Pikachu variants

There are many s found in the , , , and .
==Surfing Pikachu==
Surfing Pikachu (Japanese: なみのりピカチュウ Surfing Pikachu) is a recurring Pikachu variant, commonly depicted with a surfboard, originating from the . These Pikachu know the move , which, prior to Generation VIII, have only been given out in special circumstances, such as s.
==Flying Pikachu==
Flying Pikachu (Japanese: そらをとぶピカチュウ Flying Pikachu) is another recurring Pikachu variant from the , commonly depicted with balloons tied to it. These Pikachu know the move , an event-exclusive move to the Pikachu family.
==Cosplay Pikachu==
In , the player is able to obtain a unique female Pikachu called Cosplay Pikachu, which has a black, heart-shaped mark near the end of its tail. This event occurs after the player takes part in their first Pokémon Contest Spectacular.
This particular Pikachu is able to be dressed up in five different costumes corresponding to each kind of Contest stat (ness, , ness, ness, and ness) and learns exclusive moves which are linked to these stats. Cosplay Pikachu can switch costumes anytime by going to any Contest Hall in the Hoenn region and talking to the in the rightmost back room. This Pokémon Breeder can also remove the costume.
Unlike other Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu is in the , meaning it cannot . It also cannot evolve into . If Cosplay Pikachu's only known move is its costume's exclusive move and the costume is removed, then it will learn . 
==Pikachu in a cap==
The first six cap-wearing Pikachu are -exclusive Pokémon that debuted in , and are being distributed in celebration of the 20th Pokémon movie, and by extension, the 20th anniversary of Pokémon the Series. Like Ash's Pikachu, these Pikachu are always male and cannot evolve. They also have access to the exclusive Z-Crystal, Pikashunium Z, and its Z-Move, .
A seventh Cap Pikachu, wearing the hat Ash wears in the twentieth movie, debuted in , and is distributed via QR Code on a special Pokémon Ga-Olé disc. In America, it was distributed via a QR Code that was given to those who pre-order tickets for the 20th movie.
An eighth Cap Pikachu, wearing the hat Ash wears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, debuted in an update of . 
==Partner Pikachu==
In , the starts their journey with a Pikachu. It has higher stats than a regular Pikachu and can be taught special moves related to other common Pikachu variants. It cannot evolve or be .
==Gigantamax Pikachu==
In , a Gigantamax form was introduced for . Gigantamax Pikachu has exclusive access to the G-Max Move .
A Pikachu with the Gigantamax factor is unable to evolve. It can be stored in Pokémon HOME, but cannot be transferred to the core series games other than Pokémon Sword and Shield.
It can be obtained in one of three ways:
* If the player has a Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! save file on their Nintendo Switch, they can receive a Gigantamax Factor Pikachu from a man inside the Wild Area Station at the Meetup Spot in the Wild Area.
* Gigantamax Pikachu was also available via a Wild Area News event between May 12 and May 18, 2020.
* As of the release of The Isle of Armor, any normal Pikachu can obtain a Gigantamax Factor if they consume a bowl of .
==Snow Pikachu==
As an joke in 2008, Game Freak announced that it would move to the to help save snow Pikachu from s. Game Freak's website was also changed to incorporate an image of a snow Pikachu, which was a .
Ash's Pikachu made a snowman in the shape of itself on the cover of Pikachu's Winter Vacation Soundtrack.
A snow Pikachu appears in , this same design would then be used in the Pokémon Dream World, being featured as a piece of Décor in the Winter Catalogue 2011. During the Holiday 2014 promotion on the online , a Snow Pikachu was one of the special plushes.
The Pikachu balloon in the 2015 features a scarfed Pikachu holding a snow Pikachu in a .
One Trading Card features a Snow Pikachu, being built by two .
