Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
It evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.
In Alola, it evolves into Alolan Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.
Additionally, Pikachu has four forms: Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Gigantamax Pikachu.
Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor cannot evolve. The initial Pikachu from Pokémon Yellow will refuse to evolve into Raichu unless it is traded and evolved on another save file.
Pikachu is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise and one of Nintendo's major mascots.
It is also the game mascot and first partner Pokémon of Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, and has made numerous appearances on the boxes of spin-off titles.
Pikachu is also the initial Pokémon of Pokémon Rumble Blast and Pokémon Rumble World.
Concept and development
Pikachu was designed by Atsuko Nishida, a core designer at Game Freak.[1][2] Pikachu had a short, stout design during the initial release of Pokémon Red and Green, but its design was altered for Pokémon the Series and subsequent entries of the games, becoming slightly taller and skinnier. According to Ken Sugimori, Pikachu's design was altered to make animating its actions easier.[2] Pikachu is depicted with a white belly similar to its evolved form Raichu in the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards as seen here.
Pikachu also originally had a second-stage evolution named "Gorochu" (Japanese: ゴロチュウ Gorochū), which would have had two horns and fangs.[3][4] Sugimori stated that while there was nothing wrong with its appearance, it was nonetheless omitted from Pokémon Red and Green Versions, as the staff found that the game balance was better without it, and the limited game space meant that some Pokémon originally designed to evolve twice were changed to evolve only once.[2]
Gigantamax Pikachu was designed by James Turner.[5]
Biology
Pikachu is a short, chubby rodent Pokémon. It is covered in yellow fur with two horizontal brown stripes on its back. It has a small mouth, long, pointed ears with black tips, and brown eyes. Each cheek is a red circle that contains a pouch for electricity storage. It has short forearms with five fingers on each paw, and its feet each have three toes. At the base of its lightning bolt-shaped tail is a patch of brown fur. A female will have a V-shaped notch at the end of its tail, which looks like the top of a heart. It is classified as a quadruped, but it has been known to stand and walk on its hind legs; therefore, Pikachu is a facultative biped.
In the Pokémon the Series episode Pikachu's Goodbye, wild Pikachu are shown to live in groups in forested areas. Pikachu communicate amongst themselves using squeaks and tail-shaking as friendly gestures. In A Plethora of Pikachu!, it is shown that Alolan Pikachu are known to greet each other by sniffing one another and rubbing their tails together. Electricity can be used to receive and send messages with each other, as well as with other Electric-type Pokémon. It raises its tail to check its surroundings and is occasionally struck by lightning in this position. When groups grow, they can inadvertently cause lightning storms. Pikachu forage for Berries, which it roasts with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. A sure sign that Pikachu inhabits a location is patches of burnt grass. In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, it is depicted eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment. By occasion, it can get unintentionally swallowed by Cramorant. While startled, it looks for ways to escape from the latter.
Pikachu charges itself while sleeping overnight, though stress and a lack of sleep can affect this. It can release electric discharges of varying intensity. In the Pokémon the Series episode Sparks Fly for Magnemite, Pikachu is shown to build up energy in its glands, which it will need to discharge to avoid complications. It is also able to release energy through its tail, which acts as a grounding rod, as well as recharge fellow Pikachu with electric shocks. Pikachu and its evolutionary relatives are related to Pachirisu. As shown in Pokémon Sleep, Pikachu is known to generate electricity through its cheeks while sleeping. Pikachu discharges while sleeping due to it dreaming of firing electric shots.[6] According to A Sneak Peek at Pokémon, Pikachu can deliver a constant current of 1000 amperes.
Pikachu and its evolutionary relatives are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Volt Tackle. Pikachu is also the only known Pokémon capable of using the Z-Move Catastropika, and the only known Pokémon capable of using the Light Ball item.
Forms
Pikachu has sixteen additional forms that fall into four groups: Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Gigantamax Pikachu. Additionally, many other Pikachu variants have appeared in various media.
Cosplay Pikachu
Cosplay Pikachu is always female, has a black heart-shaped spot at the end of its tail, and can be dressed in any of five outfits corresponding to the five Contest conditions.
Pikachu in a cap
Pikachu in a cap is always male and has eight variants, each wearing one of Ash's hats from Pokémon the Series. Pikachu in a cap is the only known Pokémon capable of using the Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. Pikachu in a Cap cannot use Catastropika or Gigantamax.
