Pikachu (Pokémon) - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia

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, Pikachu evolves into Alolan Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.

Pikachu has sixteen alternate forms that fall into four groups: Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap, the partner Pikachu, and Gigantamax Pikachu. Ordinary Pikachu can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Pikachu if it has the Gigantamax Factor. Additionally, many other Pikachu variants have appeared in various media.

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 is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise and one of Nintendo's major mascots. It is also the game mascot of and the player's first Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow and Let's Go, Pikachu!, the player's first Pokémon in Pokémon Rumble Blast and Pokémon Rumble World, and has made numerous appearances on the covers of spin-off games.

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.^[1]

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.^[2] 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.)

Game data

As the player

Main article: Pikachu (PokéPark)

Pikachu appears as the player character in both PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure and its sequel, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond. He falls down a mysterious tunnel one day with his friends Charmander, Chikorita, and Piplup and ends up in the PokéPark. There he goes on a quest to save the PokéPark from certain destruction. He later travels to a new PokéPark which is being threatened by the ever-expanding Wish Park. At the new PokéPark he meets Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and they help to save the PokéPark from danger.

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 Kanto#025 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green Red(ENG) When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. Blue Yellow It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you. Stadium Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked.

Generation II Johto#022 Gold This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. Silver It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. Crystal When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. Stadium 2 This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.

Generation III Hoenn#156 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. 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. FireRed It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. LeafGreen When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.

Generation IV Sinnoh#104 Johto#022 Diamond It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks. Pearl If it looses crackling power from the electrical pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary. Platinum It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. HeartGold This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. SoulSilver It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.

Generation V Unova#— Black It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. White Black 2 It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state. White 2

Generation VI KalosCentral #036 Hoenn#163 X It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. Y It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. 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 Alola S  M : #025 Alola US  UM : #032 Kanto#025 Sun A plan was recently announced to gather many Pikachu and make an electric power plant. Moon It's in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if it's unable to fully discharge the electricity. Ultra Sun Its nature is to store up electricity. Forests where nests of Pikachu live are dangerous, since the trees are so often struck by lightning. 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. Moon This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. Since the cap's not the right size, the fit is a bit loose. Ultra Sun This form of Pikachu is somewhat rare. It wears the hat of its Trainer, who is also its partner. Ultra Moon This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. Since the cap's not the right size, the fit is a bit loose.

Generation VIII Galar#194 GalarIsle of Armor #085 Sinnoh#104 Hisui#056 Sword Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy. Shield When Pikachu meet, they'll touch their tails together and exchange electricity through them as a form of greeting. Brilliant Diamond It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. Shining Pearl If it looses crackling power from the electric sacs on its cheeks, it is being wary. Legends: Arceus Possesses cheek sacs in which it stores electricity. This clever forest-dweller roasts tough berries with an electric shock before consuming them. Original Cap Pikachu Sword This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through many different regions. Shield This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled across many regions together. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola Cap Pikachu Sword This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Hoenn/Sinnoh/Unova/Kalos/Alola region. Shield 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. Partner Cap Pikachu Sword This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of when they first met. Shield This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol of a fateful encounter. World Cap Pikachu Sword This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through different regions. Shield This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol that travels across different regions with Pikachu. Gigantamax Pikachu Sword Its Gigantamax power expanded, forming its supersized body and towering tail. Shield When it smashes its opponents with its bolt-shaped tail, it delivers a surge of electricity equivalent to a lightning strike.

Generation IX Paldea#74 Kitakami#21 Blueberry#— Scarlet When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. Violet When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms. Original Cap Pikachu Scarlet The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across lots of different regions together. Violet This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across many different regions. Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola Cap Pikachu Scarlet 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. Violet 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 Scarlet The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon traveling together with its partner, whom it met in a fateful encounter. Violet This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed as the two overcame many hardships together. World Cap Pikachu Scarlet The cap this Pikachu wears is filled with memories of this Pokémon and its partner traveling across the world together. Violet This Pikachu wears its partner's cap—proof of the strong bond Pikachu and its partner formed during adventures across the world.