Snow Pikachu.png|A picture of a snow Pikachu from Game Freak's website
PikachuWinterVacationSoundtrack.jpg|Pikachu's Winter Vacation Soundtrack cover
Snow Pikachu Channel.png|Snow Pikachu in Pokémon Channel
DW Snow Pikachu.png|Snow Pikachu Décor item
2015 Macy Thanksgiving Pikachu balloon.png|Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade balloon
==Gender differences==
Starting in Generation IV, the female Pikachu have a heart-shaped tail.
===In animation===
====Pokémon Evolutions====
In The Discovery, has a female partner Pikachu.
===In the manga===
====Pokémon Adventures====
========
Chuchu was introduced in this arc. She is a female Pikachu, but she appeared with no heart-shaped tail due to the fact that she predates the introduction of the gender differences. However, there is a later illustration by Satoshi Yamamoto where Chuchu is seen with the heart-shaped tail.
========
 has a female Pikachu.
==Shiny Pikachu==
The Shiny Pikachu has a darker shade of yellow. In Generation II games, Shiny Pikachu has purple checks and back stripes. In Pokémon HOME, Shiny Pikachu has pink cheeks as opposed to the regular Pikahu's red cheeks.
File:Spr 2c 025.png|Regular Pikachu (Crystal)
File:Spr 2c 025 s.png|Shiny Pikachu (Crystal)
File:HOME0025.png|Regular Pikachu ()
File:HOME0025 s.png|Shiny Pikachu (HOME)
===In animation===
========
In A Plethora of Pikachu!, Pikala has multiple Pikachu, including a Shiny Pikachu nicknamed the Boss. 
==Other variants==
===In the core series games===
====Generation I====
=====Starting Pikachu=====
In , any Pikachu with the player's OT and OT ID is treated as the starting Pikachu. It follows the player, says its own name instead of a regular cry, and is the only available Pokémon with a friendship value. In and , its battle animations are different than those of regular Pikachu.
=====Pokémon Yellow intro palette limitations=====
If is played on the Super Game Boy accessory for the , due to the color palette limitations during the game intro, Pikachu (including the Surfing Pikachu and Flying Pikachu variants) appears with light blue cheeks and light blue base of the tail, and with black stripes on its back. This is the same color used for the sea and sky in those scenes. However, it appears with red cheeks later as usual, near the end of the game intro.
Pokémon Yellow intro, as seen on a Super Game Boy	Pokémon Yellow intro, as seen on a Super Game Boy	Pokémon Yellow intro, as seen on a Super Game Boy	Pokémon Yellow intro, as seen on a Super Game Boy
 	 	 	
====Generation V====
=====Singing Pikachu=====
A Pikachu that knows to promote the new Japanese Pokémon animated series ending theme which involved Pikachu singing. Artwork was released as well. Another Pikachu that knows Sing was distributed during Generation VIII via serial code to commemorate the Pokémon 25th Anniversary.
=====Pokémon World Championships 2011 Pikachu=====
A special skating Pikachu wearing a hat is featured on official artwork for the Pokémon 2011 World Championships, including the promotional C-Gear skin.
=====Extreme Speed Pikachu=====
A Pikachu that knows in Japan on from March 1 to May 6, 2012. In core series games, while no Pikachu can learn Extreme Speed, in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee!, the player's can learn the exclusive move , of which the damage and effect is likely inspired by Extreme Speed.
 	
Partner Pikachu using Zippy Zap	Partner Pikachu using Zippy Zap
===In the spin-off games===
====Pokémon Snap====
In , there are several Pikachu variants.
* Pikachu on a stump is a special Pikachu found on the Beach. The player can encounter two Pikachu sitting on a set of stumps after forcing a wild out of tall grass.
* Pikachu on a ball is another special Pikachu found near the Tunnel. A sole Pikachu will jump on top of a rolling if startled by the player, and playfully keep it rolling until the Electrode stops in a ditch and explodes, shocking the Pikachu.
* Speed Pikachu is a special Pikachu found along the River. Taking a picture of this Pikachu will cause it to use to dash across a small field, making it one of the hardest Pokémon to get a picture of.
* Pikachu on Articuno is another special Pikachu found in the . After rescuing a Pikachu from a and having hatch by playing the Poké Flute, near the exit, Articuno will be seen flying towards the player with Pikachu on its back.
====PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure====
In PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, Pikachu uses a snowboard to play by using a code.
====Pokémon Shuffle====
 has featured several variants of Pikachu throughout its life cycle. They are listed below.
Dex#	NDex	Icon	Pokémon	Type	Attack Power	Attack Power	Max RML	Initial	Alternate	Ameliaicons
Dex#	NDex	Icon	Pokémon	Type	Lv 1 	Max 	Max RML	Initial	Alternate	Ameliaicons
====Pokémon GO====
In Pokémon GO, Pikachu variants have appeared wearing different costumes. These variants are released for limited events. During the events, all wild Pikachu appear as the variant and Pikachu appear more commonly. Several of these variants also have parallel Pichu and Raichu variants. Variant Pichu can be obtained by hatching an obtained during the event, and any variant Pichu or Pikachu that is evolved will retain its costume.
* Festive Pikachu: first released for the Holiday 2016 event, from December 12, 2016, to January 3, 2017. It reappeared on subsequent Holiday events on 2017, 2018, and 2021. Since December 18, 2018, this Pikachu can be Shiny. Holiday Pikachu caught from December 21, 2017, to January 4, 2018 will know the special move .
* Pikachu wearing a party hat: first released for the first Pokémon Day event, from February 26 to March 6, 2017. It appeared again the next year, from February 26 to 28, 2018, with the special move Present. It returned the following year for the third Anniversary event, from June 28 to July 6, 2019, this time exclusively appearing once per day through photobombs in the GO Snapshot feature. It appeared once more in the wild during the Adventure Sync Hatchathon 2020 event.
* Pikachu wearing a witch's hat: first released for the second Halloween event, from October 20 to November 2, 2017. It appeared again the next year, from October 23 to November 7, 2018.
* Summer Style Pikachu: first released for the second Anniversary event, from July 5 to 31, 2018. It returned for Pokémon GO Fest 2020 and was available from July 17 to July 22, 2020.
* H.F. cap Pikachu: first released for the H.F. Custom Tie-In event, from October 5 to 7, 2018. While this Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a flower crown: first released for the third Pokémon Day event, from February 26 to 28, 2019. It returned for the Spring 2020 event from April 9 to 16, 2020, as a Pichu evolution, and in the wild during the Spring 2021 and 2022 events.
* Pikachu wearing a detective hat: first released for the tie-in event, from May 7 to 17, 2019, exclusively through photobombs in the GO Snapshot feature. While this Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a straw hat: first released from July 22 to 29, 2019, in support of the revival project, and also as a tie-in with in celebration of its 22nd anniversary. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a costume: first released for the Halloween 2019 event, from October 17 to November 1, 2019. It appeared again for the Halloween 2020 event on October 23 to November 3, 2020, and as part of the rewards for the Misunderstood Mischief Special Research. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a beanie hat: first released for the Holiday 2019 event, from December 24, 2019 to January 1, 2020.
* Pikachu wearing a red party hat: first released for the fourth Pokémon Day event, from February 25 to March 2, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a safari hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Safari Zone St. Louis event on March 27, 2020, and has been recurring in every GO Safari Zone event since. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a flower hat: first released for the Spring event from April 9 to 16, 2020.
* Pikachu wearing a hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Kanto event, from May 1 to 8, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing an hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Johto event, from May 8 to 15, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Hoenn event, from May 15 to 22, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a hat: first released for the Throwback Challenge 2020 - Sinnoh event, from May 22 to 29, 2020. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Explorer Pikachu: first released to commemorate both releases of Secrets of the Jungle: from December 14 to 21, 2020 to celebrate the movie's Japanese release, and then from October 1 to 10, 2021 to celebrate its international release. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Winter Carnival Pikachu: first released on the Holiday 2020 event, from December 22 to 31, 2020. It returned for the Winter Holiday 2022 event, from December 15 to 31, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a New Year's hat: first released for the New Year's 2021 event, from December 31, 2020 to January 4, 2021. It returned for the New Year's 2022 event, from December 31, 2021 to January 4, 2022.