Partner Pikachu
The partner Pikachu is the Pokémon the player starts with in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!. This Pikachu can be either gender. It has higher base stats than normal Pikachu. Unlike other Pikachu, the partner Pikachu can learn the exclusive moves Zippy Zap, Floaty Fall, and Splishy Splash, as well as having access to the partner power Pika Papow.
The partner Pikachu is not differentiated from standard Pikachu in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s Pokédex, and it cannot be transferred out of the games.
Gigantamax Pikachu
As Gigantamax Pikachu, it becomes larger and chubbier. Its tail becomes longer and becomes capable of storing all of the electricity it generates, causing it to glow a bright yellow and enabling it to become as powerful as a lightning strike. Three red clouds float around the tail. Its power is equal to that of a power plant; however, it is difficult to use it in peoples' homes since Pikachu can only remain in its Gigantamax form for a short time.[7] Gigantamax Pikachu is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max Move G-Max Volt Crash.
Evolution
Pikachu evolves from Pichu and evolves into Raichu.
In Alola, it evolves into Alolan Raichu.
Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, Partner Pikachu, and Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor cannot evolve.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
In the games
Pikachu appears in every core series and side series game, Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, Pokémon Channel, Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, Pokémon Trozei!, every game in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, every game in the Pokémon Ranger series, every game in the Pokémon Rumble series, Pokémon Conquest, Pokémon Battle Trozei, Pokémon Picross, Pokémon Quest, New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Shuffle, Pokémon Masters EX, and Pokémon GO.
As the player
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Stadium: Pikachu stars in the mini-game "Thundering Dynamo" alongside Voltorb. This mini-game involves charging up electric power.
- Hey You, Pikachu!: Pikachu stars alongside an unnamed child (who bears a striking resemblance to Red) who was recently taught how to interact with wild Pokémon by Professor Oak. The boy and Pikachu form a bond and go on many adventures together, and one day the Pikachu decides to live with the boy.
- Pokémon Stadium 2: Pikachu can be used in "Pichu's Power Plant" if one is detected in a Transferred Pokémon game.
- Pokémon Pinball: Pikachu serves as a Ball-Saver, but it will only work if the Lightning Meter is full.
- Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire: Pikachu has the same role as in Pokémon Pinball but is sometimes helped by Pichu. Pikachu also appears on the Catch 'Em Mode banner.
- Pokémon Channel: Much like Hey You, Pikachu!, Pokémon Channel focuses on a boy and a Pikachu bonding through social interactions, such as going outside and talking to other Pokémon, and watching TV together.
Pokédex entries
| Generation I
|
|
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Kanto
#025
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| Red(JPN)
|
(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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| Green
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| Red(ENG)
|
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
|
It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you.
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| Stadium
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Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked.
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|
|
| Generation II
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|
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Johto
#022
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| Gold
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This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
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| Silver
|
It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.
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| Crystal
|
When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks.
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| Stadium 2
|
This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
|
|
|
| Generation III
|
|
Hoenn
#156
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|
Kanto
#025
|
| Ruby
|
Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge.
|
| Sapphire
|
This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.
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| Emerald
|
It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt.
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| FireRed
|
It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs.
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| LeafGreen
|
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
|
|
|
| Generation IV
|
|
Sinnoh
#104
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Johto
#022
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| Diamond
|
It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks.
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| Pearl
|
If it looses crackling power from the electrical pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary.
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| Platinum
|
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
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| HeartGold
|
This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
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| SoulSilver
|
It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.
|
|
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| Generation V
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Unova
#—
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| Black
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It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
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| White
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| Black 2
|
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
|
| White 2
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|
|
| Generation VI
|
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Kalos
Central #036
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Hoenn
#163
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| X
|
It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.
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| Y
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It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs.
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| Omega Ruby
|
Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge.
|
| Alpha Sapphire
|
This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.
|
|
|
| Generation VII
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|
Alola
S M : #025
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Alola
US UM : #032
|
|
Kanto
#025
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| Sun
|
A plan was recently announced to gather many Pikachu and make an electric power plant.
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| Moon
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It's in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if it's unable to fully discharge the electricity.
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| Ultra Sun
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Its nature is to store up electricity. Forests where nests of Pikachu live are dangerous, since the trees are so often struck by lightning.
