Pikachu variants

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: variants from Pikachu's Goodbye, images from Snap, Onemuri (Sleeping) Pikachu; SM091 variants; other TCG Pikachu, including Poncho, Pretend Boss, Mario and Luigi

There are many Pikachu variants found in the games, animated series, manga, and TCG.

In the core series games

Gender differences

Starting in Generation IV, the female Pikachu have a heart-shaped tail.

Shiny Pikachu

The Shiny Pikachu has a darker shade of yellow. In Generation II games, Shiny Pikachu has purple checks and back stripes. In Pokémon HOME, Shiny Pikachu has pink cheeks as opposed to the regular Pikahu's red cheeks.

Form differences

Cosplay Pikachu

Main article: Cosplay Pikachu

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the player is able to obtain a unique female Pikachu called Cosplay Pikachu, which has a black, heart-shaped mark near the end of its tail. This event occurs after the player takes part in their first Pokémon Contest Spectacular.

This particular Pikachu is able to be dressed up in five different costumes corresponding to each kind of Contest stat (Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, and Toughness) and learns exclusive moves which are linked to these stats. Cosplay Pikachu can switch costumes anytime by going to any Contest Hall in the Hoenn region and talking to the Pokémon Breeder in the rightmost back room. This Pokémon Breeder can also remove the costume.

Unlike other Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu is in the No Eggs Discovered Egg Group, meaning it cannot breed. It also cannot evolve into Raichu. If Cosplay Pikachu's only known move is its costume's exclusive move and the costume is removed, then it will learn Thunder Shock.

Pikachu in a cap

Main article: Pikachu in a cap

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

A seventh Cap Pikachu, wearing the hat Ash wears in the twentieth movie, debuted in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and is distributed via QR Code on a special Pokémon Ga-Olé disc. In America, it was distributed via a QR Code that was given to those who pre-order tickets for the 20th movie.

An eighth Cap Pikachu, wearing the hat Ash wears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, debuted in an update of Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Partner Pikachu

Main article: Partner Pokémon (Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!)

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, the player starts their journey with a partner Pikachu. Though it cannot evolve, it has higher stats than a regular Pikachu and can be taught special moves related to other common Pikachu variants.

Gigantamax Pikachu

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, a Gigantamax form was introduced for Pikachu. It can be obtained in one of three ways:

  • If the player has a Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! save file on their Nintendo Switch, they can receive a Gigantamax Factor Pikachu from a man inside the Wild Area Station at the Meetup Spot in the Wild Area.
  • Gigantamax Pikachu was also available via a Wild Area News event between May 12 and May 18, 2020.
  • As of the release of The Isle of Armor, any normal Pikachu can obtain a Gigantamax Factor if they consume a bowl of Max Soup.

Gigantamax Pikachu has exclusive access to the G-Max Move G-Max Volt Crash.

Pikachu with rare moves

Surfing Pikachu

Main article: Surfing Pikachu

Surfing Pikachu (Japanese: なみのりピカチュウ Surfing Pikachu) is a recurring Pikachu variant, commonly depicted with a surfboard, originating from the Trading Card Game. These Pikachu know the move Surf, which, prior to Generation VIII, have only been given out in special circumstances, such as events.

Surfing Pikachu in its original appearance as a TCG card

Flying Pikachu

Main article: Flying Pikachu

Flying Pikachu (Japanese: そらをとぶピカチュウ Flying Pikachu) is another recurring Pikachu variant from the Trading Card Game, commonly depicted with balloons tied to it. These Pikachu know the move Fly, an event-exclusive move to the Pikachu family.

Flying Pikachu as depicted in the TCG

Singing Pikachu

A Pikachu that knows Sing was distributed to promote the new Japanese Pokémon anime ending theme which involved Pikachu singing. Artwork was released as well. Another Pikachu that knows Sing was distributed during Generation VIII via serial code to commemorate the Pokémon 25th Anniversary.

Singing Pikachu

Pokémon World Championships 2011 Pikachu

A special skating Pikachu wearing a hat is featured on official artwork for the Pokémon 2011 World Championships, including the promotional C-Gear skin.

Pokémon World Championships 2011 Pikachu

Extreme Speed Pikachu

A Pikachu that knows Extreme Speed was distributed in Japan on 800 Series Shinkansen from March 1 to May 6, 2012. In core series games, while no Pikachu can learn Extreme Speed, in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee!, the player's Partner Pikachu can learn the exclusive move Zippy Zap, of which the damage and effect is likely inspired by Extreme Speed.