Game locations

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

In side games

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII Quest Rumble Rush Charizard Sea2019, Dragonite Sea, Snorlax Sea, Pinsir Sea, Zapdos Sea, Jirachi Sea, Gengar Sea, Celebi Sea, Castform Sea, Garchomp Sea, Entei Sea, Mimikyu Sea, Aegislash Sea, Mewtwo Sea, Rowlet Sea, Lugia Sea, Buzzwole Sea, Zygarde Sea, Butterfree Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal, Jirachi SeaFinal, Celebi SeaFinal, Garchomp SeaFinal, Entei SeaFinal, Mimikyu SeaFinal, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal, Buzzwole SeaFinal, Zygarde SeaFinalRowlet Sea, Rowlet SeaFinal (Festive Hat)

Generation VIII

Generation IX

Cross-Generation

In events

Pikachu

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
RGB	Pokémon 2 Idea Contest Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	5	May 15 to June 12, 1997
RGB	Nintendo 64 Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	5	September 21 to October 31, 1997
RGB	CoroCoro Surfing Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	5	September 15 to October 14, 1997
RGB	CoroCoro Flying Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	5	October 15 to November 1997
RGB	Summer 1998 Pokémon Battle Tour Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	5	July 19 to August 23, 1998
RBY	Nintendo Power Pikachu	English	United States	?	October to November 1, 1999
RS	Pokémon Center New York Evolution Stone Promotion Pikachu	English	United States	50	August 30 to September 4, 2003
RSEFRLG	All Nippon Airways Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	December 5 to 25, 2004
RSEFRLG	Yokohama Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	March 19 to April 3, 2005
RSEFRLG	GW Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	April 25 to May 8, 2005
RSEFRLG	Sapporo Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	July 1 to August 21, 2005
RSEFRLG	Gather More Pokémon! Third Campaign Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	January 14 to 29, 2006
RSEFRLG	Journey Across America Pikachu	English	United States	70	February 25 to July 23, 2006
RSEFRLG	Gather More Pokémon! Fifth Campaign Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	March 21 to April 9, 2006
RSEFRLG	Gather More Pokémon! Sixth Campaign Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	10	April 22 to May 8, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Pikachu	English	United Kingdom	70	June 10, 2006;October 14 to November 19, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Pikachu	Italian	Italy	70	June 23 to 25, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Pikachu	Spanish	Spain	70	June 27 to August 27, 2006
RSEFRLG	Party of the Decade Pikachu	English	United States	70	August 8, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Pikachu	German	Germany	70	September 24 to November 5, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Pikachu	French	France	70	September 26, 2006
DP	2007 TCG World Championships Pikachu	English	United States	50	August 10 to 12, 2007
DP	McDonald's Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	20	May 30 to June 19, 2008
DPPt	Pokémon Center Yokohama Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	40	October 10 to November 3, 2008
DP	Nintendo Zone Pikachu	English	United States	20	November 14 to 27, 2008
DPPt	2008 Birthday Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	40	December 26, 2008 to December 25, 2009
DPPt	Sleeping Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	50	February 7 to March 15, 2009
DPPt	Character Fair Pikachu	Korean	South Korea	30	July 24 to 26, 2009
DPPtHGSS	Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	30	October 3 to 4, 2009
DPPtHGSS	Ario Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	20	November 21 to 23, 2009
DPPtHGSS	2009 Birthday Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	40	December 26, 2009 to November 3, 2010
DPPtHGSS	Ash's Pikachu	Japanese	Nintendo Wi-Fi	50	July 15 to August 10, 2010
DPPtHGSS	7-Eleven Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	20	August 20 to September 5, 2010
DPPtHGSS	Nintendo Zone Pikachu	German	Germany	20	July 31 to August 27, 2010
DPPtHGSS	Ash's Pikachu	English	North America	50	January 30 to February 20, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Ash's Pikachu	Korean	Nintendo Wi-Fi	50	February 1 to 28, 2011
BW	All Nippon Airways Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	50	July 18 to September 30, 2011
BW	Singing Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	30	July 30 to September 4, 2011
BW	ExtremeSpeed Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	50	March 1 to May 6, 2012
BW	Pikachu Festival Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	100	March 23 to April 8, 2012
BW	Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu	English	Singapore	100	May 11 to 20, 2012
BW	Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu	Japanese	Singapore	100	May 11 to 20, 2012
BW	Summer 2012 Pikachu	English	Europe	100	July 5 to September 29, 2012
