Raichu (Pokémon)

← #025: Pikachu	Pokémon	#027: Sandshrew →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raichu (disambiguation).

Raichu ライチュウ Raichu #026
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Electric Unknown Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Mouse Pokémon
Abilities Static Blue-Striped ----- Lightningrod Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #026 Johto #023 Hoenn #157 Sinnoh #105 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-024 Almia R-003 Oblivia R-006 N-155
Height 2'07" Imperial 0.8 m Metric 2'07"/0.8 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 66.1 lbs. Imperial 30.0 kg Metric 66.1 lbs./30.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Yellow	Catch rate 75 (9.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Field and Fairy groups 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 3 Base Exp.: 122 Battle Exp.: 1221*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Raichu (Japanese: ライチュウ Raichu) is an Electric-type Pokémon.

It evolves from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunderstone. It is the final form of Pichu.

Biology

Physiology

Raichu is a rather small tailed bipedal rodent. It is able to run faster on all fours. Like Pikachu, from whom it evolves, Raichu has long ears and feet, and stubby arms. Also like Pikachu, Raichu has two horizontal brown stripes on its back. Its long, thin tail has a broad, lightning bolt-shaped end. Unlike Pikachu, however, it does not have fingers.

Raichu is yellow-brownish in color, with a white belly. Its arms are halfway brown, as well as its feet. The soles of its big feet are tan colored. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outsides and yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl at their bottom-most point. The electric sacs on its cheeks are yellow.

Gender differences

A female Raichu has a smaller, blunted lightning bolt at the end of its tail.

Special abilities

Although quite small in comparison to many other Pokémon, Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 volts of electricity in its body. If Raichu’s electricity sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it slightly glow in the dark. Raichu is also capable of wielding various fighting moves, such as Focus Punch, Brick Break and many more. As Raichu is a fully evolved Pokémon, it is capable of using powerful moves like Hyper Beam and Giga Impact.

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

Behavior

Raichu is much more aggressive than Pikachu, especially if it has stored too much electricity in its body. It needs to discharge this electricity through its tail into the ground, leading to scorched patches of earth near its nest. However, Raichu can sometimes be timid Pokémon, using Dig to hide or zapping people from fear, especially if it thinks its Trainer is scared of it, as shown in Stage Fight!.

It will constantly electrify objects, people, and Pokémon until its electricity level is back to normal. When searching for electricity, Raichu will raise its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere or plant its tail in the ground.

Habitat

Forest Pokémon

Raichu are found in forests and vibrant woodlands. It shares its range with that of Pikachu.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

It is likely that Raichu feeds on nuts, seeds and Berries, much like Pikachu.

In the anime

Raichu in the anime

Major appearances

Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City, has a Raichu that defeated Ash's Pikachu with its sheer power in Electric Shock Showdown. After discussing evolution with Pikachu to match Raichu's power, Ash used a strategy relying on Pikachu's speed to defeat Raichu the next day.

Other

Raichu was one of the four Pokémon causing trouble for Pikachu and co. in Pikachu's Vacation, along with Marill, Snubbull and Cubone.

In Lights, Camera, Quack-tion, a girl named Katrina decided to use her Raichu in the Cleavon Schpielbunk film "Pokémon in Love".

Stage Fight! was about a stage show that featured "talking" Pokémon. Kay's Raichu was supposed be a part of these shows, but it had stage fright.

A Raichu named Sugar appeared in Cooking Up a Sweet Story. It evolved from the restaurant owners' missing Pikachu.

Another Raichu appeared in Pika and Goliath!, owned by Sho. It battled against Ash's Pikachu twice in that episode.

The Pokémon Summer Academy has a very skittish Raichu for its students. It appeared in Camping It Up! where it was trained by Ash.

Another Raichu appeared in Flint Sparks the Fire! and The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore! under the ownership of Volkner.

Minor appearances

A Raichu also appeared in Pokémon Fashion Flash.

A Raichu appeared in The Battling Eevee Brothers during the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Raichu appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

Multiple Raichu also appeared in The Power of One.

A Raichu appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble.

A Raichu was seen herding Mareep in Mild'n Wooley.

A Raichu was one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Tricks of the Trade.

A Raichu appeared in Beauty and the Breeder where it participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

Raichu made a cameo in The Legend of Thunder!. It was one of the Electric Pokémon that were lured by the "Miracle Crystal" that Attila and Hun were using. Raichu tried to be the hero by zapping the crystal, but the attack bounced back to itself.

Raichu is one of the Pokémon that were affected by the crystal in As Clear As Crystal.

A Raichu under the ownership of a Pokémon Coordinator appeared in Deceit and Assist.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP014 Raichu Ash's Pokédex Raichu, a Mouse Pokémon of the Electric element. Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu. It can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious. Original series entries continue below.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry PK01 Raichu Dexter Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. Pikachu and Raichu are both Mouse Pokémon of the electric variety. Combined voltage approaching shockingly dangerous levels.

