In the end, Pikachu, Meowth, and Squishy were awakened by Clemont's invention.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Miette Slurpuff.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu dancing with Slurpuff]]
In ''[[XY105|Party Dancecapades!]]'', Pikachu partnered up with [[Miette's Slurpuff]] in a dance party hosted by [[Monsieur Pierre]]. Later, Pikachu was used in a Tag Battle along with Serena's Eevee, where he faced [[James's Inkay]] and [[Miette]]'s Slurpuff. Eventually, they were trapped after landing in Slurpuff's {{m|Cotton Spore}}, which left them vulnerable to Inkay's Psybeam. With Eevee badly injured, Pikachu tried to battle alone, without much success. However, Eevee evolved into Sylveon and defeated both Inkay and Slurpuff with {{m|Fairy Wind}}, giving Ash and Serena the win.


In ''[[BW023|Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his last Pokémon in his [[Castelia Gym]] battle, where he went up against [[Burgh]]'s {{p|Leavanny}}. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, which was dodged. He then used Iron Tail, but this was blocked by Leavanny's Protect. Leavanny's {{m|Leaf Storm}} was countered by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, but it then used {{m|String Shot}} on Pikachu, binding him, making him unable to dodge Leaf Storm and causing him to lose his balance. Unable to break free from the strings he was hit by Leaf Storm again. He then tried a Thunderbolt but missed due to his loss of balance. He was then hit by a powerful Hyper Beam, but refused to give up. When Leavanny used Leaf Storm, Pikachu spun and charged into the Leaf Storm, cutting the threads. Pikachu then dodged Leavanny's String Shot's with Quick Attack. After countering another String Shot with Thunderbolt, he hit Leavanny with Iron Tail and finished the Nurturing Pokémon off with Electro Ball, earning Ash the {{badge|Insect}}.
In ''[[XY106|A Meeting of Two Journeys!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon in another three-round battle against Sawyer, where he faced and defeated {{p|Honedge}}.


In ''[[BW042|Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the final round of the [[Club Battle]] against {{an|Iris}}. Pikachu went up against [[Iris's Excadrill]]. Ash had Pikachu start off with an ineffective Thunderbolt to show they were getting serious. Pikachu and Excadrill then collided with Quick Attack and {{m|Drill Run}}, but Excadrill immediately turned and grabbed Pikachu's tail. He then threw Pikachu in the air and hit him hard with Metal Claw. Pikachu then went for Iron Tail. Excadrill tried countering with Metal Claw, but Pikachu managed to dodge it and hit him hard. After a collision between Pikachu's Electro Ball and Excadrill's {{m|Focus Blast}}, Excadrill used Dig to hit Pikachu from beneath, launching him in the air spinning. Pikachu, however, kept spinning and used this to hit Excadrill with an extra powerful Iron Tail. Pikachu then went for Iron Tail, but got overpowered by Drill Run. He then barely dodged a Dig, but was then unable to dodge Excadrill's Focus Blast, knocking him out, making Iris the winner of the tournament.
In ''[[XY115|Battling at Full Volume!]]'', Pikachu was borrowed by Serena, who disguised herself as Ash, who was unwell from last night's training, to battle {{OBP|Jimmy|XY115}}, a {{tc|Guitarist}} who wanted to challenge Ash and his Pikachu with his own Pikachu, nicknamed Spike. Serena's disguise as Ash works, and the battle was going fine until it was interrupted by Team Rocket, who intended to capture Pikachu and Spike. Fortunately, thanks to the medicine that Clemont and Bonnie had just bought, Ash managed to recover in time to stop Team Rocket and rescue his Pikachu and Spike with the help of Greninja. Eventually, both Pikachu and Spike sent Team Rocket blasting off with their respective Thunderbolts.


In ''[[BW050|Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!]]'', when Ash was in doubt for what Pokémon he should use after his two Pokémon were defeated in his Gym battle against [[Elesa]], Pikachu shocked Ash to convince him to use him. He went up against Elesa's powerful {{p|Emolga}}. After both Pokémon's Electro Balls collided, Pikachu defeated the Sky Squirrel Pokémon with a single Quick Attack. Pikachu then faced Elesa's {{p|Tynamo}}. Despite her not looking very strong, Tynamo proved to be a tough opponent, using speedy and strong Tackles to hit Pikachu hard. Tynamo managed to slam Pikachu into the ground. While stuck in the ground he was unable to defend himself against Tynamo's countless Tackles. Pikachu eventually managed to break free and started using Thunderbolt on the battle field. The now rocky field forced Tynamo to face Pikachu head on only. Tynamo then dashed forwards using Tackle. Pikachu had Tynamo come close and then launched a powerful Iron Tail, defeating her thus winning Ash the {{Badge|Bolt}}.
In ''[[XY121|Seeing the Forest for the Trees!]]'', Pikachu was very worried after Ash left into the [[Kalos Route 20|Winding Woods]] alone, following his loss to [[Wulfric]], and spent most of the episode trying to find Ash. Eventually, Team Rocket tried to catch Pikachu, but when the despondent Pikachu tried to fend them off, they were underwhelmed by his power. After Ash returned at the end of the episode, an overjoyed Pikachu was able to quickly send Team Rocket blasting off.


In ''[[BW052|Ash Versus the Champion!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against the [[Unova League]] [[Champion]] [[Alder]], where he faced his {{p|Bouffalant}}. Pikachu hit Bouffalant with all his attacks, but it absorbed the hits with its afro. Alder, however, didn't give any orders, causing Bouffalant to get angry. It was then revealed Alder was sleeping. After he was woken up, Alder ordered Bouffalant to use {{m|Head Charge}}, but Bouffalant still angry at him used the attack on him instead. The battle was then called off.
In [[XY122|the next episode]], he participated in Ash's rematch against Wulfric and battled his {{p|Bergmite}}. After defeating it, Pikachu faced off against Wulfric's {{p|Avalugg}}. Despite Pikachu's attempt to strategy, he was ultimately knocked out.


In ''[[BW059|Stopping the Rage of Legends! Part 1]]'', Pikachu teamed up with [[Cilan's Stunfisk]] to battle {{p|Tornadus}} and {{p|Thundurus}}. Stunfisk used its amazing jumping ability to get them both into the air so that they could launch a Thunderbolt—Thunder Shock combination at the two legendary Pokémon. Later, in ''[[BW060|Stopping the Rage of Legends! Part 2]]'', Pikachu helped rescue the {{an|Forces of Nature}} from Team Rocket.
In ''[[XY127|Analysis Versus Passion!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his battle against Sawyer during the semifinals of the [[Lumiose Conference]]. He was sent out against Sawyer's powerful {{p|Clawitzer}}, which he eventually defeated. Pikachu then faced Sawyer's next Pokémon, his {{p|Aegislash}}. [[XY128|Initially]], Pikachu was overwhelmed by Aegislash's alternating use of {{m|Sacred Sword}} and {{m|King's Shield}}, but Ash deduced Aegislash's weaknesses and had Pikachu use them against it, leading to the Royal Sword Pokémon's defeat. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but later used him again to face off against [[Sawyer's Sceptile]], who eventually knocked him out with {{m|Frenzy Plant}}.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Alain Metagross.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu using Thunderbolt on Alain's Metagross]]
In ''[[XY130|Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!]]'', Pikachu was used as Ash's first Pokémon in his battle against [[Alain]] during the Lumiose Conference finals. He went up against Alain's {{p|Tyranitar}} and defeated it. Pikachu was then recalled but later used again to battle and defeat Alain's Metagross. Afterwards, Pikachu battled Alain's strongest Pokémon, {{TP|Alain|Charizard}}. [[XY131|However]], Pikachu was too exhausted to outmaneuver Charizard by that point, thus he was overpowered and knocked out.


In ''[[BW068|An Amazing Aerial Battle!]]'', Ash used Pikachu against [[Skyla]]'s {{p|Unfezant}} in his [[Mistralton Gym]] battle. After dodging Pikachu's Electro Ball, Unfezant used {{m|Air Slash}}, which managed to hit Pikachu. As Unfezant then headed towards Pikachu using Aerial Ace, Pikachu lured him in to hit him hard with Iron Tail. Unfezant was then finished off by Electro Ball. Pikachu stayed in the battle to fight Skyla's last Pokémon, {{TP|Skyla|Swanna}}. Despite Swanna major Electric weakness, Pikachu's Electric-type moves proved to be useless, as Swanna used {{m|Aqua Ring}} to protect itself against them. Pikachu then used Iron Tail, but Swanna ascended and dodged the attack. Ash then had the idea to have Pikachu jump on the rings above the battle field, while using Quick Attack, to get close to Swanna and managed to hit the White Bird Pokémon hard. Swanna, however, quickly recovered and hit Pikachu with Bubble Beam, knocking him to the ground. Pikachu was then hit by a powerful {{m|Hurricane}} and got finished off by a brutal Brave Bird.
In ''[[XY132|A Towering Takeover!]]'', Pikachu and Ash went with Alain to go look for [[Mairin]], but once they found her, they were obstructed by the giant roots. They were then ambushed by [[Celosia]] before her {{p|Drapion}}'s {{m|Confuse Ray}} hit them and knocked Ash unconscious. Pikachu attempted to protect his Trainer but eventually fell to Confuse Ray's effects as well and passed out. Pikachu, along with Ash and his other Pokémon, was then taken captive by [[Lysandre]] on the top of Prism Tower. In [[XY133|the following episode]], Pikachu watched when Ash and Greninja were hit by [[Team Flare]]'s miniature version of the Mega Evolution energy weapon in an attempt to control them. However, Pikachu's voice got through to Ash, which enabled him and Greninja to freed themselves using [[Bond Phenomenon]]. Pikachu and the others were then freed, after which they teamed up with Alain's Charizard and [[Malva]]'s Mega {{p|Houndoom}} to battle and defeat [[Lysandre's Pyroar]] and Shiny Mega Gyarados in ''[[XY134|The Right Hero for the Right Job!]]'' and ''[[XY135|Rocking Kalos Defenses!]]''.


In ''[[BW069|Climbing the Tower of Success!]]'', Ash and Pikachu entered the [[Wishing Bell Festival]]. By working together they managed to reach the final round, where they had to climb [[Mistralton Tower]] while protecting the flame of their {{p|Litwick}} candle. Despite Pikachu doing his best to protect the candle from a bunch of {{p|Pidove}}'s attacks, [[Stephan]]'s Litwick 'candle' blew out Ash's candle, causing Ash to end up in second place.
Afterwards, Pikachu helped Serena's Braixen, [[Steven's Metagross]] and Professor Sycamore's Garchomp fight the [[Giant Rock]]. He and the other Pokémon were eventually subdued by the creature's roots, but they were freed by a combined attack from the Pokémon of all the Gym Leaders of Kalos and Diantha. After coming up with a strategy, in ''[[XY136|Forming a More Perfect Union!]]'', everyone combined their powers to fend off the Giant Rock's roots, allowing Ash and Alain to reach its center and save [[Chespie]], bringing the creature down. After the resurrection of the Giant Rock, which was now controlled by Lysandre, Pikachu, Greninja, and Alain's Charizard managed to destroy its control device, allowing Squishy and [[Z2]] to destroy the Giant Rock.


In ''[[BW084|Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 2]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his final Pokémon in his Gym battle with [[Roxie]]. He faced Roxie's strongest Pokémon, {{p|Garbodor}}, who had already beaten Ash's Pignite and {{AP|Palpitoad}}. Garbodor started off using Double Slap, but Pikachu used his swift movements to dodge Garbodor's long arms, causing them to tangle up. Pikachu used this opportunity to hit Garbodor hard with Quick Attack. Garbodor then attacked by swinging its arms at Pikachu, but he managed to dodge again and shocked the Trash Heap Pokémon with a powerful Thunderbolt. As Pikachu went for an Iron Tail, Garbodor knocked him back with its arms and followed up with several {{m|Gunk Shot}}s. Cornered by these attacks, Pikachu got caught by Garbodor's arms and was then hit by a series of Double Slaps. He was then hit by Gunk Shot, {{status|poison}}ing him. Roxie then ordered Garbodor to finish Pikachu off with {{m|Venoshock}}, but due to all the [[physical move|physical contact]] Pikachu had made with Garbodor, Pikachu's Static Ability had activated, paralyzing Garbodor. Pikachu used this opportunity to hit Garbodor with Thunderbolt, but it was able to withstand it and used Venoshock. Pikachu, however, overpowered the attack with Electro Ball and hit Garbodor, knocking it out, making Ash victorious and earning him his eighth and final Unova Badge, the {{badge|Toxic}}, thus allowing him to enter the Unova League.
In ''[[XY138|The First Day of the Rest of Your Life!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Serena and her Braixen. Both Pokémon took substantial hits before the battle was called off by Ash. In ''[[XY140|Till We Compete Again!]]'', Pikachu bade farewell to Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and their Pokémon, since he and Ash had to return to Kanto. During this, {{TP|Clemont|Dedenne}} ran off since he didn't want the group to split apart. Using his electricity, Pikachu and the group was able to find Dedenne and calm it down. After Serena departed, Pikachu participated in one final battle between Ash and Clemont, in which he faced Clemont's Bunnelby, just like their first battle, but the outcome was left unknown. Ash and Pikachu then separated from Clemont and Bonnie and returned to Pallet Town.


In ''[[BW093|Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!]]'', Pikachu was used in one final battle against Dawn, before she headed to Johto. He faced her {{TP|Dawn|Quilava}}. Pikachu used Quick Attack, taking hits from Quilava's Swift, before his attack was dodged. Quilava then used {{m|Flame Wheel}}, which he dodged in time. Pikachu fired off an Electro Ball, which collided with Quilava's Flamethrower. Quilava then used {{m|Smokescreen}}, but Pikachu's Thunderbolt pierced through the smoke and he then attacked with Iron Tail. Quilava, however, countered with Flamethrower, overpowering Pikachu. Both Pokémon kept exchanging attacks, with Quilava's Swift being deflected by Pikachu's Iron Tail and a collision between Thunderbolt and Flamethrower. Pikachu and Quilava collided once more, with Quick Attack and Flame Wheel, knocking both Pokémon back. The battle was then called off by [[Cynthia]].
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]''====
Pikachu joined Ash, Delia, and Mimey on a vacation to the [[Alola]] region in ''[[SM001|Alola to New Adventure!]]''. On their way to the [[Pokémon School]] on [[Melemele Island]], Pikachu and Ash followed a wild {{p|Grubbin}} into a forest, where the two noticed {{an|Kiawe|a Trainer}} riding a {{TP|Kiawe|Charizard}}. They followed him and arrived at the Pokémon School, where they met some of the school's students as well as {{an|Professor Kukui}} and Professor Oak's cousin, [[Samson Oak]]. Ash later used Pikachu to battle a trio of {{tc|Team Skull Grunt}}s, who were harassing Kiawe, and their trio of {{p|Zubat}}, {{p|Salandit}}, and {{p|Yungoos}}. After a while, Kiawe had his {{TP|Kiawe|Turtonator}} use the [[Z-Move]] {{m|Inferno Overdrive}}, which knocked [[Team Skull]]'s Pokémon out in one shot. That evening, Pikachu and Ash followed {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|Tapu Koko}}, the [[Guardian deities|guardian deity]] of Melemele Island, who handed Ash a [[Z-Ring]] and an [[Electrium Z]]. Pikachu later remained in Alola with Ash when he decided to study at the Pokémon School.


In ''[[BW096|Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!]]'', Ash and Pikachu battled {{an|Giovanni}} and his {{TP|Giovanni|Persian}}, trying to protect {{an|Meloetta}}. Pikachu outsped Persian's {{m|Shadow Claw}} and scored a hit with Iron Tail. Persian, however, immediately followed up with {{m|Power Gem}}, defeating Pikachu. Giovanni then successfully captured Meloetta, and took it, along with the imprisoned Ash and Pikachu, to the [[Abyssal Ruins]]. In [[BW097|the next episode]], Pikachu managed to break Team Rocket's force field prison by striking it repeatedly with Iron Tail, freeing both Ash and himself. Later, during the battle against the mind-controlled [[List of Pokémon with form differences#Forces of Nature|Therian Forme]] Forces of Nature, as Thundurus aimed a Thunder attack at [[Iris's Dragonite]] and Iris stepped in its way to protect her Pokémon, Pikachu jumped in, and absorbed the massive blast of electricity himself. This gave Pikachu a tremendous power boost, as seen later, when Ash told Pikachu to use Electro Ball on Team Rocket. The supercharged attack grew into amazingly massive proportions, inflicting notable damage on the Abyssal Ruins, sending Team Rocket flying, and freeing Meloetta.
In [[SM002|the next episode]], Ash's classmates held a surprise welcome party for him, where he and Pikachu participated in several challenges. During their lunch break, Tapu Koko appeared again and stole Ash's hat, prompting Ash and his classmates to follow it. Arriving in a forest, Tapu Koko challenged Ash to a battle, which he accepted. Tapu Koko eventually tapped Ash's Z-Ring, activating it and allowing Pikachu to perform {{m|Gigavolt Havoc}}, which destroyed a large part of the area but also caused Ash's Electrium Z to shatter. Afterwards, Tapu Koko flew off again.


In ''[[BW103|Curtain Up, Unova League!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the preliminary round of the [[Vertress Conference]] against Trip's Serperior. Pikachu's attacks were easily dodged by Serperior, while the Regal Pokémon scored a direct on Pikachu with {{m|Dragon Tail}}. In ''[[BW104|Mission: Defeat Your Rival!]]'', Pikachu continued his battle with Serperior. Pikachu managed to stand up, but got immediately hit by an {{m|Energy Ball}}. Pikachu then managed to dodge a Dragon Tail, but got hit by another one. Serperior then proceeded to grab Pikachu with {{m|Wrap}}. While in Serperior's grasp, Pikachu hit him with Thunderbolt, but Trip quickly had Serperior anchor his tail in the ground, conducting the electricity to the ground, preventing damage. Serperior then tightened his grip, causing Pikachu to lose consciousness. When Serperior was about to finish Pikachu off by slamming him to the ground, Pikachu was awoken by Ash's voice and managed to escape from Serperior's grip by using Iron Tail on the ground. Pikachu's Iron Tail was then countered and overpowered by Serperior's Dragon Tail. Pikachu, however, still didn't give in and used an Electro Ball-Iron Tail combination, which clashed with Dragon Tail, causing a huge explosion. After the smoke cleared only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win as well as his first win against Trip.
In ''[[SM009|To Top a Totem!]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's first [[island challenge]] trial in [[Verdant Cavern]]. Alongside {{AP|Rowlet}}, he first fought a Yungoos and {{p|Gumshoos}}. Afterwards, they faced a {{pkmn2|Totem}} Gumshoos. Despite its extreme strength, Pikachu outwitted Gumshoos with pure strategy and finished it off with Thunderbolt. This win earned Ash a [[Normalium Z]].


In ''[[BW107|Cameron's Secret Weapon!]]'', Ash used Pikachu against {{un|Cameron}}'s {{p|Samurott}}. Samurott blocked Pikachu's Thunderbolt with {{m|Razor Shell}}. Pikachu then went for Quick Attack, but he was overwhelmed by Samurott's Razor Shell and was then hit by a powerful Hydro Cannon. Pikachu then dodged a Megahorn and used Quick Attack. He managed to dodge Razor Shell and hit Samurott hard with Quick Attack, followed up by a powerful Iron Tail. Samurott then blocked an Electro Ball with Razor Shell, but Pikachu immediately followed up with Iron Tail, defeating the Formidable Pokémon. Pikachu stayed in to battle Cameron's Swanna. Swanna started off using a series of {{m|Pluck}} attacks, which were all dodged by Pikachu. Pikachu then used Quick Attack, but Swanna avoided the attack and struck him with Wing Attack. Swanna then went for Bubble Beam, but this was dodged by Pikachu. Swanna then dove towards Pikachu using Wing Attack, but he dodged again and launched a super-effective Electro Ball at the White Bird Pokémon, knocking it out. Pikachu was then recalled. [[BW108|Later during the battle]], Ash sent Pikachu out to face Cameron's newly evolved {{TP|Cameron|Lucario}}, which had just defeated {{AP|Snivy}}, leaving him as Ash's last Pokémon. Pikachu started off by repeatedly using Quick attack, each time scoring a direct hit. He then tried to finish Lucario off with Iron Tail, but Lucario quickly dodged. Lucario then jumped towards Pikachu and hit him hard with {{m|Force Palm}}. Pikachu's Electro Ball then collided with Lucario's {{m|Aura Sphere}}, blowing both Pokémon back. Pikachu then managed to avoid Force Palm, but Lucario chased after him and threw him in the air using {{m|Circle Throw}}. Pikachu, however, managed to land on his feet and struck Lucario with a powerful Thunderbolt, followed up by a Quick Attack. He then went for Iron Tail, but Lucario used {{m|Copycat}} to counter his attack, causing a big explosion. Despite the large amount of damage both Pokémon had taken, they still managed to stand up. At the end of the climactic fight, Pikachu and Lucario fired blasts of Electro Ball and Aura Sphere. Aura Sphere, however, overpowered Electro Ball, knocking Pikachu out, and thus eliminating Ash from the Vertress Conference, placing him in Top 8.
Pikachu was used in Ash's battle against [[Hala]] during the Melemele Island grand trial in ''[[SM010|Trial and Tribulation!]]''. He faced Hala's {{p|Hariyama}}, and despite sustaining several hits, Pikachu performed {{m|Breakneck Blitz}}, which knocked Hariyama out. Having cleared the Melemele Island grand trial, Ash was rewarded a new Electrium Z.


In ''[[BW112|Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot]]'', Pikachu battled wild Pokémon, controlled by [[Colress]], trying to free them and stop [[Team Plasma]]. Impressed by Pikachu's power, Colress managed to gain control over Pikachu by attaching a receiver to his head and ordered him to attack Ash and the group. As Colress was increasing the power of the EM waves, Ash begged Pikachu to fight the control. Fighting against the control, the receiver overloaded and got destroyed, freeing Pikachu from Team Plasma's control.
In ''[[SM019|A Guardian Rematch!]]'', Ash and Pikachu trained for a rematch against Tapu Koko. The next day, the two were greeted by Tapu Koko again and were challenged to another battle. Unlike their last battle, Pikachu managed to get a few hits on the guardian deity and performed Gigavolt Havoc again; this time, it was powerful enough to send Tapu Koko flying. However, Pikachu was blasted off a cliff, prompting Ash to jump after him. The two were saved in time by Tapu Koko, who flew off afterwards.
[[File:Lillie and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu and {{an|Lillie}}]]
In ''[[SM030|The Ol' Raise and Switch!]]'', Professor Kukui tasked everyone with switching their partner Pokémon with somebody else. As a result, Pikachu was given to {{an|Lillie}}, whilst [[Snowy]] went to Ash. Because of her fear of Pokémon, Lillie decided to have a battle with [[Hobbes]] and his {{p|Oricorio}} to help conquer her fear. Despite her lack of battle experience, Lillie was able to defeat Oricorio and touch Pikachu. Ash then proposed a battle against Lillie and Pikachu, to show them how strong he and Snowy had gotten together.


In ''[[BW121|Team Plasma and the Awakening Ceremony!]]'', Pikachu along with Ash's other Pokémon fought against Team Plasma's Pokémon in order to prevent them from awakening {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Reshiram}}. Colress, however, then activated his improved mind-control machine and managed to hit Pikachu with the machine's laser, controlling him again. This time however, Ash's voice didn't manage to get through Pikachu's control and he was knocked unconscious by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. {{an|N}} then offered to give Team Plasma the [[Light Stone]] in exchange for them freeing Pikachu from their control, to which they agreed. In [[BW122|the next episode]], Pikachu tried to destroy Colress's machine to free Reshiram from [[Ghetsis]]'s control. However, he was ultimately hit by the laser, controlling him once again. To everyone's surprise, Pikachu managed to resist the machine's influence and used Thunderbolt on Reshiram, trying to help it escape from Ghetsis's control. Despite Colress increasing the machine's power, Pikachu kept resisting and together with Reshiram destroyed the machine with Electro Ball and {{m|Fusion Flare}}, freeing all Pokémon from Team Plasma's control, thus defeating the team.
In ''[[SM043|When Regions Collide!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his battle against Misty, where he battled her {{TP|Misty|Gyarados}}. At one point, Misty revealed her [[Key Stone]] and Mega Evolved her Gyarados. Despite this, Ash and Pikachu performed Gigavolt Havoc, which defeated Gyarados and gave Ash the win.


====Decolore Islands====
During Ash and his classmates' travels in [[Ultra Deep Sea]] to rescue {{an|Lusamine}} in ''[[SM054|10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!]]'', Pikachu fought Lusamine, who had been fused with a {{DL|Ultra Beasts (anime)|Nihilego}}. Ash's Electrium Z mysteriously turned into a [[Pikashunium Z]], allowing the two to perform {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}} for the first time. The Z-Move defeated Nihilego, allowing Lillie and {{an|Gladion}} to pull Lusamine free from its hold.
[[File:Bulbasaur and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu reuniting with Bulbasaur]]
In ''[[BW125|Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness!]],'' Pikachu participated in the [[Marine Cup Tournament]]. He managed to beat other Trainers with a {{p|Gurdurr}} and an {{p|Eelektrik}} and make it to the finals. He battled against [[Teaque]]'s {{p|Galvantula}}. After a tough battle, Pikachu was able to knock out Galvantula with Iron Tail, winning the tournament for Ash.


In ''[[BW141|Best Wishes Until We Meet Again!]]'', Pikachu, along with {{TP|Iris|Axew}} was captured by Team Rocket, while Ash, Iris and {{an|Cilan}} were trapped inside the ship's cargo space. He was eventually freed out of the net and together with Axew using Dragon Rage, Charizard using Flamethrower and {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}} using Solar Beam, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to blast Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu said farewell to Axew, Iris and Cilan as he, Ash and [[Alexa]] continued on to Pallet Town.
In ''[[SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his trial battle at the {{OBP|Thrifty Megamart|Abandoned Site}}, where he battled Team Rocket and {{TP|Jessie|Mimikyu}}. Pikachu was left vulnerable to Mimikyu's Z-Move, {{m|Let's Snuggle Forever}}, but he protected himself with his newly learned {{m|Electroweb}}. Using his new move, Pikachu was able to trap Mimikyu, which allowed him and Ash to perform a Z-Move of their own. Ash's Electrium Z then turned into a Pikashunium Z again, allowing Pikachu to use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt once more and defeat Mimikyu. This allowed Ash to qualify for [[Nanu]]'s grand trial.
[[File:Mimikyu defeating Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu being defeated by Mimikyu]]
In ''[[SM100|Battling the Beast Within!]]'', Ash and Pikachu encountered Tapu Koko again and had another rematch against it. Just then, a {{Shiny}} [[Guardian deities (anime)#Shiny Tapu Koko|Tapu Koko]] from another dimension unleashed its own attack, creating a rift that transported Ash and Pikachu to the dimension's [[Ultra Ruin]]. They soon encountered a wild [[Ultra Beasts (anime)#Ultra Ruin Guzzlord|Guzzlord]], which started chasing after the duo. However, they were saved by {{al|Dia}} and {{p|Zeraora}}. After learning about Guzzlord and the Ultra Ruin, Ash challenged Dia to a battle to prove his ability to help Dia. Pikachu faced off against Zeraora, but was overwhelmed by Zeraora's fast moves and quickly defeated.


Pikachu was reunited with Bulbasaur and the entire Unova team at Professor Oak's Laboratory in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]''. He joined the others in a group attack on Team Rocket with his Thunderbolt to send them blasting off for the last time in the ''Best Wishes'' series. Pikachu then continued to travel with Ash when he set off for the [[Kalos]] region.
[[SM101|Later]], at Dia's base, Pikachu and Ash trained and convinced Dia and Zeraora to join them. Pikachu and Zeraora engaged in another battle, which attracted the attention of Guzzlord. After the {{an|Ultra Beasts|Ultra Beast}}'s arrival, the group lured it to the [[Ultra Wormhole]] that it emerged from in the past. After trapping Guzzlord with Electroweb, Pikachu and Zeraora attacked the immobilized Ultra Beast in an attempt to send it back through the Ultra Wormhole but failed. However, after the Shiny Tapu Koko intervened, Ash and Dia were able to activate their Z-Rings and have Pikachu and Zeraora perform a double Gigavolt Havoc to successfully push Guzzlord into the wormhole. Afterwards, Pikachu and Zeraora had one more battle to create another dimensional rift, which took Pikachu and Ash back home.


==={{series|XY}}===
In ''[[SM109|A Grand Debut!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his [[Poni Island]] grand trial against [[Hapu]], where he went up against her {{p|Mudsdale}}. Despite the type disadvantage and Mudsdale's {{a|Stamina}} Ability, Pikachu was able to overcome the obstacles when Mudsdale was splashed with seawater, allowing Pikachu to knock the Draft Horse Pokémon out with Gigavolt Havoc. Afterwards, Hapu offered Ash a choice of type-specific Z-Crystals; Pikachu opted for a [[Steelium Z]], which Hapu awarded to Ash for his victory.
In ''[[XY001|Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]'', Ash and Pikachu arrived in Kalos by plane along with Alexa. After being thrown out of the [[Lumiose Gym]] for not having enough Gym Badges, Ash was saved by {{an|Clemont}} while Pikachu was saved by {{an|Bonnie}}. Bonnie was excited to be holding Pikachu, leading to him shocking her because she was holding him too tightly. After becoming acquainted with their rescuers, Ash challenged Clemont to a battle, which Clemont reluctantly agreed to.


[[File:Ash and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|left|Ash and Pikachu]]
In ''[[SM115|The Dealer of Destruction!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Team Skull]]'s leader [[Guzma]] and his {{p|Golisopod}}. Despite the type advantage, Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Golisopod, as he was unable to penetrate the Hard Scale Pokémon's armor even when using his Z-Move {{m|Corkscrew Crash}}. The match ended prematurely when Golisopod returned to its Poké Ball due to its {{a|Emergency Exit}} Ability.


In the battle, Pikachu faced [[Clemont's Bunnelby]]. Despite Clemont admitting that he only recently caught Bunnelby, he proved to be quite a challenge for Pikachu. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was blocked by Bunnelby, who used his ears to create a mud shield. Bunnelby then used Dig. Pikachu tried to confuse Bunnelby with his speedy movements, but the Digging Pokémon was able to hit him. Pikachu then scored a direct hit with Quick Attack, which Bunnelby quickly recovered from. Bunnelby then used Double Slap, hitting him several times before knocking him back. Pikachu then used Iron Tail which Bunnelby easily caught with his ears. Now, however, Bunnelby was unable to use his ears, giving Pikachu the opportunity to hit the Digging Pokémon with Electro Ball. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket, who once again attempted to steal Pikachu for their plans. Ash attempted to stop them, but Jessie had her Wobbuffet reflect Pikachu's attacks with {{m|Mirror Coat}}. Pikachu was saved by a {{AP|Froakie}}, who shielded Pikachu with its body at the cost of being injured. With Bunnelby and Froakie's help, Pikachu was used to blast off the villains. Froakie soon collapsed from its injuries, so Ash, Pikachu, and their new friends went to [[Professor Sycamore]] to heal Froakie back to health.
In ''[[SM129|Battle Royal 151!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the [[Battle Royal]] preliminary round of the [[Manalo Conference]], where he was able to defeat various Trainers' Pokémon and allow Ash to proceed to the next round. In ''[[SM137|The Wisdom Not to Run!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his Manalo Conference semifinals battle against Guzma, where he went up against Golisopod after Torracat was defeated. The two Pokémon were evenly matched, but eventually, Pikachu defeated Golisopod, allowing Ash to advance to the finals.
[[File:SM144.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu's final battle with {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|Tapu Koko}}]]
In ''[[SM138|Final Rivals!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to finish off [[Gladion's Silvally]], who had been worn down by {{AP|Melmetal}}, in the Manalo Conference finals. He then went up against what seemed to be [[Gladion's Lycanroc]], but turned out to be {{p|Zoroark}} in {{a|Illusion|disguise}}. In the [[SM139|next episode]], the two Pokémon clashed and proved to be equal in strength. When Gladion had Zoroark use {{m|Never-Ending Nightmare}}, Ash countered with Pikachu's Breakneck Blitz. Both Z-Moves succeeded in hitting their targets, knocking both Pokémon out.


In ''[[XY002|Lumiose City Pursuit!]]'', Ash and Pikachu managed to get Froakie to Professor Sycamore so that he could be healed. When Professor Sycamore's {{p|Garchomp}} went crazy from one of Team Rocket's devices, Pikachu and Ash pursued her to get the device off and free her. After chasing her to the top of Prism Tower, Pikachu removed the device from Garchomp's neck with Iron Tail. However, due to the fight damaging the tower, the ground Pikachu was standing on broke off, causing him to fall off with Ash immediately leaping in to save his best friend, to the shock of many including {{an|Serena}}. They were both saved by a {{me|Blaziken}}, who intercepted them in the air and put the two safely back onto the ground.
In ''[[SM142|A Full Battle Bounty!]]'', Ash chose to use Pikachu to battle Professor Kukui's {{p|Empoleon}} during Ash's {{wp|exhibition game|exhibition match}} against him. While the two Pokémon were equally matched, Pikachu was eventually caught in Empoleon's {{m|Whirlpool}}, causing him to get dizzy. To save Pikachu from being defeated, Ash withdrew him from the battle and sent out Melmetal to replace him.


In ''[[XY005|A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle!]]'', Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used during his [[Santalune Gym]] battle with [[Viola]], sending him out to face her {{p|Surskit}}. Despite the type-advantage, Surskit proved to be a tough opponenent, using its speedy movements to dodge Pikachu's attacks. Pikachu's Quick Attack was blocked by Protect and his Iron Tail was dodged. After blocking Pikachu's Electro Ball with Ice Beam, it used Ice Beam on the field, freezing it. While Pikachu slipped on the ice, Surskit was able to skate on it. Although Pikachu did get a successful hit with Iron Tail, his Thunderbolt was overpowered by Ice Beam and he was then knocked out by {{m|Signal Beam}}. After he was healed at the Pokémon Center, he trained with {{AP|Fletchling}} for their rematch by using Alexa's {{p|Noivern}}'s {{m|Gust}} to help them withstand {{p|Vivillon}}'s Gust, who beat Fletchling in the first battle.
In ''[[SM144|From Z to Shining Z!]]'', Ash sent Pikachu back into the battle as his final Pokémon to face Tapu Koko, who had taken the place of Kukui's sixth Pokémon in the match. When both Pokémon were evenly matched, Tapu Koko and its fellow deities restored Ash and Kukui's [[Z-Power]], giving them a chance to use another Z-Move, since [[SM143|they already used up their Z-Moves for the match]]. Tapu Koko then handed Kukui a [[Tapunium Z]], and it and Kukui started performing {{m|Guardian of Alola}}. During this, Ash's Electrium Z once again transformed into a Pikashunium Z, allowing Pikachu to counter with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The two Z-Moves clashed, with Pikachu's attack eventually overpowering Tapu Koko's, defeating it and making Ash the winner of the exhibition match.


In ''[[XY006|Battling on Thin Ice!]]'', continuing his training along with Fletchling, they were able to withstand Noivern's Gust well. Later, using one of Clemont's inventions, they practiced to avoid Surskit's {{m|Sticky Web}}. After it broke, they used Froakie and its Frubbles instead to practice. The next day, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon for his Gym Battle rematch against Viola, where he again went up against her Surskit. Using his training he was able to dodge Sticky Web, and after having his Thunderbolt blocked by Surskit's Protect and dodging its Signal Beam, he was able to hit Surskit with Iron Tail. Afterwards, Pikachu tried to stop Surskit from using Ice Beam on the field by climbing on it and using Thunderbolt, but Surskit was able to shake him off and managed to create the ice field as well as freezing the area. This time, however, using his tail, Pikachu was able to stabilize himself on the ice field. His Thunderbolt then overpowered Surskit's Signal Beam, defeating the Pond Skater Pokémon. Ash recalled Pikachu and substituted him for Fletchling. He was later called out again to battle Vivillon, who had beaten Fletchling. Vivillon attacked with Gust, but as Pikachu was still damaged from battling Surskit, he wasn't able to withstand attack. As Vivillon went for another Gust, Ash had Pikachu use Iron Tail to anchor himself to the ice field to withstand the attack. Vivillon then used Solar Beam, which was countered with Thunderbolt. In his current position, however, Pikachu was left vulnerable to Vivillon's {{m|Sleep Powder}} and got hit. While he was struggling to stay awake, Vivillon charged its Solar Beam. Thinking back to their training, Ash had Pikachu use Electro Ball on himself to repel Sleep Powder, thus keeping him awake. Vivillon then launched the Solar Beam, but Pikachu was able to overpower it with Electro Ball, causing Vivillon to crash into the lamps which were frozen by Surskit's Ice Beam misfire, freezing its wing. This allowed Pikachu to defeat the Scale Pokémon with Thunderbolt, earning Ash the {{badge|Bug}}.
====''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''====
[[File:Ash and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu and Ash]]
In ''[[JN007|Serving Up the Flute Cup!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his battle against [[Hodge]] in the [[Battle Frontier Flute Cup]] finals, where he faced Hodge's {{p|Mightyena}}. Pikachu was fairly evenly matched against his opponent, but eventually, he was able to defeat Mightyena, ending the battle and giving the victory to Ash.


[[File:Officer Jenny Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|right|Pikachu hypnotized by [[Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime#Malamar|Malamar]]]]
In ''[[JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to battle a [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Drednaw}} that was rampaging outside [[Wyndon Stadium]]. His attacks were ineffective, forcing Ash and Pikachu to run, but unexpectedly, they stumbled upon glowing cracks on the ground, from which [[Dynamax]] energy poured out and caused Pikachu to Gigantamax too. Initially, Pikachu had trouble moving around in his new, giant form, but soon got used to it. Following advice from {{an|Leon}}, Ash told Pikachu to use {{m|G-Max Volt Crash}}, defeating Drednaw and causing it to revert to normal. Afterward, Pikachu returned to normal as well. Later, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Leon and his {{TP|Leon|Charizard}}. With the help of the [[Dynamax Band]] that Ash received from Leon, Pikachu was able to Gigantamax again. Despite this, however, Pikachu was defeated by Charizard's {{m|G-Max Wildfire}}.
In ''[[XY019|A Conspiracy to Conquer!]]'', after overhearing one of Team Rocket's conversations, [[Officer Jenny|Madame X]] and her [[Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime#Malamar|Malamar]] captured Pikachu. After Clemont attempted to use his "Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device" to find Pikachu, it was revealed that Malamar had hypnotized Pikachu, making him one of Madame X's subordinates. While searching for Pikachu, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were also hypnotized by Malamar. Once Ash and Meowth finally found Pikachu, Team Rocket, and Madame X, Madame X forced Pikachu to attack Ash. Ash attempted to get through to Pikachu, which works and Pikachu starts to fight Malamar control. Pikachu electricity did get the Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device to bursted in and rammed into Malamar, causing it to lose its control over everyone. After Malamar revealed his plans through Meowth, Pikachu attempted to attack it, but Malamar managed to escape.
[[File:JN013.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu Gigantamaxed against Leon]]
In ''[[JN018|Destination: Coronation!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his battle against [[Visquez]] so he could increase his [[World Coronation Series]] ranking. Pikachu first went up against Visquez's Raichu, but started to get overwhelmed. As such, Ash chose to withdraw Pikachu and send out {{AP|Gengar}} in his place. Ash later sent Pikachu back out to face Visquez's Electrode, which had just defeated Gengar. Despite Electrode initially having the upper hand, Pikachu was eventually able to defeat it. However, upon receiving the knockout blow, Electrode's {{a|Aftermath}} [[Ability]] activated, but Pikachu used Electroweb just in the knick of time to protect himself, leading to only Electrode fainting. As such, Ash won the battle, leading to his World Coronation Series ranking shooting up to 3,763.