Zippy Zap VII.png Zippy Zap VII 2.png
Partner Pikachu using Zippy Zap

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Snap

In Pokémon Snap, there are several Pikachu variants.

  • Pikachu on a stump is a special Pikachu found on the Beach. The player can encounter two Pikachu sitting on a set of stumps after forcing a wild Scyther out of tall grass.
  • Pikachu on a ball is another special Pikachu found near the Tunnel. A sole Pikachu will jump on top of a rolling Electrode if startled by the player, and playfully keep it rolling until the Electrode stops in a ditch and explodes, shocking the Pikachu.
  • Speed Pikachu is a special Pikachu found along the River. Taking a picture of this Pikachu will cause it to use Quick Attack to dash across a small field, making it one of the hardest Pokémon to get a picture of.
  • Pikachu on Articuno is another special Pikachu found in the Cave. After rescuing a Pikachu from a Zubat and having Articuno hatch by playing the Poké Flute, near the exit, Articuno will be seen flying towards the player with Pikachu on its back.

PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure

In PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, Pikachu uses a snowboard to play Empoleon's Snow Slide by using a code.

Pokémon Shuffle

Pokémon Shuffle has featured several variants of Pikachu throughout its life cycle. They are listed below.

Dex# NDex Icon Pokémon Type Attack Power Max
Raise Max Level RML
Initial
Skill
Skill Swapper.png Alternate
Skill(s)
Amelia icon.png Amelia
icons
Lv 1 Max
#016 #0025 Shuffle025.png Pikachu Electric 50 130 20 Paralyze Unity Power 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Angry.png Pikachu
Angry
Electric 50 115 10 Super Bolt N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Winking.png Pikachu
Winking
Electric 50 115 10 Swap++ N/A 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Sleeping.png Pikachu
Sleeping
Electric 50 115 10 Sleep Charm N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025FiredUp.png Pikachu
Fired Up
Electric 50 100 5 Cross Attack+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Surprised.png Pikachu
Surprised
Electric 50 100 5 Last-Ditch Effort N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Enamored.png Pikachu
Enamored
Electric 50 115 10 Mind Zap N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Smiling.png Pikachu
Smiling
Electric 50 115 10 Flash Mob N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Dizzy.png Pikachu
Dizzy
Electric 50 100 5 Barrier Bash++ N/A 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Happy.png Pikachu
Happy
Electric 50 115 10 Power of 4+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Spooky.png Pikachu
Spooky
Electric 50 115 10 Block Smash+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Holiday.png Pikachu
Holiday
Electric 50 115 10 Mega Boost+ N/A 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeCharizard.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Burn N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeMagikarp.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Swap++ N/A 3
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeGyarados.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Power of 5+ N/A 3
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeShinyGyarados.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 L-Boost N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeHo-Oh.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Power of 5+ Pyre 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeLugia.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Eject+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025KimonoBoy.png Pikachu
Kimono Boy
Electric 50 100 5 Sleep Combo N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025KimonoGirl.png Pikachu
Kimono Girl
Electric 50 100 5 Paralysis Combo N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeRayquaza.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 50 100 5 Dragon Talon N/A 0
#016 #0025 Shuffle025CostumeShinyRayquaza.png Pikachu
Costume
Electric 60 105 5 Dragon Talon N/A 0
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Intern.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Vitality Drain N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025ChildrensDay.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Nap Time N/A 0
#016 #0025 Shuffle025RainySeason.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Downpour N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025SummerFestival.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 T-Boost N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025BeachWalk.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Three Force N/A 0
#016 #0025 Shuffle025PastryChef.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Quirky+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Artist.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Damage Streak N/A 0
#016 #0025 Shuffle025MushroomHarvest.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Counterattack+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025YearsEnd.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Calm Down N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025LionDancer.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Hitting Streak+ N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Kotatsu.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Prank N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025Graduate.png Pikachu
Celebration
Electric 50 100 5 Final Effort N/A 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025O.png Pikachu
Original Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Stabilize+ Hyper Bolt 1
#016 #0025 Shuffle025H.png Pikachu
Hoenn Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Rock Shot Hyper Bolt 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025S.png Pikachu
Sinnoh Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Block Shot Hyper Bolt 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025U.png Pikachu
Unova Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Barrier Shot Hyper Bolt 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025K.png Pikachu
Kalos Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Cloud Shot Hyper Bolt 2
#016 #0025 Shuffle025A.png Pikachu
Alola Cap
Electric 60 105 5 Shot Out Hyper Bolt 2

