Pikachu

() is an -type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. 
Pikachu is renowned for being the most well-known and recognizable Pokémon. Over the years, Pikachu has become so popular that it serves as the Pokémon franchise mascot. It is the Version Mascot and First partner Pokémon for the game Pokémon Yellow and its remake, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!. It is also well known from the anime, where Ash Ketchum, the former protagonist, owns a Pikachu.
It evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. When in Alola (Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon), it evolves into Alolan Raichu through exposure to a Thunder Stone. It also has a Gigantamax form, and can be found in Cramorant's Gorging Form.
==Biology==
===Physiology===
Pikachu are small, 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 red, circle-shaped pouches used for storing its electricity. They turn yellow and spark with electricity when it's about to use an attack, 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.
A Shiny Pikachu is slightly orange.
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 , 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 electrical signals and the winner is decided when the opponent's tail is bitten.
===Special abilities===
Pikachu's special ability is Static, which can cause paralysis in battle if hit by a physical move. In Pokémon Black and White's Dream World, the Trainer receives a Pikachu with the Lightning Rod ability.
Pikachu are the only Pokémon that get value and can make use of the effects of the Light Ball held item in battle.
Pikachu are capable of learning Volt Tackle, a powerful -type physical move exclusive to the Pikachu family of Pokémon.
Partner Pikachu is also capable to learning special moves: Zippy Zap, Floaty Fall, Splishy Splash, and the Partner Power, Pika Papow.
====Z-Moves====
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 -type, is capable of using the Z-Crystal, Electrium Z, to use the Z Move Gigavolt Havoc.
====Gigantamax====
Pikachu is one of the 32 Pokémon in that can Gigantamax by having a special member from its species or, with the Isle of Armor Expansion Pass, using Max Soup on a Pikachu. Gigantamax Pikachu can also be obtained from having save data of on the same console, and talking to a certain non-playable character in the Wild Area Train Station.
Gigantamax Pikachu is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max move, G-Max Volt Crash.
==Evolution==
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.
==Game data==
===Locations===
====Side game locations====
===Pokédex entries===
====Pikachu in a cap====
===Stats===
<tabber>
Generation VI-present=
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Generation I-V=
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Partner Pikachu=
</tabber>
===Learnset===
====Leveling====
<tabber>
Generation IX=
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Generation VIII (LA)=
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Generation VIII (SwShBDSP)=
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Generation VII=
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Generation VI (ORAS)=
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Generation VI (XY)=
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Generation V=
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Generation IV=
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Gen III=
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Gen II=
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Gen I=
</tabber>
====TM/HM====
<tabber>
Generation IX=
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Generation VIII (BDSP)=
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Generation VIII (SwSh)=
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Generation VII (PE)=
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Generation VII (SMUSUM)=
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Generation VI=
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Generation V=
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Generation IV=
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Generation III=
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Generation II=
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Generation I=
</tabber>
====Breeding====
====Tutoring====
<tabber>
Generation VIII=
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Generation VII=
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Generation VI=
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Generation V=
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Generation IV=
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Generation III=
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Generation II=
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Generation I=
</tabber>
===Sprites===
===Side Game Data===
==Appearances==
===Anime===
Ash Pikachu.png|Ash's Pikachu.
Ash Gigantamax Pikachu.png|Ash's Gigantamax Pikachu.
Goh Pikachu.png|Goh's Pikachu.
Friede Pikachu.png|Friede's Pikachu, Captain Pikachu.
Boss.png|A Shiny Pikachu in the anime.
Sparky.png|Richie's Pikachu, Sparky.
Pikachutwo.png|Pikachutwo.
Puka.jpg|Puka, Surfing Pikachu.
Cosplay Pikachu anime.png|Cosplay Pikachu in the anime.
====Main====
*Ash's Pikachu
*Goh's Pikachu
====Recurring====
*Nurse Joy's Pikachu
*Ritchie's Pikachu
*Captain Pikachu
====Minor====
*Puka (Surflng Pikachu in the anime)
*Pikachutwo (a clone)
*Pikachu (TB039)
*Exam instructor's Pikachu
*Shopper's Pikachu
*Travis' Pikachu
*Aura Guardian's Pikachu
*Ayumi's Pikachu
*Mirror Ash's Pikachu
*Pikachu (MS018)
*Frank's Pikachu
*Spike
*Ash's Pikachu (MS020)
*Boss
*Curly
*Pikachu (SM091)
*Mystery Dungeon Series
**Pikachu (Mystery Dungeon)
**Pikachu (Gates to Infinity trailer)
===Manga===
In the Pokémon Adventures Manga, Red owns a Pikachu named "Pika" and Yellow also owns a Pikachu named "Chuchu".