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| Ultra Moon
|
While sleeping, it generates electricity in the sacs in its cheeks. If it's not getting enough sleep, it will be able to use only weak electricity.
|
| Let's Go Pikachu
|
This forest-dwelling Pokémon stores electricity in its cheeks, so you'll feel a tingly shock if you touch it.
|
| Let's Go Eevee
|
| Pikachu in a cap
|
| Sun
|
This form of Pikachu is somewhat rare. It wears the hat of its Trainer, who is also its partner.
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| Moon
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. Since the cap's not the right size, the fit is a bit loose.
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| Ultra Sun
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This form of Pikachu is somewhat rare. It wears the hat of its Trainer, who is also its partner.
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| Ultra Moon
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. Since the cap's not the right size, the fit is a bit loose.
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
#194
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Galar
Isle of Armor #085
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Sinnoh
#104
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Hisui
#056
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| Sword
|
Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy.
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| Shield
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When Pikachu meet, they'll touch their tails together and exchange electricity through them as a form of greeting.
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| Brilliant Diamond
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It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks.
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| Shining Pearl
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If it looses crackling power from the electric sacs on its cheeks, it is being wary.
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| Legends: Arceus
|
Possesses cheek sacs in which it stores electricity. This clever forest-dweller roasts tough berries with an electric shock before consuming them.
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| Original Cap Pikachu
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| Sword
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through many different regions.
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| Shield
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled across many regions together.
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| Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola Cap Pikachu
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| Sword
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region.
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| Shield
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region together.
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| Partner Cap Pikachu
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| Sword
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of when they first met.
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| Shield
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol of a fateful encounter.
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| World Cap Pikachu
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| Sword
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through different regions.
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| Shield
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This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol that travels across different regions with Pikachu.
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| Gigantamax Pikachu
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| Sword
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Its Gigantamax power expanded, forming its supersized body and towering tail.
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| Shield
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When it smashes its opponents with its bolt-shaped tail, it delivers a surge of electricity equivalent to a lightning strike.
|
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| Generation IX
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Paldea
#74
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Kitakami
#21
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Blueberry
#—
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| Scarlet
|
When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks.
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| Violet
|
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms.
|
| Original Cap Pikachu
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| Scarlet
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The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across lots of different regions together.
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| Violet
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across many different regions.
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| Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola Cap Pikachu
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| Scarlet
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The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region together.
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| Violet
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region.
|
| Partner Cap Pikachu
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| Scarlet
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The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon traveling together with its partner, whom it met in a fateful encounter.
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| Violet
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed as the two overcame many hardships together.
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| World Cap Pikachu
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| Scarlet
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The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the world together.
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| Violet
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This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the world.
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Game locations
Held items
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear. In Pokémon Yellow, the player gets the Light Ball by trading their initial Pikachu, otherwise the Pikachu will be holding a Berry. In Pokéwalker, only Pikachu found in Yellow Forest are carrying items.
Base stats
Generation I-V
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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35
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95 - 142
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180 - 274
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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30
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31 - 90
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58 - 174
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50
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49 - 112
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94 - 218
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40
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40 - 101
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76 - 196
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90
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85 - 156
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166 - 306
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Total: 300
|
Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 50.
|
Generation VI onward
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
|
35
|
|
95 - 142
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180 - 274
|
55
|
|
54 - 117
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103 - 229
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40
|
|
40 - 101
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76 - 196
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50
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49 - 112
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94 - 218
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50
|
|
49 - 112
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94 - 218
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90
|
|
85 - 156
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166 - 306
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Total: 320
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
|
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
|
|
|
105 - 320
|
200 - 431
|
|
|
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76 - 321
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148 - 437
|
|
|
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49 - 285
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94 - 364
|
|
|
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72 - 315
|
139 - 425
|
|
|
|
58 - 297
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112 - 388
|
|
|
|
112 - 370
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220 - 533
|
|
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 AVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) minimum friendship and a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 200 AVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) maximum friendship and a helpful nature.
