It evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. When in Alola, it evolves into Alolan Raichu. It also has a Gigantamax form, and can be found in Cramorant's Gorging Form.
Pikachu are small, chubby, and cute mouse-like Pokémon. They are almost completely covered by yellow fur. They have long yellow ears that are tipped with black. A Pikachu's back has two brown stripes, and its large tail is notable for being shaped like a lightning bolt, yet its brown tip is almost always forgotten. Pikachu have short arms with five tiny fingers on forehands and three sharp fingers on their hind legs. On its cheeks are two circle-shaped red pouches used for storing electricity. They turn yellow and spark with electricity when it's about to use an Electricattack, such as Thunderbolt. It has also been known to generate small surges of electrical energy in anger or for protection, like in the anime.
A female Pikachu looks almost exactly the same as a male, with the exception of her tail, which is rounded at the end and has an inward dent, giving it the appearance of a heart. However, in earlier anime episodes, and in the games prior to Generation IV, female and male Pikachu look identical.
As Gigantamax Pikachu, it becomes larger and chubbier (similar to its Generation 1 design). Its tail becomes longer and stores all of the electricity it generates, causing it to glow a bright yellow and enabling it to become as powerful as a lightning strike. Its power is equal to that 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.
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can cause lightning storms.
In "A Plethora of Pikachu!", according to Pikala, the fur from Pikachu in the Kanto region sparkles in sunlight, while the Pikachu from Alola fur is silky smooth and shines in sunlight.
Behavior
Pikachu are usually friendly creatures that love to be cuddled. They love having their tails rubbed, especially at the base; they also like being stroked. However, if threatened or angered, this Pokémon can be quite aggressive. If someone pulls or steps on its tail, it is most likely it will bite or shock anyone in the area, including the one who pulled its tail.
However, in the anime and in the wild of the Kanto region they live in big groups deep in forests and are wary of humans.
In Kanto according to Ash in PJ035, Pikachu also greet one another by shocking them and sometimes they'll gather up in big groups to search for Thunderstones so they can evolve.
The Pikachu that live in the Pikachu Valley in Alola in the anime, greet each other by sniffing one another and rubbing their tails together. Also, they can start duels with one another by sending electric signals and the winner is decided when the opponent's tail is bitten.
Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon in Sun and Moon which have a special Z-Move dedicated to them.
The Z-Move Catastropika is Pikachu's signature move. The move is activated by the Z-Crystal, Pikanium Z. Its base is Volt Tackle. Catastropika can be learned only by a Pikachu with Volt Tackle, and becomes unusable if Volt Tackle is forgotten or if the Pikachu evolves into Raichu.
The Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt is Ash Pikachu's signature move. The move is activated by the Z-Crystal, Pikashunium Z. Its base is Thunderbolt.
Pikachu, being an Electric-type, is capable of using the Z-Crystal, Electrium Z, to use the Z Move Gigavolt Havoc.
Gigantamax
Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon in Sword and Shield that can Gigantamax by having a special member from it species or, with The Isle of Armor Expansion Pass, using Max Soup on a Pikachu.
Pikachu evolves into a Raichu by using a Thunder Stone. It evolves from Pichu when its happiness is maxed with the trainer in game. It will evolve into Alolan Raichu if using a Thunder Stone in the Alola region.
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Yellow
It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Pikachu can differentiate between the electricity from the shock of a weakened companion as well as a healthy one.
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.
Black
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
White
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
Black 2
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
White 2
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
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.
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!
This forest-dwelling Pokémon stores electricity in its cheeks, so you'll feel a tingly shock if you touch it.
Sword
Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy. Gigantamax: Its Gigantamax power expanded, forming its supersized body and towering tail.
Shield
When Pikachu meet, they’ll touch their tails together and exchange electricity through them as a form of greeting. Gigantamax: When it smashes its opponents with its bolt-shaped tail, it delivers a surge of electricity equivalent to a lightning strike.
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.
Sword
Original Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through many different regions. Hoenn Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Hoenn region. Sinnoh Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Sinnoh region. Unova Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Unova region. Kalos Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Kalos region. Alola Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through the Alola region. Partner Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of when they first met. World Cap: This Pikachu wears its partner's cap, which is brimming with memories of traveling through different regions.
Shield
Original Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled across many regions together. Hoenn Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Hoenn region together. Sinnoh Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Sinnoh region together. Unova Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Unova region together. Kalos Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Kalos region together. Alola Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is proof that the two traveled throughout the Alola region together. Partner Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol of a fateful encounter. World Cap: This Pikachu is wearing its Trainer's cap. The cap is a precious symbol that travels across different regions with Pikachu.
Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Breeding
To see the Egg Moves that Pikachu can learn, refer to Pichu.