BW	Summer 2012 Pikachu	French	Europe	100	July 5 to September 29, 2012
BW	Summer 2012 Pikachu	German	Europe	100	July 5 to September 29, 2012
BW	Summer 2012 Pikachu	Italian	Europe	100	July 5 to September 29, 2012
BW	Summer 2012 Pikachu	Spanish	Europe	100	July 5 to September 29, 2012
BW	Summer Carnival Pikachu	Korean	South Korea	100	July 14 to August 29, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	English	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	French	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	German	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	Italian	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	Japanese	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	Korean	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BW	2012 World Championships Pikachu	Spanish	United States	50	August 12, 2012
BWB2W2	Pokémon Center 15th Anniversary Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	100	May 29 to June 4, 2013;July 3 to 7, 2013
BWB2W2	Strongest Class Pikachu	Japanese	Hong KongTaiwan	100	July 26 to August 20, 2013
BWB2W2	Pokémon Center Best Wishes Ash's Pikachu	Japanese	Japan	50	August 10 to September 6, 2013
XYORAS	Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu	All	Japan	10	October 12, 2013 to December 31, 2016
XY	Atsuto Uchida Pikachu	All	Japan	22	June 15, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai Landmark Tower Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 17, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai Cosmo World Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 17, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai Red Brick Warehouse Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 17, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai Captain Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 17, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai ♥♥Pika♥♥ Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 17, 2014
XY	Minato Mirai Pacifico Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 16 to 17, 2014
XYORAS	Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo Pikachu	All	Japan	36	December 11, 2014;December 12, 2014 to January 16, 2015
ORAS	Pokémon Cafe Pikachu	All	Japan	10	January 9 to March 15, 2015
XYORAS	7-Eleven Ash's Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	50	July 18 to September 30, 2015
XYORAS	Yokohama Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 8 to 16, 2015
ORAS	Satay King Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	August 9 to September 30, 2015
ORAS	Satay King Pikachu	Taiwanese region	Online	10	August 9 to September 30, 2015
XYORAS	Pokémon Center Ash's Pikachu	Japanese region	Nintendo Network	50	August 24 to 30, 2015
ORAS	PGL Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	September 1 to October 29, 2015
ORAS	PGL Pikachu	American region	Online	10	September 1 to October 29, 2015
ORAS	PGL Pikachu	PAL region	Online	10	September 1 to October 29, 2015
ORAS	PGL Pikachu	Korean region	Online	10	September 1 to October 29, 2015
ORAS	PGL Pikachu	Taiwanese region	Online	10	September 1 to October 29, 2015
ORAS	Beginner Trainer Pikachu	All	South Korea	10	October 9 to 11, 2015;October 17 to 18, 2015
XYORAS	Tohoku Pikachu	All	Japan	99	December 20, 2015January 2 to 11, 2016
ORAS	Pokémon Center Online Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	February 16 to August 31, 2016
XYORAS	Tohoku Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	March 11 to April 21, 2016
ORAS	Pokémon Cafe Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	May 27 to August 31, 2016
ORAS	Pokémon Cafe Pikachu	American region	Online	10	May 27 to August 31, 2016
ORAS	Pokémon Center Hiroshima Pikachu	All	Japan	36	June 1 to 30, 2016
XYORAS	Pika Pika Pokémon Spa Pikachu	Korean region	Online	10	July 2 to September 30, 2016
SM	Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu	All	Japan	10	November 18, 2016 to November 15, 2018
SM	Tohoku Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	March 11 to April 20, 2017
SM	Carnival Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 9 to 15, 2017August 14, 2017
SM	Carnival Parade Pikachu	All	Japan	10	August 14, 2017
SMUSUM	2018 Tohoku Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	10	March 5 to April 26, 2018
SMUSUM	Pokémon Cafe Pikachu	All	Japan	5	March 14 to April 22, 2018
SMUSUM	Pokémon World Festival Pikachu	All	South Korea	10	April 27 to May 7, 2018
E	Pokémon Festa 2019 Shiny Pikachu	All	Online	10	May 1 to 31, 2019
E	Target Bullseye Pass Shiny Pikachu	All	Online	10	May 11 to June 23, 2019
SwSh	Japan Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu	All	Japan	5	November 15, 2019 to January 31, 2021
SwSh	Singapore Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu	All	Singapore	5	March 7, 2020 to January 31, 2021
SwSh	KIBO's Pikachu	All	Online	21	December 31, 2020 to January 15, 2021
SwSh	Game Freak's Singing Pikachu	All	Online	25	February 25 to March 25, 2021
SV	Flying Terastal Pikachu	All	Online	5	November 18, 2022 to February 28, 2023
SV	25th Anniversary Pikatto Pika Pika Pikachu	All	Online	25	April 22 to July 31, 2023