|
Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pikachu
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Pikachu
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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|
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pikachu
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Pikachu
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
|
|
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Pikachu
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pikachu
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Pikachu
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
|
|
|
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pikachu
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Pikachu
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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|
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- A superscript level indicates that Pikachu can learn this move normally in Generation IX
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pikachu
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Pikachu
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
|
Costumes in Pokémon GO
Pikachu
| Costumes in Pokémon GO
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| Holiday hat
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Party hat
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Original hat
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Halloween hat
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Summer-style
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| H.F. Custom cap
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Flower crown
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Detective hat
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Straw hat
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Mimikyu costume
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| Beanie
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Party hat
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Clone
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Safari hat
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Flower hat
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| Charizard hat
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Umbreon hat
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Rayquaza hat
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Lucario hat
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World cap
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| Explorer
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Winter Carnival
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New Year's hat
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Meloetta hat
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Halloween Mischief
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| Kariyushi shirt
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Gracidea flower
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Pokémon TCG hat
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Cake costume
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World Championships
2022
|
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| Shaymin scarf
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Green T-shirt (Berry)
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Purple T-shirt (Flower)
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Party top hat
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Brendan's hat
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| May's bow
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Cherry blossoms
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Blue T-shirt (Citrus)
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Amethyst crown
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Quartz crown
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| Pyrite crown
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Malachite crown
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Aquamarine crown
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Tricks & Treats
|
Holiday attire
|
Cosplay Pikachu
Flying Pikachu
| Costumes in Pokémon GO
|
|
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| Standard
|
5th Anniversary
|
Okinawa exclusive
|
|
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| Green balloons
|
Purple balloons
|
Orange balloons
|
Form data
Pikachu has sixteen additional forms that fall into four groups: Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Gigantamax Pikachu. All forms except the partner Pikachu are recognized by an in-game Pokédex; partner Pikachu has only been named in promotional materials.[8]
Cosplay Pikachu
Cosplay Pikachu is the base form of a group of six interchangeable forms exclusive to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It is a female Pikachu who has a black, heart-shaped mark at the end of its tail, obtained from a Pokémon Breeder after the player takes part in their first Pokémon Contest Spectacular. Cosplay Pikachu can change forms by dressing up in different costumes corresponding to each of the five contest conditions (Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, and Toughness); each form also automatically learns a move that Pikachu otherwise could not learn. Cosplay Pikachu can change or remove its costume at any Contest Hall, forgetting the move it learned with the last costume (if it still knows it) and learning the move from the new costume (if applicable). If Cosplay Pikachu removes its costume while the only move it knows is the move tied to its costume, it learns Thunder Shock.
Unlike other Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu cannot evolve or breed. It also cannot be traded via the GTS or Wonder Trade. Additionally, as it is not present in any games besides Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Cosplay Pikachu cannot be deposited into Pokémon Bank, and it does not register as a separate form in Pokémon Bank's Pokédex, despite it registering separately in the Pokédex of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
Pikachu in a cap
Pikachu in a cap are eight event-exclusive, non-interchangeable forms of Pikachu that debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Like Ash's Pikachu, these Pikachu are always male, and they cannot evolve or breed. They are also able to use the event-exclusive Z-Crystal Pikashunium Z and its corresponding Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. Their cries differ from that of regular Pikachu.
Six variants exist in Sun and Moon, one for each of Ash's hats from the original series to Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon. A seventh variant debuted in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, wearing the Partner Cap, Ash's hat from Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!. An eighth variant debuted in the Version 1.2.0 update of Pokémon Sword and Shield, wearing the World Cap, Ash's hat from Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
The original six Pikachu in a cap were distributed via serial codes in Pokémon Sun and Moon in celebration of the 20th Pokémon movie, and by extension, the 20th anniversary of Pokémon the Series. Partner Cap Pikachu was distributed in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon via a QR Code that can be scanned. All eight Pikachu in a cap (including World Cap Pikachu) were distributed via serial codes in Pokémon Sword and Shield to commemorate the TV show's timeslot change to Fridays in Japan; uniquely, the Pikachu from this distribution can learn Volt Tackle from the Move Reminder, Jack.
Partner Pikachu
The partner Pikachu has a separate internal index from standard Pikachu. This allows it to have higher base stats than wild Pikachu.
The partner Pikachu is not differentiated from standard Pikachu in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s Pokédex, and it cannot be transferred out of the games.
Gigantamax
Gigantamax Pikachu can only be obtained through special methods, and the Gigantamax Factor cannot be bred.
Evolution data
Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor cannot evolve. The initial Pikachu from Pokémon Yellow will refuse to evolve into Raichu unless it is traded and evolved on another save file.
Sprites
In animation
Pikachu appears in the main animated series Pokémon the Series and Pokémon Horizons: The Series, as well as the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Animated Shorts, Pokémon Origins, Pokémon Generations, the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, Pokémon: Twilight Wings, POKÉTOON, GOTCHA!, Pokémon Evolutions, Bidoof's Big Stand, A Ripple in Time, The Journey of One Dream, and Biri-Biri.