Pokémon GO

Main article: Event Pokémon (GO)

In Pokémon GO, Pikachu variants have appeared wearing different costumes. These variants are released for limited events. During the events, all wild Pikachu appear as the variant and Pikachu appear more commonly. Several of these variants also have parallel Pichu and Raichu variants. Variant Pichu can be obtained by hatching an Egg obtained during the event, and any variant Pichu or Pikachu that is evolved will retain its costume.

  • Festive Pikachu: first released for the Holiday 2016 event, from December 12, 2016, to January 3, 2017. It reappeared on subsequent Holiday events on 2017, 2018, and 2021. Since December 18, 2018, this Pikachu can be Shiny. Holiday Pikachu caught from December 21, 2017, to January 4, 2018 will know the special move Present.
  • Pikachu wearing a party hat: first released for the first Pokémon Day event, from February 26 to March 6, 2017. It appeared again the next year, from February 26 to 28, 2018, with the special move Present. It returned the following year for the third Anniversary event, from June 28 to July 6, 2019, this time exclusively appearing once per day through photobombs in the GO Snapshot feature. It appeared once more in the wild during the Adventure Sync Hatchathon 2020 event.
  • Pikachu wearing Ash's hat:
    • Original Cap Pikachu was first released for the first Anniversary event, from July 6 to 27, 2017. It appeared again for the second April Fools' Day event nearly two years later, from April 1 to 2, 2019, this time exclusively through photobombs in the GO Snapshot feature. Original Cap Pikachu returns for the Pokémon Spotlight Hour on October 13, 2020.
    • World Cap Pikachu was first released for the Pokémon Spotlight Hour on October 6, 2020. It returned for the Animation Week event held from November 6 to 12, 2020. While this Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a witch's hat: first released for the second Halloween event, from October 20 to November 2, 2017. It appeared again the next year, from October 23 to November 7, 2018.
  • Summer Style Pikachu: first released for the second Anniversary event, from July 5 to 31, 2018. It returned for Pokémon GO Fest 2020 and was available from July 17 to July 22, 2020.
  • H.F. cap Pikachu: first released for the H.F. Custom Tie-In event, from October 5 to 7, 2018. While this Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a flower crown: first released for the third Pokémon Day event, from February 26 to 28, 2019. It returned for the Spring 2020 event from April 9 to 16, 2020, as a Pichu evolution, and in the wild during the Spring 2021 and 2022 events.
  • Pikachu wearing a detective hat: first released for the POKÉMON Detective Pikachu tie-in event, from May 7 to 17, 2019, exclusively through photobombs in the GO Snapshot feature. While this Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a straw hat: first released from July 22 to 29, 2019, in support of the Kumamoto Prefecture revival project, and also as a tie-in with One Piece in celebration of its 22nd anniversary. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a Mimikyu costume: first released for the Halloween 2019 event, from October 17 to November 1, 2019. It appeared again for the Halloween 2020 event on October 23 to November 3, 2020, and as part of the rewards for the Misunderstood Mischief Special Research. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a beanie hat: first released for the Holiday 2019 event, from December 24, 2019 to January 1, 2020.
  • Pikachu wearing a red party hat: first released for the fourth Pokémon Day event, from February 25 to March 2, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a safari hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Safari Zone St. Louis event on March 27, 2020, and has been recurring in every GO Safari Zone event since. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a flower hat: first released for the Spring event from April 9 to 16, 2020.
  • Pikachu wearing a Charizard hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Kanto event, from May 1 to 8, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing an Umbreon hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Johto event, from May 8 to 15, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a Rayquaza hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Hoenn event, from May 15 to 22, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a Lucario hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Sinnoh event, from May 22 to 29, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Explorer Pikachu: first released to commemorate both releases of Secrets of the Jungle: from December 14 to 21, 2020 to celebrate the movie's Japanese release, and then from October 1 to 10, 2021 to celebrate its international release. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Winter Carnival Pikachu: first released on the Holiday 2020 event, from December 22 to 31, 2020. It returned for the Winter Holiday 2022 event, from December 15 to 31, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a New Year's hat: first released for the New Year's 2021 event, from December 31, 2020 to January 4, 2021. It returned for the New Year's 2022 event, from December 31, 2021 to January 4, 2022.
  • Pikachu wearing a Meloetta hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest event held from July 17 to 18, 2021. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Halloween Mischief Pikachu: first released for the Halloween 2021 event, from October 15 to 31, 2021. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing an Okinawa kariyushi shirt: first released exclusively in Okinawa Prefecture for the Pokémon Air Adventures event, beginning from March 19, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing Gracidea flowers: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest 2022 event, running from June 4 to 5, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a Pokémon Trading Card Game hat: first released for the Pokémon TCG crossover event, running from June 16 to 30, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a cake costume: first released for Pokémon GO's sixth anniversary event, running from July 6 to 12, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • World Championships 2022 Pikachu: first released for the Pokémon World Championships 2022 celebration event, running from August 18 to 23, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a Shaymin-inspired scarf: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest 2022 event held on August 27, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a green T-shirt: first released exclusively in Taipei for the Pokémon Air Adventures event running from October 14, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a purple T-shirt: first released exclusively in Singapore for the Pokémon Air Adventures event running from November 11, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing a party top hat: first released for the New Year's 2023 event, from December 31, 2022 to January 4, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing Brendan's hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event in Las Vegas, from February 18 to 19, 2023. It will also be released for the global Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event, from February 25 to 26, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu wearing May's bow: first released for the Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event in Las Vegas, from February 18 to 19, 2023. It will also be released for the global Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event, from February 25 to 26, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
  • Pikachu adorned with cherry blossoms: was released for the Spring 2023 event, from April 4 to 10, 2023.
  • Pikachu wearing a batik shirt: first released from March 2, 2024, as part of the Pikachu's Indonesia Journey campaign.
  • Pikachu wearing Cap's hat: first released from March 5, 2024 to Monday, March 11, 2024, as part of a special collaboration with Pokémon Horizons: The Series for Pokémon Day 2024. This variant could be shiny but cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.