Original Cap Pikachu

Hoenn Cap Pikachu

Sinnoh Cap Pikachu

Unova Cap Pikachu

Kalos Cap Pikachu

Alola Cap Pikachu

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
SM	Alola Cap Pikachu	Japanese region	Online	20	June 28 to July 17, 2017September 27 to October 9, 2017
SM	Alola Cap Pikachu	American regionPAL regionTaiwanese region	Online	19	October 10 to 12, 2017October 24 to 30, 2017
USUM	Alola Cap Pikachu	Japanese regionAmerican regionPAL regionTaiwanese region	Online	19	November 9 to 30, 2018
SwSh	Ash's Alola Cap Pikachu	All	Online	25	October 23 to November 30, 2020

Partner Cap Pikachu

World Cap Pikachu

In-game events

Pikachu

Partner Cap Pikachu

Wild Area News

Pikachu

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	May 12 to 18, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	17, 30, 40, 50, 6060	August 6 to 9, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	6060	February 27 to 28, 2021

Poké Portal News

Pokémon Global Link promotions

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	Japanese	PGL	10	September 19, 2012 to January 31, 2013
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	English	PGL	10	November 9, 2012 to May 30, 2013
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	French	PGL	10	November 9, 2012 to May 30, 2013
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	German	PGL	10	November 9, 2012 to May 30, 2013
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	Italian	PGL	10	November 9, 2012 to May 30, 2013
B2W2	Global Link Pikachu	Spanish	PGL	10	November 9, 2012 to May 30, 2013

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 the Pikachu received at the beginning of the game, otherwise the Pikachu will be holding a Berry. In Pokéwalker, only Pikachu found in Yellow Forest are carrying items.

Stats

Base stats

Generation I-V

Generation VI onward

Partner Pikachu

Pokéathlon stats

Jump 3/4 ★★★☆

Type effectiveness

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

Damagednormally by:

Immune to:

Resistant to:

Learnset

By leveling up

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 level-up moves from other generations

By TM

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 or an alternate form of Pikachu Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IX

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

By a prior evolution

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

By events

Generation IX

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

TCG-only moves

Anime-only moves

Side game data

Pikachu

Pikachu Libre

Pikachu Pop Star

Pikachu Rock Star

Flying Pikachu

Shaymin scarf Pikachu

Pikachu Ph. D

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.^[3]

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 Pikachu received at the beginning of Pokémon Yellow will refuse to evolve into Raichu unless it is traded and evolved on another save file.