Animated series
Major appearances
Pokédex entries
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| DP002
|
Pikachu
|
Dawn's Pokédex
|
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks.
|
|
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| BW001
|
Pikachu
|
Trip's Pokédex
|
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon, and the evolved form of Pichu. Pikachu's tail is sometimes struck by lightning as it raises it to check its surroundings.
|
| BW093
|
Pikachu
|
Cameron's Pokédex
|
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon, and the evolved form of Pichu. Pikachu can help other Pikachu who are feeling weak by sharing its electric current.
|
|
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| SM003
|
Pikachu
|
Rotom Pokédex
|
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. An Electric type. It raises its tail to sense its surroundings. If you pull on its tail, it will bite.
|
|
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| JN035
|
Pikachu
|
Goh's Rotom Phone
|
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. An Electric type. Pikachu have pouches on their cheeks that can store electricity, which they release if threatened. Male and female Pikachu have differently shaped tails.
|
|
Pokémon Origins
Pokémon Generations
In the manga
Pikachu appears in Ash & Pikachu, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, How I Became a Pokémon Card, Magical Pokémon Journey and Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪, Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl, Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon, Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure, Pokémon Adventures, Pokémon Battle Frontier, Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master!, Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys, Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All, Pokémon Horizon, Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Pokémon Newspaper Strip, Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~, Pokémon Pocket Monsters, Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission, and Pokémon Zensho.
Ash & Pikachu
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
Pokédex entries
| Manga
|
Chapter
|
Entry
|
| The Electric Tale of Pikachu
|
ET01
|
An electric mouse Pokémon.
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Diet: Mainly fruit
Distinguishing features: Has an electric generator on each cheek.
Beware of electrocution!
|
|
|
Magical Pokémon Journey and Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪
Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure
Pokémon Adventures
Pokédex entries
| Manga
|
Chapter
|
Entry
|
| Pokémon Adventures
|
PS004
|
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build up and cause lightning storms. Forest dwellers, they are few in number and exceptionally rare. The pouches in their cheeks discharge electricity at their opponents. The Pikachu are believed to be highly intelligent.
|
|
|
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
In the TCG
- Main article: Pikachu (TCG)
Pikachu manages to find its way into many of the expansions, causing there to be 211 known non-reprint Pokémon cards featuring Pikachu, more than any other Pokémon. There are also various Trainer cards with Pikachu in the card's artwork too, including the very sought-after tournament promos such as No.1 Trainer.
The first Pikachu that appeared in the TCG was Pikachu in the Base Set (which was reprinted in Base Set 2 and in POP Series 2 with different artwork). It was followed in the next set by another Pikachu (which was also reprinted in the Legendary Collection). The third Pikachu card released was the first-ever English promo card, Pikachu. The original Base Set Pikachu was also released as a special promotional card at E3.
In the early days of the TCG, several notable errors were made regarding the Pikachu cards. The Base Set Pikachu was released with altered artwork at first, depicting it with red cheeks, instead of the original yellow. While this matched Ken Sugimori's artwork, the yellow color on its cheeks was intentional by the artist, who depicted Pikachu using ThunderShock. This error appeared in both the E3 promotional version and the normal Base Set release. A second error was made in the production of Jungle set booster packs, which, instead of the Jungle set's Pikachu, sometimes contained first edition versions of the Pikachu that was released as a promo card.
Pikachu has also been featured on a number of TCG coins, with one being included with the English and European languages-only Base Set 2. This coin was also featured in the Pokémon Play It! PC game. A Pikachu coin is also featured in the Game Boy game Pokémon Trading Card Game, and is one of the coins that can be obtained in Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!, where it is given by Isaac to winners of the Lightning Club.
In the TFG
Two Pikachu figures have been released.
In merchandise
Pikachu in Pokémon Battle Chess
Pikachu appears in Pokémon Battle Chess. It doesn't behave like any traditional piece in chess but behaves like a gold general in shogi.
Pikachu was the focus of a Pokémon Center collection in June 2014.
In real life
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has included three Pikachu balloons. "Flying Pikachu" was the first, flown from 2001 to 2005, and was used in a morning rush hour test of wind conditions in Times Square after an accident involving an M&M's balloon in the 2005 parade.[9] It was last used in the August 2006 Party of the Decade in New York City's Bryant Park. The second balloon debuted in the 2006 parade, features glowing cheeks, and chases a Poké Ball balloon. The third, introduced in the 2014 parade, wears a green scarf and holds a small, Pikachu-shaped snowman.