Pikachu wearing the festive hat, party hat, Original cap, witch's hat, summer-style costume, and detective hat were also available during Pokémon GO Fest 2019 in Yokohama, Japan, held from August 6 to 12, 2019.


Pikachu
GO0025.png

Pikachu
GO0025f.png
Festive
Pikachu
GO0025F.png
Festive
Pikachu
GO0025Ff.png
Party hat
Pikachu
GO0025P.png
Party hat
Pikachu
GO0025Pf.png
Original Cap
Pikachu
GO0025O.png
Original Cap
Pikachu
GO0025Of.png
Witch
Pikachu
GO0025H.png
Witch
Pikachu
GO0025Hf.png
Summer
Pikachu
GO0025S.png
Summer
Pikachu
GO0025Sf.png
H.F.
Pikachu
GO0025C.png
H.F.
Pikachu
GO0025Cf.png
Spring
Pikachu
GO0025G.png
Spring
Pikachu
GO0025Gf.png
Detective
Pikachu
GO0025D.png
Detective
Pikachu
GO0025Df.png
Straw Hat
Pikachu
GO0025L.png
Straw Hat
Pikachu
GO0025Lf.png
Mimikyu
Pikachu
GO0025Fall2019.png
Mimikyu
Pikachu
GO0025Fall2019 f.png
Beanie
Pikachu
GO0025B.png
Beanie
Pikachu
GO0025Bf.png
Red party hat
Pikachu
GO0025Jan2020.png
Red party hat
Pikachu
GO0025Jan2020 f.png
Safari
Pikachu
GO0025Safari2020.png
Safari
Pikachu
GO0025Safari2020 f.png
Flower hat
Pikachu
GO0025April2020.png
Flower hat
Pikachu
GO0025April2020 f.png
Charizard hat
Pikachu
GO0025Kanto2020.png
Charizard hat
Pikachu
GO0025Kanto2020 f.png
Umbreon hat
Pikachu
GO0025Johto2020.png
Umbreon hat
Pikachu
GO0025Johto2020 f.png
Rayquaza hat
Pikachu
GO0025Hoenn2020.png
Rayquaza hat
Pikachu
GO0025Hoenn2020 f.png
Lucario hat
Pikachu
GO0025Sinnoh2020.png
Lucario hat
Pikachu
GO0025Sinnoh2020 f.png
Word Cap
Pikachu
GO0025W.png
Word Cap
Pikachu
GO0025Wf.png
Explorer
Pikachu
GO0025AdventureHat2020.png
Explorer
Pikachu
GO0025AdventureHat2020 f.png
Winter Carnival
Pikachu
GO0025Winter2020.png
Winter Carnival
Pikachu
GO0025Winter2020 f.png
New Year's
Pikachu
GO0025Costume2.png
New Year's
Pikachu
GO0025Costume2 f.png
Meloetta hat
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2021.png
Meloetta hat
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2021 f.png
Halloween Mischief
Pikachu
GO0025Halloween2021.png
Halloween Mischief
Pikachu
GO0025Halloween2021 f.png
Kariyushi shirt
Pikachu
GO0025Kariyushi.png
Kariyushi shirt
Pikachu
GO0025Kariyushi f.png
Gracidea flower
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2022.png
Gracidea flower
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2022 f.png
Pokémon TCG hat
Pikachu
GO0025TCG.png
Pokémon TCG hat
Pikachu
GO0025TCG f.png
Cake costume
Pikachu
GO0025Anniversary2022.png
Cake costume
Pikachu
GO0025Anniversary6 f.png
World Championships 2022
Pikachu
GO0025WCS2022.png
World Championships 2022
Pikachu
GO0025WCS2022 f.png
Shaymin scarf
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2022Finale.png
Shaymin scarf
Pikachu
GO0025GOFest2022Finale f.png
Green T-shirt
Pikachu
GO0025TShirtGreen.png