Sprites

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Cross-Generation

Other sprites

In the anime

Main series

Major appearances

Ash's Pikachu

Ash has a Pikachu that he obtained from Professor Oak in Pokémon - I Choose You!, the first episode of Pokémon the Series, which also marked its debut. He was the signature Pokémon of the animated series from the original series to Pokémon Journeys: The Series and appeared in almost every non-special episode and every Pokémon movie released throughout that point. In The Climb to Be the Very Best!, he was revealed to be capable of Gigantamaxing. He always remains outside of his Poké Ball.

Pikachutwo

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Mewtwo cloned Ash's Pikachu. This Pikachu can be distinguished from Ash's due to the spikes in the black marks found on the tips of its ears. It is also comparatively more aggressive than Ash's Pikachu and slurs its speech, defects possibly caused by Ash tampering with Mewtwo's cloning machine during the cloning process. It reappeared in the sequel special Mewtwo Returns and the remake movie Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.

Puka

A Pikachu nicknamed Puka was owned by Victor on Seafoam Island in The Pi-Kahuna. This blue-eyed Pikachu saved Ash from drowning by having the ability to sense tidal waves approaching.

Sparky

Ritchie has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sparky, unlike most Pikachu, has a tuft of fur on the top of its head, and, unlike Ash's Pikachu, has no problem with living inside a Poké Ball.

Ashachu

Ash was turned into a Pikachu in Hocus Pokémon by a Pokémon magician named Lily. He reverted to his human form at the beginning of the next episode.

Cosplay Pikachu

All of the Cosplay Pikachu appeared in Lights! Camera! Pika!, under the ownership of Frank. They reappeared in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, where they were all summoned by Hoopa as part of a prank on Ash and his Pikachu.

Ash's Pikachu (M20)

The Ash Ketchum of the alternate continuity introduced in I Choose You! has a Pikachu of his own. Like the Pikachu of the main series, this Pikachu was his first Pokémon and his main partner, almost always remaining outside of his Poké Ball.

Goh's Pikachu

Goh caught a Pikachu in Gotta Catch a What?!. She, along with a few others of her kind, later evolved into Raichu during the episode.

Captain Pikachu

In The Pendant That Starts It All (Part Two), a Pikachu nicknamed Captain Pikachu appeared under the ownership of Friede.

Other

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.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!, a Pikachu was kidnapped by a Skarmory. As a result, Team Go-Getters set out to rescue him as their first mission. Pikachu provided them with some items in the battle.

In BWS01, Ayumi's female Pikachu was trained on how to properly use Thunderbolt with the help of Cilan and Stunfisk.

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 Plethora of Pikachu!, Pikala has multiple Pikachu. One of them was nicknamed Curly, while another that is Shiny was nicknamed the Boss. The Boss reappeared in a flashback in Beauty is Only Crystal Deep!. In Battle Royal 151!, another one of Pikala's Pikachu, nicknamed Bolt, competed in the Battle Royal round of the Manalo Conference. It defeated a Magikarp and Pyukumuku, but ended up losing to Jessie's Mimikyu.

Multiple Pikachu appeared in Gotta Catch a What?!. Several of them evolved into Raichu using the Thunder Stones they dug up.

A Pikachu owned by Alternate World Ash appeared in Showdown at the Gates of Warp!.

Minor appearances

In Pokémon Emergency!, Nurse Joy has multiple Pikachu, all of whom helped Ash's own Pikachu defeat Team Rocket and send them blasting off for the first time. They reappeared in a flashback in Pikachu's Goodbye.

Multiple Pikachu appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne.

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.

A Pikachu appeared in Brock's demonstration in A Bite to Remember, where it evolved into a Raichu.

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 Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a Pikachu was one of Mew's transformations.