In ''[[XY025|Climbing the Walls!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his third and final Pokémon in his [[Cyllage Gym]] battle against [[Grant]]. He went up against his {{p|Tyrunt}}. Pikachu was at a type-disadvantage since Tyrunt was part {{type|Dragon}}. Pikachu used Quick Attack and jumped to attack from above to avoid {{m|Crunch}} and hit Tyrunt. Tyrunt then used its signature {{m|Draco Meteor}}, but Pikachu dodged and struck it with a super-effective Iron Tail. As the meteor shower from Draco Meteor rained down, Pikachu used Iron Tail to jump on the meteors and perform the Draco Meteor Climb, which was based on the Rock Tomb Climb Froakie previously used. Tyrunt then used its jumping abilities to jump high and use Dragon Tail and clashed with Pikachu's Iron Tail. Grant then had Tyrunt use his favorite move, Rock Tomb, but Pikachu deflected the projectiles with Iron Tail, knocking one into Tyrunt's mouth. While Tyrunt was now unable to use Crunch, Pikachu had the opportunity to move close and finish with Ash's favorite move, Thunderbolt, defeating Tyrunt, winning the battle and earning Ash the {{badge|Cliff}}.
In ''[[JN030|Betrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!]]'', Pikachu got jealous when Ash began training frequently with {{AP|Riolu}} instead of him. When Delia came to visit the [[Cerise Laboratory]], Pikachu slept with her for the night and later decided to follow Delia to Pallet Town. Mimey followed along in an effort to stop him. During their journey, Pikachu defended Mimey from a group of Spearow. After arriving in Pallet Town, Pikachu changed his mind and wanted to go back to Ash, but he was surprised to see that his Trainer was already in Pallet Town.


In ''[[XY028|The Bonds of Evolution!]]'', Pikachu was used in the Ash's battle against [[Diantha]], the [[Kalos League]] Champion, where he faced her {{p|Gardevoir}}. {{TP|Diantha|Gardevoir}} managed to dodge all of Pikachu's attacks and hit him hard with a Shadow Ball. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket.
In ''[[JN039|Octo-Gridlock at the Gym!]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against [[Bea]] at the [[Cianwood Gym]], where he went up against her {{p|Hitmontop}}. After slowing down Hitmontop's movements with Electroweb, Pikachu was able to defeat him. Next, he went up against {{p|Grapploct}}, but he was overwhelmed by its {{m|Octolock}} and defeated soon after.


In ''[[XY030|Mega Revelations!]]'', Pikachu battled against [[Korrina's Lucario]]. Pikachu's Quick Attack was easily taken by Lucario and his Iron Tail was blocked. Lucario used its great speed to dodge an Iron Tail and then raised its Attack using {{m|Swords Dance}}. Pikachu was then unable to dodge Lucario's speedy attacks and got hit by several {{m|Bone Rush}}es and was then finished off by a powerful {{m|Power-Up Punch}}.
In ''[[JN044|Sword and Shield: "From Here to Eternatus!"]]'', Pikachu was used to battle [[Rose|Chairman Rose]]'s {{p|Copperajah}} and {{p|Ferrothorn}} with Riolu. In [[JN045|the next episode]], Pikachu was taken out of the fight when {{TP|Leon|Eternatus}} launched a {{m|Dynamax Cannon}} that penetrated through the entire [[Hammerlocke Stadium]]. Later, after Ash had defeated Chairman Rose with the help of his newly evolved {{AP|Lucario}}, Pikachu assisted Leon in stopping Eternatus from attacking [[Galar]]. With the assistance of {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}, Pikachu, Lucario, and {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}} combined their powers and weakened Eternatus until it collapsed. Goh then caught Eternatus and sealed it away, putting an end to the [[Darkest Day]].


Pikachu battled Lucario again in ''[[XY032|The Aura Storm!]]'', but this time against Lucario's Mega Evolved form. Mega Lucario used Bone Rush, but Pikachu managed to knock the bone away with Iron Tail. Pikachu then went for Quick Attack and managed to dodge a Power-Up Punch. Lucario, however, started to go out of control and chased after him before kicking him into a rock. Pikachu then went for Electro Ball, but it dodged it and now started to attack Pikachu aggressively, forcing Ash to protect Pikachu. As Lucario went to attack Ash and Pikachu, [[Gurkinn]] sent out his {{p|Lucario}} to block the attack. Lucario then lost its conscious and the battle was called off.
In ''[[JN046|Getting More Than You Battled For!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his and [[Goh]]'s battle against {{OBP|Mewtwo|M01}} on [[Cero Island]], teaming him up with Goh's Cinderace. However, Pikachu was soon defeated, and Ash sent out {{AP|Lucario}} to replace him.


In ''[[XY042|Battling Into the Hall of Fame!]]'', Pikachu was used in a [[Multi Battle|Team Battle]] alongside with [[Serena's Fennekin]] and [[Clemont's Chespin]] against {{an|Tierno}}'s {{TP|Tierno|Squirtle}}, {{an|Shauna}}'s {{TP|Shauna|Bulbasaur}}, and {{an|Trevor}}'s {{TP|Trevor|Charmander}}. Pikachu and the others were having a hard time due to their opponents great teamwork, which led to Fennekin being defeated by Squirtle. When Pikachu used Quick Attack, Squirtle used Rapid Spin to block and send Pikachu flying. He also took some damage from the embers from Charmander's {{m|Flame Burst}} and he and the others were then hit by Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf. Pikachu then jumped to dodge a Flamethrower, but was then targeted by Bulbasaur's Solar Beam. Much to Shauna and her friends's surprise, Chespin used Vine Whip to pull Pikachu up, giving Pikachu the perfect opportunity to defeat Charmander with Thunderbolt. When Squirtle used Rapid Spin, Chespin used Vine Whip to stop it, while Pikachu managed to defeat Bulbasaur with Electro Ball. After avoiding Squirtle's {{m|Aqua Tail}}, Pikachu also defeated it with Thunderbolt giving Ash, Serena and Clemont the win {{tt|and the spot on the Hall of Fame|Despite having one point less than Team Chikorita, as the final scores were inconsistent with the points given on screen}}.
In ''[[JN077|Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon during his World Coronation Series battle against Volkner, being sent out to face his {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Rotom|Fan}} {{p|Rotom}} after it had defeated Gengar. Pikachu managed to bind Rotom with Electroweb, but just when he was about to use Thunderbolt on it, Volkner switched it out for Electivire, whose Motor Drive rendered Thunderbolt useless. After fighting against Electivire for a while, Pikachu was recalled and replaced with Lucario. Once both Ash and Volkner were down to their last Pokémon, Ash called Pikachu back to the battle to face Electivire again. Eventually, Ash decided to finish the match by using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The Z-Move proved to be too much for Electivire's Motor Drive to absorb, leading to it being defeated and thus giving Ash the victory.
[[File:JN082.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu "Feastamaxed" by Gigantamax Alcremie]]
In ''[[JN082|The Sweet Taste of Battle!]]'', Pikachu helped Ash during [[Opal]]'s [[All-Alcremie Decoration Challenge]]. After Ash had won the contest, Opal challenged him to a battle, with Ash using Pikachu against Opal's {{p|Alcremie}}. While Pikachu managed to land several Iron Tails on Alcremie, some of Alcremie's cream got stuck on Pikachu's tail, softening his blows. After Pikachu had managed to shake off Alcremie's {{m|Attract}} and block her {{m|Dazzling Gleam}}, Opal chose to Gigantamax her Pokémon and had it use {{m|G-Max Finale}}, covering Pikachu in huge amounts of cream. Pikachu then started growing as well, becoming big enough to swallow an entire G-Max Finale cream projectile whole, much to Opal's shock. At first, everyone assumed that Pikachu had Gigantamaxed as well, but when Ash called for a G-Max Volt Crash and Pikachu didn't attack, it turned out that Pikachu had just eaten all the cream Alcremie had created with the [[G-Max Move]] and grown giant and fat as a result. As such, the battle was subsequently called off.


In ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]'', Pikachu was the last Pokémon Ash used during his [[Shalour Gym]] battle with [[Korrina]], sending him out to face Korrina's Mega Lucario. Ash was convinced that Korrina wasn't the only one who trained, both Pokémon stared off as this was going to be the final battle. Pikachu used Quick Attack and combined it with Electro Ball, launching a fast Electro Ball, but this was deflected by Bone Rush. Pikachu's Iron Tail was blocked and Lucario kicked him into the air. While in mid-air, Pikachu hit Lucario with Thunderbolt, but it immediately countered with Aura Sphere, knocking him to the ground. Pikachu was able to get to up and showed his strength by unleashing his electricity. Lucario then used Metal Sound, which Pikachu drowned out using his Thunderbolt hitting Lucario as well. Then Lucario used Aura Sphere, but Pikachu used Iron Tail to bounce off it and jump, similar to the Draco Meteor Climb. Lucario jumped towards Pikachu and used Bone Rush, but Pikachu countered with Iron Tail. While both Pokémon were clashing with their attacks, they both crashed down on the ground. Both Pokémon, however, were still standing. Lucario's Power-Up Punch was then countered with Iron Tail, and its Aura Sphere then collided with Pikachu's Electro Ball. Pikachu was able to recover first from the collision and struck Lucario with Thunderbolt, finally defeating the Aura Pokémon, thus giving Ash the victory and earning him the {{badge|Rumble}}. As the group prepared to depart for [[Coumarine City]], Pikachu and Lucario bumped fists as a promise to battle again someday.
In ''[[JN085|Battle Three With Bea!]]'', Pikachu was the first Pokémon used during his second rematch against Bea at the [[Stow-on-Side Stadium]], first facing Grapploct. Pikachu's attempt at ensnaring Grapploct in an Electroweb proved unsuccessful, as it was able to use its stretchy tentacles to strike him through the web with a {{m|Close Combat}}. As such, Ash chose to recall Pikachu. In [[JN086|the next episode]], Pikachu was called back to the battlefield to face Bea's {{p|Hawlucha}}. By improving on a strategy he had used against both Lt. Surge and Visquez, Ash was able to repel Hawlucha's {{m|Sky Attack}}, while also dealing damage to it, allowing Pikachu to subsequently defeat it with a super effective Thunderbolt. Next, Pikachu faced Grapploct again, but wound up being ensnared by an Octolock once more, and was defeated soon afterward.


In ''[[XY055|A Slippery Encounter!]]'', Pikachu helped out a {{AP|Goomy}}, after they were stolen by Team Rocket. Knowing that his Thunderbolt wouldn't break their cage, Pikachu kept ramming it and managed to bend the bars. While Goomy managed to escape, Pikachu couldn't fit through until Goomy used its slime on its body to make him slip right through the bars. After getting out, they both ran off until they were noticed by Team Rocket, who gave chase. When Pikachu and Goomy were about to be hit by Jessie's {{TP|Jessie|Pumpkaboo}}'s Shadow Ball, Ash arrived with Fletchinder to protect them. When Team Rocket were about to capture Pikachu again, Ash told him to use Iron Tail, destroying the cage. While battling their foes, Pikachu used Electro Ball, countering Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball. Then {{TP|James|Inkay}} used Psybeam, which managed to confuse Pikachu and Fletchinder, causing them to attack each other instead. As they were about to be finished off by Pumpkaboo and Inkay's {{m|Dark Pulse}} and Psybeam, Goomy shielded them with its body and used {{m|Bide}} to attack Team Rocket's Pokémon. As the confusion wore off, Ash had Pikachu finish Team Rocket off with Thunderbolt. Later, Pikachu informed to Ash that Goomy wanted to go with them, allowing him to capture it.
In ''[[JN090|Showdown at the Gates of Warp!]]'', Pikachu [[Devolution|devolved]] back into Pichu and finally an {{pkmn|Egg}} as a result of a clash between {{OBP|Dialga|recurring}} and {{OBP|Palkia|recurring}} distorting time. After {{p|Arceus}} stopped the fight between Dialga and Palkia, the {{pkmn|category|Temporal and Spatial Pokémon}} repaired the distortions their fighting had caused and restored all the devolved Pokémon back to normal.


In ''[[XY065|Good Friends, Great Training!]]'', Pikachu alongside Sliggoo was used in a Double Battle against Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu. Before the battle could start, he was grabbed by a mecha created by Team Rocket, but Sliggoo was able to save Pikachu with Dragon Breath. After the mecha took Sliggoo, along with Wartortle and Raichu, Pikachu split up with Ash and Serena to look for them. After Sliggoo evolved into Goodra to save Ash and Pikachu, they restarted their battle. Pikachu hit Wartortle with Quick Attack and then quickly backed off to avoid a Rapid Spin. While Goodra was charging its Bide, Raichu fired a Focus Blast at it. Pikachu tried blocking the attack with Electro Ball, but got hit by Wartortle's Rapid Spin. Goodra, however, withstood the attack and fired off its Bide. Wartortle tried countering with Hydro Pump, but Pikachu blocked the attack with Iron Tail, causing Bide to hit its mark. Pikachu then countered Raichu's Focus Blast with Electro Ball to protect Goodra and after Goodra managed to daze both Pokémon by throwing Wartortle into Raichu, Pikachu and Goodra defeated them with a Thunderbolt and {{m|Dragon Pulse}} combo.
In ''[[JN102|Battling in the Freezing Raid!]]'', Pikachu was the third Pokémon used by Ash in a Raid Battle against an {{p|Articuno}}. Pikachu was able to land a powerful Thunderbolt onto the Freeze Pokémon before being defeated by a {{m|Sheer Cold}}.
[[File:JN118.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu battling Steven's Metagross]]
In ''[[JN105|Reuniting for the First Time!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon in his battle against [[Wallace]] in [[Lilycove City]], going up against his Milotic. Pikachu was ultimately victorious, making Ash the winner of the battle.


In ''[[XY067|The Moment of Lumiose Truth!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Lumiose Gym Battle against Clemont and went up against his Bunnelby. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, which was blocked by Bunnelby, who used his ears to create a mud shield. Bunnelby then used Dig, which was too fast for Pikachu to evade. Pikachu hit Bunnelby with Quick Attack, which Bunnelby quickly recovered from and managed to hit Pikachu several times with Double Slap. Pikachu then used Iron Tail which the Digging Pokémon caught with his ears. This reminded Bonnie of their first battle. Instead of letting Pikachu counter with Electro Ball, Bunnelby used his new move, {{m|Wild Charge}}, dealing major damage to Pikachu. Bunnelby then hit Pikachu with another Dig. He then responded with Quick Attack, but Bunnelby used Dig again. However, Ash had Pikachu use Iron Tail on the ground, forcing Bunnelby to emerge and dealing major damage. Pikachu then used another Iron Tail, defeating Bunnelby. When Clemont sent out {{TP|Clemont|Heliolisk}}, Ash recalled Pikachu. He was later sent out to battle Clemont's last Pokémon, {{TP|Clemont|Luxray}}. Pikachu could take advantage of Luxray's {{m|Electric Terrain}}, which increased the power of Electric-type moves. Pikachu first used Thunderbolt, which was blocked by Luxray's Thunder Fang. He then used Wild Charge on Pikachu, dealing a lot of damage. Luxray followed up with Swift, but Pikachu was able to deflect it back to Luxray with Iron Tail. However, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon countered with Wild Charge, defeating Pikachu.
In ''[[JN112|Helping the Hometown Hero!]]'', Pikachu took part in a Battle Royal against [[Professor Kukui's Incineroar]], [[Kiawe's Marowak]], and Gladion's {{p|Nihilego}}, {{DL|Ultra Beasts (anime)|Lillie}}. After Lillie and Marowak had been defeated, Pikachu and Incineroar were the only ones left standing, although the ultimate victor of the match was left unclear.


In ''[[XY075|Rivals: Today and Tomorrow!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his three round battle against [[Sawyer]]. He went up against {{p|Bagon}}, although he had a type-disadvantage. Pikachu's speedy Quick Attack was able to outmaneuver Bagon's Headbutt. After Thunderbolt and Dragon Breath collided in a draw, Pikachu jumped into the air and prepared to use Iron Tail. Sawyer had Bagon use Dragon Claw, but it was overpowered by Iron Tail and Pikachu knocked the Rock Head Pokémon out.
In ''[[JN118|Battling as Hard as Stone!]]'', Pikachu was the final Pokémon Ash used during his [[Masters Eight Tournament]] match against {{an|Steven Stone|Steven}}. He initially faced {{p|Cradily}}, managing to defeat it after trapping its tentacles in an Electroweb. Next, he came face to face with Steven's Mega Metagross, whose ability to calculate and predict all of Pikachu's moves made it seemingly impossible for Pikachu to land a hit on it. Ash managed to overcome this by performing 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, dealing enough damage to Metagross to allow Pikachu to finish it with an Iron Tail, making Ash the winner of the match.


In ''[[XY079|A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!]]'', Pikachu, along with Ash and his friends, visited the [[Poké Ball Factory]]. There, they were tricked by Team Rocket, who separated the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. During a battle against his enemies, Pikachu avoided being recalled into his Poké Ball and hid in one of the vent shafts without them knowing. He then first tried to free Ash and his friends with Iron Tail, but when that failed and Team Rocket discovered him, Pikachu attempted to get the briefcase that held the group's Poké Balls. Meowth then chased after Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, the Team Rocket trio attempted to escape with all the Poké Balls they stole, though in the process of doing so, they saw Ash and Pikachu were after them. Pikachu managed to stop their van with his Thunderbolt and Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one battle, which he accepted. Pikachu managed to defeat his foe despite the Scratch Cat Pokémon attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After Team Rocket got blasted off again, the group was invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory.
In ''[[JN123|Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!]]'', Pikachu was the third Pokémon used by Ash during his Masters Eight Tournament battle against Cynthia. He first went up against her {{p|Togekiss}}, only to end up being made to [[flinch]] by a {{a|Serene Grace}}-enhanced {{m|Air Slash}}, before Cynthia sent out {{p|Gastrodon}}. Despite being at a type disadvantage, however, Ash was able to defeat Gastrodon through some clever thinking. Pikachu then went on to also knock out Cynthia's Spiritomb but was caught in its last-second {{m|Destiny Bond}}, resulting in him fainting along with his opponent.
[[File:JN132.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu's final clash with Charizard]]
In ''[[JN129|A Flood of Torrential Gains!]]'', Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used in his Masters Eight Tournament match against Leon. He went up against {{p|Cinderace}}, with his attacks quickly proving to be useless against Cinderace's Ability, {{a|Libero}}. Because of this, Ash decided to switch Pikachu in and save him for later. In ''[[JN131|Paring Pokémon While Parrying!]]'', Pikachu returned to the battle after all of Ash's other Pokémon had been defeated to face Gigantamax Charizard. After enduring some of Charizard's [[Max Move]]s, Pikachu's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt clashed with Charizard's G-Max Wildfire, canceling out both moves as Charizard returned to its normal size and form.  


In ''[[XY090|Tag Team Battle Inspiration!]]'', Pikachu was used in a [[Multi Battle|Tag Battle]] against [[Serena's Eevee]] and Shauna's Ivysaur with Tierno's Blastoise as his partner. Pikachu started the battle by firing an Electro Ball, which was countered by Ivysaur's Energy Ball. Then Pikachu used Thunderbolt on Eevee, but Ivysaur protected Eevee by using Razor Leaf. While Blastoise was struggling with Eevee, Pikachu scored a hit on Ivysaur with Iron Tail. Ivysaur retaliated with Vine Whip, but Pikachu dodged it. The battle was later called off by Serena. Ash and Tierno then decided to battle against each other and Pikachu faced Blastoise. A collision between Thunderbolt and Hydro Pump took place, but the outcome of the battle remains unknown.
At the start of [[JN132|the next episode]], Eternatus appeared above Wyndon Stadium and recharged Ash and Leon's Dynamax Bands, prompting Leon to temporarily recall Charizard and Gigantamax his Cinderace, with Ash doing the same with Pikachu. The two Pokémon's clash of G-Max Moves ended with both of them reverting to normal and Cinderace fainting, leaving Leon with just Charizard. During the subsequent battle between the two partner Pokémon, Pikachu took a severe hit from a {{m|Fire Blast}} and momentarily collapsed, experiencing a vision of all of Ash's Pokémon cheering for him. Backed by the mental support of his friends, Pikachu stood back up and executed one more furious exchange of blows with Charizard. While both Pokémon were completely exhausted following the clash, ultimately, Pikachu was able to stay standing as Charizard fell, ending Leon's winning streak, making Ash the winner of the tournament, and earning him the title of Monarch. Later, Pikachu joined Ash and the rest of his team for the awards ceremony.
[[File:Ash Epilogue.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu resuming his journey with Ash]]
In ''[[JN136|This Could be the Start of Something Big!]]'', Pikachu joined up with Lucario and Goh's Galar first partner Pokémon against Lugia in a Raid Battle. Despite firing off multiple strong attacks—including combining their moves for extra power—they were unable to defeat the Diving Pokémon. Shortly after leaving the Cerise Laboratory, Ash and Goh separated and he and Ash leave on their own journey.


In ''[[XY093|All Eyes on the Future!]]'', while he wasn't chosen for Ash's Double Battle with [[Olympia]], Pikachu did help Ash keep track of when the {{m|Future Sight}} from Olympia's two {{p|Meowstic}} would strike by using his tail as a makeshift timer. This eventually allowed Frogadier and Talonflame to turn the attack against them, and ultimately win the battle.
In ''[[JN138|A Fated Face-Off!]]'', Pikachu reunited with Misty and later acted as the referee for the match between her and Ash.


In ''[[XY098|Dream a Little Dream from Me!]]'', after the gang viewed the [[Litleonids|Litleonid meteor shower]], Pikachu got pulled into [[Squishy]]'s dream by a {{p|Darkrai}}. In the dream, the group's Pokémon were either in their evolved or pre-evolved form and could speak human language, while humans spoke like Pokémon. Freaked out by this, Pikachu fled and ran into Meowth, who had also been pulled into the dream. Pikachu and Meowth then encountered a talking Squishy. Suddenly a flaming ghost appeared, who attacked them. They eventually managed to escape from it and Squishy then revealed a glimpse of its true strength to Pikachu and Meowth. Pikachu and Meowth tried to help Squishy getting to its home so it could gain this strength. On their way they got attacked by the flaming ghost again and Pikachu decided to battle it. Pikachu's attacks, however, couldn't land, but he was soon aided by the group's Pokémon and together managed to defeat the creature. In the end, Pikachu, Meowth and Squishy were woken by Clemont's invention.
In ''[[JN145|Rocket Revengers!]]'', Pikachu got isolated due to one of Team Rocket's schemes and was forced to hold them off until Ash arrived. Thankfully, a wild {{an|Latias}} that had been following Ash intervened and sent the evil group blasting off.


In ''[[XY105|Party Dancecapades!]]'', Pikachu partnered up with [[Miette]]'s {{p|Slurpuff}} in a dance party hosted by [[Monsieur Pierre]]. Later, Pikachu was used in a Tag Battle along with Serena's Eevee, where he faced James's Inkay and Miette's Slurpuff. Pikachu scored a direct hit on Slurpuff with Quick Attack, who then quickly recovered and fired off an Energy Ball. Pikachu, however, got saved by Eevee's Swift and after dodging a Psybeam from Inkay, he hit the Revolving Pokémon with Iron Tail. Pikachu and Eevee were then forced to jump in order to avoid another Psybeam, but got trapped after landing in Slurpuff's {{m|Cotton Spore}}. Unable to escape, Pikachu and Eevee were vulnerable to Inkay's Psybeam and got hit hard. Pikachu then stepped in and got hit by Inkay's Tackle meant for Eevee. Later, while Eevee struggled to get up, Pikachu continued to battle using Electro Ball and then blocked Slurpuff's Energy Ball with Thunderbolt. After Eevee's Evolution into Sylveon, Sylveon managed to defeat both Inkay and Slurpuff with {{m|Fairy Wind}}, giving Ash and Serena the win.
In ''[[JN147|The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!]]'', Pikachu and Ash returned to Pallet Town. As Ash pondered over what it truly meant to be a [[Pokémon Master]], Pikachu listened as Ash came to a personal conclusion about his journey. Deciding he had still yet to achieve his dream, Ash asked Pikachu if he would be there when he finally became a Pokémon Master, with Pikachu responding affirmatively. As such, they resolved to resume traveling, and Pikachu left Pallet Town with his Trainer once more.


In ''[[XY106|A Meeting of Two Journeys!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon used in another three round battle against Sawyer, where he faced Sawyer's {{p|Honedge}}. Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter Honedge's Fury Cutter and then defeated it with a Thunderbolt.
===Personality and characteristics===
{{bulbanews|Personality & Development: Ash's Pikachu}}
[[File:Pikachu and Togepi.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu and Togepi]]
After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to [[Misty's Togepi]], and has been seen meditating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]''. In ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', Pikachu, {{MTR}}, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his [[Pikachutwo|clone]] repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]'', ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]'', and ''[[JN138|A Fated Face-Off!]]''.
[[File:Pikachu loves ketchup.png|220px|thumb|Pikachu and his love of ketchup]]


In ''[[XY121|Seeing the Forest for the Trees!]]'', Pikachu was very worried as Ash had left into the [[Kalos Route 20|Winding Woods]] alone, and spent most of the episode trying to find Ash. Eventually, Team Rocket tried to catch Pikachu but when Pikachu tried to fend them off, they were actually underwhelmed by his power, implying that without Ash's friendship motivating him Pikachu was not able to perform as strong as usual. After Ash returned at the end of the episode, an overjoyed Pikachu was able to quickly send Team Rocket blasting off.
During the Hoenn saga, Pikachu [[AG089|temporarily developed amnesia]] and sided with {{TRT}} for a while. On several occasions, Pikachu has developed an "electric flu" causing him to become overcharged and extremely powerful. During these instances, Pikachu will sometimes accidentally let off electric outbursts which can be set off on anyone, including Ash. In all of these cases, Pikachu did not mean harm upon anyone.


In [[XY122|the next episode]], he participated in Ash's rematch against [[Wulfric]] and faced his {{p|Bergmite}}. Bergmite was able to move at a high speed by skating on the icy battlefield, allowing it to dodge an incoming Electro Ball. After jumping in the air to avoid Bergmite, Pikachu was hit by its Icy Wind, numbing his legs, slowing him down. As a result, Bergmite was able to easily dodge his Quick Attack, but was then hit from behind by a Thunderbolt. Bergmite then used {{m|Sharpen}}, encasing it in a diamond-shaped block of ice. It then rushed forwards using Rapid Spin, hurling Pikachu into an ice stalactite. Ash then had Pikachu run around to get rid of the numbness in his legs. Now having regained his Speed, Pikachu was able to knock Bergmite over with Quick Attack and hit it with Iron Tail, breaking through the block of ice and defeating it. Next, Pikachu faced Wulfric's {{p|Avalugg}}. He immediately scored a hit with Thunderbolt, but Avalugg withstood the attack and retaliated with an extra powerful {{m|Avalanche}}. Avalugg then went after Pikachu using {{m|Gyro Ball}}, but Pikachu created a hole in the battlefield with Iron Tail, causing Avalugg to get caught in it, stopping its movements. Avalugg, however, was able to use Stone Edge while spinning and despite Pikachu's attempt to destroy the rocks with Thunderbolt, he was hit hard and got knocked out.
As shown in a handful of episodes, the first being ''[[EP042|Showdown at Dark City]]'', Pikachu has a special fondness for ketchup, but he will eat and enjoy almost any other human or Pokémon food. In ''[[BW116|The Fires Of A Red-Hot Reunion]]'', Pikachu also displayed a fondness for orange juice. In ''[[SM104|That's Some Spicy Island Research!]]'', Pikachu was revealed to have a distaste for [[Poni Island]] radishes. A running joke in the series also seems to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt at the beginning of each series to accidentally destroy a female companion's bike or unintentionally shock the companion herself. This has happened to {{an|Misty}}, {{an|May}}, {{an|Dawn}}, {{an|Iris}}, and {{an|Bonnie}}.
[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png|thumb|220px|left|Pikachu zapping Ash]]
Pikachu, like his Trainer, is always happy to battle. He often tries his very best, but when he loses, he doesn't complain or feel bad about himself, especially when Ash reassures him. Ash and Pikachu are almost identical personality-wise, and thus are the perfect match for one another. Most others agree, except for [[Burgundy]], who in ''[[BW019|A Connoisseur's Revenge!]]'' said that Ash had a terrible relationship with all of his Pokémon, though this is more due to her inexperience in determining such relationships. Though rare, the two can still butt heads at times. When they first met, Pikachu would shock Ash with electricity out of vitriol. While being zapped by Pikachu still happens regularly for poor Ash, it's usually when he angers his buddy (such as when Ash rubs and pulls Pikachu's cheeks), or by accident (when Ash grabs Pikachu's tail by mistake).


Pikachu was used in the semi-finals of the [[Lumiose Conference]] in ''[[XY127|Analysis Versus Passion!]]'', where Ash chose him as his third Pokémon in his battle against Sawyer. He was sent out against Sawyer's powerful {{p|Clawitzer}}. Pikachu used the forest battle field to his advantage by climbing into the trees and jump from branch to branch in order to confuse Clawitzer. Despite this, Clawitzer was still able to dodge his Thunderbolt and Quick Attack by launching itself in the air. After dodging an Ice Beam, Pikachu launched an Electro Ball which collided with Clawitzer's Dragon Pulse. Clawitzer then chased after him with {{m|Aqua Jet}}, but Pikachu was able lose it in the forest, allowing him to attack with a surprise Iron Tail. Clawitzer, however, reacted in time and was able to grab Pikachu's tail with its pincer and prepared to launch a {{m|Water Pulse}}. Ash then had Pikachu use Electro Ball to break free from Clawitzer's grip and finish the Howitzer Pokémon off with Thunderbolt. Pikachu then faced Sawyer's next Pokémon, his {{p|Aegislash}}. Pikachu tried to use the forest again, but Aegislash prevented him from doing so by chopping down the trees using {{m|Sacred Sword}}. [[XY128|Continuing their battle]], Pikachu attacked with Iron Tail, but Aegislash protected itself from the attack with {{m|King's Shield}}, which also lowered Pikachu's Attack. He was then unable to keep up with Aegislash's fast moves and was hit twice by powerful Sacred Sword attacks. Pikachu then tried attacking with Thunderbolt, but Aegislash once again used King's Shield to protect itself. Ash then noticed that Aegislash had to attach itself to its shield in order to use King's Shield. Using this knowledge, he had Pikachu use Iron Tail on the ground, which caused the chopped down logs to fly up in the air. Pikachu then used its great speed to jump on the logs, confusing Aegislash and avoiding its attacks. As Aegislash tried going for King's Shield again, Pikachu knocked one of the wooden chunks between Aegislash's shield, making it unable to defend itself properly. With his opponent left vulnerable, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to defeat Aegislash. As Sawyer had lost three of his Pokémon the battlefield was changed and Ash decided to recall Pikachu. He was later used again to face [[Sawyer's Sceptile]]. Pikachu started off with a Quick Attack, but Sceptile countered with Leaf Storm, throwing him in the air. He, however, was able to break through the leaves and strike Sceptile with Thunderbolt. After a clash between Iron Tail and {{m|Leaf Blade}}, Pikachu was unable to dodge Sceptile's {{m|Frenzy Plant}} and was knocked out.
[[File:ZappedAgain.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu does not like having his cheeks rubbed]]
In general, {{p|Pikachu}} as a species are not particularly powerful, but Ash's Pikachu is a notable anomaly, overcoming odds in {{pkmn|battle}} numerous times. In ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'', {{MTR}} remarked that Pikachu's power "exceeds its evolutionary level". In ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'', he defeated [[Brock's Onix]] with an {{type|Electric}} attack that triggered the sprinkler system causing Onix to be drenched in water, one of its weaknesses. Ash's Pikachu has also triumphed over some very powerful Pokémon that had previously defeated several of Ash's other Pokémon, such as {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}'s {{p|Dragonite}}, {{ho|Tyson}}'s {{p|Metagross}}, and {{an|Korrina}}'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}}. He was also the second Pokémon in the series to defeat a Legendary Pokémon in battle, defeating {{an|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regice}} to win the Brave Symbol in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''. He later fought {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}} to a draw in [[DP189|the semifinals]] of the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], and defeated [[Gladion's Silvally]] and the {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|recurring Tapu Koko}} commanded by {{an|Professor Kukui}} in separate battles at [[Manalo Stadium]]. He has helped Ash win countless battles and [[Gym]] and {{pkmn|League}} matches.


In ''[[XY130|Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!]]'', Pikachu was used as Ash's first Pokémon in the finals of the Conference against [[Alain]]. He went up against Alain's {{p|Tyranitar}}, who summoned a {{weather|sandstorm}} upon entering the battlefield due to its {{a|Sand Stream}} Ability which deteriorated Pikachu's sight. Despite this, Pikachu was able to avoid a Dark Pulse. Ash then had Pikachu slam its tail into the field's water stream with Iron Tail to splash the water in the air which cancelled out the sandstorm as well as wetted Tyranitar. This allowed Pikachu to strike Tyranitar with Thunderbolt, dealing major damage due to Tyranitar's wet body. Pikachu then went for Electro Ball, but Tyranitar blocked the attack with Stone Edge and then proceeded to slam the stone pillars with its tail to send multiple stone shards flying at Pikachu. Pikachu, however, deflected all of the shards with Iron Tail and then used the attack once again to counter Tyranitar's Crunch. Tyranitar, however, threw Pikachu in the air, but he was able to launch an Electro Ball in mid-air which defeated Tyranitar. Pikachu was then recalled. He was later used again to face Alain's Metagross. Pikachu started off with Thunderbolt, but Metagross used Agility to dodge the attack and corner Pikachu. Due to this, Pikachu was hit hard by powerful Metal Claw, {{m|Rock Slide}} and Meteor Mash attacks. As Metagross charged another Meteor Mash to finish him off, Pikachu was able to obstruct it with Electro Ball, allowing him to jump on top Metagross. Now he was able to continuously use Thunderbolt, dealing serious damage to the Iron Leg Pokémon. Metagross was eventually able to shake Pikachu off, throwing him in the air, but Pikachu headed downwards and dealt a decisive hit with Iron Tail, knocking Metagross out. Pikachu then faced Alain's strongest Pokémon, {{TP|Alain|Charizard}}. Pikachu managed to hit Charizard with a speedy Quick Attack, followed up by a super effective Thunderbolt. The battle continued in ''[[XY131|Down to the Fiery Finish!]]'', where Pikachu once again hit Charizard with Thunderbolt. Afterwards Ash ordered him to use Quick Attack, but he was too exhausted to use the attack and ended up getting hit by Charizard's Flamethrower. When Charizard repeated its attack, Pikachu used Iron Tail on the ground to create a shield of dirt to block it. He then used Iron Tail again to intercept Charizard's Dragon Claw, but was overpowered and got knocked out.
The possibility of evolving into Raichu was first raised and discussed in the episode ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. After suffering a crushing defeat by [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]], Nurse Joy presented Ash with a Thunder Stone. Ash allowed Pikachu to decide, but he refused, having decided to become stronger as he is, and defeated Raichu by using superior speed. In the Sinnoh region, Pikachu [[DP074|battled]] another Raichu belonging to a trainer named [[Sho]]. The two were not only even matches in power but, unlike before, also in speed; ultimately Raichu used {{m|Hyper Beam}} to secure victory, a move Pikachu could not learn. At a Pokémon Center, Ash revealed that he kept the Thunder Stone he acquired in Vermilion City in case Pikachu changed his mind about evolving. Once again, Pikachu chose not to evolve and defeated Sho's Raichu in a rematch with a combination of speed, power, and spinning techniques learned from {{an|Dawn}}. During this event, {{TRT}} stole the Thunder Stone, as they also wanted Pikachu to stay as he is.


Pikachu was taken hostage by [[Lysandre]] in ''[[XY132|A Towering Takeover!]]'' after he and Ash were ambushed by [[Celosia]]'s {{p|Drapion}}'s {{m|Confuse Ray}} which knocked Ash out. Even though Pikachu was confused, he tried to wake Ash up and protected him before losing consciousness as well. Later, he woke up right after Ash did alongside his other Pokémon. It could only watch in horror while Ash and Greninja were hit by [[Team Flare]]'s Mega Evolution energy weapon, until Ash and Greninja freed themselves with him calling out to Ash and using [[Bond Phenomenon]], in [[XY133|the following episode]]. Alain's Charizard broke him and the other Pokémon free with Dragon Claw, leaving everyone to battle [[Lysandre's Pyroar]] and Shiny Mega Gyarados together. During the battle, Pikachu and Goodra combined their Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse to defend against {{p|Pyroar}} and Gyarados's {{m|Incinerate}}. After {{AP|Hawlucha}} was able to hit Pyroar with a super-effective {{m|Karate Chop}}, Pikachu manages to defeat the Royal Pokémon with Thunderbolt. [[XY134|Continuing the battle]], Pikachu and Noivern fired off their Thunderbolt and {{m|Boomburst}} which were countered by Gyarados's Hyper Beam. Pikachu was then targeted by a Dragon Tail, but Noivern pushed him aside, taking the attack in his place which knocked Noivern out. In the end, Pikachu, Greninja and Charizard were the only ones left facing Lysandre's Gyarados, although now aided by [[Malva]]'s Mega {{p|Houndoom}}. The battle finally concluded in ''[[XY135|Rocking Kalos Defenses!]]'', where Pikachu hit Gyarados with Quick Attack after avoiding its Hyper Beam and then finished it off with a Thunderbolt.
However, at times, Pikachu has lived up to his species' frail and brittle strengths, particularly in Gym battles, where he was defeated with relative ease by his opponent; for example, he was overpowered very easily by Lt. Surge's Raichu, [[Sabrina's Kadabra]], [[Blaine's Magmar]], [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Scyther}}, [[Whitney's Miltank]], [[Chuck]]'s {{p|Poliwrath}}, [[Roark's Rampardos]], [[Fantina's Drifblim]], [[Cress]]'s {{p|Panpour}}, and [[Viola]]'s {{p|Surskit}}, despite having type advantages against Scyther, Poliwrath, Drifblim, Panpour, and Surskit. He also drew against [[Winona]]'s {{p|Pelipper}} and [[Norman]]'s {{p|Vigoroth}}, and struggled against [[Crasher Wake]]'s {{p|Floatzel}}. Furthermore, he has lost twice to [[Trip's Serperior]], as a Snivy in ''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'' and a Servine in ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', despite Trip being a starting Trainer and recently having obtained Serperior. In addition, Pikachu tends to noticeably struggle when an opponent hinders his mobility in some fashion, such as when the aforementioned Panpour stopped Volt Tackle with a {{m|Mud Sport}} that covered the battlefield, when [[Burgh]]'s {{p|Leavanny}} impared his speed and accuracy by immobilizing his tail with {{m|String Shot}}, when the icy battlefield of Viola's Surskit threw him off balance in the first battle, or when [[Wulfric]]'s {{p|Bergmite}} prevented him from using Quick Attack by numbing his legs with {{m|Icy Wind}}.


Pikachu later helped Serena's Braixen, [[Steven's Metagross]] and Professor Sycamore's Garchomp fight against the [[Megalith Zygarde]]. He, along with the other Pokémon, was eventually subdued by the creature's roots, but was freed by a combined attack from the Pokémon of all the Gym Leaders of Kalos and Diantha. After strategizing, in ''[[XY136|Forming a More Perfect Union!]]'', everyone combined their powers to fend off the Megalith Zygarde's roots, allowing Ash and Alain to reach its center and save [[Chespie]], bringing the creature down. After the ressurection of the Megalith Zygarde, who was now controlled by Lysandre, Pikachu, Greninja and Alain's Charizard managed to destroy Lysandre's control device, allowing Squishy and [[Z2]] to destroy the Megalith Zygarde. In [[XY137|the next episode]], Pikachu and the rest of Ash's Pokémon received medals from Professor Sycamore for their heroic efforts against Team Flare.
[[File:Pikachu and Dedenne.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu and Clemont's Dedenne]]
Pikachu is also the only one of Ash's Pokémon to accompany him to the [[Hoenn]], [[Unova]], [[Kalos]], and [[Alola]] regions, and was intended to be the only Pokémon to accompany him to [[Sinnoh]] before {{AP|Aipom}} was discovered to have stowed away on the ship Ash was taking. Up until the capture of [[Dawn's Pachirisu]], Pikachu was the only {{type|Electric}} Pokémon in the series owned by a main character.


