Pikachu

**Pikachu** (ピカチュウ *Pikachuu*) is an Electric-type Pokémon, which was 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 Mascotfor the game Pokémon Yellow. It is also well known from the anime, where Ash Ketchum, the 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, it evolves into its Alolan Forme.

## Biology

### Physiology

Pikachu are small, chubby, and incredibly 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. On its cheeks are two circle-shaped red pouches used for storing electricity. They turn yellow and spark with electricity when its about to use an Electric 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.

When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can cause lightning storms.

### 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 its tail, it is most likely it will bite or shock anyone in the area, including the one who pulled its tail.

### 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 Lightningrod ability.

Pikachu are capable of learning Volt Tackle, a powerful Electric-type physical move exclusive to the Pikachu family of Pokémon.

#### 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 learnt only by a Pikachu with Volt Tackle, and becomes unusable if Volt Tackle is forgotten or if the Pikachu evolves into Raichu.

Pikachu, being an Electric-type, is capable of using the Z-Crystal, Electrium Z, to use Z Moves.

## 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.

### Stats

* Generation I-V
* Generation VI-

## TMNT X Pokemon

Pikachu is one of the Main Starters you can choose from in the Kanto line-up for Pokemon Yellow Version on Gameboy.

## Trivia

* Pikachu is the only starter in the canon RPG games that deviates from the usual Grass, Fire, and Water-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 Citybefore 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 the game Pokémon Battle Revolution, Pikachu can use the HMs Surf and Fly.
* In 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.
* 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.
* Having a Pikachu hold a Light Ball will double its Special Attack and Attack stats.
* 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 is one of Veronica Taylor's favourite Pokémon.
* A protein is named after Pikachu, the name of the protein is "pikachurin".
* Pikachu is the first Pokémon of Ash Ketchum.

### Etymology

* The name "Pikachu" is a *portmanteau* of the Japanese words "pikapika", an onomatopoeia for electric sparkling, and "chū", which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak.
* It may also be based on the pika, a mouse-like animal more closely related to rabbits, but its behavior (or more noticeably its eating habits) resemble that of hamsters. However, those long ears suggest that is based on a southern viscacha.