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Pichu ピチュー Pichu
Artwork from FR/LG
National Dex	#172
Johto Dex	#021
Hoenn Dex	#155
Sinnoh Dex	#103
Fiore Browser	R-022
Almia Browser	R-001
Type	Electric
Species	Tiny Mouse Pokémon
Height	1′00″ (0.3m)
Weight	4.4 lbs. (2.0kg)
Ability	Static
Egg group	No eggs
Time to hatch	2,560 steps
Effort yield	1 Spd
Exp. yield	42 base exp.
Lv100 at	1,000,000 exp.
Gender	50% ♀ / 50% ♂
Pokédex color	Yellow
Catch rate	190
On Legendary Pokémon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV On Pokémon Palace Network Pokédex (Gen. II-III) On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV On Eevee's Pokédex (Gen. II-IV) On Psypoke Pokédex On Pokecharms Pokédex (Gen. III-IV) On Marriland Pokédex (Gen. IV) On Serebii's Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV On Pokémon Dungeon Pokédex (Gen. II) On Ultimate Pokémon Center Pokédex (Gen. I-IV) Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Pichu (Japanese: ピチュー Pichu) is an Electric-type baby Pokémon. First seen in the Generation II games, it is the pre-evolution of Pikachu.

Like its evolutions, all Pichu have the ability Static, 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.

Contents 1 Biology 1.1 Physiology 1.1.1 Gender differences 1.1.2 Special abilities 1.2 Behavior 1.3 Habitat 1.4 Diet 2 In the anime 3 In the manga 4 In the TCG 5 Other appearances 5.1 Super Smash Bros. Melee 5.1.1 Trophy information 5.1.1.1 Classic Mode 5.1.1.2 Adventure Mode 5.1.1.3 All-Star Mode 5.2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl 6 Game data 6.1 NPC appearances 6.2 Pokédex entries 6.3 Game locations 6.3.1 In side games 6.4 Base stats 6.5 Type effectiveness 6.6 Learnset 6.6.1 By leveling up 6.6.2 By TM/HM 6.6.3 By breeding 6.6.4 By tutoring 6.6.5 Special moves 6.7 Side game data 7 Evolution 8 Sprites 9 Trivia 9.1 Origin 9.1.1 Name origin 10 In other languages 11 Related articles 12 External links

Biology

Physiology

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 bears 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.

Pichu, and its evolution family, Pikachu and Raichu, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Volt Tackle.

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.

Habitat

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Pichu appear to be particularly fond of apples.

In the anime

The Pichu Brothers are a pair of Pichu who have appeared in several places, including Pikachu and Pichu, Camp Pikachu, several episodes of Pokémon Chronicles, and the Pokémon Channel special Pichu Bros. in Party Panic. Their design is similar to Ash's Pikachu and Sparky, in that one has a scruff of hair while the other does not.

Pichu also appeared in The Apple Corp. Many were stealing apples from a girl's apple orchard.

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.

Another Pichu appeared in DP074 under the ownership of Shō.

In the manga

Gold owns a Pichu, the parents of which are Red's Pika and Yellow's Chuchu.

In the TCG

Main article: Pichu (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

The sequel downgraded Pichu to just appearing as a trophy. The method of obtaining it keeps with Pichu's lighthearted nature in Melee with the ironic requirement to complete All-Star mode without using a continue.

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.
• Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire: Pichu will assist Pikachu on Ball-Saver duty for 50 coins or as a prize in the slot machine.

Pokédex entries

Gen	Game	Pokédex entry
II	Gold	It is not yet skilled at storing electricity. It may send out a jolt if amused or startled.
	Silver	Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans. However, if it does so, it also surprises itself.
	Crystal	It is unskilled at storing electric power. Any kind of shock causes it to discharge energy spontaneously.
	Stadium 2	It is not yet skilled at storing electricity. It may send out a jolt if amused or startled.
III	Ruby	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.
	Sapphire	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.
	Emerald	It is still inept at retaining electricity. When it is startled, it discharges power accidentally. It gets better at holding power as it grows older.
	FireRed	Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans. However, if it does so, it also surprises itself.
	LeafGreen	It is not yet skilled at storing electricity. It may send out a jolt if amused or startled.
IV	Diamond	The electric pouches on its cheeks are still small. They cannot store much electricity yet.
	Pearl	It plays with others by touching tails and setting off sparks. This appears to be a test of courage.

Game locations

Gen	Game	Rarity	Location
II	Pokémon Gold and Silver	None	Breed Pikachu or Raichu
	Pokémon Crystal	None	Breed Pikachu or Raichu
III	Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire	None	Breed Pikachu or Raichu
	Pokémon Emerald	None	Breed Pikachu or Raichu
	Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen	None	Breed Pikachu or Raichu
	Pokémon Colosseum	None	Trade
	Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness	None	Trade
IV	Pokémon Diamond and Pearl	Common	Trophy Garden
	Pal Park		Field

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire	Store 1,499 Pokémon from one cartridge*
Pokémon Channel	Camp Starlight (Saturday)
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Hatch from egg
Pokémon Trozei!	Huge Storage 1 Trozei Battle Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon	Joyous Tower (3F-6F)
Pokémon Ranger	Lyra Forest Fall City
Pokémon Ranger Batonnage	Ranger School Vien Town Vien Forest The Beach Cave Pueru Town

Base stats

HP:	20
Attack:	40
Defense:	15
SpAtk:	35
SpDef:	35
Speed:	60

Type effectiveness

Weakness	Resistance
Ground: 2×	Flying: ½× Steel: ½× Electric: ½×	Normal: 1× Fighting: 1× Poison: 1× Rock: 1× Bug: 1× Ghost: 1× Grass: 1× Fire: 1× Water: 1× Psychic: 1× Ice: 1× Dragon: 1× Dark: 1×

Learnset

Pichu is capable of learning the following moves.
Moves in bold are damage moves to which STAB apply.