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.

A Pikachu appeared in flashbacks in The Keystone Pops!, under the ownership of an Aura Guardian.

Volkner's Raichu was seen as a Pikachu during flashbacks of his childhood in Flint Sparks the Fire!.

A Pikachu appeared in Clemont's demonstration in To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler!, where it evolved into a Raichu using a Thunder Stone.

A Pikachu appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, under the ownership of Uschi.

A Pikachu appeared in a fantasy in Now You See Them, Now You Don't!.

A Pikachu appeared in a fantasy in Showering the World with Love!.

In Securing the Future!, a Trainer's Pikachu joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its normal form.

In Battle Royal 151!, a Trainer's Pikachu competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but ended up losing.

Multiple Pikachu appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

• Female Pikachu

• Shiny Pikachu

• Set of Cosplay Pikachu

• Original Cap Pikachu

• Alola Cap Pikachu

• Partner Cap Pikachu

• World Cap Pikachu

• Gigantamax Pikachu

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 Mystery Dungeon Animated Shorts

A female appeared in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Animated Shorts as the protagonist along with an Oshawott.

Pokémon Origins

Red's Pikachu

Red caught a Pikachu in File 4: Charizard.

Other

In File 1: Red, a Pikachu was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

Pokémon Generations

Red's Pikachu

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.

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.

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

A Pikachu appeared in Letter.

A Pikachu appeared in Buddy, under the ownership of a Schoolboy.

POKÉTOON

A Pikachu appeared in The Pancham Who Wants to Be a Hero, where it was trapped in a cave.

A Pikachu that Blossom attempted to catch appeared in Blossom's Dream.

GOTCHA!

A Pikachu appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of a boy.

Pokémon Evolutions

Throughout Pokémon Evolutions, two Pikachu wearing the hats of the player characters from the generation featured in the episode appeared.

• In The Champion, they wore Victor and Gloria's hats and appeared in Wyndon Stadium, cheering on the battle between Victor and Leon.
• In The Eclipse, they wore Elio and Selene's hats and appeared playing with some children.
• In The Visionary, they wore Calem and Serena's hats and appeared near Lysandre and Diantha while they were having a conversation.
• In The Plan, they wore Hilbert and Hilda's hats and appeared under the ownership of a Trainer who was listening to Ghetsis's speech in Accumula Town.
• In The Rival, they wore Lucas and Dawn's hats and appeared in the reception hall of the Battle Tower.
• In The Wish, they wore Brendan and May's hats and appeared in Pacifidlog Town, watching the battle between May's Mega Rayquaza and Zinnia's Mega Salamence.
• In The Show, they wore Ethan and Lyra's hats and appeared under the ownership of Trainers watching the Kimono Girls' performance in Ecruteak City.
• In The Discovery, they wore Chase and Elaine's hats and appeared in Pallet Town.

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.

Bidoof's Big Stand

A Pikachu appeared in the intro to Bidoof's Big Stand.

A Ripple in Time

A Pikachu based on Ash's Pikachu has a prominent role in A Ripple in Time along with an alternate version of Ash.

The Journey of One Dream

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.

In the manga

Ash & Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in Ash & Pikachu, a manga adaptation of Pokémon the Series based on Ash's adventures in Johto, Hoenn, and Battle Frontier.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Pikachu (EToP)

Ash's Pikachu is a main character in The Electric Tale of Pikachu, an adaptation of Pokémon the Series. Ash discovered it under the floorboards at his home, where it was chewing on wires to eat the electricity. After catching it, Ash decided to make it his first Pokémon.

Sparky, Ritchie's Pikachu, first appeared in Welcome to the Big Leagues. In this manga, its nickname is translated as "Chuchino".

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry The Electric Tale of Pikachu ET01 An electric mouse Pokémon.Habitat: Forests and woodlandsDiet: Mainly fruitDistinguishing features: Has an electric generator on each cheek.Beware of electrocution!