In ''[[XY138|The First Day of the Rest of Your Life!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Serena and her Braixen. At first, Pikachu had the upper hand as he was able to hit Braixen with a speedy Quick Attack and break through her defenses with Iron Tail before hitting her with a second one. After dodging a Flamethrower, he clashed with Braixen's Scratch using his Iron Tail, knocking both Pokémon back. Braixen was then able to use Fire Blast, successfully hitting Pikachu. The battle was then called off by Ash.
Following their first encounter with him in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', the Team Rocket trio made it their life's mission to capture Pikachu for their boss. Sometimes, they succeed with nets, cages, capsules or one of their [[Team Rocket's mechas|mechas]], but most of the time their plans always failed by Ash and his friends or something else involved. Whenever Pikachu gets released from their trap and reunites with Ash, he sends Team Rocket [[blasting off]] with his {{t|Electric}} attacks. Most of the time, in this case, his Thunderbolt. Sometimes, Pikachu sends them away even when he didn't get stolen. On other occasions, he battles them with Ash.


In [[XY140]], Pikachu had to say goodbye to Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and their Pokémon, since he and Ash would soon return to Kanto. While everyone said their goodbyes, {{TP|Clemont|Dedenne}} ran off since he didn't want the group to split apart. Using his electricity, Pikachu and the group were able to find Dedenne and calm it down. After Serena had departed, Pikachu participated in one final battle between Ash and Clemont, in which he faced Clemont's Bunnelby, just like in their first batttle. During the battle, both Pokémon's moves proved to be equal in power, but the end result of the battle was left unknown. Ash and Pikachu then separated from Clemont and Bonnie, and finally arrived in Pallet Town.
Even with his high level of electrical power, Pikachu has not stopped learning new attacks. Upon learning that [[Roxanne]], the Rustboro Gym Leader used Rock types, Ash had Pikachu begin learning Iron Tail in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''. After training hard, Pikachu finally perfected it in ''[[AG016|The Winner by a Nosepass]]'', where he used it to defeat Roxanne's {{p|Nosepass}} and earn Ash his first Hoenn Badge. In addition to giving Pikachu an advantage over Rock types, Iron Tail has allowed Pikachu to defeat many other powerful opponents. In ''[[AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure]]'', during a battle with Team Rocket, Ash ordered Pikachu to do a Quick Attack. Much to the surprise of Ash and his friends, the Quick Attack morphed into an imperfect {{m|Volt Tackle}} which sent Team Rocket blasting off. Upon mastering the move in ''[[AG155|The Green Guardian]]'', it became one of Pikachu's most distinctive techniques, to the point of garnering [[Paul]]'s interest, up until ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]'', where Pikachu replaced it with Electro Ball. In ''[[SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!]]'', Pikachu learned {{m|Electroweb}} in place of Electro Ball, allowing him to not only trap opponents, but also use the move as a springboard to increase his mobility or as a shield to protect himself from damage. In addition to his repertoire of moves, Pikachu has used his Ability, {{a|Static}}, a few times in the series, has an affinity for [[Z-Move]]s, and is capable of [[Gigantamax]]ing.


==={{series|Sun & Moon}}===
Although he is always ready for a battle and presumes that his Trainer will choose him, Pikachu can get annoyed and disappointed if Ash chooses a different Pokémon, like in ''[[SM130|Battling Besties]]'' or ''[[JN065|Thrash of the Titans]]'', but he always agrees with Ash's decision in the end. Pikachu's dislike for going into his {{i|Poké Ball}} and Ash's respect for it extend even into situations where doing so would have been a beneficial choice, such as in ''[[JN090|Showdown at the Gates of Warp!]]'', where Ash simply put his partner in his pocket instead of recalling him to protect him from the effect of a time reversal that had caused him to [[Devolution|devolve]].
Pikachu joined Ash and his mother on a vacation to the [[Alola]] region in ''[[SM001|Alola to New Adventure!]]''. On their way to the [[Pokémon School]] on [[Melemele Island]], Pikachu and Ash followed a wild {{p|Grubbin}} into a forest, where the two noticed {{an|Kiawe|a Trainer}} riding a {{TP|Kiawe|Charizard}}. They followed him and arrived at the Pokémon School, where they met some of the shool's students as well as [[Professor Kukui]] and Professor Oak's cousin, [[Samson Oak]]. Ash later used Pikachu to battle a trio of {{tc|Team Skull Grunt}}s, who were harassing Kiawe, and their trio of {{p|Zubat}}, {{p|Salandit}}, and {{p|Yungoos}}. Pikachu was able to dodge their Salandit's attacks with ease and seriously damage them with Quick Attack and Thunderbolt. Kiawe then had his {{TP|Kiawe|Turtonator}} use the [[Z-Move]] {{m|Inferno Overdrive}} which knocked [[Team Skull]]'s Pokémon out in one shot. That evening, Pikachu and Ash followed {{DL|List of recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Tapu Koko}}, the [[guardian deity]] of Melemele Island, who handed Ash a [[Z-Ring]] and an {{DL|Z-Crystal|Electrium Z}}. Pikachu remained in Alola with Ash, when he decided to study at the Pokémon School.


In [[SM002|the next episode]], Ash's classmates had a surprise welcome party for him, where he and Pikachu participated in several challenges. During their lunch break, Tapu Koko appeared again and stole Ash's hat, prompting Ash and his classmates to follow it. Arriving in a forest, Tapu Koko challenged Ash to a Pokémon battle. Pikachu was overwhelmed by Tapu Koko's fast moves and despite Electric Terrain being created by Tapu Koko's Ability {{a|Electric Surge}}, Pikachu's Thunderbolt didn't faze it. Tapu Koko then tapped Ash's Z-Ring, activating it and allowing Pikachu to perform {{m|Gigavolt Havoc}}, which destroyed a large part of the area but also caused Ash's Electrium Z to shatter. Afterwards, Tapu Koko flew off again.
====Pikachu's imitations====
Pikachu has demonstrated a great talent for mimicking Pokémon, altering the look of his physical features to match another Pokémon's appearance. He will occasionally use this talent to specify what Pokémon or person he is talking about. These imitation skills were notably put to use during the [[Pokémon Dress-Up Contest]], where Pikachu was able to thrill the audience without the need for a costume or make-up.


==Personality and characteristics==
<gallery perrow="6">
[[File:Pikachu Bad Mood.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu in a bad mood]]
File:Pikachu imitating Brock.png|{{an|Brock}} imitation from ''[[Snow Way Out!]]''
After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to [[Misty's Togepi]], and has been seen mediating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]''. In ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', Pikachu, {{MTR}}, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his [[Pikachutwo|clone]] repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]''.
File:Pikachu imitating Squirtle.png|{{AP|Squirtle}} imitation from ''[[PK03|Kanga Games]]''
[[File:Pikachu loves ketchup.png|200px|thumb|left|Pikachu and his love of ketchup]]
File:Pikachu imitating Bulbasaur.png|{{AP|Bulbasaur}} imitation from ''[[EP051|Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden]]''
It was revealed that Pikachu also love drinking orange juice, most likely of its sourness in ''[[BW116|The Fires Of A Red-Hot Reunion]]''.
File:Pikachu imitating Togepi.png|{{TP|Misty|Togepi}} imitation from ''[[PK04|Pikachu's Rescue Adventure]]''
{{bulbanews|Personality & Development: Ash's Pikachu}}
File:Pikachu as Ash.png|{{Ash}} imitation from ''[[EP110|The Stun Spore Detour]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Psyduck.png|{{TP|Misty|Psyduck}} imitation from ''[[PK06|Stantler's Little Helpers]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Lickitung.png|{{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}} imitation from ''[[PK06|Stantler's Little Helpers]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Charizard.png|{{AP|Charizard}} imitation from ''[[EP132|For Crying Out Loud]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Noctowl.png|{{AP|Noctowl}} imitation from ''[[EP203|The Screen Actor's Guilt]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Cyndaquil.png|{{AP|Cyndaquil}} imitation from ''[[EP203|The Screen Actor's Guilt]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Totodile.png|{{AP|Totodile}} imitation from ''[[EP203|The Screen Actor's Guilt]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Seviper.png|{{TP|Jessie|Seviper}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Cacnea.png|{{TP|James|Cacnea}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Meowth.png|{{MTR}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Torchic.png|{{TP|May|Torchic}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu Mudkip.png|{{TP|Brock|Mudkip}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Treecko.png|{{AP|Treecko}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Lotad.png|{{TP|Brock|Lotad}} imitation from ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Corphish.png|{{AP|Corphish}} imitation from ''[[AG099|It's Still Rocket Roll to Me!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Grovyle.png|{{AP|Grovyle}} imitation from ''[[AG099|It's Still Rocket Roll to Me!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Torkoal.png|{{AP|Torkoal}} imitation from ''[[AG099|It's Still Rocket Roll to Me!]]''
File:Pikachu Wobbuffet.png|{{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} imitation from ''[[DP033|All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!]]''
File:Pikachu Loudred.png|{{p|Loudred}} imitation from ''[[DP033|All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!]]''
File:Pikachu Budew.png|{{p|Budew}} imitation from ''[[DP033|All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Turtwig.png|{{AP|Turtwig}} imitation from ''[[DP044|Mass Hip-Po-Sis!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Heat Rotom.png|{{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Rotom|Heat}} {{p|Rotom}} imitation from ''[[DP105|Get Your Rotom Running!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Staraptor.png|{{AP|Staraptor}} imitation from ''[[DP173|Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!]]''
File:Pikachu Buneary.png|{{TP|Dawn|Buneary}} imitation from ''[[DP173|Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Scolipede.png|{{p|Scolipede}} imitation from ''[[BW009|The Bloom Is on Axew!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Azumarill.png|{{p|Azumarill}} imitation from ''[[BW129|The Pirates of Decolore!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Axew.png|{{TP|Iris|Axew}} imitation from ''[[BW139|Team Rocket's Shocking Recruit!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Sharpedo.png|{{p|Sharpedo}} imitation from ''[[SM001|Alola to New Adventure!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Blacephalon.png|{{p|Blacephalon}} imitation from ''[[SM078|Twirling with a Bang!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Popplio.png|{{TP|Lana|Popplio}} imitation from ''[[SM099|We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Hiusian Growlithe.png|{{rf|Hisuian}} {{p|Growlithe}} imitation from ''[[JNS01|The Arceus Chronicles (Part 1)]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Hiusian Braviary.png|{{rf|Hisuian}} {{p|Braviary}} imitation from ''[[JNS01|The Arceus Chronicles (Part 1)]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Basculegion.png|{{p|Basculegion}} imitation from ''[[JNS01|The Arceus Chronicles (Part 1)]]''
File:Pikachu imitating Wyrdeer.png|{{p|Wyrdeer}} imitation from ''[[JNS01|The Arceus Chronicles (Part 1)]]''
</gallery>


During the Hoenn saga, Pikachu [[AG089|temporarily developed amnesia]] and sided with {{TRT}} for a while. On several occasions, Pikachu has developed an "electric flu" causing him to become overcharged and extremely powerful. During these instances, Pikachu will sometimes accidentally let off electric outbursts which can be set off on anyone, including Ash. In all of these cases, Pikachu did not mean harm upon anyone.
====Pikachu's language====
Some of [[Pokémon language|Pikachu's speech]] is consistent enough that it seems that some phrases mean something. In ''[[DP115|Stealing The Conversation!]]'', {{TRT}} refers to this language as "Pika-speak," but this most likely isn't official. This includes:
* Pikapi: ''[[Ash Ketchum|Satoshi]]'' (Ash)
* Pi-Kachu: ''[[Dawn's Piplup|Pochama]]'' (Piplup)
* Pikachu-Pi: ''{{an|Misty|Kasumi}}'' (Misty)
* Pika-Chu: ''{{an|Brock|Takeshi}}'' (Brock), ''[[Iris's Axew|Kibago]]'' (Axew)
* Pikaka: ''{{an|Dawn|Hikari}}'' (Dawn)
* PiPiPi: ''{{TP|Misty|Togepy|Togepi}}'' (Togepi)
* PikakaPika: ''[[Ash's Bulbasaur|Fushigidane]]'' (Bulbasaur)
* PikaPika: ''[[Ash's Squirtle|Zenigame]]'' (Squirtle), ''[[Ash's Staraptor|Mukuhawk]]'' (Staraptor), ''[[Ash's Infernape|Goukazaru]]'' (Infernape) '' [[Ash's Palpitoad|Gamagaru]]'' (Palpitoad) or ''[[BW129|Marilli]]'' (Azumarill)
* PiPi-kachu: ''[[Team Rocket trio|Rocket-dan]]'' (Team Rocket)
* Pi-Pikachu: ''[[Gotta catch 'em all!|Get da ze!]]'' (He says this after Ash wins a Badge, catches a new Pokémon or anything similar.)
** Pikachu may not be the only one to use this phrase, as other Pokémon do this as well. For example, when Iris caught Emolga, Axew said Ax-Axew (Ki-Kibago in the Japanese version). This also happened when Iris caught {{TP|Iris|Gible}} in [[BWS02]].
* Pika-Pikachu: When referring to or introducing himself.
* Chaa: Anything he says happily or excitedly, or when yawning.
* Pika!: "Matte!", or saying "Wait!"
* Pi-kaPika: "Sayōnara," or saying "Good-bye."
* Piiika-Chuuuuuu!: When using {{m|Thunderbolt}}.
* Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika, Chuuu Pii!: When using {{m|Electro Ball}}.
* Pikachu-Pi-Pi-Pi-Pika!: When using {{m|Quick Attack}}.
* Pika-Pika-Pika-ChuPi-Ka!: When using {{m|Electroweb}}.
* Chuuu-Pi-Ka!: When using {{m|Iron Tail}}.


As shown in a handful of episodes, the first being ''[[EP042|Showdown at Dark City]]'', Pikachu has a special fondness for ketchup, but he will eat and enjoy almost any other human or Pokémon food. A running joke in the anime also seems to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt at the beginning of each series to destroy a female companion's bike or shock the companion herself. This has happened to {{an|Misty}}, {{an|May}}, {{an|Dawn}}, {{an|Iris}}, and {{an|Bonnie}}.
===Appearance===
 
:''See also: [[Pikachu in a cap]], [[Gigantamax]]''
Pikachu, like his Trainer, is always happy to battle. He often tries his very best, but when he loses, he doesn't complain or feel bad about himself, especially when Ash reassures him. Ash and Pikachu are almost identical personality-wise, and thus are the perfect match for one another. Most others agree, with the exception of [[Burgundy]], who in ''[[BW019|A Connoisseur's Revenge!]]'' said that Ash had a terrible relationship with all of his Pokémon, though this is more due to her inexperience in determining such relationships.
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{electric color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{electric color dark}}"
 
|-
In general, Pikachu as a species is not particularly powerful, but Ash's Pikachu is an anomaly, overcoming odds in {{pkmn|battle}} numerous times. In ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', {{MTR}} remarked that Pikachu's power "far exceeds its evolutionary level". In ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'', he defeated [[Brock's Onix]] with an {{type|Electric}} attack that triggered the sprinkler system causing Onix to be drenched in water, one of its weaknesses. Ash's Pikachu has also defeated very powerful Pokémon that Ash's other Pokémon were unable to, such as {{p|Dragonite}}, {{p|Metagross}} and [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}}. He was also the second of Ash's Pokémon to defeat a legendary Pokémon in battle, defeating [[Brandon's legendary titans#Regice|Brandon's Regice]] to win the Brave Symbol. He later fought {{si|Tobias}}'s Latios to a draw in [[DP189|the semi-finals]] of the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]]. He has helped Ash win countless battles and [[Gym]] and {{pkmn|League}} matches.
! style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As an Egg
 
! style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | As a Pichu
The possibility of evolving into Raichu was first raised in the episode ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. After suffering a crushing defeat by [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]], Nurse Joy presented Ash with a Thunder Stone. Ash allowed Pikachu to decide, but it smacked the stone away with his tail, choosing to become stronger as it is, and defeated Raichu using its superior speed. In the Sinnoh region, Pikachu [[DP074|battled]] a Raichu belonging to a trainer named [[Sho]]. The two were evenly matched, until Raichu used {{m|Hyper Beam}} to secure victory, a move Pikachu could not learn. At a Pokémon Center, Ash revealed that he kept the Thunder Stone he acquired in Vermilion City in case Pikachu changed his mind about evolving. Once again, Pikachu chose not to evolve, and defeated Sho's Raichu in a rematch with a combination of speed and spinning techniques learned from {{an|Dawn}}. In the interim, {{TRT}} stole the Thunder Stone, as they also liked Pikachu to stay as he is.
! style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Wearing Ash's Alola Cap
 
! style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Wearing Ash's World Cap
However, at times, {{p|Pikachu}} has lived up to his species' frail and brittle strengths, particularly in Gym battles where he was defeated with relative ease by his opponent; for example, he was overpowered very easily by Lt. Surge's Raichu, [[Sabrina's Kadabra]], [[Blaine's Magmar]], [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Scyther}}, [[Whitney's Miltank]], [[Chuck]]'s {{p|Poliwrath}}, [[Roark's Rampardos]], [[Fantina's Drifblim]], [[Cress]]'s {{p|Panpour}}, and [[Viola]]'s {{p|Surskit}}, despite having a type advantage with Panpour, Scyther, Poliwrath, Drifblim, and Surskit. He also drew against [[Winona]]'s {{p|Pelipper}} and [[Norman]]'s {{p|Vigoroth}}, and struggled against [[Crasher Wake]]'s {{p|Floatzel}}. Furthermore, he has lost twice to [[Trip's Serperior]], as a Snivy in ''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'' and a Servine in ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', despite Trip being a starting Trainer and recently having obtained Serperior. In addition, Pikachu tends to struggle when his mobility is hindered, such as when the aforementioned Panpour weakened Volt Tackle with {{m|Mud Sport}}, or when his legs were numbed by [[Wulfric]]'s {{p|Bergmite}} and its {{m|Icy Wind}}, preventing him from using Quick Attack.
! style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a Gigantamax Pikachu
 
|- style="background:#fff"
Pikachu became the second non-legendary Pokémon to defeat a [[legendary Pokémon]] in the anime after {{AP|Charizard}}, beating {{FB|Pyramid King|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's legendary titans|Regice}} in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'', giving Ash his final [[Symbol|Frontier Symbol]].
| [[File:Ash Pichu Egg.png|200px]]
 
| [[File:Ash Pikachu Pichu.png|200px]]
Pikachu is also the only one of Ash's Pokémon to accompany him to the [[Hoenn]], [[Unova]], and [[Kalos]] regions, and was intended to be the only Pokémon to accompany him to [[Sinnoh]] before {{AP|Aipom}} was discovered to have stowed away on the ship Ash was taking. Up until the capture of [[Dawn's Pachirisu]], Pikachu was the only {{type|Electric}} Pokémon in the anime owned by a main character.
| [[File:Ash Pikachu Alola Cap.png|200px]]
 
| [[File:Ash Pikachu World Cap.png|200px]]
Pikachu is always becoming a constant target whenever he gets captured by Team Rocket. Sometimes they succeed with nets, cages, capsules or different devices, but most of the time their plans always failed by Ash and his friends or something else. Whenever Pikachu gets released from their trap and reunites with Ash, he sends Team Rocket blasting off with his {{t|Electric}} attacks. Most of time in this case, his Thunderbolt. Sometimes, Pikachu sends them away even when he didn't get stolen. On other occasions, he battles them with Ash.
| [[File:Ash Pikachu Gigantamax.png|200px]]
 
|}
Even with his high level of electrical power, Pikachu has not stopped learning new attacks. Upon learning that [[Roxanne]], the Rustboro Gym Leader used Rock types, Ash had Pikachu begin learning Iron Tail in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''. After training hard, Pikachu finally perfected it in ''[[AG016|The Winner by a Nosepass]]'', where he used it to defeat Roxanne's {{p|Nosepass}} and earn Ash his first Hoenn Badge. In addition to giving Pikachu an advantage over Rock types, Iron Tail has allowed Pikachu to defeat many powerful opponents. In ''[[AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure]]'', during a battle with Team Rocket, Ash ordered Pikachu to do a Quick Attack. Much to the surprise of Ash and his friends, the Quick Attack morphed into Volt Tackle which sent Team Rocket blasting off. Until ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]'', it has been one of Pikachu's signature moves, in which Pikachu replaced it with Electro Ball, which it learned while battling a trio of annoying {{p|Ducklett}}. Not only that, Pikachu has used his Ability, {{a|Static}}, a few times in the anime.


==Moves used==
===Moves used===
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Gigavolt Havoc}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Gigavolt Havoc}}|image2=Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=ThunderShock|1=Thunder|2=Leer|3=Double-Edge|4=Agility|5=Tackle}}.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Thunder Shock|1=Thunder|2=Leer|3=Double-Edge|4=Agility|5=Tackle}}}}
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 8}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Electroweb|6=World Cap Iron Tail|7=World Cap Thunderbolt}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 8}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Electroweb|6=Iron Tail<br>(World Cap)|7=Thunderbolt<br>(World Cap)}}|image2=Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Pichu Thunder Shock|1=ThunderShock|2=Thunder|3=Leer|4=Double-Edge|5=Agility|6=Tackle}}.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Thunder Shock<br>as a Pichu|1=Thunder Shock|2=Thunder|3=Leer|4=Double-Edge|5=Agility|6=Tackle}}}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunder Shock|EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunder Shock|EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunderbolt|EP005|Showdown in Pewter City|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunderbolt|EP005|Showdown in Pewter City|rec=yes}}
Line 396: Line 520:
{{anmov|normal|Quick Attack|EP014|Electric Shock Showdown|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Quick Attack|EP014|Electric Shock Showdown|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunder|EP022|Abra and the Psychic Showdown}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunder|EP022|Abra and the Psychic Showdown}}
{{anmov|normal|Double-Edge|EP079|Friend and Foe Alike}}<!--During the Indigo Conference-->
{{anmov|normal|Double-Edge|EP079|Friend and Foe Alike}}
{{anmov|normal|Tackle|EP118|The Double Trouble Header|x=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Tackle|EP118|The Double Trouble Header|x=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Leer|EP150|Hour of the Houndour|x=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Leer|EP150|Hour of the Houndour|x=yes}}
{{anmov|steel|Iron Tail|AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|steel|Iron Tail|AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|electric|Volt Tackle|AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure}}
{{anmov|electric|Volt Tackle|AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure}}
{{anmov|electric|Electro Ball|BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|electric|Electro Ball|BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!}}
{{anmov|electric|Gigavolt Havoc|SM002|The Guardian's Challenge!}}
{{anmov|electric|Electroweb|SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov/f|electric|x=yes}}
{{anmov/f|electric|x=yes}}


===Moves improvised===
====[[Z-Move]]s used====
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 5}}|0=Gigavolt Havoc|1=Breakneck Blitz|2=World Cap 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt|3=Corkscrew Crash|4=10000000 Volt Thunderbolt}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 5}}|0=Gigavolt Havoc|1=Breakneck Blitz|2=10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt<br>(World Cap)|3=Corkscrew Crash|4=10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt<br>(Alola Cap)}}}}
{{anmov|electric|Gigavolt Havoc|SM002|The Guardian's Challenge!{{tt|*|Base move is Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, or Electroweb}}}}
{{anmov|normal|Breakneck Blitz|SM010|Trial and Tribulation!{{tt|*|Base move is Quick Attack}}}}
{{anmov|electric|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt|SM054|10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!{{tt|*|Base move is Thunderbolt}}}}
{{anmov|steel|Corkscrew Crash|SM115|The Dealer of Destruction!{{tt|*|Base move is Iron Tail}}}}
{{anmov/f|electric}}
 
====[[Max Move]]s and [[G-Max Move]]s used====
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Max Steelspike|1=G-Max Volt Crash 1|2=G-Max Volt Crash 2|3=Max Strike}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Max Steelspike|1=G-Max Volt Crash (Part 1)|2=G-Max Volt Crash (Part 2)|3=Max Strike}}}}
{{anmov|steel|Max Steelspike|JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!{{tt|*|Base move is Iron Tail}}}}
{{anmov|electric|G-Max Volt Crash|JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!{{tt|*|Base move is Thunderbolt or Electroweb}}}}
{{anmov|normal|Max Strike|JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!{{tt|*|Base move is Quick Attack}}}}
{{anmov/f|electric}}
 
====Moves improvised====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{electric color}}; border: 3px solid #{{electric color dark}}; {{roundy}}"
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{electric color}}; border: 3px solid #{{electric color dark}}; {{roundy}}"
|-
|-
Line 418: Line 557:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' When [[Giselle]] called for {{p|Cubone}} to use Leer, Ash told Pikachu to "Leer right back" by making funny faces. He later used Leer in ''[[EP150|Hour of the Houndour]]''; however, this was the actual move, albeit, an [[Anime move errors|anime move error]] still.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' When [[Giselle]] called for {{p|Cubone}} to use Leer, Ash told Pikachu to "Leer right back" by making funny faces. He later used Leer in ''[[EP150|Hour of the Houndour]]''; however, this was the actual move, albeit still a [[Animated series move errors|move error]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electric Slam.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electric Slam.png|150px]]
Line 432: Line 571:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Was a move that Pikachu used while "boxing" {{OBP|Anthony|EP029}}'s {{p|Hitmonchan}} in ''[[EP029|The Punchy Pokémon]]''. Pikachu glowed red and shot off his boxing gloves, leaving off a trail of smoke. Once the smoke disappears, Pikachu still has his boxing gloves on and flies towards Hitmonchan at high speed.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' "Rocket Punch" was a move that Pikachu used while "boxing" {{OBP|Anthony|EP029}}'s {{p|Hitmonchan}} in ''[[EP029|The Punchy Pokémon]]''. Pikachu glowed red and shot off his boxing gloves, leaving behind a trail of smoke. Once the smoke disappears, Pikachu still has his boxing gloves on and flies towards Hitmonchan at high speed.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Kanto first partners Elemental Combo.png|150px]]
| ''[[EP117|Don't Touch That 'dile]]''
| {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Razor Leaf}}, {{m|Water Gun}}, and {{m|Thunderbolt}}
| [[Ash's Squirtle]], {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, and {{AP|Charizard}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with Charizard's Flamethrower, Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf, and Squirtle's Water Gun to create a tornado of fire, electricity, leaves, and water. This was used to defeat [[Jessie's Arbok]] and {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}, along with [[James's Weezing]] and {{TP|James|Victreebel}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electric Water Gun.png|150px]]
| ''[[EP147|The Fire-ing Squad!]]''
| {{m|Water Gun}} and an {{type|Electric}} attack
| [[Ash's Squirtle]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination of one of Pikachu's Electric attacks and Squirtle's Water Gun. Pikachu combines one of his Electric attacks with Squirtle's Water Gun to create an electrified stream of water. This was used to destroy {{TRT}}'s [[Team Rocket's mechas|Torcher Scorcher]] and send them [[blasting off]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Electric Water Tornado.png|150px]]
| ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}, {{m|Water Gun}}, and {{m|Rapid Spin}}
| [[Misty's Politoed]] and [[Brock's Forretress]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with Politoed's Water Gun and Forretress's Rapid Spin, creating a tornado of water and yellow electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket and the [[Invincible Pokémon Brothers]] blasting off.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Electric Solar Beam.png|150px]]
| [[AG033|''Now'' That's ''Flower Power!'']]
| {{m|Thunderbolt}} and {{m|Solar Beam}}
| [[Drew's Roselia]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': A combination between Thunderbolt and Solar Beam. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt while Roselia fires a Solar Beam and the two attacks combine to create a white beam of energy surrounded by electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket blasting off after they had tried to steal [[Bluk Berry|Bluk Berries]] meant for [[Mr. Big]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Thunder Armor.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Thunder Armor.png|150px]]
Line 439: Line 606:
| [[Ash's Swellow]]
| [[Ash's Swellow]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu is seen using Thunder on himself while riding on {{AP|Swellow}}. This increased their attack power greatly and they easily overpowered [[Tate and Liza]]'s {{p|Lunatone}} and {{p|Solrock}}.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': An improvised tactic in which Pikachu uses Thunder on himself while riding on {{AP|Swellow}}. This increased their attack power greatly and they easily overpowered [[Tate and Liza]]'s respective {{TP|Tate|Solrock}} and {{TP|Liza|Lunatone}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu Spinning Volt Tackle.png|150px]]
| ''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}, {{m|Twister}}, and {{m|Volt Tackle}}
| [[Lucy]]'s {{p|Milotic}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': A combination of Thunderbolt, Twister, and Volt Tackle. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on himself to leave him supercharged for his next attack. Milotic then generates a Twister around Pikachu, who spins with the twister to increase the power of his Volt Tackle, which is already supercharged due to Thunderbolt. This was used to defeat Lucy's Milotic in Ash's [[Battle Pike]] {{pkmn|battle|match}} against Lucy.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu contest.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu contest.png|150px]]
Line 446: Line 620:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu uses Quick Attack and combines it with Thunderbolt, creating a large ring of electricity. Then Pikachu uses Iron Tail to divide the ring into three rings.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu uses Quick Attack and combines it with Thunderbolt, creating a large ring of electricity. Pikachu then uses Iron Tail to divide the ring into three rings. This was used in the [[Appeal|Appeals Round]] of the {{to|Terracotta}} {{pkmn|Contest}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Spin.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Quick Iron Tail.png|150px]]
| ''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos We Watched!]]''
| ''[[DP016|A Gruff Act to Follow!]]''
| {{m|Quick Attack}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu uses Quick Attack to rush towards the opponent and hit it with Iron Tail, thus boosting the power of the latter move. This was first used against [[Roark's Cranidos]] during Ash's first {{gy|Oreburgh}} [[Gym]] battle. It was used again in ''[[DP021|Ya See We Want An Evolution!]]'', during Ash's battle with [[Oralie]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt battlefield.png|150px]]
| ''[[DP016|A Gruff Act to Follow!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': It was originally made by {{an|Dawn}} and first used by her Piplup and Buneary, was also used by Turtwig and Aipom to avoid attacks in the episode, where he was able beat Roark and obtain the {{Badge|Coal}}.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt at the battlefield, breaking the ground apart and sending large rocks hurtling at the opponent. This was used to counter [[Roark's Onix]] and its speed during Ash's first Oreburgh Gym battle.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Swift-Quick Attack combination.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Swift-Quick Attack combination.png|150px]]
Line 460: Line 641:
| [[Dawn's Ambipom|Ash's Aipom]]
| [[Dawn's Ambipom|Ash's Aipom]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Aipom uses a twirling Swift that spins in the air and then Pikachu uses Quick Attack to jump in the Swift and as he runs, the Swift stars would be surrounding the white light from the Quick Attack.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Aipom uses a twirling Swift attack that spins in the air and then Pikachu uses Quick Attack to jump into the Swift attack. As he runs, the stars from Swift surround the white light from the Quick Attack.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Thunder Tackle.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Thunder Tackle.png|150px]]
Line 467: Line 648:
| [[Paul's Electabuzz]]
| [[Paul's Electabuzz]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Is a move combination Pikachu used with Electabuzz. Pikachu starts by using Volt Tackle towards Paul's Electabuzz, who grabs him and uses Thunder on him to supercharge the Volt Tackle. This was used in to sever the cables with which Team Galactic's helicopters were carrying Veilstone City's meteorites.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': A move combination that Pikachu used with Electabuzz. Pikachu starts by using Volt Tackle towards Paul's Electabuzz, who grabs him and uses Thunder on him to supercharge the Volt Tackle. This was used in to sever the cables with which Team Galactic's helicopters were carrying Veilstone City's meteorites.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Volt Tail.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Volt Tail.png|150px]]
Line 474: Line 655:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' It was used against [[Sho]]'s {{p|Raichu}} and once again in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'' against {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}}.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' This move combination was used first against [[Sho]]'s {{p|Raichu}} and once again in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'' against {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Counter Shield.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Counter Shield.png|150px]]
Line 481: Line 662:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' [[Counter Shield]] was used in ''[[DP102|Shield With a Twist!]]'' and ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'' Pikachu uses {{m|Thunderbolt}} while spinning, releasing yellow sparks everywhere, disallowing movement for the opponent. It is a means of defending and attacking at the same time.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' [[Counter Shield]] was first used against [[Fantina]]'s {{p|Drifblim}}, and later in ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'' against [[Paul's Magmortar]] and in ''[[JN123|Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!]]'' against {{an|Cynthia}}'s {{p|Spiritomb}}. Pikachu uses {{m|Thunderbolt}} while spinning, releasing yellow sparks everywhere or creating an electric whirlpool, disallowing movement for the opponent. It is a means of defending and attacking at the same time.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Thunderbolt-Whirlpool.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Thunderbolt-Whirlpool.png|150px]]
Line 488: Line 669:
| [[Dawn's Piplup]]
| [[Dawn's Piplup]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' It was used during a battle against [[Kiko]] and [[Kato]] and later to battle against the evil Marcus. When using the move, Piplup uses {{m|Whirlpool}} while Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt, creating an electric whirlpool.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' This move combination was used during a battle against [[Kiko]] and [[Kato]] and later to battle against the evil Marcus. When using the move, Piplup uses {{m|Whirlpool}} while Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt, creating an electric whirlpool.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Hydro Volt Tackle.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Hydro Volt Tackle.png|150px]]
Line 495: Line 676:
| [[Dawn's Piplup]]
| [[Dawn's Piplup]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' It was used as a finishing blow against {{TRT}}. It is a combination of Pikachu's {{m|Volt Tackle}} and Dawn's Piplup's Hydro Pump to create a massive Electric-Water shot that sent Team Rocket blasting off.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' This move combination was used as a finishing blow against {{TRT}}. It is a combination of Pikachu's {{m|Volt Tackle}} and Dawn's Piplup's Hydro Pump to create a massive Electric-Water shot that sent Team Rocket blasting off.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electro Bolt.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electro Bolt.png|150px]]
Line 502: Line 683:
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Ash has Pikachu use Electro Ball, then tells him to use Thunderbolt on it to significantly increase the size and power of Electro Ball.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Ash has Pikachu use Electro Ball, then tells him to use Thunderbolt on it to increase the speed of the Electro Ball. This was used when Ash had to battle {{an|Cilan}} as part of [[Luke]]'s movie.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Massive Electro Ball.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electro Iron Tail.png|150px]]
| ''[[BW097|Unova's Survival Crisis!]]''
| ''[[BW104|Mission: Defeat Your Rival!]]''
| {{m|Electro Ball}}
| {{m|Iron Tail}} and {{m|Electro Ball}}
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' It is a stronger variation of Electro Ball. While blocking {{p|Thundurus}}'s {{m|Thunder}} attack to protect {{an|Iris}}, Pikachu absorbed some of its opponent's electricity. Later, when Ash told Pikachu to use Electro Ball, it transferred Thundurus's excess energy into its attack, causing the Electro Ball to crackle with blue lightning and swell to incredibly massive proportions. This supercharged Electro Ball dealt great damage to the [[Abyssal Ruins]] after it was launched.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A move combination that Pikachu used to defeat [[Trip's Serperior]]. First, Pikachu forms an Electro Ball on his tail, and then uses Iron Tail, slamming both the Electro Ball and Iron Tail into the opponent at the same time, dealing a notable amount of damage.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electro Iron Tail.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash BW Team combination attack.png|150px]]
| ''[[BW104|Mission: Defeat Your Rival!]]''
| ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]''
| {{m|Iron Tail}} and {{m|Electro Ball}}
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}, {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Leaf Storm}}, {{m|Hydro Pump}}, {{m|Air Cutter}}, {{m|Focus Blast}}, {{m|Energy Ball}}, {{m|Flash Cannon}}, {{m|Mud Shot}}, and {{m|Stone Edge}}
| Ash's rotation for ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with a joint Flamethrower from {{AP|Pignite}} and {{AP|Charizard}}, {{AP|Snivy}}'s Leaf Storm, {{AP|Oshawott}}'s Hydro Pump, {{AP|Unfezant}}'s Air Cutter, {{AP|Scraggy}}'s Focus Blast, {{AP|Leavanny}}'s Energy Ball, {{AP|Boldore}}'s Flash Cannon, {{AP|Palpitoad}}'s Mud Shot, and {{AP|Krookodile}}'s Stone Edge to create a gigantic blast of energy. This was used to defend [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] from Team Rocket.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Iron Tail Ground.png|150px]]
| ''[[XY006|Battling on Thin Ice!]]''
| {{m|Iron Tail}}
| None
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' It's a move combination Pikachu used to defeat [[Trip's Serperior]]. First, Pikachu forms an Electro Ball on his tail, and then uses Iron Tail, slamming both the Electro Ball and Iron Tail into the opponent at the same time, dealing a notable amount of damage.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu roots himself to the ground with Iron Tail to resist getting blown back by any attacks. This was first used in Ash's [[Santalune Gym]] [[rematch]] against [[Viola]]. It was used again in ''[[JN018|Destination: Coronation!]]'', during Ash's first-ever [[World Coronation Series]] battle.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Draco Meteor Climb.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu Draco Meteor Climb.png|150px]]
| ''[[XY025|Climbing the Walls!]]''
| ''[[XY025|Climbing the Walls!]]''
| {{m|Draco Meteor}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| {{m|Iron Tail}}
| [[Grant]]'s {{p|Tyrunt}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A countering method Ash improvised during his Gym battle with [[Grant]]. By using Iron Tail, Pikachu was able to jump on and avoid being hit by Grant's {{p|Tyrunt}}'s {{m|Draco Meteor}}. This was based on Ash's counter method to {{m|Rock Tomb}}, called "Rock Tomb Climb".
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' This strategy consists of climbing the move that is aimed towards Pikachu with {{m|Iron Tail}} and was used first against [[Grant]]'s {{p|Tyrunt}} to counter {{m|Draco Meteor}}. It was used once again in ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]'' against [[Korrina's Lucario]], but this time to counter {{m|Aura Sphere}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Aura Sphere Climb.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Serena Team Rocket combo.png|150px]]
| ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]''
| ''[[XY063|A Fork in the Road! A Parting of the Ways!]]''
| {{m|Aura Sphere}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}, {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Dark Pulse}}, and {{m|Psybeam}}
| [[Korrina]]'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}}
| [[Serena's Fennekin]], [[Jessie's Pumpkaboo]], and [[James's Inkay]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Similar to Draco Meteor Climb, it was used during Ash's Gym battle against [[Korrina]]. Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter Korrina's [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}}'s {{m|Aura Sphere}}.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with a Flamethrower attack from Serena's Fennekin, a Dark Pulse from Jessie's Pumpkaboo, and a Psybeam from James's Inkay to create a swirling blast of energy. This was used to defeat a {{OBP|Pokémon hunter|XY063}} and his {{p|Rhyperior}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electrified Dragon Pulse.png|150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electrified Dragon Pulse.png|150px]]
Line 537: Line 725:
| [[Ash's Goodra]]
| [[Ash's Goodra]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' When Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, Goodra uses Dragon Pulse and fuses with it, creating a purple dragon-shaped energy blast surrounded by electricity. Then the attack hits the opponent, causing serious damage.
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination between Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt while Goodra fires a Dragon Pulse and the two attack combine to create a purple, dragon-shaped beam of energy surrounded by yellow sparks of electricity. This was used to defeat [[Tierno's Wartortle]] and Raichu in a [[Double Battle]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electric Flamethrower.png|150px]]
| ''[[XY082|A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell?]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}} and {{m|Flamethrower}}
| [[Serena's Braixen]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination of Thunderbolt and Flamethrower. Braixen uses Flamethrower while Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt and the two attacks converge to create a red-orange stream of fire surrounded by yellow sparks of electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket blasting off from [[Count Pumpka]]'s castle.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electrified Iron Tail.png|150px]]
| ''[[M19|Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' While using Iron Tail, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt to surround himself in electricity. This was used in a battle against [[Clemont's Luxray]] in the nineteenth movie.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electroweb barrier.png|150px]]
| ''[[SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!]]''
| {{m|Electroweb}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu creates an Electroweb to protect himself from any damage. This was first used when Pikachu learned Electroweb during the {{OBP|Thrifty Megamart|Abandoned Site}} [[Island challenge|trial]]. It was used again in ''[[JN018|Destination: Coronation!]]'', during Ash's first-ever [[World Coronation Series]] battle.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Super Pokémon Fireworks.png|150px]]
| ''[[SM078|Twirling with a Bang!]]''
| {{m|Electroweb}}, {{m|Zing Zap}}, {{m|Discharge}}, {{m|Bubble Beam}}, {{m|Magical Leaf}}, {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Fire Blast}}, and {{m|Powder Snow}}
| The [[Ultra Guardians]]' Pokémon
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' "Super Pokémon Fireworks" (Japanese: '''超特大ポケモン花火''' ''Super Special Pokémon Fireworks'') is a combination move used by the Ultra Guardians' partner Pokémon and their [[Poké Ride|Ride Pokémon]]. Pikachu launches {{m|Electroweb}} into the air, followed by {{TP|Sophocles|Togedemaru}} and {{TP|Sophocles|Charjabug}} adding to it by creating a makeshift Electroweb with {{m|Zing Zap}} and {{m|Discharge}}, respectively. {{TP|Lana|Popplio}}, Steenee, {{TP|Kiawe|Turtonator}}, and {{TP|Kiawe|Charizard}} add to the combination with {{m|Bubble Beam}}, {{m|Magical Leaf}}, and a double {{m|Flamethrower}}, respectively. {{p|Flygon}}, {{p|Garchomp}}, and {{p|Altaria}} then use a triple {{m|Fire Blast}}, followed by [[Snowy]]'s {{m|Powder Snow}} and {{AP|Poipole}}'s poison. Together, the moves make a giant, spinning, ferris wheel-shaped construction.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electroweb Iron Tail combo 1.png|150px]]<br>[[File:Electroweb Iron Tail combo 2.png|150px]]
| ''[[SM138|Final Rivals!]]''
| {{m|Electroweb}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination between Electroweb and Iron Tail. Pikachu creates an Electroweb which he uses like a springboard to launch himself at the opponent before hitting them with Iron Tail, dealing incredible damage. This was first used to defeat [[Gladion's Silvally]] in the [[Manalo Conference]] finals. It was used again in ''[[JN007|Serving Up the Flute Cup!]]'', during the [[Battle Frontier Flute Cup]] finals.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Iron Tail Ember combo.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN020|Dreams Are Made of These!]]''
| {{m|Ember}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}
| [[Goh's Raboot]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination of Ember and Iron Tail. Raboot fires an Ember at Pikachu, who sends it at the opponent with Iron Tail, thus increasing the Ember's speed and surrounding it with white sparks of energy. This was used to defeat [[Team Rocket]]'s {{p|Crobat}} and {{p|Skarmory}} and send them and Team Rocket blasting off.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electroweb battlefield.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN039|Octo-Gridlock at the Gym!]]''
| {{m|Electroweb}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu creates an Electroweb that spreads out over the opponent's side of the field. If the opponent tries to charge through the electric threads, they not only slow down but also take damage. This was used during Ash's first World Coronation Series rematch against [[Bea]].
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Thunderbolt Thunder combo 1.png|150px]]<br>[[File:Thunderbolt Thunder combo 2.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN068|Advice to Goh!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}} and {{m|Thunder}}
| [[Gary's Electivire]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination between Thunderbolt and Thunder. Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt while Electivire uses Thunder and the two attacks combine to create a gigantic bolt of yellow electricity. This was used in a battle against a {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Moltres}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Iron Tail Quick Attack.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN086|A Battle of Mega Versus Max!]]''
| {{m|Iron Tail}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu uses Iron Tail on the ground before using Quick Attack to start vibrating, creating ultrasonic vibrations around his body that he can use to repel incoming attacks. This was used during Ash's second World Coronation Series rematch against Bea.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Charging Thunderbolt.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN132|Partners in Time!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}
| None
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Similar to {{AP|Dragonite}}'s Dragonite Meteor, Pikachu surrounds himself with the electricity from his own Thunderbolt before charging at the opponent. This was used in the final clash between Pikachu and {{TP|Leon|Charizard}} in the [[Masters Eight Tournament]] finals.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Goh Pokémon combo attack.png|150px]]
| ''[[JN136|This Could be the Start of Something Big!]]''
| {{m|Thunderbolt}}, {{m|Aura Sphere}}, {{m|Pyro Ball}}, {{m|Mud Shot}}, and {{m|Wood Hammer}}
| {{AP|Lucario}}, {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}}, {{TP|Goh|Inteleon}}, and {{TP|Goh|Grookey}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' A combination between Thunderbolt, Aura Sphere, Pyro Ball, Mud Shot, and Wood Hammer. Cinderace kicks a Pyro Ball, which merges with Lucario's Aura Sphere before Grookey swings its Wood Hammer to send the [[Aura]]-clad fireball flying. Inteleon and Pikachu add to the attack with Mud Shot and Thunderbolt, respectively, creating a high-speed flying fireball surrounded by blue energy, mud, and electricity. This was used in a {{GO|Raid Battle}} against a {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Lugia}}.
|}
 