* - This is the amount of points required to capture the Pokémon (excluding boss Pokémon). ** - This is the reaction of the Pokémon when players approach it.
Super Smash Bros.
Pikachu's alternate costumes in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Pikachu has also appeared in all Super Smash Bros. Series games, with most of its main appearance is mostly males. Pikachu is a very agile and mobile playable character. In Super Smash Bros., Pikachu was considered the strongest playable character. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Pikachu's Skull Bash move was introduced, and its Quick Attack ability was upgraded so that it did a small amount of damage to opponents. Pikachu has also once again appeared in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a playable character, with its exclusive attack Volt Tackle as its Final Smash. If you look at the hat Pikachu and you look at the shiny above and the hat, you would notice it's the Shiny Pikachu with Red's Japanese hat.
Each of Pikachu's alternate forms in Brawl and SSB4 can be seen as a tribute to different Pokémon games; The blue goggles come from Pokémon Colosseum and the red hat comes from the Kanto region games while the green headband comes from Pokémon Emerald. In the fourth title, one alternate form is that of Calem. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gives Pikachu its two female alternates, one is based on Moon, and another is the Libre cosplay which is known appearing in Pokken Tournament (DX).
Along with Mario, Link, and Kirby, Pikachu is a mascot for the Super Smash Bros. series.
Pikachu is the only Pokémon to have appeared in every episode, special, and movie in the series in some shape or form.
Though Pikachu isn't in the Unova Pokédex, an image of it can be found in a building in Castelia City before the National Pokédex is obtained, as well as on a billboard above the Castelia City Pokémon Center. There are also several Pikachu shaped hedges in Striaton City. Also, there is a giant Pikachu float next to the Nimbasa City Gym.
Starting from Pokémon X and Y, Ikue Ōtani provides the voice of Pikachu in the place of a cry.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there are three variations of Pikachu. One has a headband similar to Brendan's hat, one has a hat similar to Ash's hat and another has goggles. The goggles variant is a reference to Pichu having an alt with goggles.
Pikachu has appeared on more merchandise than any other Pokémon, including the limited edition N64, Game Boy Color, DS and 3DS consoles.
In the 2011 Guinness World Records Book: Gamers Edition, Pikachu placed 20th in the "Top 50 VideoGame Characters of All Time."
Pikachu is the Japanese mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
It is the first Pokémon in Pokédex order to have a baby form.
Pikachu and Meowth have inverse Pokédex numbers, 25 and 52. Coincidently, they are based on a cat and a rodent. Even more coincidently, Ash's Pikachu and Team Rocket's Meowth are rivals, like the popular cartoon, Tom and Jerry. (Ash and co. usually thwarting Team Rocket's various crazy schemes.)
Having a Pikachu hold a Light Ball will double its Special Attack and Attack stats, making its stats higher than its evolution, Raichu. Raichu also cannot hold a Light Ball unless it evolves from a Pikachu that is holding one
Though not the first Pokémon created, Pikachu was the first Electric-type Pokémon created, conceived after the type was suggested to Sugimori and designed around the concept of electricity and the common symbol for lightning.
Pikachu was originally set to have a third evolution named Goruchu but, the idea was however scrapped.
Pokémon Black and White and their sequels are the only games you cannot find Pikachu in the wild. Instead, you have to transfer one over from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl or Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Pikachu was the only Pokémon until Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! to have its cry from the anime in the main RPG games. This was then reused for Eevee in the Let's Go games and onwards.
Special forms of Pikachu, such as Pikachu's wearing hats, cannot evolve into Raichu
When the Pokémon franchise was localized in the US, Nintendo wanted to redesign every known Pokémon back then, including Pikachu, to be more appealing to American children. Therefore, Pikachu was initially redesigned into a tiger with huge breasts. Fortunately, this idea had been scrapped.
Pikachu ranked 7th, among all Pokémon, in the Pokémon of the Year 2021 poll by The Pokémon Company. It also ranked 2nd among all Kanto Pokémon.
Origin
Pokémon designer Atsuko Nishida stated that Pikachu was originally based on a squirrel, though it also shares similarities to a mouse. The stripes on the back and the lightning bolt tail were added as details in the appearance, and the black ear tips are the remnant of an earlier design resembling a daifuku, a small Japanese dessert.
Its Gigantamax form appears to be based on earlier depictions of Pikachu when it debuted in Pokémon Red and Green Version. During this time, its official artwork and sprites depicted it as fatter and rounder, though its Gigantamax form overall uses Pikachu's modern design while using the body shape of its earlier appearance.
Etymology
Pikachu comes from two different onomatopoeia found in Japanese. These are pikapika (the sound of electricity sparkling) and chuchu (the sound of a mouse squeaking).
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