Pichu (Japanese: ピチュー Pichu) is an Electric-type Pokémon. First seen in the Generation II games, it can be obtained by breeding a female Pikachu or Raichu with a compatible male Pokémon, or a male Pikachu or Raichu with a Ditto.
Pichu comes with the AbilityStatic, which paralyzes the foe 30% of the time it uses a direct attack on Pichu.
Pichu evolves into Pikachu by gaining a level after its Happiness is 220 or above, then into Raichu when exposed to a Thunderstone.
Pichu is a small ground-dwelling rodent. Its fur is very short, and it has bright yellow coloration. The tips of its large ears are black, and it has additional black markings on its neck and tail. Its tail is short, but still bares some resemblance to the large lightning-bolt structure it will develop later on in life. It has pouches in its cheeks, which are pinkish colored and used for storing electricity.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Pichu, like its evolutions, is capable of producing electrical sparks from its cheeks. However, since Pichu is only a baby, it cannot control them as well, and may release electricity unintentionally. Fortunately, it is not able to store large amounts of electricity in its body.
Behavior
Pichu are social Pokémon known for their playfulness. They tend to be very mischievous and are always on the lookout for something fun to do. They are usually found in groups, typically with members of their own species, but occasionally with other types of Pokémon.Like its evolutions, it is capable of storing electricity from the atmosphere, however, this ability requires much practice to perfect. Pichu are prone to randomly discharging electricity. Pichu are frequently observed touching tails will each other--creating a shower of sparks. While most pichu become distressed when they accidentally discharge sparks at another pichu, this tail touching ritual seems to be some form of test for the young Pokémon.
Pichu also appeared in The Apple Corp. Many were stealing apples from a girl's apple orchid.
A Pichu had a role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate! Pichu's big brother, Pikachu, was lost and he was so worried, the Baby Electric Mouse went out to find him. Pichu came across Team Meanies, but they played a horrible trick on Pichu when asked to join them. Pichu found Team Go-Getters, who gladly let him come along with them. Pichu was eventually kidnapped by the Skarmory that had kidnapped Pikachu.
In the manga
Gold owns a Pichu, the parents of which are Red's Pika and Yellow's Chuchu.
Pichu is a playable character. It can be unlocked by beating event 37 (Legendary Pokémon) or playing 200 matches in VS. mode. As it is very light and electric attacks do damage to itself as well as others, Pichu is considered to be a handicap character. It is technically the weakest character in the game.
As the game itself acknowledges that Pichu is not a character to be taken seriously, there is no controversy over Pichu being placed in the bottom tier. However, it is through its faults that Pichu has gained its own following as the ability to win with Pichu in a serious competitive setting is an achievement in itself.
Trophy information
Classic Mode
A Tiny Mouse Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.
Adventure Mode
Compared with Pikachu, Pichu is a tad more nimble and a little more difficult to hit. Those are the only two advantages, however, and since Pichu damages itself when it uses electrical attacks, it's best suited for handicapped matches. Even though Pichu's tough to catch, it's easy to throw its tiny frame great distances.
All-Star Mode
Pichu is the lightest character in Super Smash Bros. Melee., and it's top of the class in weakness, too! For Pichu, it's all about scampering here and there to pick up items that will help it survive. The first warp in Agility causes 1 point of damage to Pichu, and the second causes 3, so try to limit the number of times you use the move.
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokémon Stadium 2: Pichu stars in the mini-game "Pichu's Powerplant." Similar to Pikachu's and Voltorb's mini-game in Pokémon Stadium, you have to be the first to charge up the most electrical power in order to win.
Pichu charges itself with electricity more easily on days with thunderclouds or when the air is very dry. You can hear the crackling of static electricity coming off this Pokémon.
When Pichu plays with others, it may short out electricity with another Pichu, creating a shower of sparks. In that event, this Pokémon will begin crying, startled by the flash of sparks.
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pichu will learn Volt Tackle at level 50 if it has at least 333 IQ points, gained by feeding it 48 Yellow Gummis. If this requirement is not met until after level 50, Volt Tackle will still be available at the Move Relearner.
Pichu is the only Generation II Pokémon to be used in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Like in the anime, it hurts itself when using electrical attacks.
Origin
It draws inspiration from mice, squirrels, and various other rodents.
Name origin
Pichu's name is a shortening of the name Pikachu to indicate that it is less than Pikachu. Its name, like Pikachu's, is a combination of ぴかぴか pikapika, which is Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkle, and ちゅうちゅう chūchū, which is the sound of squeaking.
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
For other sprites and images, please see Pichu images on Bulbagarden Archives.
