Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor cannot evolve. The Pikachu received at the beginning of Pokémon Yellow will refuse to evolve into Raichu unless it is traded and evolved on another save file.
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]
Pikachu is a short, chubby rodentPokémon. 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-MoveCatastropika, and the only known Pokémon capable of using the Light Ball item.
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.
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 MoveG-Max Volt Crash.
The player's friend in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, either Rei or Akari (depending on the player's gender), will have a Pikachu. Pikachu does not evolve. Pikachu is seen as their main partner and will often appear outside its Poké Ball.
Ikue Ohtani, the voice of Pikachu, makes appearance as a cameo in Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver (all as Picknicker Brooke), X, Y (as Breeder Mercy), and all Generation VII titles, where she all owns a Pikachu. In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Ikue is the Pikachu Master Trainer.
In the spin-offs
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.
This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Pikachu's Goodbye, many wild Pikachu appear and Ash's Pikachu wants to play with them. Eventually, Ash tries to release him thinking it'd be best for Pikachu to be with his own kind, but he refused to leave Ash's side.
In The Ultimate Test, James used a Pikachu in the Pokémon League Admissions Exam, but it was defeated by the instructor's Graveler. After interfering with a battle Ash was having with the instructor, James later tried to steal this Pikachu, only for it to zap James instead, as instructed by its instructor.
A Mirror World Pikachu appeared in The Cave of Mirrors!, under the ownership of Mirror Ash. Unlike his regular world counterpart, Mirror Pikachu is a mischievous roughneck.
In Lights! Camera! Pika!, Frank has multiple Pikachu that would participate in his filmmaking endeavors.
In Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, multiple Pikachu were summoned by Hoopa as part of a prank on Ash and his Pikachu, though the prank failed. They were then returned to their original locations with the help of Ash's Pikachu, who coordinated them into Hoopa's portals.
In Battling at Full Volume!, Jimmy's Pikachu, nicknamed Spike, was used in a battle against Ash's Pikachu. Since Ash was ill, Serena took his place, unbeknownst to Jimmy and Spike. However, the match was interrupted by Team Rocket, who captured Spike, but Spike was promptly saved.
In a flashback in Pokémon Double Trouble, Travis's mother Luana temporarily mistook Ash for Travis when she saw Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, since Travis has a Pikachu of his own.
In Lights, Camerupt, Action!, a Pikachu appeared in two of Elijah's movies. Red's Pikachu was featured in a film that Ash and Gary were watching when they were younger. In a different movie that Ash and his friends were watching at the time the episode was taking place, another Pikachu helped Plusle and Minun on their mission to rescue Princess Kirlia from the evil Exploud.
In Cooking up a Sweet Story!, Abigail's Pikachu, nicknamed Sugar, went missing prior to the events of the episode. As a result, Ash's Pikachu had to fill in for it so that its owner would have the confidence to win a cooking competition. At the end of the episode, Sugar returned, whereupon it was revealed to have evolved into a Raichu.
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.
Red caught a Pikachu in Viridian Forest in The Adventure. He then proceeded to travel though multiple regions with it, facing many strong opponents along the way.
In The Eclipse, a Pikachu was briefly seen in a flashback, frozen in Lusamine's trophy room.
In The Discovery, a female partner Pikachu wearing the Sportswear appeared under the ownership of Elaine.
Pokémon Concierge
Nao's Pikachu in Pokémon Concierge
Multiple Pikachu, twelve in total, appear in the Pokémon Concierge episode Welcome to the Pokémon Resort! as guests at the titular Resort. One of these Pikachu, belonging to Nao, has a quiet and asocial personality unlike most other Pikachu, and thus Nao asks for Haru's help in trying to make it louder and more "Pikachu-like". Over their many failed attempts, however, they eventually come to the realization that Nao's Pikachu does not need to be forced into a specific "Pikachu-like" role, and that it should be allowed to be itself. Once Nao realizes this, his bond with Pikachu grows closer and Pikachu becomes happier.
Multiple Pikachu made cameo appearances in the following episodes.
Other animation
Pikachu in the Pokémon Masters Animated TrailerPikachu in The Journey of One DreamPikachu in A Ripple in TimePikachu in Bidoof's Big Stand
Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer
Two Pikachu appeared in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, with one under the ownership of Scottie and the other under the ownership of Bettie. Scottie's Pikachu participated in a battle against Erika, a Beauty, and a Lass; while Bettie's Pikachu participated in a battle against Skyla, Flint, and Acerola.
GOTCHA!
A Pikachu appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of a boy.
Pikachu plays an important role in The Journey of One Dream as one of the many Pokémon featured in Dominic's games. In the short's final battle, Pikachu is used by Dominic in the final battle against a Mewtwo.
Biri-Biri
A Pikachu briefly appeared as a silhouette in the music video for Biri-Biri, under the ownership of Anna.
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 ♪
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.
Pikachu manages to find its way into many of the expansions, causing there to be 221 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.
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.[8] 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.
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.[9]
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.
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.
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.[12]
The spider species Epicratinus pikachu was named after Pikachu due to the female spider's epigynum resembling its face.[13]
The spider species Alistra pikachu was named after Pikachu due to its yellow coloration.[14]
The beetle species Hiperantha pikachu was named after Pikachu because of its yellow elytra with a black apical band that resembles Pikachu's ears.[15]
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.
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.
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 currently represented in the Trading Card Game by more cards than any other Pokémon, with 221 unique cards.
On December 11, 2023, Google revealed that Pikachu was the "most searched Pokémon" in the platform's history during its 25 years of creation.[16][17]
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]
For other sprites and images, please see Pikachu images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
Female Pikachu
Shiny Pikachu
Set of Cosplay Pikachu
Original Cap Pikachu
Hoenn Cap Pikachu
Sinnoh Cap Pikachu
Unova Cap Pikachu
Kalos Cap Pikachu
Alola Cap Pikachu
Partner Cap Pikachu
World Cap Pikachu
Gigantamax Pikachu