* Pikachu wearing a hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest event held from July 17 to 18, 2021. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Halloween Mischief Pikachu: first released for the Halloween 2021 event, from October 15 to 31, 2021. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing an Okinawa kariyushi shirt: first released exclusively in for the Pokémon Air Adventures event, beginning from March 19, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing Gracidea flowers: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest 2022 event, running from June 4 to 5, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a Pokémon Trading Card Game hat: first released for the Pokémon TCG crossover event, running from June 16 to 30, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a cake costume: first released for Pokémon GO's sixth anniversary event, running from July 6 to 12, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* World Championships 2022 Pikachu: first released for the Pokémon World Championships 2022 celebration event, running from August 18 to 23, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a -inspired scarf: first released for the Pokémon GO Fest 2022 event held on August 27, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a green T-shirt: first released exclusively in for the Pokémon Air Adventures event running from October 14, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a purple T-shirt: first released exclusively in for the Pokémon Air Adventures event running from November 11, 2022. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing a party top hat: first released for the New Year's 2023 event, from December 31, 2022 to January 4, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing 's hat: first released for the Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event in , from February 18 to 19, 2023. It will also be released for the global Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event, from February 25 to 26, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu wearing 's bow: first released for the Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event in Las Vegas, from February 18 to 19, 2023. It will also be released for the global Pokémon GO Tour: Hoenn event, from February 25 to 26, 2023. This variant cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
* Pikachu adorned with cherry blossoms: was released for the Spring 2023 event, from April 4 to 10, 2023.
* Pikachu wearing a batik shirt: first released from March 2, 2024, as part of the campaign.
* Pikachu wearing Cap's hat: first released from March 5, 2024 to Monday, March 11, 2024, as part of a special collaboration with Pokémon Horizons: The Series for Pokémon Day 2024. This variant could be shiny but cannot evolve into Raichu and no equivalent Pichu exists.
Pikachu wearing the festive hat, party hat, witch's hat, summer-style costume, and detective hat were also available during Pokémon GO Fest 2019 in , Japan, held from August 6 to 12, 2019.
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FestivePikachu
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Party hatPikachu
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Original CapPikachu
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WitchPikachu
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SummerPikachu
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H.F.Pikachu
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SpringPikachu
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DetectivePikachu
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Straw HatPikachu
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MimikyuPikachu
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BeaniePikachu
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Red party hatPikachu
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SafariPikachu
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Flower hatPikachu
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Charizard hatPikachu
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Umbreon hatPikachu
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Rayquaza hatPikachu
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Lucario hatPikachu
Lucario hatPikachu
Word CapPikachu
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ExplorerPikachu
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Winter CarnivalPikachu
Winter CarnivalPikachu
New Year'sPikachu
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Meloetta hatPikachu
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Halloween MischiefPikachu
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Kariyushi shirtPikachu
Kariyushi shirtPikachu
Gracidea flowerPikachu
Gracidea flowerPikachu
Pokémon TCG hatPikachu
Pokémon TCG hatPikachu
Cake costumePikachu
Cake costumePikachu
World Championships 2022Pikachu
World Championships 2022Pikachu
Shaymin scarfPikachu
Shaymin scarfPikachu
Green T-shirtPikachu
Green T-shirtPikachu
Purple T-shirtPikachu
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Party top hatPikachu
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Brendan's hatPikachu
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May's bowPikachu
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Cherry blossomsPikachu
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Batik shirtPikachu
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Cap's hatPikachu
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Hilbert's hatPikachu
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Nate's visorPikachu
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Pokémon GO festive hat Pikachu.png|Holiday Pikachu
Party hat Pikachu GO.png|Pikachu wearing a party hat
Pokémon GO Ash Pikachu artwork.png|Pikachu wearing Ash's Original hat
Pokémon GO Halloween 2017 artwork.png|Pikachu wearing a witch's hat
Pokemon GO Birthday 2018.jpg|Summer Style Pikachu
Pokémon GO Straw Hat Pikachu artwork.png|Pikachu wearing a straw hat
===Pokémon Sleep===
In , two new variants of Pikachu were introduced for a limited time. These variants cannot evolve but can be . The variants are as following:
* Halloween Hat Pikachu is a Pikachu with a witch's hat. It was able to be befriended during the Halloween event from October 30 to November 5, 2023. A variant wearing a purple witch's hat was able to be befriended during the Halloween event from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
* Christmas Hat Pikachu is a Pikachu with a Santa's hat. It was able to be befriended during the Christmas event from December 18 to December 24, 2023.