===Voice actors===
{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}
|ja=大谷育江 [[Ikue Otani]]
|en=[[Ikue Otani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season one}}
|de=Sabine Bohlmann ([[S01]])
|es_la=[[Ikue Otani]]<br>Claudia Motta (voiceover in [[EP017]])
|hi=सोनल कौशल ''Sonal Kaushal'' (Hungama dub)
|tr=Ikue Otani<br>Zencan Sakal
}}
 
===Artwork===
<div class="scrollbox">
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color}}; font-size:80%;"
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu OS anime.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu AG anime.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu DP anime.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu BW anime.png|x200px]]
|-
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|Original series|Original series}}
| Official artwork from<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire}}''
| Official artwork from<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl}}''
| Official artwork from<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Black & White}}''
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu XY anime.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:Ash SM 3.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|5px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:Master Class Artwork JN.png|x200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}" | [[File:To Be a Pokémon Master poster.png|x200px]]
|-
| Official artwork from<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: XY}}''
| With Ash in<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon}}''
| Artwork from<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Journeys: The Series}}<ref>https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1522523066256936961</ref>
|Poster for<br>''{{color2|000|S25|Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master}}''
|-
| colspan=6 style="{{roundy|15px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}; width:96px" | For more artwork, please see [[a:Category:Pikachu|Pikachu]] and [[a:Category:Ash's Pikachu|Ash's Pikachu images on the Bulbagarden Archives]].
|}
</div>
 
====Staff artwork====
This is a collection of fan art drawn by prolific staff members on the series.
 
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background:#{{electric color}}; font-size:80%"
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background:#{{electric color light}}" | [[File:JN001 illustration.png|x200px]]
|-
| Artwork as a Pichu by {{color2|000|Atsuko Nishida}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1192321064883195904 Tweet by @anipoke_PR 10:01 PM · Nov 6, 2019]</ref>
|}
|}


==In the games==
==In the games==
{{main|Red's Pikachu (game)}}
===Core series===
{{main|Pikachu (Yellow)}}
In {{game|Yellow}}, the {{player}} receives a Pikachu based on Ash's Pikachu from [[Professor Oak]] after his rival, Oak's grandson, takes the Pokémon that Oak had intended to give to Red. Additionally, this Pikachu [[walking Pokémon|follows the player around]] rather than being kept in a Poké Ball. In {{LGPE|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!}}, a remake of Yellow, the [[Partner Pokémon (Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!)|partner Pikachu]] plays a similar role.
 
[[Red's Pikachu]] in other games may also be based on Ash's Pikachu. In [[Generation II]] and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, Pikachu is the highest-leveled member of Red's team when he is encountered at [[Mt. Silver]], and the highest leveled Pokémon owned by a Trainer in the entire series excluding battle arenas. His moves, notably in HeartGold and SoulSilver, are the four moves most used by Ash's Pikachu at the time of the games' release.
 
Additionally, the Pikachu in the Super Smash Bros. series may be based on Ash's Pikachu.
 
====Event distributions====
=====Diamond & Pearl Ash's Pikachu=====
{{bulbanews/2|Satoshi's Pikachu to be distributed via Wi-Fi|Toys 'R' Us to distribute Ash's Pikachu}}
{{bulbanews/2|Satoshi's Pikachu to be distributed via Wi-Fi|Toys 'R' Us to distribute Ash's Pikachu}}
In the main series, {{ga|Red's Pikachu}} is noticeably based on Ash's Pikachu: not only does {{ga|Red}} receive it from Professor Oak after his rival, Oak's grandson, takes the last starter Pokémon in {{game|Yellow}}, but it [[walking Pokémon|follows Red around]] rather than being kept in a Poké Ball. In [[Generation II]] and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, Pikachu is the highest-leveled member of Red's team when he is encountered at Mt. Silver, and the highest leveled Pokémon owned by a Trainer in the entire series excluding battle arenas. His moves, notably in HeartGold and SoulSilver, are the four moves most used by Ash's Pikachu at the time of the games' release. Pikachu was one of {{Ash}}'s three Pokémon in {{g|Puzzle League}}. The Pikachu in the Super Smash Bros. series may be based on Ash's Pikachu.
A Japanese event distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and at participating Japanese {{wp|McDonald}}'s locations which was held from July 15 through August 10, 2010. This Pikachu was distributed at participating American {{wp|Toys 'R' Us}} locations from January 30 to February 13, 2011, and Canadian Toys 'R' Us locations from February 9 to February 20, 2011. This Pikachu's moveset was based on that of Ash's Pikachu during ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''.
 
===Event distributions===
====Diamond & Pearl Pikachu====
A Japanese event distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and at participating Japanese {{wp|McDonald}}'s locations which was held from July 15 through August 10, 2010. This Pikachu was distributed at participating American {{wp|Toys 'R' Us}} locations from January 30 to February 13, 2011, and Canadian Toys 'R' Us locations from February 9 to February 20, 2011. This Pikachu's moveset was based on that of Ash's Pikachu during the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}.


{{G4event|
{{G4event|
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soulsilver=yes}}
soulsilver=yes}}


===Pokémon Center Best Wishes Pokémon===
=====Pokémon Center Best Wishes Ash's Pikachu=====
{{bulbanews/2|Japanese Pokémon Center to distribute four Pokémon from Best Wishes series|More information on Japanese Best Wishes event Pokémon}}
{{bulbanews/2|Japanese Pokémon Center to distribute four Pokémon from Pokémon the Series: Black & White|More information on Japanese Best Wishes event Pokémon}}
 
From August 10 to September 6, 2013, Japanese Pokémon Centers distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''. The distribution was split into four one-week periods; each week, players could receive one of four ''Best Wishes''-themed Pokémon at random. The other three Pokémon distributed alongside Ash's Pikachu were [[Iris's Axew]], [[Cilan's Pansage]], and [[Professor Oak's Rotom]].
From August 10 to September 6, 2013, Japanese Pokémon Centers distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during the {{series|Best Wishes}}. The distribution was split into four one-week periods; each week, players could receive one of four ''Best Wishes''-themed Pokémon at random. The other three Pokémon distributed alongside Ash's Pikachu were [[Iris's Axew]], [[Cilan's Pansage]], and [[Professor Oak's Rotom]].


{{G5event|
{{G5event|
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white2=yes}}
white2=yes}}


===Pokémon DS Rally Pokémon===
=====7-Eleven Ash's Pikachu=====
{{bulbanews<!--/2-->|Four Pokémon to be distributed at Japanese 7-Eleven stores<!--|7-Eleven event Pokémon to also be available at Pokémon Center stores in Japan-->}}
{{bulbanews|Four Pokémon to be distributed at Japanese 7-Eleven stores}}
From July 18 to 31, 2015, Japanese {{wp|7-Eleven}}s distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''. It, along with [[Serena's Pancham]], were distributed as prizes in 7-Eleven's "Pokémon DS Rally". Once participants bring their Japanese-region [[Nintendo 3DS]] to one of the stores' {{jwp|セブンスポット|7Spots}}, and got their 3DS "stamped" through the [[Nintendo Zone]] feature, they can redeem the stamp for a serial code that would give the player one of the two animated series Pokémon.


From July 18 to 31, 2015, Japanese {{wp|7-Eleven}}s distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during the {{series|XY}}. It, along with [[Serena's Pancham]], were distributed as prizes in 7-Eleven's "Pokémon DS Rally". Once participants bring their Japanese-region [[Nintendo 3DS]] to one of the stores' {{jwp|セブンスポット|7Spots}}, and got their 3DS "stamped" through the [[Nintendo Zone]] feature, they can redeem the stamp for a serial code that would give the player one of the two anime Pokémon.
{{G6event/head
|ball=Cherish
|pokemon=Pikachu
|gender=m
|level=50
|ndex=025
|type=Electric
|ot=サトシ
|id=00711
|ability=Static
|nature=Naughty
|fateful=yes
|met=a lovely place
|ribbon=Wishing
|item=Light Ball
|move1=Thunderbolt|move1type=Electric|move1cat=Special|move1rel=yes
|move2=Quick Attack|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical|move2rel=yes
|move3=Iron Tail|move3type=Steel|move3cat=Physical|move3rel=yes
|move4=Electro Ball|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Special|move4rel=yes
}}
{{G6event/entrybottom|xyoras|serial code|Japanese|online|July 18 to September 30, 2015}}
{{G6event/footer}}


<!--Presumably, The same Pikachu will be available for download at {{OBP|Pokémon Center|store}}s in some fashion from August 17 ​​to September 13, 2015.-->
=====Pokémon Center Ash's Pikachu=====
{{bulbanews|7-Eleven event Pokémon to also be available at Pokémon Center stores in Japan}}
Ash's Pikachu were distributed via the [[Nintendo Network]] at [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Center]]s and [[Pokémon Store]]s across Japan from August 24 to 30, 2015.
{{G6event/head
{{G6event/head
|ball=Cherish
|ball=Cherish
Line 629: Line 970:
|type=Electric
|type=Electric
|ot=サトシ
|ot=サトシ
|id=00711
|id=08245
|ability=Static
|ability=Static
|nature=Naughty
|nature=Naughty
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|move4=Electro Ball|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Special
|move4=Electro Ball|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Special
}}
}}
{{G6event/entrybottom|xyoras|serial code|Japanese|online|July 18 to 31, 2015}}
{{G6event/entrybottom|xyoras|Nintendo Network|Japanese|online|August 24 to 30, 2015}}
{{G6event/footer}}
{{G6event/footer}}
=====25th Anniversary Film Fest Ash's Pikachu=====
Ash's Pikachu was distributed as part of the 25th anniversary screenings, ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]'', ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]'', and ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'' between August 11 and September 8, 2022. This Pikachu is unique in that it is distributed with an Alola Champion's ribbon symbolising Ash's achievement of becoming the Alolan Champion.
{{G8event/head|wcid=145|wctitle=サトシ's Pikachu Gift|lochide=yes
|ball=Poké
|gender=m
|pokemon=Pikachu
|nick=ピカチュウ
|image=0025Pikachu-World Cap
|form=World Cap
|level=80
|ndex=025
|type=Electric
|ot=サトシ
|id=970401
|ability=Static
|nature=Hardy
|fateful=yes
|met=a 2022 Pokémon Movie
|ribbon=Alola Champion
|item=Light Ball
|move1=Thunderbolt|move1type=Electric|move1cat=Special
|move2=Quick Attack|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Iron Tail|move3type=Steel|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Electroweb|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Special
}}
{{G8event/entrybottom|swsh|Serial Code|hide|August 11 to September 30, 2022}}
{{G8event/footer|multiredeem=yes|originlang=Japanese}}
=====Pikachu in a cap=====
[[File:Cap Pikachu Pikashunium Z Event.png|thumb|240px|Event artwork]]
{{main|Pikachu in a cap}}
These cap-wearing Pikachu are {{pkmn2|event}}-exclusive Pokémon that debuted in [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] and were distributed in celebration of the 20th [[Pokémon movie]], ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'', and by extension, the 20th anniversary of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. Like Ash's Pikachu, these Pikachu are always [[gender|male]] and cannot evolve. They also have access to the exclusive [[Z-Crystal]], [[Pikashunium Z]], and its [[Z-Move]], {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}}.
A [[Ash's Pikachu (M20)|seventh Cap Pikachu]], wearing the hat Ash wears in [[M20|the twentieth movie]], debuted in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]]. In Japan, it was distributed via [[QR Code]] on a special [[Pokémon Ga-Olé]] disc. In the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, it was distributed via a QR Code that was given to those who attended screenings of the 20th movie.
Pikachu in a cap is not present in {{LGPE}}, despite being based on a {{cat|Generation I Pokémon}}, but has Pokédex entries in {{g|Sword and Shield}}, and can be imported to the games via [[Pokémon HOME]]. An eighth Cap Pikachu, World Cap Pikachu, has since been added in Version 1.2.0 of Sword and Shield. This Pikachu wears Ash's hat from ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and was officially revealed September 29, 2020, along with a new set of distributions for the [[Generation VIII]] games.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF" width="250px"
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Kanto}}" | {{color2|000|Original series|Original Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Original Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Hoenn}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire|Hoenn Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Hoenn Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Sinnoh}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|Sinnoh Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Sinnoh Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Unova}}; color:#fff" | {{color2|fff|Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Unova Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Unova Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Kalos}}; color:#fff" | {{color2|fff|Pokémon the Series: XY|Kalos Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Kalos Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Alola}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon|Alola Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Alola Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemelight|Alola}}" | {{color2|000|M20|Partner Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-Partner Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Galar}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon Journeys: The Series|World Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:0025Pikachu-World Cap.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
|}
===Spin-off games===
====[[Advanced Pico Beena]] games====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pokémon Number Battle!]], [[Intellectual Training Drill Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Letter and Number Intelligence Game]], [[Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Search for Pokémon! Adventure in the Maze!]], and [[Pokémon Best Wishes: Intelligence Training Pokémon Big Sports Meet!]].
====Arcade games====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon: Crayon Kids]], [[Pokémon: Battle Nine]], [[Pokémon Medal World]], [[Pokémon Tug of War Tournament: Absolutely Get Medal!]], and [[Pokémon: Wobbuffet Fell Down!]].
=====Battle Nine stats=====
{{BattleNinePokémon
|name=Pikachu
|jname=ピカチュウ
|tmname=Pikachu
|type1=Electric
|height=0.4
|evolution=None
|start1=Quick Attack|start1type=Normal|start1power=40|start1range=1|start1medal=3
|start2=Thunder Shock|start2type=Electric|start2power=40|start2range=1|start2medal=3
|start3=Thunderbolt|start3type=Electric|start3power=90|start3range=1|start3medal=6
|extra1=Slam|extra1type=Normal|extra1power=80|extra1range=1|extra1medal=4
|extra2=Thunder|extra2type=Electric|extra2power=110|extra2range=1|extra2medal=7
|extra3=Feint|extra3type=Normal|extra3power=30|extra3range=1|extra3medal=3
|extra4=Iron Tail|extra4type=Steel|extra4power=100|extra4range=1|extra4medal=6
|extra5=Discharge|extra5type=Electric|extra5power=80|extra5range=Cross|extra5medal=9
|extra6=Nuzzle|extra6type=Electric|extra6power=20|extra6range=1|extra6medal=2
}}
====[[Pokémon Ga-Olé]]====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Ga-Olé]] as one of Ash's Pokémon. It appears as an opponent during the {{OBP|Grand Rush set 4|Ga-Olé}}.
=====As an opponent=====
{| align="left" style="margin:auto; {{roundy|10px}}; background:#{{white color dark}}"
|-
|
{| style="margin:auto; {{roundy|7px}}; background:#{{white color light}}"
|-
| style="vertical-align:top" |
{{Ga-OlePokémon|type=Electric|name=Pikachu|img=025Pikachu|move=Thunderbolt|movetype=Electric}}
|}
|}
{{-}}
=====Disks=====
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/header|Electric}}
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Movie 2017}} ({{ga-ole|Promotional disks}})|Electric|}}
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Pokémon Z-Power Ring Special Set}} ({{ga-ole|Promotional disks}})|Electric|}}
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Ga-Olé Anime Tie-in}} ({{ga-ole|Promotional disks}})|Electric|}}
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Alola League Champion Course}} ({{ga-ole|Promotional disks}})|Electric|}}
{{Ga-OleExpansionList/footer|Electric}}
====[[Pokémon GO]]====
In {{g|GO}}, [[Pikachu in a cap|Original Cap Pikachu]], initially referred to as "'''Pikachu in Ash's hat'''", was obtainable in the {{pkmn2|wild}} during the game's first-anniversary celebration from July 6–21, 2017. Any {{p|Pichu}} whose {{pkmn|Egg}}s were obtained during this time would also be wearing this hat upon hatching. The Ash hat Pikachu was later again obtainable using the GO Snapshot feature from April 1–2, 2019, during which the player could spawn up to five of these [[List of Pokémon with form differences#Event Pokémon|Event Pokémon]] per day with the possibility it being [[Shiny Pokémon (GO)|Shiny]]. Original Cap Pikachu will be featured as the weekly Pokémon Spotlight Hour focus on October 12, 2020.
Unlike in the core series, this special form is obtainable in both [[gender]]s and can be [[evolution|evolved]], with the cap being retained upon evolution.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF"
| class="roundy" style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Pichu<br>[[File:GO172O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Pikachu<br>[[File:GO025O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Raichu<br>[[File:GO026O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
|}
On October 6, 2020, World Cap Pikachu was featured as the weekly Pokémon Spotlight Hour focus. Like the Original Cap Pikachu in this game, these Pikachu could be Shiny, male or female, and could evolve into Raichu. However, because these Pikachu were only found in wild encounters, Pichu wearing Ash's hat from ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' were not included.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF"
| class="roundy" style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Pikachu<br>[[File:GO025W.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| class="roundy" style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Raichu<br>[[File:GO026W.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
|}
In an event based on ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' that ran in 2020 from November 6 to November 12, several Pokémon based on Ash's catches appeared in the wild, including World Cap Pikachu.<ref>https://pokemongolive.com/post/animationweek2020/?hl=en%7CSource</ref>
====[[Pokémon Masters Arena]]====
Pikachu appears alongside {{Ash}} in [[Pokémon Masters Arena]].
====[[Pokémon Masters EX]]====
[[File:Ash party Masters.png|thumb|180px|Pikachu in [[Pokémon Masters EX]]]]
{{main|Ash (Masters)#Pikachu|Ash (Masters) → Pikachu}}
Pikachu, along with the rest of Ash's ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' team, first appeared during the [[special event]] {{DL|Special event|The Classic Thunderbolt}} in [[Pokémon Masters EX]]. He forms a [[sync pair]] with Ash. In the game, Pikachu uses the moves {{m|Thunder}} and {{m|Thunderbolt}}, and will temporarily become [[Pikachu in a cap|World Cap]] Pikachu when using the [[sync move]] Best Buds {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}}, which is based on the [[Z-Move]] of the same name.
{{PairDex/h|Electric}}
{{PairDex|152|Ash|trainerlink=Ash (Masters)#Pikachu|trainerimg=Ash|025|Pikachu|gender=male|master=yes|buddy=yes|form=[[Pikachu in a cap|World Cap]]|Electric|Ground|Special Strike|6|Master Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
|}
====[[Pokémon Mezastar]]====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Mezastar]] as one of Ash's Pokémon. It appears as an opponent during the {{mezastar|Super Tag set 1|first Super Tag set}} and in the {{mezastar|Double Chain set 1 |first Double Chain set}}. Pikachu also appeared as an opponent in an event that recreated the [[Masters Eight Tournament]] that ran from October 27 to November 21, 2022.
=====As an opponent=====
{| align="left" style="margin:auto; {{roundy|10px}}; background:#{{white color dark}}"
|-
|
{| style="margin:auto; {{roundy|7px}}; background:#{{white color light}}"
|-
| style="vertical-align:top" |
{{MezastarPokémon|type=Electric|name=Pikachu|img=025Pikachu|move=Thunderbolt|movetype=Electric}}
|}
|}
{| align="left" style="margin:auto; {{roundy|10px}}; background:#{{white color dark}}"
|-
|
{| style="margin:auto; {{roundy|7px}}; background:#{{white color light}}"
|-
| style="vertical-align:top" |
{{MezastarPokémon|type=Electric|name=Pikachu|img=0025Pikachu-World Cap|move=Thunderbolt|movetype=Electric}}
|}
|}
{{-}}
=====Disks=====
{{MezastarExpansionList/header|Electric}}
{{MezastarExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Super Tag Start Campaign}}|Electric||}}
{{MezastarExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Pokémon Dynamax Band}}|Electric||}}
{{MezastarExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Pokémon Dynamax Band+}}|Electric||}}
{{MezastarExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Double Chain Start Campaign}}|Electric||}}
{{MezastarExpansionList/footer|Electric}}
====[[Pokémon Puzzle League]]====
Pikachu was one of {{Ash}}'s three Pokémon in {{g|Puzzle League}}.
====[[Pokémon Tretta]]====
Prior to the proper introduction of Pikachu in a cap, Ash's Pikachu was featured in several {{g|Tretta}} pucks, based on its appearance in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''. When the player used these pucks, Pikachu would appear in-game wearing Ash's Kalos hat. This Pikachu variant was featured in the following:
{{TrettaExpansionList/header|electric}}
{{TrettaExpansionList/entry|05-01|{{OBP|Pikachu|05-01}} ({{tretta|Invasion! Mega Rayquaza}})|Electric|Master}}
{{TrettaExpansionList/entry|P|{{OBP|Pikachu|Roaring All-Stars CD}} ([[Roaring All-Stars|Roaring All-Stars CD Bonus]])|Electric|}}
{{TrettaExpansionList/entry|Z1-07|{{OBP|Pikachu|Z1-07}} ({{tretta|Birth! Z Tretta!!}})|Electric|Master}}
{{TrettaExpansionList/footer|electric}}
The same Pikachu also appeared as a summonable Pokémon in two pucks based on [[Ash's Greninja]]; [[Ash-Greninja (Z2-06)]] and [[Ash-Greninja (Ultimate Z Challenge)]].
[[File:Pokémon Zany Cards Special Seven Pikachu.png|thumb|150px|Pikachu in [[Pokémon Zany Cards]]]]
====[[Pokémon Zany Cards]]====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Zany Cards]], as a card in Special Seven mode. The card can be played at any time but cannot be played as the final card from the player's hand.
====[[Sega Pico]] games====
Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon: Catch the Numbers!]], [[Pokémon Advanced Generation: I've Begun Hiragana and Katakana!]], and [[Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pico for Everyone Pokémon Loud Battle!]].
===={{OBP|Detective Pikachu|video game}}====
A Pikachu that's implied to be Ash's appears at the start of chapter 3. [[Tim Goodman|Tim]] finds the Pikachu standing out in the streets, mistaking him for {{OBP|Detective Pikachu|character}}. Detective Pikachu then shows up, who reveals he arrived late because he got distracted by some "Pokémon-adoring cuties". He then apologizes to the Pikachu for causing any trouble. The Pikachu then tells him of a friend who has a dream. Detective Pikachu says that the two will make it come true, and asks the Pikachu to tell his friend to [[Pokémon Theme|be the very best like no one ever was]] before he scampers off.
{{-}}


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===In the Ash & Pikachu manga===
[[File:Ash Pikachu AP.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu in Ash & Pikachu]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu AP.png|thumb|200px|Ash's Pikachu in the Ash & Pikachu manga]]
===Ash & Pikachu===
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the [[Ash & Pikachu]] {{pkmn|manga}} series, which is based on the [[Johto]] and [[Hoenn]] seasons of the [[Pokémon anime]]. Like in the anime, Pikachu and Ash share a strong friendship.
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in [[Ash & Pikachu]], which is based on the [[Johto]] and [[Hoenn]] seasons of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' Like in the animated series, Pikachu and Ash share a strong friendship.


====Moves used====
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Thunderbolt SP|1=Iron Tail AP|2=Volt Tackle AP}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Iron Tail|2=Volt Tackle}}|image2=Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Tackle}} AP.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Tackle}}}}
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Thunderbolt SP|1=Iron Tail AP|2=Volt Tackle AP}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Iron Tail|2=Volt Tackle}}|image2=Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Tackle}} AP.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Tackle}}}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunderbolt|SP01|Hoppip, the Wind Calls!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|electric|Thunderbolt|SP01|Hoppip, the Wind Calls!|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Swift|SP02|The Beginning Of Good Luck?! Pokémon Fortune Telling}}
{{anmov|normal|Swift|SP02|The Beginning Of Good Luck?! Pokémon Fortune Telling}}
Line 660: Line 1,185:
{{anmov/f|electric|x=manga}}
{{anmov/f|electric|x=manga}}


===In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
[[File:Ash Pikachu DPM.png|thumb|left||200px|Pikachu in Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters]]
===Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters===
Pikachu appears in [[Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters]].
{{-}}
 
[[File:Ash Pikachu EToP.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu in The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
{{main|Ash's Pikachu (EToP)}}
{{main|Ash's Pikachu (EToP)}}
[[File:Ash Pikachu EToP.png|thumb|200px|Ash's Pikachu in The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the {{pkmn|manga}} series [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], which is loosely based on ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. Pikachu was {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}}'s first Pokémon. However, Ash did not receive Pikachu from {{an|Professor Oak}} - instead, he finds Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, chewing on wires to eat the electricity.
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the {{pkmn|manga}} series [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], which is loosely based on the Pokémon anime. Pikachu was {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}}'s first Pokémon. However, Ash did not receive Pikachu from {{an|Professor Oak}} - instead, he finds Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, chewing on wires to eat the electricity.
{{-}}


===In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga===
[[File:Ash Pikachu MPJ.png|thumb|left|180px|Pikachu in Magical Pokémon Journey]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu MPJ.png|thumb|left|180px|Ash's Pikachu in Magical Pokémon Journey]]
===Magical Pokémon Journey===
Ash's Pikachu, along with {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}}, makes a cameo appearance in the bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the [[Magical Pokémon Journey]] {{pkmn|manga}} series. In the bonus chapters, Ash and friends have mistakenly wandered into the Magical Pokémon Journey world and are trying to return to the world of the {{pkmn|anime}}, encountering many unusual situations along the way, including encounters of aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which are different in anime canon.
Ash's Pikachu, along with {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}}, makes a cameo appearance in the bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the [[Magical Pokémon Journey]] {{pkmn|manga}} series. In the bonus chapters, Ash and friends have mistakenly wandered into the Magical Pokémon Journey world and are trying to return to the world of the [[Pokémon the Series|animated series]], encountering many unusual situations along the way, including encounters of aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which are different in animated series canon.


Ash's Pikachu shows a video to {{MPJ|Pikachu}} of him bouncing a [[Poké Ball]] on his head in [[One Hundred Fifty-One]].
Ash's Pikachu shows a video to {{MPJ|Pikachu}} of him bouncing a {{i|Poké Ball}} on his head in [[One Hundred Fifty-One]].
{{-}}


===In the Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl manga===
[[File:Ash Pikachu PDP.png|thumb|180px|Pikachu in Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu PDP.png|thumb|180px|Ash's Pikachu in Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl]]
===Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl===
Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in the {{OBP|Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl|Sakai Takayuki}} manga, which is based on the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} of the anime.
Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in the {{OBP|Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl|Sakai Takayuki}} manga, which is based on ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''.


====Moves used====
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Thunderbolt|2=Iron Tail|3=Volt Tackle}} PDP.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Thunderbolt|2=Iron Tail|3=Volt Tackle}}}}
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Thunderbolt|2=Iron Tail|3=Volt Tackle}} PDP.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Quick Attack|1=Thunderbolt|2=Iron Tail|3=Volt Tackle}}}}
{{anmov|Normal|Quick Attack|PDP03|Combine Power}}
{{anmov|Normal|Quick Attack|PDP03}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|PDP04|Hurry Up! Dawn's Pinch!!}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|PDP04}}
{{anmov|Electric|Volt Tackle|PDP07|Ash's Shirt}}
{{anmov|Electric|Volt Tackle|PDP07}}
{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|PDP12|Stop the Landslide!}}
{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|PDP12}}
{{anmov/f|electric}}
{{anmov/f|electric}}
{{-}}


===In the movie adaptations===
[[File:Ash Pikachu M10 manga.png|thumb|left|200px|Pikachu in the The Rise of Darkrai manga adaptation]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu M10 manga.png|thumb|200px|Ash's Pikachu in the movie 10 manga adaptation]]
===Movie adaptations===
As Ash and Pikachu have appeared in every [[Pokémon movie]] to date, Pikachu is a main character in every Pokémon movie manga adaptation.
As Ash and Pikachu have appeared in every [[Pokémon movie]] to date, Pikachu is also a main character in every movie manga adaptation.


====Moves used====
====Moves used====
=====Manga versions=====
=====Manga versions=====
<!--Okay, to prevent several small tables with the same 2 moves in it for all 17 manga adaptations, I have done them all in one table listing each move for every manga it appears in. Please feel free to add moves used in the missing 8 mangas.-->
<!--Okay, to prevent several small tables with the same 2 moves in it for all 17 manga adaptations, I have done them all in one table listing each move for every manga it appears in. Please feel free to add moves used in the missing 8 mangas.-->
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Volt Tackle M09|1=Thunderbolt M10|2=Volt Tackle M10|3=Thunderbolt M11|4=Iron Tail M14|5=Electro Ball M14}} manga.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Volt Tackle in<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (manga)|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea}}|1=Thunderbolt in<br>{{color2|000|The Rise of Darkrai (manga)|The Rise of Darkrai}}|2=Volt Tackle in<br>{{color2|000|The Rise of Darkrai (manga)|The Rise of Darkrai}}|3=Thunderbolt in<br>{{color2|000|Giratina and the Sky Warrior (manga)|Giratina and the Sky Warrior}}|4=Iron Tail in<br>{{color2|000|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}|5=Electro Ball in<br>{{color2|000|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}}}}}
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Volt Tackle M09|1=Thunderbolt M10|2=Volt Tackle M10|3=Thunderbolt M11|4=Iron Tail M14|5=Electro Ball M14}} manga.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Volt Tackle in<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (manga)|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea}}|1=Thunderbolt in<br>{{color2|000|The Rise of Darkrai (manga)|The Rise of Darkrai}}|2=Volt Tackle in<br>{{color2|000|The Rise of Darkrai (manga)|The Rise of Darkrai}}|3=Thunderbolt in<br>{{color2|000|Giratina and the Sky Warrior (manga)|Giratina and the Sky Warrior}}|4=Iron Tail in<br>{{color2|000|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}|5=Electro Ball in<br>{{color2|000|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}}}}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei (manga)|Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei (manga)|Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Jirachi: Wish Maker (manga)|Jirachi: Wish Maker}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Jirachi: Wish Maker (manga)|Jirachi: Wish Maker}}
Line 703: Line 1,236:
{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}
{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}
{{anmov|Electric|Electro Ball|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}
{{anmov|Electric|Electro Ball|White—Victini and Zekrom (manga)|White—Victini and Zekrom}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Genesect and the Legend Awakened (manga)|Genesect and the Legend Awakened}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (manga)|Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (manga)|Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (manga)|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (manga)|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages}}
Line 708: Line 1,242:


=====Ani-Manga versions=====
=====Ani-Manga versions=====
{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt M11 animanga.png|Using Thunderbolt}}
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt M11 animanga.png|Using Thunderbolt}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Giratina and the Sky Warrior (graphic novel)|Giratina and the Sky Warrior}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|Giratina and the Sky Warrior (graphic novel)|Giratina and the Sky Warrior}}
{{anmov/f|Electric}}
[[File:Ash Pikachu JNM.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu in Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]
[[File:Ash Pikachu Gigantamax JNM.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu as Gigantamax Pikachu in Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]
===Pokémon Journeys: The Series===
Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in {{ma|Pokémon Journeys: The Series}}, playing the same role as he does in the animated series.
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Electroweb|1=Thunderbolt|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail}} JNM.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Electroweb|1=Thunderbolt|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail}}}}
{{anmov|Electric|Electroweb|JNM01|Legend? Check! Friends? Check!}}
{{anmov|Electric|Thunderbolt|JNM01|Legend? Check! Friends? Check!}}
{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|JNM02|Being Stalked by a Scorbunny–and Challenging a Snorlax in Dynamax Form?!}}
{{anmov|Normal|Quick Attack|JNM03|Battle Frontier Challenge: The Flute Cup!}}
{{anmov/f|Electric}}
=====[[Max Move]]s and [[G-Max Move]]s used=====
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=G-Max Volt Crash|1=Max Strike}} JNM.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=G-Max Volt Crash|1=Max Strike}}}}
{{anmov|Electric|G-Max Volt Crash|JNM05|The Climb to Be the Very Best!{{tt|*|Base move is Electroweb or Thunderbolt}}}}
{{anmov|Normal|Max Strike|JNM05|The Climb to Be the Very Best!{{tt|*|Base move is Quick Attack}}}}
{{anmov/f|Electric}}
* In ''[[JNM05|The Climb to Be the Very Best!]]'', Ash told Pikachu to use {{m|Max Steelspike}}, but the move was interrupted before it could be executed.
=====[[Z-Move]]s used=====
{{anmov/h|Electric||Ash Pikachu 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt JNM.png|Using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}}
{{anmov|Electric|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt|JNM24|Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start! & Trial on a Golden Scale! (Part 2){{tt|*|Base move is Thunderbolt}}}}
{{anmov/f|Electric}}
{{anmov/f|Electric}}


==In the TCG==
==In the TCG==
Ash's Pikachu is featured in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] as a {{TCG|Pokémon M|Pokémon}} {{SP|M}}. The following is a list of related cards.
[[File:PikachuMMovieRandomPack12.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Pikachu M (Movie Random Pack 12)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}}, the first card directly focusing on Pikachu.]]
Ash's Pikachu, as the main Pokémon character of the longest running Pokémon animation, has received multiple dedicated cards in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. Usually, they are released alongside [[Pokémon movie]]s. Before any of those, however, was the [[jumbo card|jumbo]] {{TCG|Unnumbered Promotional cards|promo card}} [[Mewtwo Strikes Back (CoroCoro promo)|Mewtwo Strikes Back]], which focuses on [[Mewtwo (M01)|Mewtwo]] but includes Pikachu in the background. It was released to coincide with the movie the card is named after, ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''. The first card centering on Pikachu was another such jumbo promo card, [[Pichu and Pikachu (CoroCoro promo)|Pichu and Pikachu]]. It showed Pikachu teamed up with the [[Pichu Brothers]], and was a tie in to ''[[PK07|Pikachu and Pichu]]'', one of the [[Pikachu short]]s.
 
The [[Pokemon Trading Card Game#Diamond & Pearl Series|Diamond & Pearl Series]] introduced the first cards at normal size featuring Pikachu, as well as the first cards where Pikachu is the sole focus. A {{TCG ID|11th Movie Promo|Pikachu|3}} released in the {{TCG|11th Movie Commemoration Set}} is based on Pikachu's role in ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]''. Two other cards based on Pikachu released during this series are [[Pikachu M (Movie Random Pack 12)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} and its {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X|Level Up}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|LV.X]]. These are [[Pokémon M]], a group of [[Pokémon SP]] based on the Pokémon seen in Pokémon movies which were released in the {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} to promote ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]''. While Pikachu {{SP|M}} is present in the set, Pikachu {{SP|M}} LV.X was only available as a {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards|DPt-P Promotional card}}.
 