Other appearances
Pikachu is a playable character for the arcade fighting game. His moveset includes electrical attacks the species uses in the main games, like Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, and Thunder. In Burst form, he can use the Burst Attack Volt Shock Fist. Several of his attacks and victory poses are directly taken from Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima's movesets from the Tekken series.
Pikachu overwhelms opponents with powerful electric shocks and quick movements.[10]
Pikachu Libre was first announced alongside the Wii U port of the game. She was later released as an additional fighter on the original arcade version.
Pikachu Libre, a wrestling idol, is a small masked fighter overflowing with fighting spirit.
- Main article: Detective Pikachu (character)
Detective Pikachu stars a Pikachu that is capable of speaking the human language, but only the player character Tim Goodman is capable of hearing him. Much like Meowth from Pokémon the Series, he is incapable of using moves that most Pikachu are capable of using. This Pikachu also really loves to drink coffee. Early on in the game, a regular Pikachu also briefly appears.
Pikachu and Eliana in the Lightning Force music video
The Brazilian music video Lightning Force features a stop motion animated Pikachu. This Pikachu is also shown later as a live action actor with a full-body costume.
Celestial
Pikachu appeared in the music video for Celestial. It is also featured in the single cover for the song.
Reception
Cultural impact
$1 coin from
Niue featuring Pikachu
The nation of Niue released a one-dollar coin with its coat of arms on one side and Pikachu on the other to promote the Pokémon franchise.
On December 11, 2023, Google revealed that Pikachu was the "most searched Pokémon" in the platform's history during its 25 years of creation.[11][12]
Pikachu has also served as the inspiration for the naming of several scientific discoveries:
- In 2008, Japanese researchers discovered a new protein that helps carry electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain and named it pikachurin. According to them, it was so named for sharing Pikachu's "lightning-fast moves and shocking electric effects".
- The springtail species Dicranocentrus pikachu was named after Pikachu.[13]
- The spider species Epicratinus pikachu was named after Pikachu due to the female spider's epigynum resembling its face.[14]
- The spider species Alistra pikachu was named after Pikachu due to its yellow coloration.[15]
- The beetle species Hiperantha pikachu was named after Pikachu because of its yellow elytra with a black apical band that resembles Pikachu's ears.[16]
Trivia
Pikachu in Pokémon Stadium
- Pikachu and its evolved form both share their category with Rattata, Raticate, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Pawmi, and Pawmo. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate were originally called the Rat Pokémon prior to Generation III.
- Veronica Taylor has said Pikachu is her favorite Pokémon. Sarah Natochenny has as well, shared with Mew.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon that serves as the player's first Pokémon in the core series games that has a pre-evolved form. However, Pichu (its pre-evolved form) does not exist in either game in which it fills this role.
- Pikachu has the most event-exclusive moves available to it.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon with two exclusive Z-Moves.
- When starting a new game in Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu's front sprite appears with a slightly different color palette (the palette index number 0x10) than usual when it is introduced by Professor Oak. This is the same red/yellow palette used for Mew, Mewtwo, and Jynx (except the Virtual Console Jynx), as well as the battle sprites of all Pokémon Trainers.
- Due to the color palette used at the start of Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu has red cheeks (in the Game Boy Color) or pink cheeks (in the Super Game Boy). However, in this game's normal gameplay, Pikachu has dark orange cheeks instead.
- In Pokémon Yellow and from Generation VI to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pikachu uses its cry from Pokémon the Series (voiced by Ikue Ohtani). Before Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, it was the only Pokémon to do so in the core series games.
- Pikachu is the only core series first partner Pokémon that does not have a 7:1 gender ratio.
- Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 are the only core series games in which Pikachu cannot be obtained without transporting or through an event.
- Pikachu is the only not fully evolved Pokémon whose base stats increased in Generation VI, as well as the only Pokémon to receive more than one stat increase: Defense and Special Defense.
- Pikachu is the 25th Pokémon in both the National Pokédex and Alola Pokédex in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
- In the Japanese Pokémon Stadium, Pikachu is the only usable Pokémon that is not fully evolved.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon that can be caught in all three pinball titles: Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Pinball mini, and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire.