How I Became a Pokémon Card

A story called Akari and Pikachu's Birthday is featured in the final volume of How I Became a Pokémon Card.

Magical Pokémon Journey and Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪

Main article: Pikachu (MPJ)

Pikachu is a main character in Magical Pokémon Journey. He is the first Pokémon befriended by Hazel, debuting in How Do You Do, Pikachu?. Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon in Magical Pokémon Journey that cannot speak human language, although the others seem to understand him. He is described as rather scatterbrained at times. Pikachu returns as a main character in Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪, the sequel to the Magical Pokémon Journey series.

Ash's Pikachu also makes a cameo appearance in bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the Magical Pokémon Journey manga.

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

Main article: Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu appeared in Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl.

Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon

A Pikachu appeared in Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Main article: Red's Pikachu

Red's Pikachu debuted as a silhouette alongside its Trainer in JBA5. It then physically debuted in JBA6.

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

Main article: Pika

Pikachu debuted in Wanted: Pikachu!, where it was stealing food in Pewter City. The townsfolk kept chasing him around, but ended up getting shocked by him. Red arrived and caught him, ending the chaos. Although extremely disobedient at first, even prone to regularly electrocuting his owner, the two eventually got over this enmity, and this Pikachu, nicknamed "Pika", became one of his most loyal and trusted fighters, being used in almost every major battle Red has had.

A Pikachu appeared as a silhouette when Green talked about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

In Just a Spearow Carrier, a Pikachu appeared with its Trainer at Indigo Plateau. It noticeably had a flower by its ear.

Yellow arc

Pika served on Yellow's team while Red missing during this chapter, before being returned to him. During his time with Yellow, Pika learned how to Surf.

A Pikachu appeared in The Kindest Tentacruel as one of the Pokémon in Yellow's fantasy about evolution via Evolution stone.

A Pikachu appeared in Can You Diglett? as a silhouette when Agatha and Lorelei explained to Red about how Pokémon and people can't coexist with each other.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

Main article: Chuchu

A Pikachu appeared in a fantasy of Professor Elm's explanation of Pokémon Eggs in Teddiursa's Picnic.

A Pikachu appeared in Ursaring Major in a fantasy of Silver when he explained the vital points of Pokémon.

In Tyranitar War, Yellow was revealed to have obtained her own Pikachu, nicknamed "Chuchu". While staying at the Pokémon Day-Care with Pika, the two Pikachu ended up producing an Egg, which later hatched into Gold's Pichu, Pibu.

Two Pikachu owned by a pair of Poké Fans appeared in Oh, It's Ho-Oh!, going towards Indigo Plateau.

Diamond & Pearl arc

A Pikachu appeared in Suffering Psyduck.

X & Y arc

Multiple Pikachu were among the Electric-type Pokémon that charged the Prism Tower during a blackout in Pangoro Poses a Problem.

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc

Main article: Cosplay Pikachu

Five Pikachu appeared in Salamence Evolves, where they each wear the five costumes available for the Cosplay Pikachu: Pikachu Rock Star, Pikachu Belle, Pikachu Pop Star, Pikachu Ph.D., and Pikachu Libre. Lisia revealed to Chaz that Ruby created the concept of Pokémon wearing costumes for Contests. Noticeably, some of these Cosplay Pikachu were male. They reappeared in a flashback in Slowbro Has an Idea.

Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc

A Trainer's Pikachu appeared in The Decision and the Tournament of Six.

Hau's Pichu evolved into Pikachu prior to Shock!! Father in the Pendant!.

Sword & Shield arc

A Pikachu appeared in Gulp Gulp!! Pokémon, having been swallowed by a Cramorant. It reappeared in PASS40 and PASS41, where it had Gigantamaxed due to the Darkest Day.

Scarlet & Violet arc

A female Pikachu appeared in Scarlet & Violet arc under Scarlet's ownership. She was shown to be able to Terastallize into a Flying type.