Pikachu 
Pikachu(Halloween)
Pikachu(Halloween) (2024)
Pikachu(Holiday)
A special variant, Nightcap Pikachu, also known as simply "special Pikachu" or "special Pikachu wearing a nightcap", is also available in the game. This Pikachu cannot evolve and cannot be Shiny. It is exclusive to players who pair their Pokémon Sleep game with the Pokémon GO Plus + peripheral.
Pikachu(Special)
====Pokémon UNITE====
In Pokémon UNITE, Pikachu is able to wear various forms of Holowear. In the Pika Party game mode, there are also various special wild Pikachu that have unique outfits or accessories which provide buffs when defeated.
====Pokémon Quest====
In Pokémon Quest, Pikachu is one of the Pokémon available in Pokéxel form.
====Pokémon Rumble series====
In the Pokémon Rumble series, Toy Pikachu is one of the available Toy Pokémon.
====Super Smash Bros. series====
In the Super Smash Bros. series, Pikachu, like any other fighter, has several palette swaps that can be used by different players. Pikachu's palette swaps include different hats and accessories.
Game 	Image
64 	
Melee 	
Brawl 	
3DS/Wii U	
Ultimate 	
Additionally, Pikachu (as well as any other fighter) can temporarily transform into a giant version of itself by using the Super Mushroom item.
In the first game, the Fighting Polygon Team are purple polygon versions of the 12 available fighters, including Pikachu.
===In animation===
====Pokémon the Series====
=====Pikachutwo=====
Pikachutwo was cloned from Ash's Pikachu, and battled against it in Mewtwo Strikes Back. Pikachutwo was also central to the plot of Mewtwo Returns. The fur on Pikachutwo's ears is colored similar to a Pichu's.
=====Puka=====
Puka is a surfing Pikachu that appeared in The Pi-Kahuna. Puka is at least twenty years old, having been first found on a beach on the Seafoam Islands by surfing enthusiast Victor shortly after he failed to conquer a large wave, "Humunga-Dunga". Puka is noticeably older than any other Pikachu seen in the and has blue eyes rather than the regular dark brown eye color.
=====Sparky=====
Ritchie owns a Pikachu, nicknamed Sparky. It is distinguished from other Pikachu by a scruff of fur on the top of its head.
=====Blue Orb-possessed Pikachu=====
Ash's Pikachu was possessed by the Blue Orb in the episodes Gaining Groudon and The Scuffle of Legends. This caused his eyes to glow red and he became covered in markings similar to 's.
===In live-action media===
====The Strength of the Lightning====
In the Brazilian music video The Strength of the Lightning, a newly formed Pikachu clay doll comes to life as a stop motion animation. This Pikachu doll also appears later in live action (interpreted by an actor in a costume).
Pikachu Eliana meet.png|Pikachu and Eliana dolls as stop motion animation
Pikachu Eliana real.png|Pikachu and Eliana dolls in live action
===In the TCG===
====Pikachu δ====
====Pikachu ☆====
====Captain Pikachu====
 depicts a Pikachu wearing a pirate hat. The following are cards named Captain Pikachu.
====Shopping Pikachu====
 depicts a Pikachu with a shopping basket. The following are cards named Shopping Pikachu.
==Related articles==
* Electric rodents
Category:Variant Pokémon
it:Varianti di Pikachu