By leveling up

Generation II Lv. Move Type Start Thundershock Charm 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Sweet Kiss

Generation III Lv. Move Type Start Thundershock Charm 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Sweet Kiss

Generation IV Lv. Move Type Cat. Start Thundershock Charm 5 Tail Whip 10 Thunder Wave 13 Sweet Kiss 18 Nasty Plot

By TM/HM

#	Generation II	Generation III	Generation IV
TM02	Headbutt
TM03	Curse
TM04	Rollout
TM06	Toxic	Toxic	Toxic
TM07	Zap Cannon
TM10	Hidden Power	Hidden Power	Hidden Power
TM13	Snore
TM16		Light Screen	Light Screen
TM17	Protect	Protect	Protect
TM18	Rain Dance	Rain Dance	Rain Dance
TM20	Endure
TM21	Frustration	Frustration	Frustration
TM23	Iron Tail	Iron Tail	Iron Tail
TM24		Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt
TM25	Thunder	Thunder	Thunder
TM27	Return	Return	Return
TM31	Mud Slap
TM32	Double Team	Double Team	Double Team
TM34	Swagger	Shock Wave	Shock Wave
TM35	Sleep Talk
TM39	Swift
TM40	Defense Curl
TM42		Facade	Facade
TM43	Detect	Secret Power	Secret Power
TM44	Rest	Rest	Rest
TM45	Attract	Attract	Attract
TM56			Fling
TM57			Charge Beam
TM58			Endure
TM70			Flash
TM73			Thunder Wave
TM78			Captivate
TM82			Sleep Talk
TM83			Natural Gift
TM86			Grass Knot
TM87			Swagger
TM90			Substitute
HM05	Flash	Flash

By breeding

Generation II	Generation III	Generation IV
Bide	Charge	Fake Out
DoubleSlap	Volt Tackle	ThunderPunch
Encore	Wish	Tickle
Present
Reversal

Note: In Pokémon Emerald, Diamond, and Pearl, breeding a female Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball will result in a Pichu with Volt Tackle.

By tutoring

FRLG	Emerald
Body Slam	Defense Curl
Counter	Endure
Double-Edge	Mud-Slap
Mega Kick	Rollout
Mega Punch	Sleep Talk
Mimic	Snore
Seismic Toss	Swagger
Substitute	Swift
Thunder Wave

Special moves

When a player stores 1499 Pokémon in Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire, Bridgette will give away an egg that will hatch into a Pichu with Surf.

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.

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
	Acquisition: Hatch
Pokémon Trozei!
	Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Body size: 1	Recruit Rate: 5.1%	Friend Area: Energetic Forest
Phrases
51%-100% HP	I can't store electricity very well yet!
26%-50% HP	Oh, no! I only have half my HP!
1%-25% HP	I can't keep going! All my electricity is leaking away...
Level Up	I leveled up! Yay, happy!
Pokémon Ranger
Group:	Loops: 1	Minimum Experience: 3
Poké Assist:	Field Move: Recharge	Maximum Experience: 3
Pichu not only recharges the Styler, its cuteness is uplifting to others.
Pokémon Ranger Batonnage
Group:	Poké Assist: Recharge	Field Move: Recharge

Evolution

Baby Pichu

Happiness Pikachu

Thunderstone Raichu

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow	Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal			Back
			Image:Spr 2c 172.gif
			Image:Spr 2c 172 s.gif			Image:Spr b g2 172 s.png
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald	FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
	Image:Spr 3r 172.png			Image:Spr 3f 172.png
	Image:Spr 3r 172 s.png		Image:Spr 3e 172 s.gif	Image:Spr 3f 172 s.png		Image:Spr b g3 172 s.png
IV	Diamond	Pearl				Back
	Image:Spr 4d 172.png
						Image:Spr b g4 172 s.png

For other sprites and images, please see Pichu images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Pichu is the only Generation II Pokémon to be playable in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Like in the anime, it hurts itself when using electrical attacks. On related note, it is also the only playable Generation II Pokémon in the entire Smash Bros. series, though many others have appeared from Poké Balls.

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.

In other languages

• German: Pichu
• French: Pichu
• Korean: 피츄 Pichyu

Related articles

• Pichu Brothers

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Chuu!, the fanlisting for Pichu at The Anime Fanlistings Network

Super Smash Bros. series
Games:	Super Smash Bros. | Super Smash Bros. Melee | Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Characters:	Pikachu | Jigglypuff | Mewtwo | Pichu | Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle | Ivysaur | Charizard) | Lucario
Stages:	Saffron City | Pokémon Stadium | Poké Floats | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Spear Pillar
Poké Ball:	Articuno | Beedrill | Bellossom | Blastoise | Bonsly | Celebi | Chansey | Charizard | Chikorita | Clefairy | Cyndaquil | Deoxys Electrode | Entei | Gardevoir | Goldeen | Groudon | Gulpin | Hitmonlee | Ho-Oh | Jirachi | Koffing | Kyogre | Latias and Latios Lugia | Manaphy | Marill | Meowth | Mew | Metagross | Moltres | Munchlax | Onix | Piplup | Porygon2 | Raikou | Scizor Snorlax | Staryu | Starmie | Suicune | Togepi | Torchic | Unown | Venusaur | Weavile | Weezing | Wobbuffet | Zapdos
Stickers & Trophies:	Melee Trophy list | Brawl Sticker list | Brawl Trophy list
Misc:	The Subspace Emissary | My Music | Final Smash | Pokémon Change | Brawl cameos

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.