• A group of Cosplay Pikachu in Pokémon Adventures

• Gigantamax Pikachu in the Pokémon Adventures

• Terastal Pikachu in the 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 Battle Frontier

A Pikachu appeared in Aim for the Top!.

A Pikachu appeared in Battle Between Student and Master!.

A Pikachu appeared in Introducing the Frontier Brains!, where it was seen in a picture taken by Anabel.

Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master!

A Pikachu appeared in ABM02.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Main article: Gold's Pikachu

Gold owns a Pikachu, which was later revealed to have originally belonged to Eusine before he sent it back in time with Bill's Time Capsule.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

Main article: Shu's Pikachu

Shu's first Pokémon was a Pikachu that he found abandoned in the forest.

A female Pikachu appeared in GDZ40, under the ownership of a male Trainer.

A Pikachu appeared in GDZ61.

Pokémon Horizon

A Trainer's Pikachu appeared in a fantasy in Journey to a New Horizon.

A Pikachu appeared in a fantasy in The Power of Teamwork.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Main article: Ash's Pikachu

Ash's Pikachu appeared in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Pokémon Newspaper Strip

Ash's Pikachu was the main character in the short-lived Pokémon Newspaper Strip.

Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~

A Pikachu appeared in The Yellow Scroll: Hanbei vs Kanbei, under the ownership of Hanbei.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Main article: Red's Pikachu (Pocket Monsters)

Pikachu is one of the main characters in Pokémon Pocket Monsters and its sequels. It was the second Pokémon that Red caught on his own, but the first he kept.

Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon in the manga that cannot speak human language. He is the cousin of Clefairy and is considered the smarter of the two.

In Clefairy Evolves... At Last?!, Pikachu evolved into Raichu, but he has since devolved back to the Pikachu stage.

Yellow has a Pikachu of his own, which debuted in The Fake Pikachu!!.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

A Pikachu appeared in a fantasy in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode One.

Pokémon Zensho

Satoshi caught a Pikachu in PZ02. It later evolved into a Raichu in PZ10.

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. 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.

Other appearances

Pokkén Tournament

Main article: Pikachu (Pokkén)

Main article: Pikachu Libre (Pokkén)

Pikachu is a Battle Pokémon in Pokkén Tournament. His moveset includes electrical attacks the species uses in the main games, including Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, and Thunder. During Synergy Burst, 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.^[4]

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.

Super Smash Bros.

Main article: Pikachu (Super Smash Bros.)

Detective Pikachu

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.

Pokémon UNITE

Main article: Pikachu (UNITE)

Pikachu is playable through obtaining a Unite License. It is a ranged attacker.

Lightning Force

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.

Trivia

• 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 Pokemon 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 Otani). 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.
• According to A Sneak Peek at Pokémon, Pikachu can deliver a constant current of 1000 amperes.
• Pikachu is currently represented in the Trading Card Game by more cards than any other Pokémon, with 211 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.^[5][6]

Merchandise

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.^[7] 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.

Cultural impact

• 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.
• Pikachu has 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.^[8]
  • The spider species Epicratinus pikachu was named after Pikachu due to the female spider's epigynum resembling its face.^[9]
  • The spider species Alistra pikachu was named after Pikachu due to its yellow coloration.^[10]
  • The beetle species Hiperantha pikachu was named after Pikachu because of its yellow elytra with a black apical band that resembles Pikachu's ears.^[11]

Concept and development

Pikachu was designed by Atsuko Nishida, a core designer at Game Freak.^[12][13] 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.^[13] 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.^[14][15] 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.^[13]

Gigantamax Pikachu was designed by James Turner.^[16]

Origin

Pikachu was originally a daifuku-like creature with ears sticking out. Its black ear tips are remnants of this original concept.^[13][15]

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 coloration 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.^[13][15]

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).^[13][18]

In other languages

See also

References

External links