In the [[Pokemon Trading Card Game#XY Series|XY Series]], a {{TCG ID|XY-P Promo|Hoopa|155}} promotional card released for ''[[M17|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages]]'' also had Pikachu in the background.
 
The [[Pokemon Trading Card Game#Sun & Moon Series|Sun & Moon Series]] included the release of the {{TCG|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit}}, which has a complete half deck themed around [[Ash Ketchum]]. Pikachu naturally has a card in it: [[Ash's Pikachu-GX (Ash vs Team Rocket Deck 5)|Ash's Pikachu]]{{GX}}. This card is referred to by name by the included {{TCG|Supporter card}} {{TCG ID|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck|Ash's Friendship|25}}. allowing the player to draw four cards with instead of two if they have Ash's Pikachu{{GX}} in play. Pikachu is in the artwork of two other cards in the kit: {{TCG ID|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck|Togedemaru|6}} and {{TCG ID|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck|Tauros|14}}. There was also a set of {{TCG|SM Black Star Promos}} representing the various [[Pikachu in a cap|Ash's Pikachu forms]], each named "Ash's Pikachu". These cards, as with the entire promotion surrounding the forms, were a tie in to the movie ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''. Each one wears one of [[Ash's hat]]s from across ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. As cards with "Ash's" as a prefix, both these and Ash's Pikachu{{GX}} are mechanically [[Owner's Pokémon]], specifically [[Ash's Pokémon]]. Lastly, {{TCG ID|SM Promo|Pikachu|227}}, was printed as SM Black Star Promo, with its basis being the movie ''[[M22|Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution]]''.
 
The following is a list of cards featuring Ash's Pikachu
{{cardlist/header|Ash's Pikachu|Lightning|char=yes}}
{{cardlist/header|Ash's Pikachu|Lightning|char=yes}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pikachu M (Movie Random Pack Promo 12)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}}|type=Lightning|jpset=Movie Commemoration Random Pack|jpnum=012/022}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pichu and Pikachu (CoroCoro promo)]]||type=Lightning|jpset=Unnumbered Promotional cards}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|11th Movie Promo|Pikachu|3}}|type=Lightning|jpset=11th Movie Commemoration Set|jpnum=003/009}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pikachu M (Movie Random Pack 12)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}}|type=Lightning|jpset=Movie Commemoration Random Pack|jpnum=012/022}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|LV.X]]|type=Lightning|jpset=DPt-P Promotional cards|jpnum=043/DPt-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|LV.X]]|type=Lightning|jpset=DPt-P Promotional cards|jpnum=043/DPt-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Ash's Pikachu-GX (Ash vs Team Rocket Deck 5)|Ash's Pikachu]] {{GX}} |type=Lightning|jpset=Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit|jpnum=005/026}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|109}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM109|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=071/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|110}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM110|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=072/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|111}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM111|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=073/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|112}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM112|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=074/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|113}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM113|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=075/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|114}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM114|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=076/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|108}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM108|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=086/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Pikachu|227}}|type=Lightning|expanded=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM227|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=367/SM-P|jpset2=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum2=369/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/footer|Lightning}}
{{cardlist/footer|Lightning}}


==In Tretta==
* Pikachu also appears on the cards [[Togedemaru (Ash vs Team Rocket Deck 6)]], [[Tauros (Ash vs Team Rocket Deck 14)]], [[Hoopa (XY-P Promo 155)]], and [[Mewtwo Strikes Back (CoroCoro promo)]].
{{main|Pikachu (05-01)}}
 
In [[Pokémon Tretta]], Ash and his Pikachu appear as a Master-class Tretta in the ''{{Tretta|Invasion! Mega Rayquaza}}'' expansion. When Pikachu is in play, he appears wearing [[Ash's hat]] from the {{series|XY}}.
===Merchandise===
====Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009====
The last item of DPt era merchandise could only be bought at cinemas screening ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', released on July 18, 2009. The '''Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009''' (Japanese: '''映画公開記念 スペシャルパック2009''') was made available at the same time as the movie premiere and came with two Holofoil {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}}, one {{TCG|Advent of Arceus}} booster pack, and two {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}}s.
 
'''Promotional cards:'''
*[[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|LV.X]] ({{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards|DPt-P Promo}} 43)
*{{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Michina Temple|44}} ({{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards|DPt-P Promo}} 44)
 
'''Product images:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery |
background={{tcg lightning color}} |
border={{tcg lightning color dark}} |
image1=Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009.jpg |
caption1=Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009 |
}}
 
====Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit====
{{main|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit (TCG)}}
The '''Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit''' (Japanese: '''30枚デッキ対戦セット「サトシVSロケット団」''') is a Japanese-exclusive Deck Kit released alongside the {{TCG|Facing a New Trial}} subset, on April 21, 2017. The deck features Pokémon from ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'', including Ash's Pikachu and [[Jessie's Mimikyu]] as {{TCG|Pokémon-GX}}. The Deck Kit also includes a player's guide, damage and Status Condition {{TCG|marker}}s, 2 GX markers, a {{TCG|coin}}, a playmat, and a How to Play instruction manual.
 
'''Product image:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery
|background={{tcg lightning color}}
|border={{tcg lightning color dark}}
|image1=Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit.jpg
|caption1=Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit
}}
 
====Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack====
The '''Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack''' (Japanese: '''スペシャルジャンボカードパック「ホウオウGX」''') was made available on July 1, 2017, in the buildup to the Japanese release of ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' in cinemas. It comes packaged with a Jumbo print of Ho-Oh-GX, an Ash's Pikachu promotional card, and 3 packs each from the {{TCG|To Have Seen the Battle Rainbow}} and {{TCG|Darkness that Consumes Light}} expansions.
 
'''Promotional cards:'''
*{{TCG ID|SM-P Promo|Ash's Pikachu|86}} ({{TCG|SM-P Promotional cards|SM-P Promo}} 86)
*[[Ho-Oh-GX (SM-P Promo)|Ho-Oh-GX]] (SM-P Promo; Jumbo)
 
'''Product image:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery
|background={{tcg lightning color}}
|border={{tcg lightning color dark}}
|image1=Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack.jpg
|caption1=Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack
}}
 
====''I Choose You!'' accessories====
To promote the release of ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' in cinemas, new card files and sleeves were made available to purchase from July 15, 2017.
 
'''Sleeves:''' Running concurrent with the [[Pikachu in a cap]] distributions, each of these sleeves feature Ash's Pikachu wearing one of {{Ash}}'s hats from different periods in his adventures. All have muted colors and are presented like postcards complete with mock franking marks. Each pack contains 64 sleeves, and all variants were exclusive to Pokémon Centers.
:'''Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ オリジナル''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Original'')
:'''Hoenn Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ ホウエン''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Hoenn'')
:'''Sinnoh Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ シンオウ''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Sinnoh'')
:'''Unova Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ イッシュ''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Isshu'')
:'''Kalos Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ カロス''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Kalos'')
:'''Alola Cap Pikachu Sleeves''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ アローラ''' ''Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Alola'')
 
'''Sleeve images:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery
|background={{tcg lightning color}}
|border={{tcg lightning color dark}}
|image1=Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption1=Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves
|image2=Hoenn Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption2=Hoenn Cap Pikachu Sleeves
|image3=Sinnoh Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption3=Sinnoh Cap Pikachu Sleeves
|image5=Unova Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption5=Unova Cap Pikachu Sleeves
|image6=Kalos Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption6=Kalos Cap Pikachu Sleeves
|image7=Alola Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
|caption7=Alola Cap Pikachu Sleeves
}}


==Trivia==
====Ash's Pikachu M20 promo====
[[File:Surfing Pikachu BW087.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu {{DL|Pikachu variants|Surfing Pikachu|surfing}}]]
On November 4 and 5, 2017, several players who attended ''[[M20|Pokémon, o filme: Eu escolho você!]]'' on movie theaters received a special Pikachu promotional card with the twentieth movie logo.
[[File:Pikachu as female Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu disguised as a female]]
[[File:Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Wobbuffet|1=Budew|2=Mudkip|3=Buneary|4=Loudred|5=Igglybuff Buneary}}.png|thumb|200px|Pikachu imitating {{p|{{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 6}}|0=Wobbuffet|1=Budew|2=Mudkip|3=Buneary|4=Loudred|5=Buneary}}}} in ''[[DP173|Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!]]'']]
[[File:Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 5}}|0=as Ash|1=imitating Turtwig|2=imitating Scolipede|3=imitating Brock|4=imitating Azumarill}}.png|200px|thumb|Pikachu imitating {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 5}}|0={{Ash}} in ''[[EP110|The Stun Spore Detour]]''|1={{AP|Turtwig}} in ''[[DP044|Mass Hip-Po-Sis!]]''|2={{p|Scolipede}} in ''[[BW009|The Bloom Is on Axew!]]''|3={{an|Brock}} in ''[[Snow Way Out!]]''|4={{p|Azumarill}} in ''[[BW129|The Pirates of Decolore!]]''}}]]
* Pikachu is {{Ash}}'s only {{type|Electric}} Pokémon and was the only Electric-type owned by a main character in the anime until the capture of {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}} by {{an|Dawn}}.
* For [[DP013]], [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] is about {{Ash}}'s Pikachu. He writes this Pokémon senryū about him: パートナー サトシとピカチュウ いいかんじ ''Partners Satoshi and Pikachu: a pleasant feeling''.
* Pikachu was the first of {{Ash}}'s Pokémon to habitually disobey him. Other Pokémon that would do so, and are better remembered for their disobedience than Pikachu, are {{AP|Primeape}} and {{AP|Charizard}}.
* Pikachu is the second Pokémon in the entire {{pkmn|anime}} series to have managed to defeat a [[Legendary Pokémon]], which he did by defeating {{FB|Pyramid King|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's legendary titans|Regice}} in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''.
** Pikachu is also the only Pokémon in the entire series that has been able to defeat two [[Legendary Pokémon]], being able to take out Brandon's {{p|Regice}} in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'' and {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}} in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'', although in the latter case, it was a draw, as Pikachu knocked himself out in the process.
* In ''[[DP142|Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!]]'' it was officially confirmed that Pikachu is [[gender|male]], as a female {{p|Togepi}}'s {{m|Attract}} affected him. His physical appearance could not be used as proof, since [[gender differences]] were not implemented until after he had debuted in the anime.
** Pikachu's [[gender]] had already been assumed male in the dub, where male pronouns such as "he" were used to refer to Pikachu. To a lesser extent, his gender was also previously implied in the Japanese versions, specifically in ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'' (where he used masculine pronouns), ''[[EP052|Princess vs. Princess]]'' (Pikachu was shown when the narrator said that males had to carry packages) and in ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'', where Brock referred to Ash and Pikachu as being "those guys" when touched by their loyalty.
** The first time Pikachu's gender difference was pointed out was in ''[[BW098|Beauties Battling for Pride and Prestige!]]'', where Pikachu was disguised as a female by sticking a heart-shaped piece of paper on his tail.
* Pikachu is the only Pokémon of {{Ash}}'s to be used in every Gym battle in [[Johto|a region]].
* In {{pmin|Latin America}}, {{wp|Cartoon Network}} has a "Biografía Toon" (''Toon Biography'') segment, which consists of biographies and histories of cartoon characters. This segment has done a two-part feature on {{Ash}}'s Pikachu. According to the segment, Pikachu is the result of an experiment conducted by {{an|Professor Oak}} and allegedly destroyed the lab where he was created in a momentary loss of control.
* ''[[DP170|An Elite Coverup!]]'' has been the only time when Ash does not use Pikachu against an [[Elite Four]] member.
* Pikachu seems to have a talent for mimicking Pokémon, as seen from his performance during the [[Pokémon Dress-Up Contest]]. He will occasionally use pantomime to specify what he is talking about. He can contort his face and his ears to imitate {{Ash}}, his {{AP|Turtwig}}, or {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}}, among others. This capability of Pikachu's was also featured during part of the credits of ''[[PK12|Gotta Dance]]''.
* Pikachu is the first evolved Pokémon Ash obtained, although at the time Ash obtained Pikachu, he did not yet have a {{p|Pichu|pre-evolved form}}.
* Pikachu is Ash's only Pokémon capable of evolving by use of an evolutionary stone, not counting {{AP|Snorunt}} who could not evolve through use of an evolution stone at the time of its capture and normal evolution.
* Pikachu is the first Pokémon in the anime to defeat a Mega Evolved Pokémon without Mega Evolving, defeating [[Korrina]]'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}} in ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]''.
* As Pikachu hates being in his [[Poké Ball]], it is rarely ever seen, with a known total of only five confirmed appearances throughout the whole series (flashbacks not included). These being in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'', ''[[AG024|A Corphish Out of Water!]]'', ''[[XY020|Breaking Titles at the Chateau!]]'', and ''[[XY079|A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!]]''.


===Pikachu's language===
'''Promotional cards:'''
Some of [[Pokémon language|Pikachu's speech]] is consistent enough that it seems that some phrases actually mean something. (In ''[[DP115|Stealing The Conversation!]]'', {{TRT}} refers to this language as "PikaSpeak," but this most likely isn't official.) For instance, Pikachu always uses "Pikapi" when referring to Ash (notice that it sounds somewhat similar to "Satoshi"). Other speech includes:
*{{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|108}} ({{TCG|SM Black Star Promos|SL Promo}} 108)
* Pi-Kachu: ''[[Dawn's Piplup|Pochama]]'' (Piplup)
* Pikachu-Pi: ''{{an|Misty|Kasumi}}'' (Misty)
* Pika-Chu: ''{{an|Brock|Takeshi}}'' (Brock), ''[[Iris's Axew|Kibago]]'' (Axew)
* Pikaka: ''{{an|Dawn|Hikari}}'' (Dawn)
* PiPiPi: ''{{TP|Misty|Togepy|Togepi}}'' (Togepi)
* PikakaPika: ''[[Ash's Bulbasaur|Fushigidane]]'' (Bulbasaur)
* PikaPika: ''[[Ash's Squirtle|Zenigame]]'' (Squirtle), ''[[Ash's Staraptor|Mukuhawk]]'' (Staraptor), ''[[Ash's Infernape|Goukazaru]]'' (Infernape) '' [[Ash's Palpitoad|Gamagaru]]'' (Palpitoad) or ''[[BW129|Marilli]]'' (Azumarill)
* PiPi-kachu: ''[[Team Rocket trio|Rocket-dan]]'' (Team Rocket)
* Pi-Pikachu: ''[[Gotta catch 'em all!|Get da ze!]]'' (He says this after Ash wins a Badge, catches a new Pokémon or anything similar.)
** Pikachu may not be the only one to use this phrase, as other Pokémon do this as well. For example, when Iris caught Emolga, Axew said Ax-Axew (Ki-Kibago in the Japanese). This also happened when Iris caught {{TP|Iris|Gible}} in ''[[SS028]]''.
* Pika-Pikachu: When referring to or introducing himself.
* Chaa: Anything he says happily or excitedly, or when yawning.
* Pika!: "Matte!", or saying "Wait!"
* Pi-kaPika: "Sayōnara," or saying "Good-bye."


==Voice actors==
'''Product images:'''
{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}
{{TCGMerchGallery
|ja=大谷育江 [[Ikue Ohtani]]
|background={{tcg lightning color}}
|en=[[Ikue Ohtani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season one}}
|border={{tcg lightning color dark}}
|de=Sabine Bohlmann (SE01)
|image1=AshPikachuSMPromo108 BR.png
|caption1=Pikachu promotional card
}}
}}


==Related articles==
==Trivia==
* {{Animespecies|Pikachu}}
[[File:Surfing Pikachu BW087.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu [[Surfing Pikachu|surfing]]]]
* The [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] featured at the end of [[DP013]] is about Ash's Pikachu. He writes this Pokémon senryū about him: 「パートナー サトシとピカチュウ いいかんじ」 "''Partners [[Ash Ketchum|{{tt|Satoshi|Ash}}]] and Pikachu: always feeling good.''"
* Pikachu is Ash's only {{type|Electric}} Pokémon and was the only Electric type owned by a main character in the {{pkmn|animated series}} prior to {{an|Dawn}} {{pkmn2|caught|catch}}ing {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}}.
* Pikachu was the only one of Ash's non-temporary Pokémon to use an Electric-type [[move]] under his ownership until {{AP|Naganadel}} in ''[[SM143|Fiery Surprises!]]'', 1,082 episodes later.
* Pikachu was the first of Ash's Pokémon to habitually disobey him. Other Pokémon would later do so as well, notably {{AP|Primeape}} and {{AP|Charizard}}.
* As revealed in ''[[JN001|Enter Pikachu!]]'', Pikachu is, chronologically, Ash's first:
** Pokémon caught in its evolved form, although {{p|Pichu|its pre-evolved form}} did not yet exist at the time of his debut.
** Pokémon to have evolved via [[friendship]]. However, {{AP|Leavanny}} is the first to do so under his ownership.
* Pikachu is the only one of Ash's Pokémon capable of evolving through use of an [[Evolution stone]], not including {{AP|Snorunt}}, as it did not have {{p|Froslass|a stone-induced evolution}} at the time of its debut.
* Pikachu is the only one of Ash's Pokémon to be have been used in every {{pkmn|Gym}} battle in a region, namely, [[Johto]].
** Pikachu is also Ash's only Pokémon to win a Gym battle single-handedly, excluding one-on-one matches, as shown in ''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]''.
* As Pikachu hates being in his {{i|Poké Ball}}, it is rarely ever seen, with a total of only six confirmed appearances throughout the whole animated series outside of flashbacks: ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'', ''[[Snow Way Out!]]'', ''[[AG024|A Corphish Out of Water!]]'', ''[[XY020|Breaking Titles at the Chateau!]]'', and ''[[XY079|A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!]]''.
* In ''[[DP142|Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!]]'', it was officially confirmed that Pikachu is [[gender|male]], as a female {{p|Togepi}}'s {{m|Attract}} affected him. His physical appearance could not be used as proof before then, since [[List of Pokémon with gender differences|gender differences]] were not implemented until after he had debuted in the animated series.
[[File:Pikachu as female Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu disguised as a female]]
** Pikachu's gender had already been assumed male in the dub, where male pronouns such as "he" were used to refer to Pikachu. To a lesser extent, his gender was also previously implied in the Japanese versions, specifically in ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'' (in which Pikachu used masculine pronouns), ''[[EP052|Princess vs. Princess]]'' (he was present when the narrator said that males had to carry packages), ''[[EP053|The Purr-fect Hero]]'' (he was seen with Ash and {{an|Brock}} while they claimed that [[Kids Day]] was for boys), and in ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'' (as Brock referred to Ash and Pikachu as "those guys").
** The species' gender difference was first openly indicated in ''[[BW098|Beauties Battling for Pride and Prestige!]]'', as Pikachu was disguised as a female by sticking a heart-shaped piece of paper on his tail.
* Pikachu was shown at various points in the animated series, such as ''[[EP102|The Mystery Menace]]'' and ''[[BW087|Expedition to Onix Island!]]'', to be capable of surfing, a potential reference to the [[Surfing Pikachu]] initially featured in {{game|Yellow}}, which itself was inspired by the animated series.
* Pikachu is the first Pokémon in the animated series to have defeated its evolved form, as he defeated [[Lt. Surge]]'s {{TP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}} in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''.
* Pikachu is the second Pokémon in the animated series to have defeated a [[Legendary Pokémon]], as he defeated {{an|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's legendary giants|Regice}} in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''.
** Pikachu has done so more than any other Pokémon in the animated series, having defeated a total of four Legendary Pokémon: the aforementioned Regice, {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}} in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'' (though the battle ended in a draw, as Pikachu knocked himself out in the process), [[Gladion's Silvally]] in ''[[SM138|Final Rivals!]]'', and {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|Tapu Koko}} in ''[[SM144|From Z to Shining Z!]]''.
* Pikachu is the first Pokémon in the animated series to have defeated a Mega Evolved Pokémon without Mega Evolving, as he defeated {{an|Korrina}}'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}} in ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]''.
** Pikachu has done so more than any other Pokémon in the animated series, having defeated a total of four Mega Evolved Pokémon: the aforementioned Mega Lucario, [[Lysandre]]'s Mega {{p|Gyarados}} in ''[[XY135|Rocking Kalos Defenses!]]'', {{an|Misty}}'s Mega {{TP|Misty|Gyarados}} in ''[[SM043|When Regions Collide!]]'', and {{an|Steven Stone|Steven}}'s Mega {{TP|Steven|Metagross}} in ''[[JN118|Battling as Hard as Stone!]]''.
** Pikachu is also the only non-fully evolved Pokémon to have defeated a Mega Evolved Pokémon.
* If counting former {{pkmn|Champion}}s, then Pikachu has defeated the most Champion-owned Pokémon onscreen in the animated series, at a total of seven Pokémon: [[Wallace]]'s {{p|Milotic}}, Steven's {{p|Cradily}} and Mega Metagross, {{an|Cynthia}}'s {{p|Gastrodon}} and {{p|Spiritomb}} (though the battle ended in a draw, as Pikachu was knocked out due to {{m|Destiny Bond}}), and {{an|Leon}}'s [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Cinderace}} and {{TP|Leon|Charizard}}.
** Pikachu is also the only non-fully evolved Pokémon to have defeated a Champion-owned Pokémon.
* In the animated series, Pikachu is the first Pokémon belonging to a main character to have activated their [[Ability]] or Gigantamaxed.
* Pikachu is the only Pokémon in the animated series to have access to both Z-Moves and Gigantamax.
** Moreover, Pikachu is the only Pokémon to have used different power-ups, the two mentioned above, in a [[JN131|single]] [[JN132|battle]].
* As of ''[[JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!]]'', Pikachu has used more moves than any other Pokémon belonging to a main character in the animated series, at a total of 19 moves.
** Pikachu also held the overall record of most moves used until ''[[JN132|Partners in Time!]]'', when Leon's Charizard surpassed him by one move.
** Pikachu has also [[List of moves by animated series debut|debuted]] more moves than any other Pokémon in the animated series, at eleven, and the most [[Z-Move]]s, at four.
* Pikachu is the only one of Ash's Pokémon to have been confirmed to have forgotten a move. The confirmation comes from ''[[SM091|A Plethora of Pikachu!]]'', in which {{Rotom}} states that Pikachu cannot use {{m|Catastropika}} since he doesn't know {{m|Volt Tackle}}, a move he was last seen using in ''[[BW014|A Night in the Nacrene City Museum!]]'' prior to him learning {{m|Electro Ball}} in ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]''.
* Pikachu is the only non-fully evolved Pokémon used by a member of the final [[World Coronation Series|Masters Eight]] lineup in the [[Masters Eight Tournament]].
** According to a caption in [[JN121]], Pikachu is also the first Pokémon to be brought to the opening ceremony of said tournament.
* If excluding {{DL|Battle judge|Drone Rotom}}, Pikachu is the first Pokémon to have acted as a [[Battle judge|referee]] in the animated series, taking up the mantle for Ash and Misty's battle in ''[[JN138|A Fated Face-Off!]]''.
* In {{wp|Latin America}}, {{wp|Cartoon Network}} had a "{{tt|Biografía|''Biografia'' in Brazil}} Toon" (''Toon Biography'') segment, which consisted of non-canon biographies of cartoon characters. This segment once did a two-part feature on Ash's Pikachu, stating that he is the result of an experiment conducted by {{an|Professor Oak}} and that he allegedly destroyed the lab where he was created in a momentary loss of control.
* Pikachu appears as a figure in the [[MC Sixth Generation|sixth generation]] of [[Monster Collection]].
* Event-distributed Pikachu billed as "Ash's Pikachu" consistently have a Naughty [[Nature]], with the sole exception of the Pokémon Center Best Wishes event, which distributed one with a Brave Nature. Both Natures line up with Pikachu's personality in the animated series, and both increase the Attack stat.
** All of the distributed [[Pikachu in a cap]], however, have a Hardy Nature, possibly to keep them as neutral, stat-wise, as possible.
* In [[JN128]], the [[announcer]] of the [[World Coronation Series]] identified Pikachu as (Japanese: マサラの黄色い電光 ''The yellow lightning of [[Pallet Town|Masara]]'') when discussing Ash's team.
* ''[[JN032|Time After Time!]]'' and ''[[JN133|The Mew from Here!]]'' are the only main series episodes during his time as a protagonist to not feature Pikachu in any capacity.
 
==References==
<references/>
 
==See also==
* {{Animespeciesevo1|Pichu|Pikachu}}
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Pikachu}}
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Pikachu}}
* [[a:Category:Ash's Pikachu|Images on the Bulbagarden Archives]]
* [[a:Category:Ash's Pikachu|Images on the Bulbagarden Archives]]
==References==
* [[Ash's Pikachu (EToP)]]
<references/>
* [[Ash's Pikachu (M20)]]
* [[Pikachu in a cap]]
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Ash's Pokémon|electric}}<br>
{{Ash's Pokémon|electric}}{{Animecharacters}}<br>
{{Animecharacters}}<br>
{{Ash and Pikachu characters}}<br>
{{Ash and Pikachu characters}}<br>
{{Electric Tale of Pikachu characters}}<br>
{{Pokémon Live}}<br>
{{Project Anime notice|no}}
{{Project Anime notice|no}}


[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Ash and Pikachu characters|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Oak's Pokémon|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Anime starter Pokémon|Pikachu, Ash's]]
[[Category:Ash & Pikachu characters|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl characters|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Animation characters' first Pokémon|Pikachu, Ash's]]
[[Category:Male characters (Pokémon)|Pikachu]]
[[Category:Pokémon with animated series move errors]]
[[Category:Pokémon with manga move errors]]
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[[de:Ashs Pikachu]]
[[de:Ashs Pikachu]]
[[es:Pikachu de Ash]]
[[fr:Pikachu de Sacha]]
[[fr:Pikachu de Sacha]]
[[it:Pikachu di Ash]]
[[it:Pikachu di Ash]]
[[ja:サトシのピカチュウ]]
[[ja:サトシのピカチュウ]]
[[pl:Pikachu Asha]]
[[zh:小智的皮卡丘]]
[[zh:小智的皮卡丘]]

Latest revision as of 18:21, 19 September 2024

If you were looking for the alternate Pikachu who appeared in The Electric Tale of Pikachu, see Ash's Pikachu (EToP).
For the alternate Pikachu who debuted in the movie I Choose You!, see Ash's Pikachu (M20).
Ash's Pikachu
サトシのピカチュウ Satoshi's Pikachu
Bag Poké Ball SV Sprite.png
Ash Pikachu.png
Ash's Pikachu
Debuts in Pokémon - I Choose You!
Caught at Professor Oak's Laboratory
Evolves in Enter Pikachu!
Gender Male[1]
Ability Static
Nature Unknown[2]
Current location With Ash
HOME172.png HOME025.png
This Pokémon spent less than 1 episode as Pichu.
Voice actor Japanese English
As Pichu Ikue Otani
As Pikachu Ikue Otani Ikue Otani
Rachael Lillis*

Ash's Pikachu (Japanese: サトシのピカチュウ Satoshi's Pikachu) is the signature Pokémon of Pokémon the Series, and the first Pokémon that Ash obtained on his journey as a Pokémon Trainer, given to him by Professor Oak. Pikachu travels outside his Poké Ball.

In animation

History

Pre-series

Pichu with his adoptive family

As shown in Enter Pikachu!, Pikachu was once a lonely, orphaned wild Pichu who lived in the woods in the outskirts of Pallet Town. After falling off a cliff, he was saved by a mother Kangaskhan, who, after realizing Pichu had nowhere to go, placed Pichu in her pouch and took him into her care. Eventually, Pichu and the child Kangaskhan grew bigger, and carrying them both became a burden to the mother. Realizing this, Pichu left his adoptive mother's pouch in the middle of the night while Kangaskhan's pack was asleep. Turning back to say goodbye to his family, his feelings of gratitude caused him to evolve into Pikachu. After taking a moment to realize what had just happened to him, Pikachu finished his goodbyes and left for parts unknown.

At some point after his departure, Pikachu was caught and eventually came under the possession of Professor Oak. It is unknown how long Pikachu spent at Professor Oak's laboratory before the first episode of Pokémon the Series.

Original series

Kanto
Pikachu's debut appearance

In the first episode of Pokémon the Series, Pokémon - I Choose You!, Ash woke up late the day he was supposed to go to Professor Oak's Laboratory to obtain his first Pokémon. When he arrived at the lab, the three available first partner Pokémon–Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle–had already been taken by other Trainers who had arrived on time. Seeing Ash's disappointment, Professor Oak gave him Pikachu, who, at first, did not care for his new Trainer, constantly zapping him and anyone else nearby. He refused to go into his Poké Ball, and when Ash failed to catch a Pidgey, he laughed at him. However, by the end of the episode, Ash gained Pikachu's trust by protecting him from an attack by a flock of angry Spearow. Seeing this act of selflessness, Pikachu defended Ash from the Spearow as well, and the two of them became inseparable friends, a moment that was capitalized on by catching a glimpse of an unknown Pokémon flying by. Ash then rushed to Viridian City to get Pikachu hospitalized quickly, as he had been badly injured during the fight.

Pikachu meeting Ash for the first time

In Pokémon Emergency!, Ash managed to get to the Viridian City Pokémon Center just in time with the help of Officer Jenny, who scolded Ash for "mistreating" Pikachu. Nurse Joy agreed to heal Pikachu, and thanks to her, Pikachu managed to regain his health. At the end of the episode, Pikachu had regained enough of his strength to send Team Rocket blasting off for the very first time.

Pikachu participated in Ash's first Gym battle with Brock in Showdown in Pewter City. He faced Onix, but his Electric-type attacks were ineffective. When Onix started binding Pikachu, Ash saw no other option than to forfeit the match. Ash and Pikachu later trained with Flint to increase the strength of Pikachu's Electric-type moves. Ash then challenged Brock to a rematch, where Pikachu managed to defeat Brock's Geodude with his training. Pikachu then faced Onix again, but despite their training, he was still unable to defeat it. As Ash was about to forfeit again, Pikachu's Thunderbolt started a fire, turning on the Gym's sprinkler system, severely harming Onix. As Ash was about to let Pikachu finish Onix off, he was stopped by Brock's siblings, and he decided to forfeit again. Despite this, Brock still gave him the Boulder Badge.

Pikachu battling against Lt. Surge's Raichu

Pikachu's next major battle was in Ash's Vermilion Gym battle against Lt. Surge's Raichu in Electric Shock Showdown. Lt. Surge laughed at Ash for attempting to defeat his Raichu with its pre-evolved form, angering Ash and Pikachu. Indeed, Raichu turned out to be more powerful than Pikachu, and a combination of attacks from it resulted in so much damage to Pikachu that he had to be hospitalized. Later, Ash offered to let Pikachu evolve into a Raichu with a Thunder Stone that Nurse Joy had given him. However, Pikachu refused, wanting to defeat Raichu on his terms. During the subsequent rematch with Lt. Surge, Pikachu once again faced Raichu. Using moves like Agility and Quick Attack, which Raichu didn't know, Pikachu managed to gain the upper hand, dodge Raichu's attacks, and ultimately defeat it, thus earning Ash the Thunder Badge.

Pikachu was separated from Ash in Island of the Giant Pokémon—along with Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—after a group of Gyarados sent them flying with Dragon Rage. During the separation, Pikachu remained adamant that Ash was looking for them, despite Bulbasaur's belief they were abandoned. When Ash's Pokémon came across Team Rocket's Pokémon, who were also separated from their Trainers, the two groups of Pokémon joined forces to look for them. The next day, the group came across a group of giant Pokémon and ended up being chased by them straight to Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket, allowing them to reunite.

In Abra and the Psychic Showdown, Pikachu was sent out to battle Sabrina's Abra during Ash's Saffron Gym battle. It proved to be a tough foe, using Teleport to avoid Pikachu's attacks. Abra then suddenly evolved into Kadabra, making it much stronger. Eventually, Kadabra used Psychic to control Pikachu's body and repeatedly smash him into the ceiling. Unwilling to see his friend suffer, Ash forfeited the match. In Ash's subsequent rematch with Sabrina in Haunter versus Kadabra, Pikachu fought Kadabra again, since Haunter didn't show up and his other Pokémon were too terrified. Eventually, Haunter appeared and made Sabrina and Kadabra laugh, leaving them incapacitated. As a result, Ash was declared the winner by Sabrina's father, which earned him the Marsh Badge.

In The Flame Pokémon-athon!, Pikachu entered the Big P Pokémon Race with Squirtle. The two were at a significant disadvantage due to Squirtle's short legs, and Pikachu's comparative weight, but in a way, this helped as they managed to escape an Electrode self-destructing. They made ground when they reached the water stage, putting them in the top four with Ash, Misty, and Dario. However, intervention from Team Rocket forced a battle, and the two were put out of the running by a Glare attack from Arbok.

In Pikachu's Goodbye, Ash and his friends ran into a group of wild Pikachu, which was a very rare encounter. Pikachu tried to make friends with the other Pikachu but received a lukewarm response. After saving a baby Pikachu from falling down a waterfall, Ash's Pikachu was accepted by the group. This overjoyed Ash at first, but he soon began to feel sad because he thought that Pikachu would be better off with the rest of his kind. After stopping Team Rocket from poaching his Pikachu and the wild Pikachu, Ash decided it was best to leave Pikachu behind with the others. However, Pikachu refused to leave Ash and quickly ran to catch up with him, followed by the wild Pikachu, who supported Ash and Pikachu being together.

In Princess vs. Princess, Pikachu was borrowed by Misty so she could use him in the Queen of the Princess Festival, the main event in the annual Princess Festival. During the competition, he was seen defeating a Fearow. In the finals, Pikachu was Misty's first Pokémon used against Jessie. Pikachu easily managed to defeat Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth in succession with a single Thunder Shock. Pikachu then faced Jessie's Lickitung. He tried attacking with Thunderbolt but was then licked by Lickitung and defeated.

In Riddle Me This, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his seventh Gym battle at the Cinnabar Gym, where he faced off against Blaine's Rhydon. Despite being immune to Electric moves, Rhydon was defeated when Pikachu aimed his Thunderbolt attack at the horn on Rhydon's head. Pikachu then faced Blaine's Magmar, whose attacks eventually almost caused Pikachu to fall off the battlefield and into the lava below. Seeing that, Ash then decided to forfeit the match.

Pikachu's Poké Ball, with a lightning bolt mark, at Professor Oak's Laboratory

In The Battle of the Badge, Ash had Pikachu attack Team Rocket and their Pokémon after they sent out Arbok and Weezing to attack during their Gym battle. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu hit all of the opposing Pokémon at once, causing Machamp, Rhydon, and Kingler to run away in fear, and defeating Arbok and Weezing. After Team Rocket got blasted off, Ash got his eighth Gym Badge, the Earth Badge.

Ash used Pikachu many times during the Indigo Plateau Conference. In Fire and Ice, Pikachu defeated Pete Pebbleman's powerful Arcanine, but in The Fourth Round Rumble, he was defeated by Jeanette Fisher's Bellsprout. Pikachu then faced off against Happy, Ritchie's Butterfree, in Friend and Foe Alike. Despite being exhausted from battling Team Rocket earlier, he still wanted to fight. After defeating Happy, he faced off against Zippo, Ritchie's Charmander, but due to being exhausted by all his battles, Pikachu was defeated.

In Pallet Party Panic, Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with some of his other Pokémon, to the Orange Islands with him.

Orange Islands

In Pikachu Re-Volts, Butch and Cassidy used a Drowzee to take over the minds of many Pokémon on Mandarin Island North, including Pikachu. To rescue the Pokémon, Ash taunted Pikachu into using Thunderbolt on him, which also hit the machine that Drowzee was wired to, freeing all of the Pokémon from its control.

In Navel Maneuvers, Ash called Pikachu to help mold a block of ice into a sled as part of his competition against Danny. He later rode in the sled along with his Bulbasaur and Squirtle in a race against Danny and his team. In the end, Ash managed to win the coveted Sea Ruby Badge.

In The Mandarin Island Miss Match, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Lorelei* of the Elite Four, where he faced her Cloyster. Eventually, Pikachu lost.

In Misty Meets Her Match, Pikachu participated in the first part of Ash's battle with Rudy, using his Thunderbolt to blast targets. He then faced off against Rudy's Electabuzz, which kept shrugging off Pikachu's attacks. He was eventually defeated by a powerful Thunder Punch.

Pikachu offering Meowth an apple

In the following episode, Team Rocket had a plan to capture Pikachu that involved tying him up with Meowth. This succeeded at first, but Meowth and Pikachu got separated from Jessie and James. Being lost on the island, the two Pokémon had to work together to defeat powerful Pokémon and get to safety. In the end, Ash, Misty, and Tracey managed to find the duo first and separated them from each other.

In Pokémon Double Trouble, Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against Luana, where he had to fight alongside Charizard. Despite both Pokémon being eager to battle, they started getting angry at each other right before the battle, affecting their teamwork negatively. However, after seeing Charizard being repeatedly attacked by Luana's Alakazam and Marowak, Pikachu decided to help his partner, cementing their cooperation. Both of their opponents ultimately knocked each other out accidentally, thus earning Ash the Jade Star Badge and allowing him to enter the Orange League.

In Hello, Pummelo!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against Drake, where he faced off against Drake's Ditto. Despite Ditto being able to copy Pikachu's attacks, it wasn't in as good of shape as Pikachu was. After continuously exchanging attacks, Pikachu managed to defeat it. Pikachu was then recalled when Drake sent out his Onix. Later, Pikachu faced off against Drake's powerful Dragonite, who had already defeated three of Ash's Pokémon. After an exchange of attacks, Pikachu defeated Dragonite, earning Ash the Winner's Trophy and a spot in the Orange League Hall of Fame.

In The Rivalry Revival, Pikachu battled Gary's Eevee and was eventually defeated after Eevee used a powerful Skull Bash. Later on in the episode, Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to Johto with him.

Johto

In The Double Trouble Header, Ash used Pikachu in his second battle against Casey, where he faced her Chikorita. Despite Casey having only recently obtained Chikorita, it quickly gained the upper hand. Just then, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who tried to steal their Pokémon. Their plan failed, however, when Pikachu and Chikorita were reunited with their Trainers and teamed up to defeat Team Rocket.

In Fighting Flyer with Fire, Pikachu was used in Ash's Violet Gym battle against Falkner, where he battled and defeated Falkner's Hoothoot and Dodrio. Pikachu then briefly faced Falkner's Pidgeot, but since he was already tired from his previous matches, he was quickly defeated by a Whirlwind.

Pikachu struggling against Scyther

In Gettin' The Bugs Out, Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his Azalea Gym battle, where he went up against Bugsy's Metapod and defeated it. He then went up against Bugsy's last, and most powerful Pokémon, Scyther. Despite having the type advantage, Pikachu's Thunderbolts constantly missed because of Scyther's Double Team. The real Scyther then appeared behind Pikachu and hit him with a series of Fury Cutter attacks, knocking him out.

In A Goldenrod Opportunity, Pikachu faced off against Whitney's powerful Miltank, who had already easily defeated Ash's Cyndaquil and Totodile using Rollout. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Miltank since she got wet by Totodile's earlier Water Gun. However, due to Miltank spinning at great speed, she had already dried up, making Thunderbolt useless. Afterwards, Pikachu was defeated by two Rollout attacks, causing Ash to lose the battle. In the following episode, Pikachu battled Miltank again in Ash's rematch. Due to Ash's strategy with Cyndaquil and Totodile, Miltank lost her balance. This allowed Pikachu to throw Miltank in the air by hiding in one of the ditches and then finish her off with a Thunderbolt, earning Ash the Plain Badge.

In The Bug Stops Here, Pikachu and Ash entered the Bug-Catching Contest. The two encountered a Weedle, but before Pikachu could attack it, Casey's Chikorita intervened, and Casey caught the Hairy Bug Pokémon. Later, Ash and Pikachu chased after a Scyther, but accidentally disturbed a swarm of Beedrill in the process. Pikachu managed to shock one of the Beedrill with Thunderbolt, giving Ash the chance to catch it. With this capture, Ash managed to win the contest, winning him a Sun Stone.