Green T-shirt
Pikachu
GO0025TShirtGreen f.png
Purple T-shirt
Pikachu
GO0025TShirtPurple.png
Purple T-shirt
Pikachu
GO0025TShirtPurple f.png
Party top hat
Pikachu
GO0025Jan2023.png
Party top hat
Pikachu
GO0025Jan2023 f.png
Brendan's hat
Pikachu
GO0025GoTour2023Brendan.png
Brendan's hat
Pikachu
GO0025GoTour2023Brendan f.png
May's bow
Pikachu
GO0025GoTour2023May.png
May's bow
Pikachu
GO0025GoTour2023May f.png
Cherry blossoms
Pikachu
GO0025Spring2023.png
Cherry blossoms
Pikachu
GO0025Spring2023 f.png
Batik shirt
Pikachu
GO0025TShirtBatik.png
Batik shirt
Pikachu
File:GO0025TShirtBatikf.png
Cap's hat
Pikachu
GO0025Captain.png
Cap's hat
Pikachu
File:GO0025Captainf.png


Pokémon Sleep

In Pokémon Sleep, two new variants of Pikachu were introduced for a limited time. These variants cannot evolve but can be Shiny. The variants are as following:

  • Halloween Hat Pikachu is a Pikachu with a witch's hat. It was able to be befriended during the Halloween event from October 30 to November 5, 2023. A variant wearing a purple witch's hat was able to be befriended during the Halloween event from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
  • Christmas Hat Pikachu is a Pikachu with a Santa's hat. It was able to be befriended during the Christmas event from December 18 to December 24, 2023.
Pikachu
 
Sleep Menu 0025.png
Pikachu
(Halloween)
Sleep Menu 0025 halloween.png
Pikachu
(Halloween) (2024)
Sleep Menu 0025 halloween 2024.png
Pikachu
(Holiday)
Sleep Menu 0025 holiday.png

A special variant, Nightcap Pikachu, also known as simply "special Pikachu" or "special Pikachu wearing a nightcap", is also available in the game. This Pikachu cannot evolve and cannot be Shiny. It is exclusive to players who pair their Pokémon Sleep game with the Pokémon GO Plus + peripheral.

Pikachu
(Special)
Pikachu wearing a nightcap.jpg

Super Smash Bros. series

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Pikachu, as any other fighter, can temporarily become oversized by using the Super Mushroom item.

In animation

Pokémon the Series

Pikachutwo

Pikachutwo
Main article: Pikachutwo

Pikachutwo was cloned from Ash's Pikachu, and battled against it in Mewtwo Strikes Back. Pikachutwo was also central to the plot of Mewtwo Returns. The fur on Pikachutwo's ears is colored similar to a Pichu's.

Puka

Puka in the anime
Main article: Puka

Puka is a surfing Pikachu that appeared in The Pi-Kahuna. Puka is at least twenty years old, having been first found on a beach on the Seafoam Islands by surfing enthusiast Victor shortly after he failed to conquer a large wave, "Humunga-Dunga". Puka is noticeably older than any other Pikachu seen in the animated series and has blue eyes rather than the regular dark brown eye color.