In the manga

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga

Main article: Sandy's Raichu

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga series, a Raichu appears in the bonus chapter Raichu's Best Friend. In the chapter, the ghost of a Trainer named Sandy wishes to be reunited with her old friend Raichu.

Lt. Surge's Raichu in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Lt. Surge has a Raichu in Pokémon Adventures, which was first seen in Silph Co. but never participated in battles until fighting the Masked Man in his Mahogany Hideout, where it helped Surge break in and seemingly backed the mastermind into a corner, until his Houndour called upon dozens of wild Houndour to thwart Surge, instead. The former Team Rocket triad member barely escaped with his life after having many of his Electrode self-destruct.

Volkner has a Raichu which he used it in his battle against Platinum in VS. Elekid.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Satoshi had a Pikachu that chose to evolve into a Raichu to help him defeat the Elite Four in Pokémon Zensho.

In the Pokémon Pocket monsters manga

Blue has a Raichu which he used to battle Red in PM054.

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry Pokémon Adventures PS139 When the electricity accumulated in Raichu's cheeks reach a maximum, its ears will become pointed.*

In the TCG

Main article: Raichu (TCG)

In the TFG

One Raichu figure has been released.

• Next Quest: Raichu

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power. Blue Yellow When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes feisty. It also glows in the dark. Stadium Its electrical attacks may reach 10,000 volts. It discharges electricity from its tail, so it is not harmed by its own power.
Generation II Gold When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual. Silver If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up. Crystal If its electric pouches run empty, it raises its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere. Stadium 2 When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
Generation III Ruby If the electrical sacks become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest. Sapphire This Pokémon exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it take on a slight glow in darkness. Raichu searches for electricity by planting its tail in the ground. Emerald If it stores too much electricity, its behavior turns aggressive. To avoid this, it occasionally discharges excess energy and calms itself down. FireRed Its electric charges can reach even 100,000 volts. Careless contact can cause even an Indian elephant to faint. LeafGreen Its long tail serves as ground to protect itself from its own high-voltage power.
Generation IV Diamond It turns aggressive if it has too much electricity in its body. It discharges power through its tail. Pearl It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size. Platinum Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked. HeartGold When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual. SoulSilver If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.
Generation V Black Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Uncommon Power PlantB Cerulean CaveRB Blue (Japan) Unknown Power Plant, Cerulean Cave Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Pikachu Crystal None Evolve Pikachu
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Evolve Pikachu Emerald None Evolve Pikachu FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Pikachu Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Evolve Pikachu Platinum None Evolve Pikachu HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Pikachu Pal Park Forest Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 None Poké Transfer Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Channel	Viridian Forest
Pokémon Pinball	Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 8 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Sky Stairway
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Gates to Infinity	Magnagate dungeons, Silent Tundra, Cape at the Edge, Silent Tundra (Mapless Street), Dreamy Island (Mapless Street)
Pokémon Ranger	Sekra Range Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Ice Lake Almia Castle Volcano Cave
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Sophian Road Mt. Sorbet Canal Ruins Oblivia Ruins Thunder Temple
Pokémon Rumble	Silent Forest Normal Mode B & S
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Autumnwood: Firebreathing Mountain Forest: World Axle - B1F
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Cavern Zone, Haunted Zone
Pokémon Conquest	Evolve Pikachu