Pikachu befriended a group of Pichu in The Apple Corp!. At first, they framed Pikachu for eating some apples, but when the Pichu were attacked by a Fearow, Pikachu warded it off with Thunderbolt. Later, Pikachu was kidnapped by Team Rocket after they sucked away its electricity. However, the Pichu eventually managed to restore Pikachu's electricity, and together, they blasted Team Rocket off.

In From Ghost to Ghost, Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against Morty. He faced off against Morty's Gastly but was defeated by a single Night Shade.

In Machoke, Machoke Man!, Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against Chuck. Pikachu battled Chuck's Poliwrath, but his Thunderbolt and Quick Attack did not defeat it. Afterwards, it hit Pikachu with a series of powerful Double Slaps, knocking him out.

In Nerves of Steelix!, Ash sent out Pikachu to battle Jasmine's Magnemite. Both Pokémon proved to be equal in speed, but finally, Ash decided to let Pikachu take a Thunder Wave from Magnemite so it could get hit by a Thunderbolt, causing a lot of damage. Pikachu then finished it off with a Quick Attack, crashing it into a wall. Next, Pikachu faced off against Jasmine's strongest Pokémon, Steelix. Due to his previous battle against Magnemite, Pikachu was tired and subsequently defeated by a powerful Iron Tail.

Pikachu facing Piloswine

In As Cold as Pryce, Pikachu was seen aiding Cyndaquil in reviving Pryce's Piloswine. In the following episode, Pikachu was sent out to battle Piloswine, who had already defeated Cyndaquil. Though the battle was well-fought, Pikachu wound up receiving more damage. Despite this, he refused to give up and was about to attack again when Pryce forfeited, giving Ash the win and earning him the Glacier Badge.

In Fangs for Nothin', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Gym battle against Clair, pitting him against her Kingdra. Since Ash was unaware of Kingdra's secondary type, Pikachu's Electric attacks and physical moves didn't affect the Dragon Pokémon, forcing him to follow Misty and Brock's advice and recall Pikachu. Their battle was later stopped due to Team Rocket's theft of the Dragon Fang. In the following episode, Pikachu helped stop the rampage of a Dragonite that belonged to the old Blackthorn Gym Leader.

In the next episode, Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Clair, where he faced her Gyarados. Despite Pikachu having the double type-advantage, Gyarados proved to be powerful and initially gained the upper hand. Eventually, Pikachu got close enough to defeat the Atrocious Pokémon with a powerful Thunderbolt. Clair then sent out her Dragonair to battle Pikachu. It managed to dodge Pikachu's attacks and knock him out with a point-blank Hyper Beam.

Pikachu was used many times during the Silver Conference. In A Claim to Flame!, he defeated Salvador's Furret. In Tie One On!, this good showing was followed by Jackson's Azumarill, but Pikachu was then defeated by Jackson's Shiny Magneton. In Playing with Fire!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against Harrison, defeating his Kecleon before being defeated in turn by Harrison's Sneasel.

Pikachu suffering from an illness

After saying farewell to Misty and Brock in Gotta Catch Ya Later!, Ash decided to only take Pikachu with him to Hoenn, and left Pallet Town with him at the end of the episode. In the following episode, while getting ready to depart for Hoenn by ship, Ash and Pikachu were attacked by Team Rocket, who used an electromagnet to stick Pikachu to it and drain his electricity. Eventually, thanks to some wild Pokémon and Officer Jenny, Pikachu was saved. The next day, Ash tried to wake Pikachu up, but he soon noticed that he was suffering from a severe illness caused by the electromagnet.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

Hoenn

In Get the Show on the Road!, Pikachu was treated by Professor Birch, who strapped him to a machine to drain out the overload of electricity he received. However, the machine exploded when the electricity levels became too high. Pikachu then ran off, with Ash and Professor Birch chasing after him. Eventually, Ash found Pikachu, but in his confused state, Pikachu attacked him and fled off a cliff. Ash jumped after him and caught him before grabbing onto a branch. Pikachu tried resisting, but Ash was able to get through to him and calm him down. When Ash and Pikachu were pulled up to safety, Team Rocket arrived and captured Pikachu. However, their mecha accidentally cured Pikachu of his illness, and he was able to blast them off, destroying May's bike in the process.

In There's no Place like Hoenn, Ash used Pikachu in an unofficial battle against Norman, since Ash only had one Pokémon at the time instead of the three required. In the end, Norman's Vigoroth defeated Pikachu with a series of Scratch attacks. After their match, Team Rocket tried to steal Pikachu and Vigoroth but accidentally stole May's Torchic instead. Later, Pikachu was used alongside Vigoroth to battle Team Rocket and blasted them off in addition to rescuing Torchic.

In All Things Bright and Beautifly!, Ash began teaching Pikachu Iron Tail in preparation for his Rustboro Gym battle, a Rock-type Gym, and got help from a Coordinator named Chaz and his Sentret. Despite their effort and training, Pikachu was still unable to fully master Iron Tail.

Pikachu fighting against Roxanne's Nosepass

In The Winner by a Nosepass, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his Gym battle against Roxanne, where he went up against her Geodude and eventually defeated it. Pikachu then faced Roxanne's Nosepass, who took advantage of his difficulties in mastering Iron Tail. Despite this, Pikachu defeated Nosepass and mastered Iron Tail in the process, as well as earning Ash the Stone Badge.

In Watt's with Wattson?, after entering the Mauville Gym, Ash and his friends encountered a robot Raikou. Thinking it would attack, Ash ordered Pikachu to attack the robot with Iron Tail, causing an explosion. This destroyed the robot but also overcharged Pikachu with electricity, unbeknownst to the rest. Later, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his Gym battle against Wattson. Due to being overcharged, Pikachu defeated Wattson's Magnemite, Voltorb, and Magneton with one attack each, earning Ash the Dynamo Badge.

In Going, Going, Yawn, Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his Lavaridge Gym battle. He was sent out against Flannery's Slugma after it burned Treecko and put Corphish to sleep. During the battle, he finally broke Magcargo's Reflect that was affecting previous battles. Then, Pikachu defeated Slugma and proceeded to battle Flannery's last Pokémon, Torkoal. Despite Pikachu's efforts, Torkoal used Overheat to defeat him.

In Balance of Power, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his official Petalburg Gym battle against Norman, and he went up against Slakoth but was recalled after Slakoth's Blizzard temporary disabled him. Later, Pikachu faced off against Norman's Vigoroth. Through strategy, Ash had Pikachu let himself get hit by Vigoroth, which activated Pikachu's Static Ability and paralyzed Vigoroth. This allowed Pikachu to defeat Vigoroth, but he fainted right afterwards due to extensive fatigue from the battle, thus ending it in a draw.

In Sky High Gym Battle!, Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon in his Fortree Gym battle against Winona. Pikachu battled Winona's Pelipper, and despite having a major type advantage, Pelipper proved to be a formidable opponent. As a result, Ash decided Pikachu should fight at close range and told him to use Quick Attack to get closer before using Thunder on Pelipper. With both Pokémon being hit by powerful attacks, Pikachu and Pelipper both fainted.

In A Scare to Remember!, Pikachu developed amnesia after an attack by Team Rocket and their machine. Team Rocket took advantage of this and tricked Pikachu into joining them. He was then ordered to attack the group. Trying to get Pikachu back, Ash jumped on their balloon. Team Rocket ordered Pikachu to hit Ash with Thunderbolt, but this caused them to get blasted off while Ash and Pikachu fell in a river. As Ash protected him, Pikachu managed to regain his memory and got rid of Team Rocket once again.

Pikachu being possessed by the Blue Orb

In Gaining Groudon, Ash and the group got on a submarine owned by Team Magma, where they met Team Magma's leader Maxie. An explosion triggered by Kyogre caused the Blue Orb to fly off Maxie's desk. Pikachu managed to catch the orb before Team Magma could regain it, but the orb then melted into Pikachu's body, greatly increasing his power but also making him lose control over himself. In the next episode, Pikachu awakened Groudon and aided it in its battle with Kyogre. Due to everyone's teamwork, Groudon was able to defeat Kyogre, causing the Blue Orb to emerge from Pikachu's body. Pikachu was then saved by Kyogre and later bade it and Groudon farewell.

In Solid as a Solrock, Ash used Pikachu and Swellow in the Double Battle against Tate and Liza with their respective Solrock and Lunatone. Eventually, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who destroyed the Gym using their machine. Following Team Rocket's defeat, they agreed to resume their battle outdoors. With Solrock and Lunatone gaining the upper hand, Ash thought about how to negate their dual attacks and then had Pikachu use Thunder on the clouds. Lightning struck Pikachu and Swellow, which the two managed to endure, thus creating a "Thunder Armor". Using this technique, Pikachu and Swellow managed to pierce through Solrock's Solar Beam and Lunatone's Light Screen, and defeated them with Iron Tail and Aerial Ace, earning Ash the Mind Badge.

In Vanity Affair, Ash used Pikachu against Hoenn Elite Four member Drake and his Shelgon. However, Pikachu quickly lost, which dealt a serious blow to the massive ego Ash had developed at the time.

In The Great Eight Fate!, Ash chose Pikachu and Snorunt as his first two Pokémon in a Double Battle in the first round of his Sootopolis Gym battle. They went up against Juan's Sealeo and Seaking. Eventually, Snorunt was knocked out by Seaking's Hyper Beam, and Ash sent out Corphish. Soon after, Pikachu defeated Seaking and rode on Corphish's back as it headed towards Sealeo and defeated it, thus ending the first round of the Gym battle in Ash's favor. Both Pokémon were then recalled. In the next episode, Pikachu was used as Ash's last Pokémon in the second round of the battle, going up against Juan's last and strongest Pokémon, his Milotic. Eventually, Milotic tried hitting Pikachu with Iron Tail in an ambush, but he dodged it, climbed onto Milotic's body, and flipped the Tender Pokémon into the water. While underwater, Pikachu used Thunder, knocking out Milotic, winning Ash the battle, and earning him the Rain Badge.

In Less is Morrison, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against his new rival Morrison, and he faced off against Morrison's Beldum. At first, Pikachu had the upper hand as the only move Beldum knew was Take Down, but Beldum eventually managed to land some hits. Soon, Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter another Take Down, causing a big explosion that knocked both Pokémon out.

Pikachu was used many times by Ash in the Ever Grande Conference. In Saved by the Beldum, he defeated Gilbert's Hitmonlee after a hard-fought battle. In Shocks and Bonds, Pikachu initially went up against Katie's Golduck. However, Katie immediately switched to her Dugtrio, who had a type advantage over Pikachu, and the Mole Pokémon defeated him easily. In Choose It or Lose It!, Pikachu went up against Morrison's Steelix and was knocked out as well. In At the End of the Fray, Pikachu defeated Tyson's Metagross before being defeated himself by Tyson's Meowth despite all of his efforts. His defeat caused Ash to end up in the Top 8 of the Ever Grande Conference.

Kanto Battle Frontier
Pikachu battling Agatha's Gengar

In The Scheme Team, Ash used Pikachu in his battle against Elite Four Agatha and her Gengar at the Viridian Gym. Eventually, when Pikachu was about to finish Gengar off with Thunder, Gengar used Hypnosis, putting him to sleep, then defeated him with Dream Eater. Afterwards, he helped defeat Team Rocket along with Agatha's Golbat. Later on, Ash decided to enter the Kanto Battle Frontier along with Pikachu and his other Pokémon. He was later reunited with Misty when he and Ash returned to Pallet Town.

In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, while battling Team Rocket's mecha, he used Quick Attack, which morphed into Volt Tackle, easily destroying the mecha and blasting Team Rocket off. Despite this, Pikachu couldn't master the move. After lots of training, Pikachu was finally able to master Volt Tackle in The Green Guardian, using the move to blast Team Rocket off, and saving a wild Celebi.

In Queen of the Serpentine!, while going to the Battle Pike, Pikachu was captured by Team Rocket using their fake Battle Pike until he was rescued by Lucy and her Seviper from the real Battle Pike. Later, Ash used Pikachu as his second and last Pokémon in his Battle Pike challenge against Lucy and her Milotic. When Pikachu suffered major damage, Ash had him use Thunderbolt on himself. This allowed him to use a supercharged Volt Tackle and defeat Milotic, earning him the Luck Symbol.

In Talking a Good Game!, Pikachu was the third Pokémon to battle Anabel. He went up against her Alakazam, who had already defeated Ash's previous two Pokémon. Pikachu eventually managed to defeat Alakazam. He went up against Metagross next but was defeated, losing Ash the battle. In the next episode, Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Anabel, this time facing her Espeon. Though Espeon had great speed and power, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to disable the ceiling lights, temporarily blinding Espeon. Once the lights turned on again, Pikachu was able to overwhelm and defeat Espeon, earning Ash the Ability Symbol.

In Gathering the Gang of Four!, in preparation for Ash's rematch against Brandon for his final Frontier Symbol, Pikachu reunited with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charizard for training. Using Quick Attack to round up leaves created by Squirtle's Rapid Spin and Bulbasaur's Vine Whip, they were able to make a den to sleep in. Pikachu was later captured by Team Rocket but was rescued by Ash and the other Pokémon. They then combined their attacks to send Team Rocket blasting off. Afterwards, they met up with Brandon again, and he agreed to have a four-on-four rematch with Pikachu and the other Pokémon at the Battle Pyramid.

Pikachu was the fourth and final Pokémon used in Ash's Battle Pyramid challenge against Pyramid King Brandon in Pace - The Final Frontier!, going up against Brandon's Regice. Pikachu initially had trouble dealing with Regice's combination of Ice-type attacks, ice-based strategies, and Rest; and he was almost declared unable to battle. However, Pikachu overcame Regice's strategies and ultimately knocked the Iceberg Pokémon out. This gave Ash the win, earning him his last Symbol, the Brave Symbol, and a position in the Battle Frontier Hall of Fame.

Pikachu performing in a Pokémon Contest

In Once More With Reeling, Ash used Pikachu in the Performance Stage of the Terracotta Town Pokémon Contest, an informal event not sanctioned by the Pokémon Activities Committee. He used Quick Attack and Thunderbolt at the same time to create electrical rings, then used Iron Tail to combine them and trigger a firework-like effect. This performance allowed Ash to proceed to the Battle Stage.

In Home is Where the Start Is!, Ash used Pikachu in a friendly battle against Gary, who used his powerful Electivire, a Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. After a hard-fought battle, Pikachu was eventually defeated. Later, Pikachu went with Ash to Sinnoh, and he was meant to be the only Pokémon to go with him, as he left his other Pokémon at Professor Oak's laboratory. However, Aipom sneaked aboard their ship, and Ash eventually allowed her to accompany them to Sinnoh.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

In Following a Maiden's Voyage!, Pikachu was temporarily separated from Ash due to yet another plot by Team Rocket. Eventually, in Two Degrees of Separation!, Dawn found Pikachu and tried to catch him, but failed since he already had a Trainer. She also protected him from Team Rocket and managed to blast Team Rocket off alongside him. Pikachu was eventually reunited with Ash in When Pokémon Worlds Collide!. Later, he was used as Ash's final Pokémon in a battle against Ash's new rival Paul and his Elekid. The heated battle proved to be a surprisingly even match, as both Pokémon were eventually left so exhausted that they collapsed, resulting in the battle being declared a tie.

In Dawn of a New Era!, Ash used Pikachu to battle Nando's Budew. Despite Budew evolving into Roselia, Pikachu was still able to defeat it.

In A Gruff Act to Follow, Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his first Sinnoh Gym battle against Roark and his Cranidos while Paul observed from the sidelines. Initially, Pikachu was overwhelmed by Cranidos's attacks and speed. When Paul got up to leave, believing Ash had already lost, Pikachu suddenly showed his strength by letting off a powerful Electric attack in the air, causing Paul to stay. Both Pokémon were eventually seriously injured, forcing Ash to recall Pikachu. He later sent Pikachu out to battle Roark's Onix, but Pikachu was overwhelmed by Onix's Screech and blasted away, knocking him out and losing Ash the battle.

In O'er the Rampardos We Watched!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his rematch against Roark, where he faced Roark's Onix again and defeated it this time. Pikachu was recalled when Roark sent out his Geodude, only to be sent out to battle Roark's Rampardos. Despite the activation of Pikachu's Static Ability during the battle, Rampardos was able to hit him hard with Zen Headbutt, knocking him out.

In All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!, Ash entered Pikachu in the Pokémon Dress-Up Contest. Pikachu was able to imitate several Pokémon and, as a result, advanced to the finals. However, he ended up losing to Brock's Croagunk.

In Tag! We're It...!, Pikachu was used in the first round of the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition, where he battled alongside Paul's Chimchar. Pikachu and Chimchar faced a Rhydon and a Magmar, and their teamwork allowed both of their opponents to be knocked out, allowing Ash and Paul to proceed to the next round of the tournament.

In The Keystone Pops!, Ash and Pikachu tried stopping a wild Spiritomb, which had gone on a rampage after the group accidentally destroyed the Hallowed Tower, freeing Spiritomb from the Odd Keystone. Eventually, Pikachu managed to defeat Spiritomb with Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt after a hard-fought battle and the group managed to seal Spiritomb in the Keystone again.

In Lost Leader Strategy!, Pikachu encountered Paul's Electabuzz again at Reggie's home, where the two started fighting, but the Pokémon got separated by Maylene's Lucario. Later, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in a battle against Reggie. Pikachu faced off against Reggie's Staraptor and ultimately won.

In Pika and Goliath!, an arrogant Electric-type Trainer named Sho asked Ash to trade Pikachu to him, as he already had a Pichu and Raichu and wanted to have the full evolutionary line in his team. Ash refused, so Sho challenged him to a battle against Raichu. Unlike Lt. Surge's Raichu, this particular Raichu was fast in addition to knowing powerful attacks. The battle soon ended with Pikachu's defeat. During his recovery, Pikachu began to reconsider his earlier decision to not evolve. When Ash went to check on Pikachu, he found both Pikachu and his Thunder Stone missing, causing him to think Pikachu may have decided to evolve into Raichu. However, he soon found Pikachu training in the forest, trying to get stronger without evolving. After some hard training, Ash and Pikachu re-challenged Sho and Raichu and ultimately won after a test of strength for Pikachu.

In A Crasher Course in Power!, Pikachu and Buizel got into a fight after Buizel got accidentally hit by Pikachu's Thunderbolt while training. Later, Pikachu was the first Pokémon used in Ash's Pastoria Gym battle. He went up against Crasher Wake's Gyarados and eventually won but was recalled after Crasher Wake sent out Quagsire. Later, after Buizel was recalled, Pikachu went up against Floatzel, which almost defeated him and even left a part of his back frozen. Pikachu was then recalled after Buizel wanted to fight again. As they passed each other, they exchanged high-fives, and Buizel broke the ice on Pikachu's back with Water Gun.

Pikachu in the Hearthome Collection

In Arriving in Style!, Pikachu was used in the Hearthome Collection, a fashion show for Stylists and their Pokémon whose winner would get the chance to work on a photo shoot for the Poké Chic magazine. At first, Pikachu was shy to go on stage wearing the outfit Ash had designed for him, but after hearing some encouraging words from Ash, he overcame his shyness and went onstage to perform. He used his Thunderbolt attack to light up the hall, captivating the judges' attention. Hermione commented that, although Ash didn't quite get what it means to be a Pokémon Stylist, he was at least making an effort to show off his Pokémon, instead of focusing solely on the clothing aspect. For this reason, Pikachu was among the three finalists, along with Dawn's Buneary and Cocoa's Mismagius. When the results were announced, it was revealed that Ash and Pikachu had ended up in third place, receiving the Unique Award for their original costumes and performance.

In Playing The Leveling Field!, Pikachu was used in an unofficial battle against the Hearthome City Gym Leader Fantina. Pikachu faced her Drifloon, who had already defeated Buizel and put Chimchar to sleep. Eventually, Drifloon evolved into Drifblim and put Pikachu to sleep with Hypnosis. With two of his Pokémon sleeping, Ash decided to forfeit the match.

In Barry's Busting Out All Over!, Ash used Pikachu as his final Pokémon in a three-on-three battle against Barry, where he faced Barry's Empoleon. Despite some initial difficulty, Pikachu was able to defeat Empoleon after hearing Ash's words of encouragement.

In Shield with a Twist!, Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon in his Hearthome Gym battle. He went up against Fantina's Drifblim. Eventually, like their last battle, Drifblim hit Pikachu with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep, and finished him off with Ominous Wind.

In To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!, Pikachu was Ash's partner in a Pokémon Ping Pong Tournament. In the first round they faced Wilkinson and his Farfetch'd. Despite putting up a good match, Ash and Pikachu got eliminated.

Static activated

In Evolving Strategies!, Pikachu was Ash's fifth Pokémon used in his Full Battle against Paul. First, he went up against Magmortar. During the battle, Pikachu received multiple serious burns, and though he finally struck Magmortar with an Iron Tail, he had to be recalled. Later, he went up against Paul's very powerful Ursaring. His Static Ability activated and paralyzed Ursaring, but this, in turn, activated Ursaring's Guts Ability, greatly increasing Ursaring's Attack and allowing it to defeat him.

In Historical Mystery Tour!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Barry's Heracross, but the battle ended prematurely when Barry saw a Xatu flying and decided to follow it. In the following episode, Pikachu was used in the Festival Battle Challenge, a tournament marking the end of the Twinleaf Festival, whose winner gets the opportunity to battle Palmer. Pikachu faced off against Barry's Empoleon in the final round and managed to win, earning Ash a battle against the Frontier Brain.

In A Marathon Rivalry!, Ash used Pikachu in the Hurdle Dash event of a Pokéathlon held in Camellia Town. Pikachu and Daniel's Snorlax quickly managed to take the lead, and after racing neck-to-neck with Snorlax, Snorlax's large belly passed the finish line first, giving Daniel the win.

In Flint Sparks the Fire!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Flint. He faced Flint's Infernape, who had already defeated Ash's Buizel and his Infernape. After a hard-fought match in which both Pokémon took several hits, Pikachu was ultimately defeated, giving Flint the win.

In The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!, Pikachu battled Volkner's Electivire and ultimately defeated it despite the activation of Electivire's Motor Drive Ability. He was then recalled before going up against Volkner's Luxray, but he was eventually knocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave.

Pikachu and Dawn's Piplup

During the Lily of the Valley Conference, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his battle against Paul in Familiarity Breeds Strategy!. He was used against Paul's Aggron but was eventually recalled in place of Infernape. Later, Pikachu was used again, this time facing Paul's Froslass and defeating it before being recalled once again. During the continuation of their battle, Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Paul's Electivire, who soon knocked him out.

In The Semi-Final Frontier!, Pikachu was the last Pokémon chosen by Ash to battle Tobias in the semifinals of the Lily of the Valley Conference. Despite Ash losing five of his Pokémon, Pikachu tried his best to defeat Tobias's Latios. In the end, however, both he and Latios fainted. Since Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon, Tobias was crowned the winner of their battle, placing Ash in the Top 4 of the Lily of the Valley Conference.

In Memories are Made of Bliss!, Pikachu helped search for Piplup when he ran away. Upon finding Piplup, both Pokémon broke down in tears since they had to say goodbye to each other soon. Team Rocket appeared, but Pikachu and Piplup managed to blast them off with a Volt Tackle and Hydro Pump combination. Later, Pikachu said goodbye to Dawn and Piplup before he, Ash, and Brock boarded a ship headed for Kanto. Upon arriving in Kanto, Pikachu and Ash bid farewell to Brock as well and the two continued towards Pallet Town.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Unova
Pikachu being incapable of using his Electric-type moves

Ash and Pikachu accompanied Professor Oak and Delia on a trip to Unova. In In The Shadow of Zekrom!, upon arriving in Unova, Pikachu had an encounter with Zekrom, which, unbeknownst to Ash, caused him to lose his ability to use Electric moves. Ash finally noticed this during his battle against Trip and his Snivy, when Pikachu tried using Volt Tackle. Despite Ash realizing Pikachu can use other moves like Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Snivy defeated the exhausted Pikachu with Leaf Tornado. In the next episode, following another appearance of Zekrom, Pikachu recovered his Electric moves. Afterward, knowing that the region was filled with Pokémon he'd never seen before, Ash decided to begin a new journey traveling around Unova. As with Hoenn, Ash decided to leave his other Pokémon with Professor Oak and set off with only Pikachu.

In Triple Leaders, Team Threats!, Ash used Pikachu in his second battle at the Striaton Gym. He faced Cress and his Panpour, and despite having the type advantage, Pikachu was overwhelmed by their water-based strategies and eventually defeated without launching a single hit.

In A Rival Battle for Club Champ!, he battled Trip's Tranquill, who had already taken out Ash's Oshawott and Tepig. After defeating Tranquill, he battled Snivy again, who had evolved into Servine by that point. As Pikachu tried to use Volt Tackle, Servine struck him with Cut in mid-sprint, knocking him out.

In Minccino—Neat and Tidy!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Bianca and her Pignite. Eventually, Pikachu's Volt Tackle and Pignite's Flame Charge collided, knocking both Pokémon back. Ultimately, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.

In Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!, a trio of trouble-making Ducklett stole Ash's hat and Sandile's sunglasses. During the incident, Pikachu learned Electro Ball, forgetting Volt Tackle, and blasted the Ducklett off with his new move. Later on, he battled Sandile, who evolved into a Krokorok during the battle, and ultimately used Electro Ball to deflect its Stone Edge back at it, defeating it and blasting it off.

In Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!, Ash used Pikachu as his last Pokémon in his Castelia Gym battle. He went up against Burgh's Leavanny, who initially had the upper hand with its Leaf Storm and String Shot attacks. However, he turned both attacks against Leavanny and ultimately defeated it with an Iron Tail-Electro Ball combination, earning Ash the Insect Badge.

In Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome!, Ash used Pikachu in the final round of the Club Battle, where they went up against Iris and Excadrill. Though it was a hard-fought battle, Pikachu was ultimately unable to dodge Excadrill's Focus Blast, which knocked him out, making Iris the winner of the tournament and Ash the runner-up.

In Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!, Pikachu was used as the final Pokémon in Ash's Gym battle against Elesa after his two other Pokémon were defeated. He went up against Elesa's powerful Emolga and quickly defeated it. Pikachu then faced Elesa's Tynamo, which proved to be a tough opponent despite her not looking very strong. Eventually, Pikachu gained the upper hand and defeated Tynamo, thus winning Ash the Bolt Badge.

Pikachu striking Alder's Bouffalant

In Ash Versus the Champion!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Alder, where he faced his Bouffalant. Pikachu hit Bouffalant with all of his attacks, but it absorbed the hits with its afro. Alder, however, didn't give any orders, causing Bouffalant to get angry. It was then revealed that Alder had been sleeping throughout the battle. After he was woken up, Alder ordered Bouffalant to use Head Charge, but Bouffalant, still angry at him, used the attack on him instead. The battle was then called off.

In An Amazing Aerial Battle!, Ash used Pikachu against Skyla's Unfezant in his Mistralton Gym battle. After defeating Unfezant, Pikachu fought Skyla's last Pokémon, Swanna. Despite having a type advantage, Pikachu's Electric moves proved to be useless when Swanna used Aqua Ring to protect itself against them. Pikachu was ultimately defeated by a powerful combination of Hurricane and Brave Bird.

In Climbing the Tower of Success!, Ash and Pikachu entered the Wishing Bell Festival. They managed to reach the final round, where they had to climb Mistralton Tower while protecting the flame of their Litwick candle. Despite Pikachu doing his best to protect the candle from a group of Pidove's attacks, Stephan's Litwick candle, which turned out to have been a real Litwick all along, blew out Ash's, causing Ash to end up in second place.

Pikachu in Ash's final Unova Gym battle

In Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 2, Ash chose Pikachu as his final Pokémon in his Gym battle with Roxie. He faced Roxie's strongest Pokémon, Garbodor, who had already defeated Ash's Pignite and Palpitoad. Eventually, all of the physical contact Pikachu made with Garbodor activated its Static Ability, paralyzing Garbodor. This allowed him to defeat Garbodor, earning Ash his eighth and final Unova Badge, the Toxic Badge, thus allowing him to enter the Unova League.

In Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!, Pikachu was used in one final battle against Dawn before she headed to Johto. He faced her Quilava, who turned out to be evenly matched against him. Finally, Pikachu and Quilava collided with Quick Attack and Flame Wheel, respectively, knocking both Pokémon back. The battle was then called off by Cynthia.

In Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!, Ash and Pikachu battled Giovanni and his Persian while trying to protect Meloetta, but Persian immediately defeated Pikachu with Power Gem. Giovanni then captured Meloetta and took it, along with the imprisoned Ash and Pikachu, to the Abyssal Ruins. In the next episode, Pikachu managed to break Team Rocket's force-field prison open by striking it repeatedly with Iron Tail, freeing both Ash and himself. Later, during the battle against the mind-controlled Therian Forme forces of nature, Pikachu protected Iris and her Dragonite from Thundurus's Thunder. This gave Pikachu a tremendous power boost; when he used Electro Ball, it inflicted exceptionally massive damage on the Abyssal Ruins, sending Team Rocket flying and freeing Meloetta.

In Curtain Up, Unova League!, Ash used Pikachu in the preliminary round of the Vertress Conference, where he went up against Trip's Serperior. The battle properly began in the next episode. Serperior initially had the upper hand and was almost able to constrict Pikachu into unconsciousness. Pikachu, however, didn't give in and defeated it with an Electro Ball-Iron Tail combination, giving Ash his first win against Trip.

In Cameron's Secret Weapon!, Pikachu went up against Cameron's Pokémon, defeating Samurott and Swanna before being recalled. Later, Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Cameron's newly-evolved Lucario, which had just defeated Snivy, leaving him as Ash's last Pokémon. Despite the large amount of damage both Pokémon had taken, they still managed to continue battling. At the end of the fight, Lucario's Aura Sphere overpowered Pikachu's Electro Ball and him Pikachu out, thus eliminating Ash from the Vertress Conference and placing him in Top 8.

Pikachu under Colress's control

In Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot, Pikachu battled wild Pokémon controlled by Colress to free them and stop Team Plasma. Impressed by Pikachu's power, Colress managed to gain control of Pikachu by attaching a receiver to his head, and he ordered him to attack Ash and the group. As Colress was increasing the power of the EM waves responsible for the mind control, Ash begged Pikachu to fight it off. During Pikachu's strenuous attempts to do so, the receiver overloaded and got destroyed, freeing Pikachu from Team Plasma's control.

In Team Plasma and the Awakening Ceremony!, Pikachu and Ash's other Pokémon fought Team Plasma's Pokémon to prevent them from awakening Reshiram. Colress, however, activated his improved mind-control machine and managed to hit Pikachu with the machine's laser, controlling him again. This time, however, Ash's voice didn't get through to Pikachu's control, and he was knocked unconscious by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. N then offered to give Team Plasma the Light Stone in exchange for them freeing Pikachu from their control, and they agreed.

In the next episode, Pikachu tried to destroy Colress's machine to free Reshiram and all of the other Pokémon from Ghetsis's control. However, he was ultimately hit by the laser, which put him under control once again. To everyone's surprise, Pikachu managed to resist the machine's influence, using his electricity to fight off Ghetsis's control and used Thunderbolt on Reshiram to help it escape from Ghetsis's control as well. Despite Colress increasing the machine's power, Pikachu kept resisting, and together with Reshiram, they destroyed the machine with Electro Ball and Fusion Flare, freeing all of the Pokémon from Team Plasma's control and defeating the villainous team.

Decolore Islands
Pikachu reuniting with Bulbasaur

In Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness!, Pikachu participated in the Marine Cup Tournament. He managed to beat other Trainers and make it to the finals. He then battled Teaque's Galvantula and was able to knock it out with Iron Tail, winning the tournament for Ash.

In Best Wishes Until We Meet Again!, Pikachu and Axew were captured by Team Rocket while Ash, Iris, and Cilan were trapped inside the ship's cargo space. He was eventually freed from the net and, with the help of Axew, Charizard, and Pansage, Pikachu blasted Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu said farewell to Axew, Iris, and Cilan as he, Ash, and Alexa continued to Pallet Town.

Pikachu was reunited with Bulbasaur and the entire Unova team at Professor Oak's Laboratory in The Dream Continues!. He joined the others in a group attack on Team Rocket with his Thunderbolt to send them blasting off. Pikachu then continued to travel with Ash when he set off for the Kalos region.

Pokémon the Series: XY

In Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!, Ash and Pikachu arrived at Kalos by plane along with Alexa. After being thrown out of the Lumiose Gym for not having enough Badges, Ash was saved by Clemont while Pikachu was saved by Bonnie. Bonnie was excited to be holding Pikachu, leading to him shocking her because she was holding him too tightly. After becoming acquainted with their rescuers, Ash challenged Clemont to a battle, which Clemont reluctantly agreed to. In the battle, Pikachu faced Clemont's Bunnelby. Despite Clemont admitting that he only recently caught Bunnelby, he proved to be quite a challenge for Pikachu. However, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who once again attempted to steal Pikachu. Ash attempted to stop them, but Jessie had her Wobbuffet reflect Pikachu's attacks with Mirror Coat. Pikachu was saved by a Froakie, who shielded him with its body at the cost of being injured. With Bunnelby and Froakie's help, Pikachu blasted the trio off. Froakie soon collapsed from its injuries, so Ash, Pikachu, and their new friends went to Professor Sycamore to heal Froakie.

Pikachu training for the rematch against Viola

In Lumiose City Pursuit!, Ash and Pikachu managed to get Froakie to Professor Sycamore. Later, when Professor Sycamore's Garchomp went crazy from one of Team Rocket's devices, Pikachu and Ash pursued her to get the device off and free her. After chasing her to the top of Prism Tower, Pikachu removed the device from Garchomp's neck with Iron Tail. However, due to the fight damaging the tower, the ground Pikachu was standing on broke off, causing him to fall off. Ash immediately leaped in to save his friend, to the shock of many, including Serena. They were both saved by a Mega Blaziken, who intercepted them in the air and put the two safely back onto the ground.

In A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle!, Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used during his Santalune Gym battle with Viola, sending him out to face her Surskit, who knocked him out. After he was healed at the Pokémon Center, he trained with Fletchling for their rematch, using Alexa's Noivern's Gust to help them withstand Vivillon's Gust, which beat Fletchling in the first battle.

In the next episode, they were finally able to withstand Noivern's Gust. Later, using one of Clemont's inventions, they practiced avoiding Surskit's Sticky Web. After it broke, they used Froakie and its Frubbles instead to practice. The next day, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon for his rematch against Viola, where he again went up against her Surskit and finally defeated it. Ash recalled Pikachu and substituted him for Fletchling. He was later called out again to battle Vivillon, who had beaten Fletchling. During the battle, Pikachu was nearly put to sleep by Vivillon's Sleep Powder, but Ash had Pikachu use Electro Ball on himself to keep himself awake. Then, Pikachu defeated the Scale Pokémon, earning Ash the Bug Badge.

Pikachu hypnotized by Malamar

In A Conspiracy to Conquer!, after overhearing one of Team Rocket's conversations, Madame X and her Malamar captured Pikachu. After Clemont attempted to use his "Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device" to find Pikachu, it was revealed that Malamar had hypnotized Pikachu, making him one of Madame X's subordinates. While searching for Pikachu, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were also hypnotized by Malamar. Once Ash and Meowth finally found Pikachu, Team Rocket, and Madame X, Madame X forced Pikachu to attack Ash. Ash got through to Pikachu, who started fighting Malamar's control. Afterwards, the Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device burst in and rammed into Malamar, causing it to lose its control over everyone. After Malamar revealed its plans through Meowth, Pikachu attempted to attack it, but Malamar managed to escape.

In Climbing the Walls!, Ash used Pikachu as his third and final Pokémon in his Cyllage Gym battle against Grant. It went up against his Tyrunt and ultimately defeated it, earning Ash the Cliff Badge.

In The Bonds of Evolution!, Pikachu was used in Ash's battle against Diantha, where he faced her Gardevoir. Gardevoir managed to dodge all of Pikachu's attacks and hit him hard with a Shadow Ball. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket.

In Mega Revelations!, Pikachu battled Korrina's Lucario but was defeated by it. Later, he battled Lucario in its Mega Evolved form. However, during the battle, Lucario lost control of its Mega Evolution and went berserk, forcing Ash to protect Pikachu. In response, Gurkinn sent out his own Lucario to block the attack. Lucario then lost consciousness and the battle was called off.

Pikachu facing Mega Lucario

In Battling Into the Hall of Fame!, Pikachu was used in a Team Battle alongside with Serena's Fennekin and Clemont's Chespin against Tierno's Squirtle, Shauna's Bulbasaur, and Trevor's Charmander. Pikachu and the others initially had a hard time due to their opponents' great teamwork, but they eventually overcame this obstacle and defeated all three of their opponents, giving Ash, Serena, and Clemont the win and the spot on the Hall of Fame.

In Showdown at the Shalour Gym!, Pikachu was the last Pokémon Ash used during his Shalour Gym battle with Korrina, sending him out to face Korrina's Mega Lucario. Pikachu was ultimately able to defeat Lucario with Thunderbolt, thus earning Ash the Rumble Badge.

In A Slippery Encounter!, Pikachu helped out a Goomy after they were captured by Team Rocket. The two escaped after Goomy used the slime on its body to allow them to slip through the bars. However, their escape was noticed by Team Rocket, who gave chase. When Pikachu and Goomy were about to be hit by Jessie's Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball, Ash arrived with Fletchinder to protect them. The ensuing battle eventually ended when Ash had Pikachu blast Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu informed Ash that Goomy wanted to go with them, allowing him to catch it.

In Good Friends, Great Training!, Pikachu and Sliggoo were used in a Double Battle against Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu. Before the battle could start, however, he was grabbed by a mecha created by Team Rocket, but Sliggoo was able to save Pikachu. After the mecha took Sliggoo, Wartortle, and Raichu, Pikachu split up with Ash and Serena to look for them. After Sliggoo evolved into Goodra to save Ash and Pikachu, and the crisis was resolved, they restarted their battle with Tierno and ultimately won.

Pikachu battling Bunnelby

In The Moment of Lumiose Truth!, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Lumiose Gym battle against Clemont. He went up against his Bunnelby and ultimately defeated it. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but he later sent him out to battle Clemont's last Pokémon, Luxray. Ultimately, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon managed to defeat Pikachu.

In Rivals: Today and Tomorrow!, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his three-round battle against Sawyer. He went up against Bagon, and despite the type disadvantage, Pikachu knocked the Rock Head Pokémon out.

In A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!, Pikachu and the others visited the Poké Ball Factory. There, they were tricked by Team Rocket, who separated the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. During a battle, Pikachu avoided being recalled into his Poké Ball and hid in one of the vent shafts. He then tried to free Ash and his friends with Iron Tail, but when that failed and Team Rocket discovered him, Pikachu attempted to get the briefcase that held the group's Poké Balls. Meowth then chased Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, Team Rocket attempted to escape with all of the Poké Balls they stole, though by that point, Pikachu freed Ash and they pursued them. Pikachu managed to stop their van with his Thunderbolt, and Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one battle, which he accepted. Pikachu managed to defeat his foe despite the Scratch Cat Pokémon attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After Team Rocket got blasted off again, the group was invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory.

In Tag Team Battle Inspiration!, Pikachu was used in a Tag Battle against Serena's Eevee and Shauna's Ivysaur with Tierno's Blastoise as his partner. When Serena called off the battle, Ash and Tierno decided to battle each other and Pikachu faced Blastoise, but the outcome of the battle was left unknown.

In All Eyes on the Future!, Pikachu wasn't chosen for Ash's Double Battle with Olympia, but he did help Ash keep track of when the Future Sight from Olympia's two Meowstic would strike, by using his tail as a makeshift timer. This eventually allowed Frogadier and Talonflame to turn the attack against them and ultimately win the battle.