Sparky

Sparky
Main article: Sparky

Ritchie owns a Pikachu, nicknamed Sparky. It is distinguished from other Pikachu by a scruff of fur on the top of its head.

Blue Orb-possessed Pikachu

Blue Orb-possessed Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu was possessed by the Blue Orb in the anime in Gaining Groudon and The Scuffle of Legends. This caused his eyes to glow red and he became covered in markings similar to Groudon's.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Chuchu seen with the heart-shaped tail
Lisia, Chaz, and the five Cosplay Pikachu
Gigantamax Pikachu

Yellow arc

As first seen in this arc, Red's Pikachu, Pika, is a Surfing Pikachu. Yellow was able to teach it the move Surf by having him mold his substitute into a surfboard.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

Chuchu was introduced in this arc. Although she is a female Pikachu, she appeared with no heart-shaped tail due to the fact that she predates the introduction of the gender differences. However, there is a later illustration by Satoshi Yamamoto where Chuchu is seen with the heart-shaped tail.

In The Last Battle VII, Chuchu is revealed to be a Flying Pikachu.

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc

In this arc, it is shown that Lisia has one female and four male Cosplay Pikachu. The female Cosplay Pikachu is the only one with the black tail tip.

Sword & Shield arc

In PASS40, a Gigantamax Pikachu appeared on the Isle of Armor.

In the TCG

Captain Pikachu

Captain Pikachu

Captain Pikachu depicts a Pikachu wearing a pirate hat. The following are cards named Captain Pikachu.

Captain Pikachu
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Captain Pikachu Lightning       Unnumbered Promotional cards    
 


Shopping Pikachu

Shopping Pikachu

Shopping Pikachu depicts a Pikachu with a shopping basket. The following are cards named Shopping Pikachu.

Shopping Pikachu
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Shopping Pikachu Lightning       L-P Promotional cards   079/L-P
 


In other media

Snow Pikachu

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

As an April Fools' Day joke in 2008, Game Freak announced that it would move to the Arctic to help save snow Pikachu from polar bears. Game Freak's website was also changed to incorporate an image of a snow Pikachu, which was a snow sculpture.

Ash's Pikachu made a snowman in the shape of itself on the cover of Pikachu's Winter Vacation Soundtrack.

A snow Pikachu appears in Pokémon Channel, this same design would then be used in the Pokémon Dream World, being featured as a piece of Décor in the Winter Catalogue 2011. During the Holiday 2014 promotion on the online Pokémon Center store, a Snow Pikachu was one of the special plushes.

The Pikachu balloon in the 2015 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features a scarfed Pikachu holding a snow Pikachu in a Santa hat.

One Trading Card features a Snow Pikachu, being built by two Snorunt.

Related articles

For more information on this Pokémon's species, see Pikachu.

Related articles

Pokémon forms and variants
Permanent: Shiny Pokémon (GO) • Alternately colored Pokémon (animated series)
Gender differencesForm differences (GO) • Brilliant PokémonAlpha Pokémon
Transformations: Mega Evolution (ShuffleMastersGO) • Primal Reversion (GO) • Bond Phenomenon
Ultra BurstDynamax (GO) • Gigantamax (GO) • EternamaxTerastal phenomenonBattle-Only (GO)
Groups: Totem PokémonNoble PokémonTitan Pokémon
Regional forms: AlolanGalarianHisuianPaldean
Analogous species: Paradox PokémonEcologically similar Pokémon
Species-specific: Arbok variantsPikachu variants (SurfingFlyingCosplayCap) • Ditto transformations
Miscellaneous: Giant PokémonSpiky-eared PichuPartner Pokémon (LGPE)
Fusions (GO) • Human–Pokémon transformation
Side series original: Shadow PokémonShadow Lugia
Spin-off original: Shadow Pokémon (GO)Primal DialgaToy Pokémon (Rusty Pokémon)
Shadow MewtwoPokéxelIllumina phenomenonMighty Pokémon
Animated series original: Pink ButterfreeClone PokémonCrystal Onix
Mirage PokémonMeta GroudonGreen-crystal Deoxys
Manga original: Thu-Fi-ZerBlack FogBlack Tyranitar
Project Pokédex logo.png 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.