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Gold Leaf (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Defense: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Sp. Atk: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Total: 475	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. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 90.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 4/5 ★★★★☆
Skill 4/5 ★★★★☆	Stamina 4/5 ★★★★☆
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 16/21 ★★★☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon has Lightningrod, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 0×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start ThunderShock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 00Start Tail Whip Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 00Start Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 00Start Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raichu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM16	Light Screen	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM24	Thunderbolt	Electric	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	TM25	Thunder	Electric	Special	120120	070}}70%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM49	Echoed Voice	Normal	Special	04040	100}}100%	15
	TM52	Focus Blast	Fighting	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM56	Fling	Dark	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	10
	TM57	Charge Beam	Electric	Special	05050	090}}90%	10
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM72	Volt Switch	Electric	Special	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM73	Thunder Wave	Electric	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM86	Grass Knot	Grass	Special	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM93	Wild Charge	Electric	Physical	09090	100}}100%	15
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raichu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Bestow	Normal	Status	—	100%	15
	Bide	Normal	Physical	—	—%	10
	Charge	Electric	Status	—	—%	20
	DoubleSlap	Normal	Physical	15	85%	10
	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Fake Out	Normal	Physical	40	100%	10
	Flail	Normal	Physical	—	100%	15
	Lucky Chant	Normal	Status	—	—%	30
	Present	Normal	Physical	—	90%	15
	Reversal	Fighting	Physical	—	100%	15
	ThunderPunch	Electric	Physical	75	100%	15
	Tickle	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
	Volt Tackle	Electric	Physical	120	100%	15
	Wish	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raichu in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Raichu in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raichu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Covet	Normal	Physical	60	100%	40
B	W	B2	W2	Helping Hand	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Iron Tail	Steel	Physical	100	75%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Knock Off	Dark	Physical	20	100%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Magnet Rise	Electric	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	ThunderPunch	Electric	Physical	75	100%	15
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Raichu can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Raichu cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raichu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Charm	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
	Sweet Kiss	Normal	Status	—	75%	10
	Nasty Plot	Dark	Status	—	—%	20
	Growl	Normal	Status	—	100%	40
	Electro Ball	Electric	Special	—	100%	10
	Slam	Normal	Physical	80	75%	20
	Feint	Normal	Physical	30	100%	10
	Agility	Psychic	Status	—	—%	30
	Discharge	Electric	Special	80	100%	15
*	UproarB2W2	Normal	Special	90	100%	10
†	Fly	Flying	Physical	90	95%	15
†	Iron TailBW	Steel	Physical	100	75%	15
†	Teeter Dance	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
†	Sing	Normal	Status	—	55%	15
†	ExtremeSpeed	Normal	Physical	80	100%	5
†	Headbutt	Normal	Physical	70	100%	15
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raichu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 026.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Energetic Forest Phrases 51%-100% HP I'll send foes flying with my Thunderbolt! 26%-50% HP Urf... My health is down to half. 1%-25% HP I'm staggering...If I don't recharge somewhere, I'll drop... Level up Leveled up! Electric power is overflowing! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up Leveled up! Electric power is overflowing!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -12% IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: ( Electric ) Field move: (Recharge ×3) Loops: 3 Min. exp.: 15 Max. exp.: 15 Browser entry   Raichu discharges energy to greatly recharge the Styler's energy.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: None Field move: (Recharge ×4) Browser entry   It attacks by powerfully blasting thunderbolts from its body.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Electric  None Past ( Normal ) (Recharge ×4) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It restores the Styler Energy.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: Raichu often play in the Cavern Zone or the Haunted Zone. Their favorite Attractions are Bastiodon's Block Barrage and Tangrowth's Swing-Along.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: Weak: PokéPark Pad entry: When it comes to Electric-Type moves, he has no equal. He saw the potential in Pikachu and made him his apprentice.
Pokémon Conquest HP: ★★ Move: Volt Tackle Attack: ★★★ Ability 1: Static Defense: ★★ Ability 2: Instinct Speed: ★★★★ Ability 3: Lightningrod Evolves from Pikachu after battling while its Warrior is equipped with a Thunderstone Range: 3 Perfect Links: Akizane, Hanbei, and Sōrin

Evolution

Baby form Pichu  Electric

Friendship → ← Breed

First Evolution Pikachu  Electric

Thunderstone Thunderstone →

Second Evolution Raichu  Electric

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• In Pokémon Red and Blue, there is a Scientist at the Pokémon Lab in Cinnabar Island who will trade a Raichu for an Electrode. If the player talks to him after the trade, he will mention that the Raichu evolved, which is not possible. This mistake was due to the original translation of the script of the Japanese Blue (in which this person traded a Graveler for a Kadabra) rather than that of Pokémon Red and Green. This error was corrected in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as the script was retranslated.
• Raichu's FireRed Pokédex entry references a 1903 documentary film called Electrocuting an Elephant by Thomas Edison.
• Several Pokédex entries claim Raichu can discharge up to 100,000 volts. However, its Stadium entry claims it can only discharge up to 10,000 volts. This is likely a translation error due to the way numbers are read in Japanese, where 100,000 literally reads "ten ten-thousands".
• Raichu appears in every regional Pokédex except the Unova Pokédex.
• Although Pikachu is the starter of Pokémon Yellow, it is not possible to directly evolve it into Raichu in the game, and must be traded in from Red and Blue. This inability to evolve Pikachu is a reference to Ash's Pikachu in the anime.

Origin

Raichu's legs and long tail are like those of a kangaroo rat.

Name origin

Raichu is a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of squeaking).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ライチュウ Raichu 雷 Rai and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of squeaking) French Raichu Same as English/Japanese name Spanish Raichu Same as English/Japanese name German Raichu Same as English/Japanese name Italian Raichu Same as English/Japanese name Korean 라이츄 Raichyu Transliteration of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 雷丘 Léiqiū Transliteration of its Japanese name, also 雷 léi means "thunder" Cantonese Chinese 雷超 Lèuihchīu Transliteration of Japanese name. Also from 雷 lèuih and 超 chīu

More languages

Related articles

• Lt. Surge's Raichu
• Red's Raichu
• Sandy's Raichu

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

Notes

← #025: Pikachu

Pokémon

#027: Sandshrew →

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.