In Dream a Little Dream from Me!, after the group viewed the Litleonid meteor shower, Pikachu was pulled into Squishy's dream by a Darkrai. In the dream, the group's Pokémon were either in their evolved or pre-evolved forms and could speak human language, while humans spoke like Pokémon. Freaked out by this, Pikachu fled and ran into Meowth, who had also been pulled into the dream. Pikachu and Meowth then encountered a talking Squishy. Suddenly, a flaming ghost appeared and attacked them. They managed to escape, after which Squishy revealed a glimpse of its true strength to Pikachu and Meowth, motivating them to help Squishy get to its home so it could gain this strength. On their way, they were attacked by the flaming ghost again and Pikachu decided to battle it. Pikachu's attacks, however, couldn't land, but he was soon aided by the group's Pokémon, and together, they managed to defeat the creature. In the end, Pikachu, Meowth, and Squishy were awakened by Clemont's invention.

Pikachu dancing with Slurpuff

In Party Dancecapades!, Pikachu partnered up with Miette's Slurpuff in a dance party hosted by Monsieur Pierre. Later, Pikachu was used in a Tag Battle along with Serena's Eevee, where he faced James's Inkay and Miette's Slurpuff. Eventually, they were trapped after landing in Slurpuff's Cotton Spore, which left them vulnerable to Inkay's Psybeam. With Eevee badly injured, Pikachu tried to battle alone, without much success. However, Eevee evolved into Sylveon and defeated both Inkay and Slurpuff with Fairy Wind, giving Ash and Serena the win.

In A Meeting of Two Journeys!, Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon in another three-round battle against Sawyer, where he faced and defeated Honedge.

In Battling at Full Volume!, Pikachu was borrowed by Serena, who disguised herself as Ash, who was unwell from last night's training, to battle Jimmy, a Guitarist who wanted to challenge Ash and his Pikachu with his own Pikachu, nicknamed Spike. Serena's disguise as Ash works, and the battle was going fine until it was interrupted by Team Rocket, who intended to capture Pikachu and Spike. Fortunately, thanks to the medicine that Clemont and Bonnie had just bought, Ash managed to recover in time to stop Team Rocket and rescue his Pikachu and Spike with the help of Greninja. Eventually, both Pikachu and Spike sent Team Rocket blasting off with their respective Thunderbolts.

In Seeing the Forest for the Trees!, Pikachu was very worried after Ash left into the Winding Woods alone, following his loss to Wulfric, and spent most of the episode trying to find Ash. Eventually, Team Rocket tried to catch Pikachu, but when the despondent Pikachu tried to fend them off, they were underwhelmed by his power. After Ash returned at the end of the episode, an overjoyed Pikachu was able to quickly send Team Rocket blasting off.

In the next episode, he participated in Ash's rematch against Wulfric and battled his Bergmite. After defeating it, Pikachu faced off against Wulfric's Avalugg. Despite Pikachu's attempt to strategy, he was ultimately knocked out.

In Analysis Versus Passion!, Ash chose Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his battle against Sawyer during the semifinals of the Lumiose Conference. He was sent out against Sawyer's powerful Clawitzer, which he eventually defeated. Pikachu then faced Sawyer's next Pokémon, his Aegislash. Initially, Pikachu was overwhelmed by Aegislash's alternating use of Sacred Sword and King's Shield, but Ash deduced Aegislash's weaknesses and had Pikachu use them against it, leading to the Royal Sword Pokémon's defeat. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but later used him again to face off against Sawyer's Sceptile, who eventually knocked him out with Frenzy Plant.

Pikachu using Thunderbolt on Alain's Metagross

In Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!, Pikachu was used as Ash's first Pokémon in his battle against Alain during the Lumiose Conference finals. He went up against Alain's Tyranitar and defeated it. Pikachu was then recalled but later used again to battle and defeat Alain's Metagross. Afterwards, Pikachu battled Alain's strongest Pokémon, Charizard. However, Pikachu was too exhausted to outmaneuver Charizard by that point, thus he was overpowered and knocked out.

In A Towering Takeover!, Pikachu and Ash went with Alain to go look for Mairin, but once they found her, they were obstructed by the giant roots. They were then ambushed by Celosia before her Drapion's Confuse Ray hit them and knocked Ash unconscious. Pikachu attempted to protect his Trainer but eventually fell to Confuse Ray's effects as well and passed out. Pikachu, along with Ash and his other Pokémon, was then taken captive by Lysandre on the top of Prism Tower. In the following episode, Pikachu watched when Ash and Greninja were hit by Team Flare's miniature version of the Mega Evolution energy weapon in an attempt to control them. However, Pikachu's voice got through to Ash, which enabled him and Greninja to freed themselves using Bond Phenomenon. Pikachu and the others were then freed, after which they teamed up with Alain's Charizard and Malva's Mega Houndoom to battle and defeat Lysandre's Pyroar and Shiny Mega Gyarados in The Right Hero for the Right Job! and Rocking Kalos Defenses!.

Afterwards, Pikachu helped Serena's Braixen, Steven's Metagross and Professor Sycamore's Garchomp fight the Giant Rock. He and the other Pokémon were eventually subdued by the creature's roots, but they were freed by a combined attack from the Pokémon of all the Gym Leaders of Kalos and Diantha. After coming up with a strategy, in Forming a More Perfect Union!, everyone combined their powers to fend off the Giant Rock's roots, allowing Ash and Alain to reach its center and save Chespie, bringing the creature down. After the resurrection of the Giant Rock, which was now controlled by Lysandre, Pikachu, Greninja, and Alain's Charizard managed to destroy its control device, allowing Squishy and Z2 to destroy the Giant Rock.

In The First Day of the Rest of Your Life!, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Serena and her Braixen. Both Pokémon took substantial hits before the battle was called off by Ash. In Till We Compete Again!, Pikachu bade farewell to Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and their Pokémon, since he and Ash had to return to Kanto. During this, Dedenne ran off since he didn't want the group to split apart. Using his electricity, Pikachu and the group was able to find Dedenne and calm it down. After Serena departed, Pikachu participated in one final battle between Ash and Clemont, in which he faced Clemont's Bunnelby, just like their first battle, but the outcome was left unknown. Ash and Pikachu then separated from Clemont and Bonnie and returned to Pallet Town.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

Pikachu joined Ash, Delia, and Mimey on a vacation to the Alola region in Alola to New Adventure!. On their way to the Pokémon School on Melemele Island, Pikachu and Ash followed a wild Grubbin into a forest, where the two noticed a Trainer riding a Charizard. They followed him and arrived at the Pokémon School, where they met some of the school's students as well as Professor Kukui and Professor Oak's cousin, Samson Oak. Ash later used Pikachu to battle a trio of Team Skull Grunts, who were harassing Kiawe, and their trio of Zubat, Salandit, and Yungoos. After a while, Kiawe had his Turtonator use the Z-Move Inferno Overdrive, which knocked Team Skull's Pokémon out in one shot. That evening, Pikachu and Ash followed Tapu Koko, the guardian deity of Melemele Island, who handed Ash a Z-Ring and an Electrium Z. Pikachu later remained in Alola with Ash when he decided to study at the Pokémon School.

In the next episode, Ash's classmates held a surprise welcome party for him, where he and Pikachu participated in several challenges. During their lunch break, Tapu Koko appeared again and stole Ash's hat, prompting Ash and his classmates to follow it. Arriving in a forest, Tapu Koko challenged Ash to a battle, which he accepted. Tapu Koko eventually tapped Ash's Z-Ring, activating it and allowing Pikachu to perform Gigavolt Havoc, which destroyed a large part of the area but also caused Ash's Electrium Z to shatter. Afterwards, Tapu Koko flew off again.

In To Top a Totem!, Pikachu was used in Ash's first island challenge trial in Verdant Cavern. Alongside Rowlet, he first fought a Yungoos and Gumshoos. Afterwards, they faced a Totem Gumshoos. Despite its extreme strength, Pikachu outwitted Gumshoos with pure strategy and finished it off with Thunderbolt. This win earned Ash a Normalium Z.

Pikachu was used in Ash's battle against Hala during the Melemele Island grand trial in Trial and Tribulation!. He faced Hala's Hariyama, and despite sustaining several hits, Pikachu performed Breakneck Blitz, which knocked Hariyama out. Having cleared the Melemele Island grand trial, Ash was rewarded a new Electrium Z.

In A Guardian Rematch!, Ash and Pikachu trained for a rematch against Tapu Koko. The next day, the two were greeted by Tapu Koko again and were challenged to another battle. Unlike their last battle, Pikachu managed to get a few hits on the guardian deity and performed Gigavolt Havoc again; this time, it was powerful enough to send Tapu Koko flying. However, Pikachu was blasted off a cliff, prompting Ash to jump after him. The two were saved in time by Tapu Koko, who flew off afterwards.

Pikachu and Lillie

In The Ol' Raise and Switch!, Professor Kukui tasked everyone with switching their partner Pokémon with somebody else. As a result, Pikachu was given to Lillie, whilst Snowy went to Ash. Because of her fear of Pokémon, Lillie decided to have a battle with Hobbes and his Oricorio to help conquer her fear. Despite her lack of battle experience, Lillie was able to defeat Oricorio and touch Pikachu. Ash then proposed a battle against Lillie and Pikachu, to show them how strong he and Snowy had gotten together.

In When Regions Collide!, Ash used Pikachu in his battle against Misty, where he battled her Gyarados. At one point, Misty revealed her Key Stone and Mega Evolved her Gyarados. Despite this, Ash and Pikachu performed Gigavolt Havoc, which defeated Gyarados and gave Ash the win.

During Ash and his classmates' travels in Ultra Deep Sea to rescue Lusamine in 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!, Pikachu fought Lusamine, who had been fused with a Nihilego. Ash's Electrium Z mysteriously turned into a Pikashunium Z, allowing the two to perform 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt for the first time. The Z-Move defeated Nihilego, allowing Lillie and Gladion to pull Lusamine free from its hold.

In A Battle Hand-Off!, Ash used Pikachu in his trial battle at the Thrifty Megamart, where he battled Team Rocket and Mimikyu. Pikachu was left vulnerable to Mimikyu's Z-Move, Let's Snuggle Forever, but he protected himself with his newly learned Electroweb. Using his new move, Pikachu was able to trap Mimikyu, which allowed him and Ash to perform a Z-Move of their own. Ash's Electrium Z then turned into a Pikashunium Z again, allowing Pikachu to use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt once more and defeat Mimikyu. This allowed Ash to qualify for Nanu's grand trial.

Pikachu being defeated by Mimikyu

In Battling the Beast Within!, Ash and Pikachu encountered Tapu Koko again and had another rematch against it. Just then, a Shiny Tapu Koko from another dimension unleashed its own attack, creating a rift that transported Ash and Pikachu to the dimension's Ultra Ruin. They soon encountered a wild Guzzlord, which started chasing after the duo. However, they were saved by Dia and Zeraora. After learning about Guzzlord and the Ultra Ruin, Ash challenged Dia to a battle to prove his ability to help Dia. Pikachu faced off against Zeraora, but was overwhelmed by Zeraora's fast moves and quickly defeated.

Later, at Dia's base, Pikachu and Ash trained and convinced Dia and Zeraora to join them. Pikachu and Zeraora engaged in another battle, which attracted the attention of Guzzlord. After the Ultra Beast's arrival, the group lured it to the Ultra Wormhole that it emerged from in the past. After trapping Guzzlord with Electroweb, Pikachu and Zeraora attacked the immobilized Ultra Beast in an attempt to send it back through the Ultra Wormhole but failed. However, after the Shiny Tapu Koko intervened, Ash and Dia were able to activate their Z-Rings and have Pikachu and Zeraora perform a double Gigavolt Havoc to successfully push Guzzlord into the wormhole. Afterwards, Pikachu and Zeraora had one more battle to create another dimensional rift, which took Pikachu and Ash back home.

In A Grand Debut!, Ash used Pikachu in his Poni Island grand trial against Hapu, where he went up against her Mudsdale. Despite the type disadvantage and Mudsdale's Stamina Ability, Pikachu was able to overcome the obstacles when Mudsdale was splashed with seawater, allowing Pikachu to knock the Draft Horse Pokémon out with Gigavolt Havoc. Afterwards, Hapu offered Ash a choice of type-specific Z-Crystals; Pikachu opted for a Steelium Z, which Hapu awarded to Ash for his victory.

In The Dealer of Destruction!, Pikachu battled Team Skull's leader Guzma and his Golisopod. Despite the type advantage, Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Golisopod, as he was unable to penetrate the Hard Scale Pokémon's armor even when using his Z-Move Corkscrew Crash. The match ended prematurely when Golisopod returned to its Poké Ball due to its Emergency Exit Ability.

In Battle Royal 151!, Ash used Pikachu in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference, where he was able to defeat various Trainers' Pokémon and allow Ash to proceed to the next round. In The Wisdom Not to Run!, Ash used Pikachu in his Manalo Conference semifinals battle against Guzma, where he went up against Golisopod after Torracat was defeated. The two Pokémon were evenly matched, but eventually, Pikachu defeated Golisopod, allowing Ash to advance to the finals.

Pikachu's final battle with Tapu Koko

In Final Rivals!, Ash used Pikachu to finish off Gladion's Silvally, who had been worn down by Melmetal, in the Manalo Conference finals. He then went up against what seemed to be Gladion's Lycanroc, but turned out to be Zoroark in disguise. In the next episode, the two Pokémon clashed and proved to be equal in strength. When Gladion had Zoroark use Never-Ending Nightmare, Ash countered with Pikachu's Breakneck Blitz. Both Z-Moves succeeded in hitting their targets, knocking both Pokémon out.

In A Full Battle Bounty!, Ash chose to use Pikachu to battle Professor Kukui's Empoleon during Ash's exhibition match against him. While the two Pokémon were equally matched, Pikachu was eventually caught in Empoleon's Whirlpool, causing him to get dizzy. To save Pikachu from being defeated, Ash withdrew him from the battle and sent out Melmetal to replace him.

In From Z to Shining Z!, Ash sent Pikachu back into the battle as his final Pokémon to face Tapu Koko, who had taken the place of Kukui's sixth Pokémon in the match. When both Pokémon were evenly matched, Tapu Koko and its fellow deities restored Ash and Kukui's Z-Power, giving them a chance to use another Z-Move, since they already used up their Z-Moves for the match. Tapu Koko then handed Kukui a Tapunium Z, and it and Kukui started performing Guardian of Alola. During this, Ash's Electrium Z once again transformed into a Pikashunium Z, allowing Pikachu to counter with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The two Z-Moves clashed, with Pikachu's attack eventually overpowering Tapu Koko's, defeating it and making Ash the winner of the exhibition match.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Pikachu and Ash

In Serving Up the Flute Cup!, Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his battle against Hodge in the Battle Frontier Flute Cup finals, where he faced Hodge's Mightyena. Pikachu was fairly evenly matched against his opponent, but eventually, he was able to defeat Mightyena, ending the battle and giving the victory to Ash.

In The Climb to Be the Very Best!, Ash used Pikachu to battle a Gigantamax Drednaw that was rampaging outside Wyndon Stadium. His attacks were ineffective, forcing Ash and Pikachu to run, but unexpectedly, they stumbled upon glowing cracks on the ground, from which Dynamax energy poured out and caused Pikachu to Gigantamax too. Initially, Pikachu had trouble moving around in his new, giant form, but soon got used to it. Following advice from Leon, Ash told Pikachu to use G-Max Volt Crash, defeating Drednaw and causing it to revert to normal. Afterward, Pikachu returned to normal as well. Later, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Leon and his Charizard. With the help of the Dynamax Band that Ash received from Leon, Pikachu was able to Gigantamax again. Despite this, however, Pikachu was defeated by Charizard's G-Max Wildfire.

Pikachu Gigantamaxed against Leon

In Destination: Coronation!, Ash used Pikachu in his battle against Visquez so he could increase his World Coronation Series ranking. Pikachu first went up against Visquez's Raichu, but started to get overwhelmed. As such, Ash chose to withdraw Pikachu and send out Gengar in his place. Ash later sent Pikachu back out to face Visquez's Electrode, which had just defeated Gengar. Despite Electrode initially having the upper hand, Pikachu was eventually able to defeat it. However, upon receiving the knockout blow, Electrode's Aftermath Ability activated, but Pikachu used Electroweb just in the knick of time to protect himself, leading to only Electrode fainting. As such, Ash won the battle, leading to his World Coronation Series ranking shooting up to 3,763.

In Betrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!, Pikachu got jealous when Ash began training frequently with Riolu instead of him. When Delia came to visit the Cerise Laboratory, Pikachu slept with her for the night and later decided to follow Delia to Pallet Town. Mimey followed along in an effort to stop him. During their journey, Pikachu defended Mimey from a group of Spearow. After arriving in Pallet Town, Pikachu changed his mind and wanted to go back to Ash, but he was surprised to see that his Trainer was already in Pallet Town.

In Octo-Gridlock at the Gym!, Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Bea at the Cianwood Gym, where he went up against her Hitmontop. After slowing down Hitmontop's movements with Electroweb, Pikachu was able to defeat him. Next, he went up against Grapploct, but he was overwhelmed by its Octolock and defeated soon after.

In Sword and Shield: "From Here to Eternatus!", Pikachu was used to battle Chairman Rose's Copperajah and Ferrothorn with Riolu. In the next episode, Pikachu was taken out of the fight when Eternatus launched a Dynamax Cannon that penetrated through the entire Hammerlocke Stadium. Later, after Ash had defeated Chairman Rose with the help of his newly evolved Lucario, Pikachu assisted Leon in stopping Eternatus from attacking Galar. With the assistance of Zacian and Zamazenta, Pikachu, Lucario, and Cinderace combined their powers and weakened Eternatus until it collapsed. Goh then caught Eternatus and sealed it away, putting an end to the Darkest Day.

In Getting More Than You Battled For!, Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his and Goh's battle against Mewtwo on Cero Island, teaming him up with Goh's Cinderace. However, Pikachu was soon defeated, and Ash sent out Lucario to replace him.

In Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start!, Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon during his World Coronation Series battle against Volkner, being sent out to face his Fan Rotom after it had defeated Gengar. Pikachu managed to bind Rotom with Electroweb, but just when he was about to use Thunderbolt on it, Volkner switched it out for Electivire, whose Motor Drive rendered Thunderbolt useless. After fighting against Electivire for a while, Pikachu was recalled and replaced with Lucario. Once both Ash and Volkner were down to their last Pokémon, Ash called Pikachu back to the battle to face Electivire again. Eventually, Ash decided to finish the match by using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The Z-Move proved to be too much for Electivire's Motor Drive to absorb, leading to it being defeated and thus giving Ash the victory.

Pikachu "Feastamaxed" by Gigantamax Alcremie

In The Sweet Taste of Battle!, Pikachu helped Ash during Opal's All-Alcremie Decoration Challenge. After Ash had won the contest, Opal challenged him to a battle, with Ash using Pikachu against Opal's Alcremie. While Pikachu managed to land several Iron Tails on Alcremie, some of Alcremie's cream got stuck on Pikachu's tail, softening his blows. After Pikachu had managed to shake off Alcremie's Attract and block her Dazzling Gleam, Opal chose to Gigantamax her Pokémon and had it use G-Max Finale, covering Pikachu in huge amounts of cream. Pikachu then started growing as well, becoming big enough to swallow an entire G-Max Finale cream projectile whole, much to Opal's shock. At first, everyone assumed that Pikachu had Gigantamaxed as well, but when Ash called for a G-Max Volt Crash and Pikachu didn't attack, it turned out that Pikachu had just eaten all the cream Alcremie had created with the G-Max Move and grown giant and fat as a result. As such, the battle was subsequently called off.

In Battle Three With Bea!, Pikachu was the first Pokémon used during his second rematch against Bea at the Stow-on-Side Stadium, first facing Grapploct. Pikachu's attempt at ensnaring Grapploct in an Electroweb proved unsuccessful, as it was able to use its stretchy tentacles to strike him through the web with a Close Combat. As such, Ash chose to recall Pikachu. In the next episode, Pikachu was called back to the battlefield to face Bea's Hawlucha. By improving on a strategy he had used against both Lt. Surge and Visquez, Ash was able to repel Hawlucha's Sky Attack, while also dealing damage to it, allowing Pikachu to subsequently defeat it with a super effective Thunderbolt. Next, Pikachu faced Grapploct again, but wound up being ensnared by an Octolock once more, and was defeated soon afterward.

In Showdown at the Gates of Warp!, Pikachu devolved back into Pichu and finally an Egg as a result of a clash between Dialga and Palkia distorting time. After Arceus stopped the fight between Dialga and Palkia, the Temporal and Spatial Pokémon repaired the distortions their fighting had caused and restored all the devolved Pokémon back to normal.

In Battling in the Freezing Raid!, Pikachu was the third Pokémon used by Ash in a Raid Battle against an Articuno. Pikachu was able to land a powerful Thunderbolt onto the Freeze Pokémon before being defeated by a Sheer Cold.

Pikachu battling Steven's Metagross

In Reuniting for the First Time!, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon in his battle against Wallace in Lilycove City, going up against his Milotic. Pikachu was ultimately victorious, making Ash the winner of the battle.

In Helping the Hometown Hero!, Pikachu took part in a Battle Royal against Professor Kukui's Incineroar, Kiawe's Marowak, and Gladion's Nihilego, Lillie. After Lillie and Marowak had been defeated, Pikachu and Incineroar were the only ones left standing, although the ultimate victor of the match was left unclear.

In Battling as Hard as Stone!, Pikachu was the final Pokémon Ash used during his Masters Eight Tournament match against Steven. He initially faced Cradily, managing to defeat it after trapping its tentacles in an Electroweb. Next, he came face to face with Steven's Mega Metagross, whose ability to calculate and predict all of Pikachu's moves made it seemingly impossible for Pikachu to land a hit on it. Ash managed to overcome this by performing 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, dealing enough damage to Metagross to allow Pikachu to finish it with an Iron Tail, making Ash the winner of the match.

In Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!, Pikachu was the third Pokémon used by Ash during his Masters Eight Tournament battle against Cynthia. He first went up against her Togekiss, only to end up being made to flinch by a Serene Grace-enhanced Air Slash, before Cynthia sent out Gastrodon. Despite being at a type disadvantage, however, Ash was able to defeat Gastrodon through some clever thinking. Pikachu then went on to also knock out Cynthia's Spiritomb but was caught in its last-second Destiny Bond, resulting in him fainting along with his opponent.

Pikachu's final clash with Charizard

In A Flood of Torrential Gains!, Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used in his Masters Eight Tournament match against Leon. He went up against Cinderace, with his attacks quickly proving to be useless against Cinderace's Ability, Libero. Because of this, Ash decided to switch Pikachu in and save him for later. In Paring Pokémon While Parrying!, Pikachu returned to the battle after all of Ash's other Pokémon had been defeated to face Gigantamax Charizard. After enduring some of Charizard's Max Moves, Pikachu's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt clashed with Charizard's G-Max Wildfire, canceling out both moves as Charizard returned to its normal size and form.

At the start of the next episode, Eternatus appeared above Wyndon Stadium and recharged Ash and Leon's Dynamax Bands, prompting Leon to temporarily recall Charizard and Gigantamax his Cinderace, with Ash doing the same with Pikachu. The two Pokémon's clash of G-Max Moves ended with both of them reverting to normal and Cinderace fainting, leaving Leon with just Charizard. During the subsequent battle between the two partner Pokémon, Pikachu took a severe hit from a Fire Blast and momentarily collapsed, experiencing a vision of all of Ash's Pokémon cheering for him. Backed by the mental support of his friends, Pikachu stood back up and executed one more furious exchange of blows with Charizard. While both Pokémon were completely exhausted following the clash, ultimately, Pikachu was able to stay standing as Charizard fell, ending Leon's winning streak, making Ash the winner of the tournament, and earning him the title of Monarch. Later, Pikachu joined Ash and the rest of his team for the awards ceremony.

Pikachu resuming his journey with Ash

In This Could be the Start of Something Big!, Pikachu joined up with Lucario and Goh's Galar first partner Pokémon against Lugia in a Raid Battle. Despite firing off multiple strong attacks—including combining their moves for extra power—they were unable to defeat the Diving Pokémon. Shortly after leaving the Cerise Laboratory, Ash and Goh separated and he and Ash leave on their own journey.

In A Fated Face-Off!, Pikachu reunited with Misty and later acted as the referee for the match between her and Ash.

In Rocket Revengers!, Pikachu got isolated due to one of Team Rocket's schemes and was forced to hold them off until Ash arrived. Thankfully, a wild Latias that had been following Ash intervened and sent the evil group blasting off.

In The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!, Pikachu and Ash returned to Pallet Town. As Ash pondered over what it truly meant to be a Pokémon Master, Pikachu listened as Ash came to a personal conclusion about his journey. Deciding he had still yet to achieve his dream, Ash asked Pikachu if he would be there when he finally became a Pokémon Master, with Pikachu responding affirmatively. As such, they resolved to resume traveling, and Pikachu left Pallet Town with his Trainer once more.

Personality and characteristics

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:
Pikachu and Togepi

After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in Pokémon - I Choose You!, Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to Misty's Togepi, and has been seen meditating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in Pikachu's Vacation. In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Pikachu, Meowth, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his clone repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in The Scheme Team, Alola, Kanto!, and A Fated Face-Off!.

Pikachu and his love of ketchup

During the Hoenn saga, Pikachu temporarily developed amnesia and sided with Team Rocket for a while. On several occasions, Pikachu has developed an "electric flu" causing him to become overcharged and extremely powerful. During these instances, Pikachu will sometimes accidentally let off electric outbursts which can be set off on anyone, including Ash. In all of these cases, Pikachu did not mean harm upon anyone.

As shown in a handful of episodes, the first being Showdown at Dark City, Pikachu has a special fondness for ketchup, but he will eat and enjoy almost any other human or Pokémon food. In The Fires Of A Red-Hot Reunion, Pikachu also displayed a fondness for orange juice. In That's Some Spicy Island Research!, Pikachu was revealed to have a distaste for Poni Island radishes. A running joke in the series also seems to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt at the beginning of each series to accidentally destroy a female companion's bike or unintentionally shock the companion herself. This has happened to Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, and Bonnie.

Pikachu zapping Ash

Pikachu, like his Trainer, is always happy to battle. He often tries his very best, but when he loses, he doesn't complain or feel bad about himself, especially when Ash reassures him. Ash and Pikachu are almost identical personality-wise, and thus are the perfect match for one another. Most others agree, except for Burgundy, who in A Connoisseur's Revenge! said that Ash had a terrible relationship with all of his Pokémon, though this is more due to her inexperience in determining such relationships. Though rare, the two can still butt heads at times. When they first met, Pikachu would shock Ash with electricity out of vitriol. While being zapped by Pikachu still happens regularly for poor Ash, it's usually when he angers his buddy (such as when Ash rubs and pulls Pikachu's cheeks), or by accident (when Ash grabs Pikachu's tail by mistake).

Pikachu does not like having his cheeks rubbed

In general, Pikachu as a species are not particularly powerful, but Ash's Pikachu is a notable anomaly, overcoming odds in battle numerous times. In Ash Catches a Pokémon, Meowth remarked that Pikachu's power "exceeds its evolutionary level". In Showdown in Pewter City, he defeated Brock's Onix with an Electric-type attack that triggered the sprinkler system causing Onix to be drenched in water, one of its weaknesses. Ash's Pikachu has also triumphed over some very powerful Pokémon that had previously defeated several of Ash's other Pokémon, such as Drake's Dragonite, Tyson's Metagross, and Korrina's Mega Lucario. He was also the second Pokémon in the series to defeat a Legendary Pokémon in battle, defeating Brandon's Regice to win the Brave Symbol in Pace - The Final Frontier!. He later fought Tobias's Latios to a draw in the semifinals of the Lily of the Valley Conference, and defeated Gladion's Silvally and the recurring Tapu Koko commanded by Professor Kukui in separate battles at Manalo Stadium. He has helped Ash win countless battles and Gym and League matches.

The possibility of evolving into Raichu was first raised and discussed in the episode Electric Shock Showdown. After suffering a crushing defeat by Lt. Surge's Raichu, Nurse Joy presented Ash with a Thunder Stone. Ash allowed Pikachu to decide, but he refused, having decided to become stronger as he is, and defeated Raichu by using superior speed. In the Sinnoh region, Pikachu battled another Raichu belonging to a trainer named Sho. The two were not only even matches in power but, unlike before, also in speed; ultimately Raichu used Hyper Beam to secure victory, a move Pikachu could not learn. At a Pokémon Center, Ash revealed that he kept the Thunder Stone he acquired in Vermilion City in case Pikachu changed his mind about evolving. Once again, Pikachu chose not to evolve and defeated Sho's Raichu in a rematch with a combination of speed, power, and spinning techniques learned from Dawn. During this event, Team Rocket stole the Thunder Stone, as they also wanted Pikachu to stay as he is.

However, at times, Pikachu has lived up to his species' frail and brittle strengths, particularly in Gym battles, where he was defeated with relative ease by his opponent; for example, he was overpowered very easily by Lt. Surge's Raichu, Sabrina's Kadabra, Blaine's Magmar, Bugsy's Scyther, Whitney's Miltank, Chuck's Poliwrath, Roark's Rampardos, Fantina's Drifblim, Cress's Panpour, and Viola's Surskit, despite having type advantages against Scyther, Poliwrath, Drifblim, Panpour, and Surskit. He also drew against Winona's Pelipper and Norman's Vigoroth, and struggled against Crasher Wake's Floatzel. Furthermore, he has lost twice to Trip's Serperior, as a Snivy in In the Shadow of Zekrom! and a Servine in A Rival Battle for Club Champ!, despite Trip being a starting Trainer and recently having obtained Serperior. In addition, Pikachu tends to noticeably struggle when an opponent hinders his mobility in some fashion, such as when the aforementioned Panpour stopped Volt Tackle with a Mud Sport that covered the battlefield, when Burgh's Leavanny impared his speed and accuracy by immobilizing his tail with String Shot, when the icy battlefield of Viola's Surskit threw him off balance in the first battle, or when Wulfric's Bergmite prevented him from using Quick Attack by numbing his legs with Icy Wind.

Pikachu and Clemont's Dedenne

Pikachu is also the only one of Ash's Pokémon to accompany him to the Hoenn, Unova, Kalos, and Alola regions, and was intended to be the only Pokémon to accompany him to Sinnoh before Aipom was discovered to have stowed away on the ship Ash was taking. Up until the capture of Dawn's Pachirisu, Pikachu was the only Electric-type Pokémon in the series owned by a main character.

Following their first encounter with him in Pokémon Emergency!, the Team Rocket trio made it their life's mission to capture Pikachu for their boss. Sometimes, they succeed with nets, cages, capsules or one of their mechas, but most of the time their plans always failed by Ash and his friends or something else involved. Whenever Pikachu gets released from their trap and reunites with Ash, he sends Team Rocket blasting off with his Electric attacks. Most of the time, in this case, his Thunderbolt. Sometimes, Pikachu sends them away even when he didn't get stolen. On other occasions, he battles them with Ash.

Even with his high level of electrical power, Pikachu has not stopped learning new attacks. Upon learning that Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym Leader used Rock types, Ash had Pikachu begin learning Iron Tail in All Things Bright and Beautifly!. After training hard, Pikachu finally perfected it in The Winner by a Nosepass, where he used it to defeat Roxanne's Nosepass and earn Ash his first Hoenn Badge. In addition to giving Pikachu an advantage over Rock types, Iron Tail has allowed Pikachu to defeat many other powerful opponents. In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, during a battle with Team Rocket, Ash ordered Pikachu to do a Quick Attack. Much to the surprise of Ash and his friends, the Quick Attack morphed into an imperfect Volt Tackle which sent Team Rocket blasting off. Upon mastering the move in The Green Guardian, it became one of Pikachu's most distinctive techniques, to the point of garnering Paul's interest, up until Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!, where Pikachu replaced it with Electro Ball. In A Battle Hand-Off!, Pikachu learned Electroweb in place of Electro Ball, allowing him to not only trap opponents, but also use the move as a springboard to increase his mobility or as a shield to protect himself from damage. In addition to his repertoire of moves, Pikachu has used his Ability, Static, a few times in the series, has an affinity for Z-Moves, and is capable of Gigantamaxing.

Although he is always ready for a battle and presumes that his Trainer will choose him, Pikachu can get annoyed and disappointed if Ash chooses a different Pokémon, like in Battling Besties or Thrash of the Titans, but he always agrees with Ash's decision in the end. Pikachu's dislike for going into his Poké Ball and Ash's respect for it extend even into situations where doing so would have been a beneficial choice, such as in Showdown at the Gates of Warp!, where Ash simply put his partner in his pocket instead of recalling him to protect him from the effect of a time reversal that had caused him to devolve.

Pikachu's imitations

Pikachu has demonstrated a great talent for mimicking Pokémon, altering the look of his physical features to match another Pokémon's appearance. He will occasionally use this talent to specify what Pokémon or person he is talking about. These imitation skills were notably put to use during the Pokémon Dress-Up Contest, where Pikachu was able to thrill the audience without the need for a costume or make-up.

Pikachu's language

Some of Pikachu's speech is consistent enough that it seems that some phrases mean something. In Stealing The Conversation!, Team Rocket refers to this language as "Pika-speak," but this most likely isn't official. This includes:

  • Pikapi: Satoshi (Ash)
  • Pi-Kachu: Pochama (Piplup)
  • Pikachu-Pi: Kasumi (Misty)
  • Pika-Chu: Takeshi (Brock), Kibago (Axew)
  • Pikaka: Hikari (Dawn)
  • PiPiPi: Togepy (Togepi)
  • PikakaPika: Fushigidane (Bulbasaur)
  • PikaPika: Zenigame (Squirtle), Mukuhawk (Staraptor), Goukazaru (Infernape) Gamagaru (Palpitoad) or Marilli (Azumarill)
  • PiPi-kachu: Rocket-dan (Team Rocket)
  • Pi-Pikachu: Get da ze! (He says this after Ash wins a Badge, catches a new Pokémon or anything similar.)
    • Pikachu may not be the only one to use this phrase, as other Pokémon do this as well. For example, when Iris caught Emolga, Axew said Ax-Axew (Ki-Kibago in the Japanese version). This also happened when Iris caught Gible in BWS02.
  • Pika-Pikachu: When referring to or introducing himself.
  • Chaa: Anything he says happily or excitedly, or when yawning.
  • Pika!: "Matte!", or saying "Wait!"
  • Pi-kaPika: "Sayōnara," or saying "Good-bye."
  • Piiika-Chuuuuuu!: When using Thunderbolt.
  • Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika, Chuuu Pii!: When using Electro Ball.
  • Pikachu-Pi-Pi-Pi-Pika!: When using Quick Attack.
  • Pika-Pika-Pika-ChuPi-Ka!: When using Electroweb.
  • Chuuu-Pi-Ka!: When using Iron Tail.