Origin
Pikachu's designer, Atsuko Nishida, revealed in an interview that this Pokémon was originally a daifuku-like creature with ears sticking out. Its black ear tips are remnants of this original concept.[2][4]
Nishida named the Pokémon Pikachu "without giving it much thought", and while it wasn't originally intended to be based on a mouse, Game Freak CEO Satoshi Tajiri made the decision to base it on such. During the process of making Pikachu "cuter", as per the instructions of game designer Kōji Nishino, Nishida added cheek pouches for it to store electricity in. These were inspired by squirrels, which store food in their cheeks. Pikachu's yellow colouration and lightning bolt-shaped tail were given to express Pikachu's electrical attributes and make its type easier to recognise and understand. According to Nishida, Pikachu's stripes aren't based on anything in particular, and were added to fill the empty space on Pikachu's back, as it is always visible during battle.[2][4]
Pikachu's Gigantamax form is a reference to its earlier, more rotund design from Generations I and II.[17]
Name origin
Pikachu is a combination of ピカピカ pikapika (onomatopoeia for sparkle) and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of a mouse squeaking).[2][18]
In other languages
| Language
|
Title
|
Meaning
|
 Japanese
|
ピカチュウ Pikachu
|
From ピカピカ pikapika and チューチュー chūchū
|
 French
|
Pikachu
|
Same as English/Japanese name
|
 Spanish
|
Pikachu
|
Same as English/Japanese name
|
 German
|
Pikachu
|
Same as English/Japanese name
|
 Italian
|
Pikachu
|
Same as English/Japanese name
|
 Korean
|
피카츄 Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Mandarin Chinese
|
皮卡丘 Píkǎqiū
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Cantonese Chinese
|
皮卡丘 Pikachu*
比卡超 Béikāchīu*
|
From its Mandarin name paired with the pronunciation of English/Japanese name
From the transcription of Japanese name and 超 chīu
|
|
|
|
| More languages
|
 Albanian
|
Pikaçu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Arabic
|
بيكاتشو Bīkātshū
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Azerbaijani
|
Pikaçu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Bulgarian
|
Пикачу Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Greek
|
Πίκατσου Píkatsou
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Hebrew
|
פיקאצ'ו Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Hindi
|
पिकाचू *
पीकाछू Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Icelandic
|
Pikatsjú*
Píkatsu*
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Indonesian
|
Pikacu (Pocket Monsters only)
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Lithuanian
|
Pikačiu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Macedonian
|
Пикачу Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Mongolian
|
Пикачу Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Russian
|
Пикачу Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Serbian
|
Pikaču
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Thai
|
พิคาชู Phikhachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Turkish
|
Pikaçu*
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Ukrainian
|
Пікачу Pikachu
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
|
|
|
Related articles
References
- ↑ Natsume: THE TALENT BEHIND HOMETOWN STORY
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com (archived)
- ↑ Page 3 of Yomiuri interview with Ken Sugimori, Kōji Nishino, and Atsuko Nishida (Japanese)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Pikachu Originally Had A Second Evolution Called ‘Gorochu’ With Large Fangs And Two Horns — SiliconEra
- ↑ Tweet by James Turner (@JamesTurner_42). Posted on August 15, 2022.
- ↑ Sleep Style Dex
- ↑ Gigantamax Pikachu | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
- ↑ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon
- ↑ Pikachu Soars as Trial Balloon for a Safer Macy's Parade - New York Times
- ↑ Pokkén Tournament's official site
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Google/status/1734218344402743791
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KtWfp0UopM&pp=ygUPZ29vZ2xlIDI1IHllYXJz
- ↑ New species and new records of Dicranocentrus Schött, 1893 (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Southeastern Brazil
- ↑ Taxonomic review and cladistic analysis of Neotropical spider genus Epicratinus Jocqué & Baert, 2005 (Araneae: Zodariidae) with description of eleven new species
- ↑ Twenty-three new spider species (Arachnida: Araneae) from Asia
- ↑ Notes on Stigmoderini (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) from Brazil, with the description of a new species of Hiperantha Gistel, 1834, and new distributional records
- ↑ Tweet by James Turner (@JamesTurner_42). Posted on August 15, 2022.
- ↑ TIME - The Ultimate Game Freak
External links
Berry (100%)
Oran Berry (50%)
Light Ball (5%)
Shuca Berry (100%)
+ 
For other sprites and images, please see Pikachu images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