===Crossover===
====Super Smash Bros. series====
Pikachu has also appeared in all Super Smash Bros. series games. 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 Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U 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 Version. 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.
====Mario franchise====
=====Mario Artist: Paint Studio=====
Artwork of Pikachu from Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green is one of the usable stamps in Mario Artist: Paint Studio.
=====Super Mario Maker=====
Pikachu appears as a Costume Mario costume in Super Mario Maker, obtainable by collecting a Mystery Mushroom. The Pikachu costume is unlocked after the player either scans a Pikachu amiibo or completes the 100 Mario Challenge on Normal difficulty or higher.
==Profiles==
===Websites===
====Play Nintendo====
Image	Description
 	Zap! This Pokémon has electric sacs on both its cheeks. Its opponents are in for a shock!Watch out when Pikachu raises its tail to check its surroundings, because lightning has been known to strike its tail when it does this! If you use a Thunder Stone on it, it will evolve into another Pokémon: Raichu.Explore Pokémon by type, weakness, abilities, and more at Pokemon.com.https://play.nintendo.com/themes/friends/pikachu/
===amiibo===
Pikachu has charmed fans and given a jolt to opponents for nearly 20 years—whether in the Pokémon TV series, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, or Pokémon video games, Pikachu has always been there as a stalwart companion for any Pokémon Trainer willing to take on the challenge of becoming the very best.
==Trivia==
*Pikachu and Eevee are the only First partner Pokémon in the canon RPG games that deviates from the usual , , and -typings.
*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.
*In Pokémon Battle Revolution, Pikachu can use the HMs Surf and Fly.
*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 Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 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.
*Pikachu is the first Pokémon in Pokédex order to have a baby form.
*Pikachu and Meowth have inverse Pokédex numbers, 25 and 52. Coincidentally, 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 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 -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 is one of Veronica Taylor's favourite Pokémon.
*A protein is named after Pikachu, the name of the protein is "pikachurin".
*Pikachu is one of the 16 Pokémon to be made into a puppet in Japan.
*A 2002 Carl's Jr toy features Pikachu playing the saxophone.
*There are two Pikachu-centric spin off games, Hey You, Pikachu! (N64) and Detective Pikachu (3DS).
*A "Mario Pikachu" line of merchandise was released in Japan. It features a plush of Pikachu dressed as Mario and another of it dressed as Luigi. "Mario Pikachu" has an associated artwork parodying a Super Mario Bros. group artwork, with other Pokémon taking the place of Mario characters, such as Diancie for Princess Peach and Blastoise for Bowser.
*Pikachu is also a cartoon character that has big ears.
*Pikachu was originally set to have a third evolution named Goruchu, but the idea was scrapped.
*Pokémon Black and White and their sequels are the only games where 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 wearing hats, cannot evolve into Raichu.
*The Partner Pikachu in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! is shiny locked. This means that your partner cannot be a Shiny Pokémon.
*Pikachu's in-game cry for Generations II through V can be heard at 0:08 in the intro of Ed Sheeran's "Celestial" music video. 
*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.
*Pikachu was once used by a malware programmer to bait a trojan horse that was meant to delete vital system folders on bootup. However, a bug in the code caused the virus to ask for permission to make the specified deletions.
===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. It is also reminiscent of a viscaha, a rabbit-like rodent that lives in deserts and from the Chinchillidae family.
Its Gigantamax form appears to be based on earlier depictions of Pikachu when it debuted in Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green. 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).
==Names in other languages==
Language 	Name 	Meaning
Japanese 	ピカチュウPikachū (romanized)Pikachu (trademark) 	Combination of ピカピカ pikapika (onomatopoeia for sparkle) and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of mouse squeaking)
Arabic 	بيكاتشو
Bīkātshū 	
Chinese 	Hong Kong / Macau: 比卡超 BéikāchīuChina / Taiwan: 皮卡丘 Píkǎqiū 	Transliteration of Japanese/English name
Indonesian	Pikacu (mangas only) 	
Korean 	피카츄Pikachu 	Transliteration of Japanese/English name
Russian 	ПикачуPikachu 	Transcription of Japanese/English name
Thai 	ปิกะจู 	Pikachu
==Gallery==
fr:Pikachu
Category:Pokémon with multiple formes
Category:Stage 1 Pokémon
Category:Small Pokémon
Category:Light Pokémon
Category:Friendship-based evolutionary Pokémon
Category:Pokemon with cross-generational evolutions
Category:Gigantamax Pokémon
Category:Pokémon playable in Super Smash Bros.
Category:Mascot Pokémon