Appearance

See also: Pikachu in a cap, Gigantamax
As an Egg As a Pichu Wearing Ash's Alola Cap Wearing Ash's World Cap As a Gigantamax Pikachu
Ash Pichu Egg.png Ash Pikachu Pichu.png Ash Pikachu Alola Cap.png Ash Pikachu World Cap.png Ash Pikachu Gigantamax.png

Moves used

Ash Pikachu World Cap Thunderbolt.png
Using Thunderbolt
(World Cap)
Ash Pikachu Agility.png
Using Agility
Move First Used In
Thunder Shock Pokémon - I Choose You!
Thunderbolt  Showdown in Pewter City
Agility Electric Shock Showdown
Quick Attack  Electric Shock Showdown
Thunder Abra and the Psychic Showdown
Double-Edge Friend and Foe Alike
Tackle × The Double Trouble Header
Leer × Hour of the Houndour
Iron Tail  All Things Bright and Beautifly!
Volt Tackle May's Egg-Cellent Adventure
Electro Ball Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!
Electroweb  A Battle Hand-Off!
An × shows that the move cannot be legitimately known by this Pokémon in the games.
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Z-Moves used

Ash Pikachu Gigavolt Havoc.png
Using Gigavolt Havoc
Move First Used In
Gigavolt Havoc The Guardian's Challenge!*
Breakneck Blitz Trial and Tribulation!*
10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!*
Corkscrew Crash The Dealer of Destruction!*
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Max Moves and G-Max Moves used

Ash Pikachu Max Strike.png
Using Max Strike
Move First Used In
Max Steelspike The Climb to Be the Very Best!*
G-Max Volt Crash The Climb to Be the Very Best!*
Max Strike The Climb to Be the Very Best!*
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Moves improvised

Picture First Used In Moves Involved Partnered With
Ash Pikachu Leer EP009.png The School of Hard Knocks Leer None
Description: When Giselle called for Cubone to use Leer, Ash told Pikachu to "Leer right back" by making funny faces. He later used Leer in Hour of the Houndour; however, this was the actual move, albeit still a move error.
Ash Pikachu Electric Slam.png Electric Shock Showdown None None
Description: An attack where Pikachu stored electricity in his tail similar to Slam was used to defeat Lt. Surge's Raichu in Electric Shock Showdown. A similar move, referred to as "Shocking Tail" by the MC, was used to defeat Drake's Ditto in Hello, Pummelo!.
Ash Pikachu Rocket Punch.png The Punchy Pokémon None None
Description: "Rocket Punch" was a move that Pikachu used while "boxing" Anthony's Hitmonchan in The Punchy Pokémon. Pikachu glowed red and shot off his boxing gloves, leaving behind a trail of smoke. Once the smoke disappears, Pikachu still has his boxing gloves on and flies towards Hitmonchan at high speed.
Ash Kanto first partners Elemental Combo.png Don't Touch That 'dile Flamethrower, Razor Leaf, Water Gun, and Thunderbolt Ash's Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charizard
Description: Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with Charizard's Flamethrower, Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf, and Squirtle's Water Gun to create a tornado of fire, electricity, leaves, and water. This was used to defeat Jessie's Arbok and Lickitung, along with James's Weezing and Victreebel.
Electric Water Gun.png The Fire-ing Squad! Water Gun and an Electric-type attack Ash's Squirtle
Description: A combination of one of Pikachu's Electric attacks and Squirtle's Water Gun. Pikachu combines one of his Electric attacks with Squirtle's Water Gun to create an electrified stream of water. This was used to destroy Team Rocket's Torcher Scorcher and send them blasting off.
Electric Water Tornado.png Gotta Catch Ya Later! Thunderbolt, Water Gun, and Rapid Spin Misty's Politoed and Brock's Forretress
Description: Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with Politoed's Water Gun and Forretress's Rapid Spin, creating a tornado of water and yellow electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket and the Invincible Pokémon Brothers blasting off.
Electric Solar Beam.png Now That's Flower Power! Thunderbolt and Solar Beam Drew's Roselia
Description: A combination between Thunderbolt and Solar Beam. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt while Roselia fires a Solar Beam and the two attacks combine to create a white beam of energy surrounded by electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket blasting off after they had tried to steal Bluk Berries meant for Mr. Big.
Thunder Armor.png Solid as a Solrock Thunder Ash's Swellow
Description: An improvised tactic in which Pikachu uses Thunder on himself while riding on Swellow. This increased their attack power greatly and they easily overpowered Tate and Liza's respective Solrock and Lunatone.
Ash Pikachu Spinning Volt Tackle.png Queen of the Serpentine! Thunderbolt, Twister, and Volt Tackle Lucy's Milotic
Description: A combination of Thunderbolt, Twister, and Volt Tackle. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on himself to leave him supercharged for his next attack. Milotic then generates a Twister around Pikachu, who spins with the twister to increase the power of his Volt Tackle, which is already supercharged due to Thunderbolt. This was used to defeat Lucy's Milotic in Ash's Battle Pike match against Lucy.
Ash Pikachu contest.png Once More With Reeling! Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, and Iron Tail None
Description: Pikachu uses Quick Attack and combines it with Thunderbolt, creating a large ring of electricity. Pikachu then uses Iron Tail to divide the ring into three rings. This was used in the Appeals Round of the Terracotta Contest.
Quick Iron Tail.png A Gruff Act to Follow! Quick Attack and Iron Tail None
Description: Pikachu uses Quick Attack to rush towards the opponent and hit it with Iron Tail, thus boosting the power of the latter move. This was first used against Roark's Cranidos during Ash's first Oreburgh Gym battle. It was used again in Ya See We Want An Evolution!, during Ash's battle with Oralie.
Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt battlefield.png A Gruff Act to Follow! Thunderbolt None
Description: Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt at the battlefield, breaking the ground apart and sending large rocks hurtling at the opponent. This was used to counter Roark's Onix and its speed during Ash's first Oreburgh Gym battle.
Swift-Quick Attack combination.png A Stand-Up Sit-Down! Quick Attack and Swift Ash's Aipom
Description: Aipom uses a twirling Swift attack that spins in the air and then Pikachu uses Quick Attack to jump into the Swift attack. As he runs, the stars from Swift surround the white light from the Quick Attack.
Ash Pikachu Thunder Tackle.png Enter Galactic! Thunder and Volt Tackle Paul's Electabuzz
Description: A move combination that Pikachu used with Electabuzz. Pikachu starts by using Volt Tackle towards Paul's Electabuzz, who grabs him and uses Thunder on him to supercharge the Volt Tackle. This was used in to sever the cables with which Team Galactic's helicopters were carrying Veilstone City's meteorites.
Ash Pikachu Volt Tail.png Pika and Goliath! Volt Tackle and Iron Tail None
Description: This move combination was used first against Sho's Raichu and once again in The Semi-Final Frontier! against Tobias's Latios.
Ash Pikachu Counter Shield.png Shield with a Twist! Thunderbolt None
Description: Counter Shield was first used against Fantina's Drifblim, and later in Evolving Strategies! against Paul's Magmortar and in Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! against Cynthia's Spiritomb. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt while spinning, releasing yellow sparks everywhere or creating an electric whirlpool, disallowing movement for the opponent. It is a means of defending and attacking at the same time.
Thunderbolt-Whirlpool.png Arceus and the Jewel of Life Thunderbolt and Whirlpool Dawn's Piplup
Description: This move combination was used during a battle against Kiko and Kato and later to battle against the evil Marcus. When using the move, Piplup uses Whirlpool while Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt, creating an electric whirlpool.
Hydro Volt Tackle.png Memories are Made of Bliss! Volt Tackle and Hydro Pump Dawn's Piplup
Description: This move combination was used as a finishing blow against Team Rocket. It is a combination of Pikachu's Volt Tackle and Dawn's Piplup's Hydro Pump to create a massive Electric-Water shot that sent Team Rocket blasting off.
Ash Pikachu Electro Bolt.png Movie Time! Zorua in "The Legend of the Pokémon Knight"! Electro Ball and Thunderbolt None
Description: Ash has Pikachu use Electro Ball, then tells him to use Thunderbolt on it to increase the speed of the Electro Ball. This was used when Ash had to battle Cilan as part of Luke's movie.
Ash Pikachu Electro Iron Tail.png Mission: Defeat Your Rival! Iron Tail and Electro Ball None
Description: A move combination that Pikachu used to defeat Trip's Serperior. First, Pikachu forms an Electro Ball on his tail, and then uses Iron Tail, slamming both the Electro Ball and Iron Tail into the opponent at the same time, dealing a notable amount of damage.
Ash BW Team combination attack.png The Dream Continues! Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Leaf Storm, Hydro Pump, Air Cutter, Focus Blast, Energy Ball, Flash Cannon, Mud Shot, and Stone Edge Ash's rotation for Pokémon the Series: Black & White
Description: Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with a joint Flamethrower from Pignite and Charizard, Snivy's Leaf Storm, Oshawott's Hydro Pump, Unfezant's Air Cutter, Scraggy's Focus Blast, Leavanny's Energy Ball, Boldore's Flash Cannon, Palpitoad's Mud Shot, and Krookodile's Stone Edge to create a gigantic blast of energy. This was used to defend Professor Oak's Laboratory from Team Rocket.
Iron Tail Ground.png Battling on Thin Ice! Iron Tail None
Description: Pikachu roots himself to the ground with Iron Tail to resist getting blown back by any attacks. This was first used in Ash's Santalune Gym rematch against Viola. It was used again in Destination: Coronation!, during Ash's first-ever World Coronation Series battle.
Ash Pikachu Draco Meteor Climb.png Climbing the Walls! Iron Tail None
Description: This strategy consists of climbing the move that is aimed towards Pikachu with Iron Tail and was used first against Grant's Tyrunt to counter Draco Meteor. It was used once again in Showdown at the Shalour Gym! against Korrina's Lucario, but this time to counter Aura Sphere.
Ash Serena Team Rocket combo.png A Fork in the Road! A Parting of the Ways! Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Dark Pulse, and Psybeam Serena's Fennekin, Jessie's Pumpkaboo, and James's Inkay
Description: Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with a Flamethrower attack from Serena's Fennekin, a Dark Pulse from Jessie's Pumpkaboo, and a Psybeam from James's Inkay to create a swirling blast of energy. This was used to defeat a Pokémon hunter and his Rhyperior.
Electrified Dragon Pulse.png Good Friends, Great Training! Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse Ash's Goodra
Description: A combination between Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt while Goodra fires a Dragon Pulse and the two attack combine to create a purple, dragon-shaped beam of energy surrounded by yellow sparks of electricity. This was used to defeat Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu in a Double Battle.
Electric Flamethrower.png A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell? Thunderbolt and Flamethrower Serena's Braixen
Description: A combination of Thunderbolt and Flamethrower. Braixen uses Flamethrower while Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt and the two attacks converge to create a red-orange stream of fire surrounded by yellow sparks of electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket blasting off from Count Pumpka's castle.
Ash Pikachu Electrified Iron Tail.png Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel Thunderbolt and Iron Tail None
Description: While using Iron Tail, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt to surround himself in electricity. This was used in a battle against Clemont's Luxray in the nineteenth movie.
Ash Pikachu Electroweb barrier.png A Battle Hand-Off! Electroweb None
Description: Pikachu creates an Electroweb to protect himself from any damage. This was first used when Pikachu learned Electroweb during the Thrifty Megamart trial. It was used again in Destination: Coronation!, during Ash's first-ever World Coronation Series battle.
Super Pokémon Fireworks.png Twirling with a Bang! Electroweb, Zing Zap, Discharge, Bubble Beam, Magical Leaf, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Powder Snow The Ultra Guardians' Pokémon
Description: "Super Pokémon Fireworks" (Japanese: 超特大ポケモン花火 Super Special Pokémon Fireworks) is a combination move used by the Ultra Guardians' partner Pokémon and their Ride Pokémon. Pikachu launches Electroweb into the air, followed by Togedemaru and Charjabug adding to it by creating a makeshift Electroweb with Zing Zap and Discharge, respectively. Popplio, Steenee, Turtonator, and Charizard add to the combination with Bubble Beam, Magical Leaf, and a double Flamethrower, respectively. Flygon, Garchomp, and Altaria then use a triple Fire Blast, followed by Snowy's Powder Snow and Poipole's poison. Together, the moves make a giant, spinning, ferris wheel-shaped construction.
Electroweb Iron Tail combo 1.png
Electroweb Iron Tail combo 2.png
Final Rivals! Electroweb and Iron Tail None
Description: A combination between Electroweb and Iron Tail. Pikachu creates an Electroweb which he uses like a springboard to launch himself at the opponent before hitting them with Iron Tail, dealing incredible damage. This was first used to defeat Gladion's Silvally in the Manalo Conference finals. It was used again in Serving Up the Flute Cup!, during the Battle Frontier Flute Cup finals.
Iron Tail Ember combo.png Dreams Are Made of These! Ember and Iron Tail Goh's Raboot
Description: A combination of Ember and Iron Tail. Raboot fires an Ember at Pikachu, who sends it at the opponent with Iron Tail, thus increasing the Ember's speed and surrounding it with white sparks of energy. This was used to defeat Team Rocket's Crobat and Skarmory and send them and Team Rocket blasting off.
Ash Pikachu Electroweb battlefield.png Octo-Gridlock at the Gym! Electroweb None
Description: Pikachu creates an Electroweb that spreads out over the opponent's side of the field. If the opponent tries to charge through the electric threads, they not only slow down but also take damage. This was used during Ash's first World Coronation Series rematch against Bea.
Thunderbolt Thunder combo 1.png
Thunderbolt Thunder combo 2.png
Advice to Goh! Thunderbolt and Thunder Gary's Electivire
Description: A combination between Thunderbolt and Thunder. Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt while Electivire uses Thunder and the two attacks combine to create a gigantic bolt of yellow electricity. This was used in a battle against a wild Moltres.
Ash Pikachu Iron Tail Quick Attack.png A Battle of Mega Versus Max! Iron Tail and Quick Attack None
Description: Pikachu uses Iron Tail on the ground before using Quick Attack to start vibrating, creating ultrasonic vibrations around his body that he can use to repel incoming attacks. This was used during Ash's second World Coronation Series rematch against Bea.
Ash Pikachu Charging Thunderbolt.png Partners in Time! Thunderbolt None
Description: Similar to Dragonite's Dragonite Meteor, Pikachu surrounds himself with the electricity from his own Thunderbolt before charging at the opponent. This was used in the final clash between Pikachu and Charizard in the Masters Eight Tournament finals.
Ash Goh Pokémon combo attack.png This Could be the Start of Something Big! Thunderbolt, Aura Sphere, Pyro Ball, Mud Shot, and Wood Hammer Lucario, Cinderace, Inteleon, and Grookey
Description: A combination between Thunderbolt, Aura Sphere, Pyro Ball, Mud Shot, and Wood Hammer. Cinderace kicks a Pyro Ball, which merges with Lucario's Aura Sphere before Grookey swings its Wood Hammer to send the Aura-clad fireball flying. Inteleon and Pikachu add to the attack with Mud Shot and Thunderbolt, respectively, creating a high-speed flying fireball surrounded by blue energy, mud, and electricity. This was used in a Raid Battle against a wild Lugia.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 大谷育江 Ikue Otani
English Ikue Otani
Rachael Lillis*
German Sabine Bohlmann (S01)
Hindi सोनल कौशल Sonal Kaushal (Hungama dub)
Latin American Spanish Ikue Otani
Claudia Motta (voiceover in EP017)
Turkish Ikue Otani
Zencan Sakal


Artwork

Staff artwork

This is a collection of fan art drawn by prolific staff members on the series.

JN001 illustration.png
Artwork as a Pichu by Atsuko Nishida[4]

In the games

Core series

Main article: Pikachu (Yellow)

In Pokémon Yellow, the player receives a Pikachu based on Ash's Pikachu from Professor Oak after his rival, Oak's grandson, takes the Pokémon that Oak had intended to give to Red. Additionally, this Pikachu follows the player around rather than being kept in a Poké Ball. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, a remake of Yellow, the partner Pikachu plays a similar role.

Red's Pikachu in other games may also be based on Ash's Pikachu. In Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pikachu is the highest-leveled member of Red's team when he is encountered at Mt. Silver, and the highest leveled Pokémon owned by a Trainer in the entire series excluding battle arenas. His moves, notably in HeartGold and SoulSilver, are the four moves most used by Ash's Pikachu at the time of the games' release.

Additionally, the Pikachu in the Super Smash Bros. series may be based on Ash's Pikachu.

Event distributions

Diamond & Pearl Ash's Pikachu

A Japanese event distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and at participating Japanese McDonald's locations which was held from July 15 through August 10, 2010. This Pikachu was distributed at participating American Toys 'R' Us locations from January 30 to February 13, 2011, and Canadian Toys 'R' Us locations from February 9 to February 20, 2011. This Pikachu's moveset was based on that of Ash's Pikachu during Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.

Pokémon Info Trainer Memo Battle Moves Ribbons
Cherish Ball summary IV.png PIKACHU Dex No. 0025 Naughty nature. Electric Volt Tackle Classic Ribbon
Lv. 50 Type   Steel Iron Tail
Spr 4h 025 m.png Electric Unknown Pokémon Event Normal Quick Attack
OT Ash Apparently had a Electric Thunderbolt
ID No. 01301 fateful encounter at This Pokémon was available in the United States and Canada
in 2011.
Item Ability Lv. 50.
Light Ball Light Ball Static  
The date this Pokémon was received is determined by the date on the DS when it was obtained from the Poké Mart.
This Pokémon is English in origin.
Can be obtained with: D P Pt HG SS
Obtained from: PBR Ranch Ra SoA GS Distribution
Pokémon Center Best Wishes Ash's Pikachu

From August 10 to September 6, 2013, Japanese Pokémon Centers distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during Pokémon the Series: Black & White. The distribution was split into four one-week periods; each week, players could receive one of four Best Wishes-themed Pokémon at random. The other three Pokémon distributed alongside Ash's Pikachu were Iris's Axew, Cilan's Pansage, and Professor Oak's Rotom.

Pokémon Info Trainer Memo Battle Moves Ribbons
Cherish Ball summary IV.png ピカチュウ Dex No. 0025 Brave nature. Electric Thunderbolt Wishing Ribbon
Lv. 50 Type   Normal Quick Attack
Spr 5b 025 m.png Electric Unknown Pokémon Cartoon Steel Iron Tail
OT サトシ Apparently had a Electric Electro Ball
ID No. 08103 fateful encounter at This Pokémon was available in Japan
from August 10 to September 6, 2013.
Item Ability Lv. 50.
None None Static  
The date this Pokémon was received is determined by the date on the DS when the Wonder Card is received.
This Pokémon is English in origin.
Can be obtained with: B W B2 W2
7-Eleven Ash's Pikachu

From July 18 to 31, 2015, Japanese 7-Elevens distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during Pokémon the Series: XY. It, along with Serena's Pancham, were distributed as prizes in 7-Eleven's "Pokémon DS Rally". Once participants bring their Japanese-region Nintendo 3DS to one of the stores' 7Spots, and got their 3DS "stamped" through the Nintendo Zone feature, they can redeem the stamp for a serial code that would give the player one of the two animated series Pokémon.

#0025 Pikachu Blue pentagon VI.png
Cherish Ball summary IV.png Level 50 025Pikachu.png
Type:
ElectricIC XY.png NormalIC XY.png
Ability: Static
Held item: Light Ball Light Ball
ID: 00711
OT: サトシ
Met: a lovely place (fateful encounter)
Nature: Naughty
Ribbon: Wishing Ribbon Wishing Ribbon
Thunderbolt
Electric Special
Quick Attack
Normal Physical
Iron Tail
Steel Physical
Electro Ball
Electric Special
Games Method Region Location Duration
XYORAS serial code Japanese online July 18 to September 30, 2015
Moves in bold can be taught again at the Move Reminder as a special move if forgotten.
Date received is the receiving system's date when the Wonder Card is received.
This Pokémon is set to the same language as the game that received it.
Pokémon Center Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu were distributed via the Nintendo Network at Pokémon Centers and Pokémon Stores across Japan from August 24 to 30, 2015.

#0025 Pikachu Blue pentagon VI.png
Cherish Ball summary IV.png Level 50 025Pikachu.png
Type:
ElectricIC XY.png NormalIC XY.png
Ability: Static
Held item: Light Ball Light Ball
ID: 08245
OT: サトシ
Met: a lovely place (fateful encounter)
Nature: Naughty
Ribbon: Wishing Ribbon Wishing Ribbon
Thunderbolt
Electric Special
Quick Attack
Normal Physical
Iron Tail
Steel Physical
Electro Ball
Electric Special
Games Method Region Location Duration
XYORAS Nintendo Network Japanese online August 24 to 30, 2015
Moves in bold can be taught again at the Move Reminder as a special move if forgotten.
Date received is the receiving system's date when the Wonder Card is received.
This Pokémon is set to the same language as the game that received it.
25th Anniversary Film Fest Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu was distributed as part of the 25th anniversary screenings, Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, Jirachi: Wish Maker, and The Rise of Darkrai between August 11 and September 8, 2022. This Pikachu is unique in that it is distributed with an Alola Champion's ribbon symbolising Ash's achievement of becoming the Alolan Champion.

Wonder Card 145 | サトシ's Pikachu Gift
#0025  Pikachu (ピカチュウ)
World Cap
Male icon HOME.png Galar symbol.png
Dynamax Level: 0
Poké Ball HOME.png Level 80 0025Pikachu-World Cap.png
Type:
ElectricIC.png NormalIC.png
Ability: Static
Held item: Light Ball Light Ball
ID: 970401
OT: サトシ
Met: a 2022 Pokémon Movie (fateful encounter)
Nature: Hardy
Ribbon: Alola Champion Ribbon Alola Champion Ribbon
Thunderbolt
Electric icon PE.pngElectric SpecialIC SwSh.png
Quick Attack
Normal icon PE.pngNormal PhysicalIC SwSh.png
Iron Tail
Steel icon PE.pngSteel PhysicalIC SwSh.png
Electroweb
Electric icon PE.pngElectric SpecialIC SwSh.png
Games Method Location Duration
SwSh Serial Code hide August 11 to September 30, 2022
This Pokémon can be redeemed multiple times per save file by using differing valid serial codes.
Date received is the date on the system when the gift is redeemed.
This Pokémon is Japanese in origin, regardless of the language of the game.
Pikachu in a cap
Event artwork
Main article: Pikachu in a cap

These cap-wearing Pikachu are event-exclusive Pokémon that debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon and were distributed in celebration of the 20th Pokémon movie, I Choose You!, and by extension, the 20th anniversary of Pokémon the Series. Like Ash's Pikachu, these Pikachu are always male and cannot evolve. They also have access to the exclusive Z-Crystal, Pikashunium Z, and its Z-Move, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.

A seventh Cap Pikachu, wearing the hat Ash wears in the twentieth movie, debuted in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. In Japan, it was distributed via QR Code on a special Pokémon Ga-Olé disc. In the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, it was distributed via a QR Code that was given to those who attended screenings of the 20th movie.

Pikachu in a cap is not present in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, despite being based on a Generation I Pokémon, but has Pokédex entries in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and can be imported to the games via Pokémon HOME. An eighth Cap Pikachu, World Cap Pikachu, has since been added in Version 1.2.0 of Sword and Shield. This Pikachu wears Ash's hat from Pokémon Journeys: The Series, and was officially revealed September 29, 2020, along with a new set of distributions for the Generation VIII games.

Original Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Original Cap.png
 Electric 
Hoenn Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Hoenn Cap.png
 Electric 
Sinnoh Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Sinnoh Cap.png
 Electric 
Unova Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Unova Cap.png
 Electric 
Kalos Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Kalos Cap.png
 Electric 
Alola Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Alola Cap.png
 Electric 
Partner Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-Partner Cap.png
 Electric 
World Cap
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-World Cap.png
 Electric 

Spin-off games

Advanced Pico Beena games

Pikachu appears in Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pokémon Number Battle!, Intellectual Training Drill Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Letter and Number Intelligence Game, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Search for Pokémon! Adventure in the Maze!, and Pokémon Best Wishes: Intelligence Training Pokémon Big Sports Meet!.

Arcade games

Pikachu appears in Pokémon: Crayon Kids, Pokémon: Battle Nine, Pokémon Medal World, Pokémon Tug of War Tournament: Absolutely Get Medal!, and Pokémon: Wobbuffet Fell Down!.

Battle Nine stats
Pikachu
ピカチュウ Pikachu
Lv.6+
Pikachu Battle Nine.png
Height: 0.4m
Electric Unknown
Evolution None
Starting moves
Move Type Power Range
(spaces)
No. of medals
required
Quick Attack Normal 40 1 3
Thunder Shock Electric 40 1 3
Thunderbolt Electric 90 1 6
Moves acquired later
Move Type Power Range
(spaces)
No. of medals
required
Slam Normal 80 1 4
Thunder Electric 110 1 7
Feint Normal 30 1 3
Iron Tail Steel 100 1 6
Discharge Electric 80 Battle Nine Cross Range icon.png 9
Nuzzle Electric 20 1 2


Pokémon Ga-Olé

Pikachu appears in Pokémon Ga-Olé as one of Ash's Pokémon. It appears as an opponent during the Grand Rush set 4.

As an opponent
Tretta Electric type.png
Pikachu
025Pikachu.png
Tretta Electric type.png Thunderbolt
Tretta Grass type.pngGa-Olé Double Rush.png Leech Seed


Disks
Disk No. Name Type Grade
P Pikachu (Promotional disks) Electric
P Pikachu (Promotional disks) Electric
P Pikachu (Promotional disks) Electric
P Pikachu (Promotional disks) Electric
 



Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Original Cap Pikachu, initially referred to as "Pikachu in Ash's hat", was obtainable in the wild during the game's first-anniversary celebration from July 6–21, 2017. Any Pichu whose Eggs were obtained during this time would also be wearing this hat upon hatching. The Ash hat Pikachu was later again obtainable using the GO Snapshot feature from April 1–2, 2019, during which the player could spawn up to five of these Event Pokémon per day with the possibility it being Shiny. Original Cap Pikachu will be featured as the weekly Pokémon Spotlight Hour focus on October 12, 2020.

Unlike in the core series, this special form is obtainable in both genders and can be evolved, with the cap being retained upon evolution.

Pichu
GO172O.png
 Electric 
Pikachu
GO025O.png
 Electric 
Raichu
GO026O.png
 Electric 

On October 6, 2020, World Cap Pikachu was featured as the weekly Pokémon Spotlight Hour focus. Like the Original Cap Pikachu in this game, these Pikachu could be Shiny, male or female, and could evolve into Raichu. However, because these Pikachu were only found in wild encounters, Pichu wearing Ash's hat from Pokémon Journeys: The Series were not included.

Pikachu
GO025W.png
 Electric 
Raichu
GO026W.png
 Electric 

In an event based on Pokémon Journeys: The Series that ran in 2020 from November 6 to November 12, several Pokémon based on Ash's catches appeared in the wild, including World Cap Pikachu.[5]

Pokémon Masters Arena

Pikachu appears alongside Ash in Pokémon Masters Arena.

Pokémon Masters EX

Main article: Ash (Masters) → Pikachu

Pikachu, along with the rest of Ash's Pokémon Journeys: The Series team, first appeared during the special event The Classic Thunderbolt in Pokémon Masters EX. He forms a sync pair with Ash. In the game, Pikachu uses the moves Thunder and Thunderbolt, and will temporarily become World Cap Pikachu when using the sync move Best Buds 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, which is based on the Z-Move of the same name.

Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role EX role Base potential Availability
#152 VSAsh Masters.png Ash #0250 MastersIcon025.png Pikachu Master Sync Pair Mark Masters.png Buddy Move Icon Masters.png
World Cap
Electric
ElectricIC Masters.png
Ground
GroundIC Masters.png
Masters Special Strike.png ★★★★★☆EX Master Fair Sync Pair Scout

Pokémon Mezastar

Pikachu appears in Pokémon Mezastar as one of Ash's Pokémon. It appears as an opponent during the first Super Tag set and in the first Double Chain set. Pikachu also appeared as an opponent in an event that recreated the Masters Eight Tournament that ran from October 27 to November 21, 2022.

As an opponent
Mezastar Electric type.png
Pikachu
025Pikachu.png
Mezastar Electric type.png Thunderbolt
Mezastar Electric type.png
Pikachu
0025Pikachu-World Cap.png
Mezastar Electric type.png Thunderbolt


Disks
Tag No. Name Type Grade
P Pikachu Electric
P Pikachu Electric
P Pikachu Electric
P Pikachu Electric
 



Pokémon Puzzle League

Pikachu was one of Ash's three Pokémon in Pokémon Puzzle League.

Pokémon Tretta

Prior to the proper introduction of Pikachu in a cap, Ash's Pikachu was featured in several Pokémon Tretta pucks, based on its appearance in Pokémon the Series: XY. When the player used these pucks, Pikachu would appear in-game wearing Ash's Kalos hat. This Pikachu variant was featured in the following:

Tretta No. Name Type Class
05-01 Pikachu (Invasion! Mega Rayquaza) Electric Tretta Master class.png
P Pikachu (Roaring All-Stars CD Bonus) Electric
Z1-07 Pikachu (Birth! Z Tretta!!) Electric Tretta Master class.png
 


The same Pikachu also appeared as a summonable Pokémon in two pucks based on Ash's Greninja; Ash-Greninja (Z2-06) and Ash-Greninja (Ultimate Z Challenge).

Pokémon Zany Cards

Pikachu appears in Pokémon Zany Cards, as a card in Special Seven mode. The card can be played at any time but cannot be played as the final card from the player's hand.

Sega Pico games

Pikachu appears in Pokémon: Catch the Numbers!, Pokémon Advanced Generation: I've Begun Hiragana and Katakana!, and Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pico for Everyone Pokémon Loud Battle!.

Detective Pikachu

A Pikachu that's implied to be Ash's appears at the start of chapter 3. Tim finds the Pikachu standing out in the streets, mistaking him for Detective Pikachu. Detective Pikachu then shows up, who reveals he arrived late because he got distracted by some "Pokémon-adoring cuties". He then apologizes to the Pikachu for causing any trouble. The Pikachu then tells him of a friend who has a dream. Detective Pikachu says that the two will make it come true, and asks the Pikachu to tell his friend to be the very best like no one ever was before he scampers off.

In the manga

Pikachu in Ash & Pikachu

Ash & Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in Ash & Pikachu, which is based on the Johto and Hoenn seasons of Pokémon the Series Like in the animated series, Pikachu and Ash share a strong friendship.

Moves used

Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt SP.png
Using Thunderbolt
Ash Pikachu Tackle AP.png
Using Tackle
Move First Used In
Thunderbolt  Hoppip, the Wind Calls!
Swift The Beginning Of Good Luck?! Pokémon Fortune Telling
Thunder The Grand Rhydon Plan
Quick Attack  One Half Of A Poké Ball
Tackle × One Half Of A Poké Ball
Iron Tail  Trust In Each Other!!
Volt Tackle  A 'Thank You' That Transcends Time
An × shows that the move cannot be legitimately known by this Pokémon in the games.
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.
Pikachu in Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters

Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters

Pikachu appears in Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters.

Pikachu in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Pikachu (EToP)

Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu, which is loosely based on Pokémon the Series. Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon. However, Ash did not receive Pikachu from Professor Oak - instead, he finds Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, chewing on wires to eat the electricity.

Pikachu in Magical Pokémon Journey

Magical Pokémon Journey

Ash's Pikachu, along with Ash, Misty and Brock, makes a cameo appearance in the bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the Magical Pokémon Journey manga series. In the bonus chapters, Ash and friends have mistakenly wandered into the Magical Pokémon Journey world and are trying to return to the world of the animated series, encountering many unusual situations along the way, including encounters of aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which are different in animated series canon.

Ash's Pikachu shows a video to Pikachu of him bouncing a Poké Ball on his head in One Hundred Fifty-One.

Pikachu in Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in the Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl manga, which is based on Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.

Moves used

Ash Pikachu Volt Tackle PDP.png
Using Volt Tackle
Move First Used In
Quick Attack PDP03
Thunderbolt PDP04
Volt Tackle PDP07
Iron Tail PDP12
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.


Pikachu in the The Rise of Darkrai manga adaptation

Movie adaptations

As Ash and Pikachu have appeared in every Pokémon movie to date, Pikachu is also a main character in every movie manga adaptation.

Moves used

Manga versions
Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt M11 manga.png
Using Thunderbolt in
Giratina and the Sky Warrior
Move First Used In
Thunderbolt Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei
Thunderbolt Jirachi: Wish Maker
Thunderbolt Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
Volt Tackle Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
Thunderbolt The Rise of Darkrai
Volt Tackle The Rise of Darkrai
Thunderbolt Giratina and the Sky Warrior
Thunderbolt Arceus and the Jewel of Life
Quick Attack Arceus and the Jewel of Life
Thunderbolt White—Victini and Zekrom
Iron Tail White—Victini and Zekrom
Electro Ball White—Victini and Zekrom
Thunderbolt Genesect and the Legend Awakened
Thunderbolt Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
Thunderbolt Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.
Ani-Manga versions
Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt M11 animanga.png
Using Thunderbolt
Move First Used In
Thunderbolt Giratina and the Sky Warrior
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.
Pikachu in Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Pikachu as Gigantamax Pikachu in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, playing the same role as he does in the animated series.

Moves used

Ash Pikachu Iron Tail JNM.png
Using Iron Tail
Move First Used In
Electroweb Legend? Check! Friends? Check!
Thunderbolt Legend? Check! Friends? Check!
Iron Tail Being Stalked by a Scorbunny–and Challenging a Snorlax in Dynamax Form?!
Quick Attack Battle Frontier Challenge: The Flute Cup!
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.
Max Moves and G-Max Moves used
Ash Pikachu Max Strike JNM.png
Using Max Strike
Move First Used In
G-Max Volt Crash The Climb to Be the Very Best!*
Max Strike The Climb to Be the Very Best!*
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.
Z-Moves used
Ash Pikachu 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt JNM.png
Using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt
Move First Used In
10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start! & Trial on a Golden Scale! (Part 2)*
A shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

In the TCG

Pikachu Pokémon M, the first card directly focusing on Pikachu.

Ash's Pikachu, as the main Pokémon character of the longest running Pokémon animation, has received multiple dedicated cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Usually, they are released alongside Pokémon movies. Before any of those, however, was the jumbo promo card Mewtwo Strikes Back, which focuses on Mewtwo but includes Pikachu in the background. It was released to coincide with the movie the card is named after, Mewtwo Strikes Back. The first card centering on Pikachu was another such jumbo promo card, Pichu and Pikachu. It showed Pikachu teamed up with the Pichu Brothers, and was a tie in to Pikachu and Pichu, one of the Pikachu shorts.

The Diamond & Pearl Series introduced the first cards at normal size featuring Pikachu, as well as the first cards where Pikachu is the sole focus. A Pikachu released in the 11th Movie Commemoration Set is based on Pikachu's role in Giratina and the Sky Warrior. Two other cards based on Pikachu released during this series are Pikachu Pokémon M and its Level Up Pikachu Pokémon M LV.X. These are Pokémon M, a group of Pokémon SP based on the Pokémon seen in Pokémon movies which were released in the Movie Commemoration Random Pack to promote Arceus and the Jewel of Life. While Pikachu Pokémon M is present in the set, Pikachu Pokémon M LV.X was only available as a DPt-P Promotional card.

In the XY Series, a Hoopa promotional card released for Hoopa and the Clash of Ages also had Pikachu in the background.

The Sun & Moon Series included the release of the Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit, which has a complete half deck themed around Ash Ketchum. Pikachu naturally has a card in it: Ash's PikachuGX. This card is referred to by name by the included Supporter card Ash's Friendship. allowing the player to draw four cards with instead of two if they have Ash's PikachuGX in play. Pikachu is in the artwork of two other cards in the kit: Togedemaru and Tauros. There was also a set of SM Black Star Promos representing the various Ash's Pikachu forms, each named "Ash's Pikachu". These cards, as with the entire promotion surrounding the forms, were a tie in to the movie I Choose You!. Each one wears one of Ash's hats from across Pokémon the Series. As cards with "Ash's" as a prefix, both these and Ash's PikachuGX are mechanically Owner's Pokémon, specifically Ash's Pokémon. Lastly, Pikachu, was printed as SM Black Star Promo, with its basis being the movie Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.

The following is a list of cards featuring Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Pichu and Pikachu (CoroCoro promo) Lightning       Unnumbered Promotional cards    
Pikachu Lightning       11th Movie Commemoration Set   003/009
Pikachu Pokémon M Lightning       Movie Commemoration Random Pack   012/022
Pikachu Pokémon M LV.X Lightning       DPt-P Promotional cards   043/DPt-P
Ash's Pikachu GX Lightning       Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit   005/026
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM109 SM-P Promotional cards   071/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM110 SM-P Promotional cards   072/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM111 SM-P Promotional cards   073/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM112 SM-P Promotional cards   074/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM113 SM-P Promotional cards   075/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM114 SM-P Promotional cards   076/SM-P
Ash's Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM108 SM-P Promotional cards   086/SM-P
Pikachu Lightning SM Black Star Promos   SM227 SM-P Promotional cards   367/SM-P
      SM-P Promotional cards   369/SM-P
 


Merchandise

Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009

The last item of DPt era merchandise could only be bought at cinemas screening Arceus and the Jewel of Life, released on July 18, 2009. The Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009 (Japanese: 映画公開記念 スペシャルパック2009) was made available at the same time as the movie premiere and came with two Holofoil DPt-P Promotional cards, one Advent of Arceus booster pack, and two Movie Commemoration Random Packs.

Promotional cards:

Product images:

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Movie Commemoration Special Pack 2009
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Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit

Main article: Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit (TCG)

The Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit (Japanese: 30枚デッキ対戦セット「サトシVSロケット団」) is a Japanese-exclusive Deck Kit released alongside the Facing a New Trial subset, on April 21, 2017. The deck features Pokémon from Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, including Ash's Pikachu and Jessie's Mimikyu as Pokémon-GX. The Deck Kit also includes a player's guide, damage and Status Condition markers, 2 GX markers, a coin, a playmat, and a How to Play instruction manual.

Product image:

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Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit
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Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack

The Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack (Japanese: スペシャルジャンボカードパック「ホウオウGX」) was made available on July 1, 2017, in the buildup to the Japanese release of I Choose You! in cinemas. It comes packaged with a Jumbo print of Ho-Oh-GX, an Ash's Pikachu promotional card, and 3 packs each from the To Have Seen the Battle Rainbow and Darkness that Consumes Light expansions.

Promotional cards:

Product image:

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Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack
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I Choose You! accessories

To promote the release of I Choose You! in cinemas, new card files and sleeves were made available to purchase from July 15, 2017.

Sleeves: Running concurrent with the Pikachu in a cap distributions, each of these sleeves feature Ash's Pikachu wearing one of Ash's hats from different periods in his adventures. All have muted colors and are presented like postcards complete with mock franking marks. Each pack contains 64 sleeves, and all variants were exclusive to Pokémon Centers.

Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ オリジナル Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Original)
Hoenn Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ ホウエン Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Hoenn)
Sinnoh Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ シンオウ Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Sinnoh)
Unova Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ イッシュ Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Isshu)
Kalos Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ カロス Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Kalos)
Alola Cap Pikachu Sleeves (Japanese: デッキシールド ぼうしをかぶったピカチュウ アローラ Card Shield: Hat-wearing Pikachu: Alola)

Sleeve images:

Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves.jpg
Original Cap Pikachu Sleeves
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Hoenn Cap Pikachu Sleeves
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Sinnoh Cap Pikachu Sleeves
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Unova Cap Pikachu Sleeves
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Alola Cap Pikachu Sleeves
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Ash's Pikachu M20 promo

On November 4 and 5, 2017, several players who attended Pokémon, o filme: Eu escolho você! on movie theaters received a special Pikachu promotional card with the twentieth movie logo.

Promotional cards:

Product images:

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Pikachu promotional card
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Trivia

Pikachu surfing
Pikachu disguised as a female

References

  1. First confirmed in the Japanese version of Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!.
  2. Game events based on Ash's Pikachu can be either Naughty, Brave, or Hardy depending on which event Pikachu is received from.
  3. https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1522523066256936961
  4. Tweet by @anipoke_PR 10:01 PM · Nov 6, 2019
  5. https://pokemongolive.com/post/animationweek2020/?hl=en%7CSource

See also


Pokémon the Series characters
Protagonists Ash Ketchum (Pikachu) • Misty (Togetic) • BrockTracey SketchitMayMaxDawn (Piplup) • Iris (Haxorus) • CilanSerenaClemontBonnie (Dedenne) • LanaKiaweLillieSophoclesMallowRotom PokédexGoh (Grookey)
Rivals GaryRitchieHarrisonDrewHarleyMorrisonTysonSolidadPaulNandoZoeyKennyConwayBarryUrsulaTripBiancaBurgundyStephanGeorgiaCameronAriaAlainMietteTiernoShaunaTrevorNiniSawyerGladionHoracioHauLeonRaihanHoraceBeaLeague Conference participantsCoordinatorsPerformersWorld Coronation Series participants
Antagonists Jessie (Wobbuffet) • JamesMeowthGiovanniButchCassidyDr. NambaMatoriPierceDr. ZagerGozuTabithaMaxieShellyArchieHunter JSaturnCyrusMarsJupiterCharonColressAldithGhetsisBarretMalamarLysandreMableCelosiaAlianaXerosicBryonyTuppZippRappPlumeriaGuzmaVirenRoseOleana
Professors Professor OakProfessor IvyProfessor ElmProfessor BirchProfessor RowanProfessor CarolinaProfessor JuniperDr. FennelCedric JuniperProfessor SycamoreProfessor KukuiProfessor BurnetProfessor CeriseProfessor MagnoliaSoniaProfessor Amaranth
Relatives Delia KetchumDaisyVioletLilyJames's parentsFlintLolaForrestBrock's siblingsNormanCarolineJohannaChiliCressGraceMeyerLana's fatherLana's motherHarper and SarahRangoSimaMimoKiawe's grandfatherMohnLusamineGladionSophocles's parentsMolayneAbeMallow's motherUluWalkerCamilleHalta
Supporting Officer JennyNurse JoyMagikarp salesmanTodd SnapCharles GoodshowCaseyLizaSakuraLanceClairRaoul ContestaMr. SukizoSteven StoneVivian MeridianRobertScottLilian MeridianSolanaBrandonMarianYuzoRhondaCynthiaReggieAngieLookerIzzy and CaraLyraKhouryTobiasDon GeorgeElderAlderLukeFreddy O'MartianIngoEmmetJervisVirgilNAnthea and ConcordiaPorterAlexaSophieCosetteClembotSanpeiMairinAstridDianthaKorrinaGurkinnMonsieur PierrePalermoKeananMalvaSamson OakAnelaHobbesNinaAnnaLakiDanaYansuWickeFabaIlimaAcerolaDiaChloeChrysaRenParkerTaliaLeiDanikaQuillonHopGym LeadersElite FourFrontier BrainsIsland kahunasMany temporary characters
Supporting Pokémon FearowHo-OhSquirtle SquadPink ButterfreeHaunterJigglypuffMewtwoMimeyLapras herdGranbullPichu BrothersLugiaSilverDelibirdWynautLarvitarKyogre and GroudonArticunoDeoxysLake guardiansForces of natureMeloettaReshiramSuper-ancient PokémonWooperFlorgesSquishyZ2Guardian deitiesBewearToucannon's flockStoutlandOranguruNebbyStuffulUltra BeastsGrandpa ForestNecrozmaLunalaShayminMewRotom PhonesPelipperThievul trioEternatusDrone RotomLegendary heroesLatiasRecurring wild Pokémon
See also: Pokémon Horizons characters


Ash & Pikachu characters
Main characters
Ash KetchumPikachuMistyTogepiBrockMayMaxJessieJamesMeowth
Rivals
Gary OakDrewMorrison
Gym Leaders and Frontier Brains
WhitneyClairRoxanneNormanNolandGretaLucy
Other
AnnaAzusaProfessor BirchCalistaCarolineProfessor CozmoDrakeEriko
Eriko's grandmotherMrs. GrimmHirotoJack PollocksonKaburagiKiyoLilyProfessor Oak
OliverRobertShellySolanaSusieTabithaTeam Rocket ScientistTimmy
Whitney's grandmotherWinstrate family


Characters: AshMistyBrockPikachuJessieJamesMeowth
GiovanniMechaMew2DeliaProfessor Oak
Songs: You & Me & PokémonIt Will All Be MineMy Best FriendsEverything Changes
Misty's SongThe Best at Being the WorstPikachu (I Choose You)What Kind of Pokémon Are You?
The Time Has ComeDouble TroubleTwo Perfect GirlsI've Got a SecretYou Just Can't WinFinale


Project Anime logo.png This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.