Pikachu: Difference between revisions

|image = {{tabber|title1=Pikachu|tab1=[[File:Pikachu FireRed LeafGreen.png|300px]]|title2=Pikachu Libre|tab2=[[File:Pikachu-LibreORAS.png|300px]]}}

|lastappearance = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'']] (2022)

|artist = Ken Sugimori

REMEMBER: Nintendo's affiliates' official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it".

'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a Mouse Pokémon from the ''{{uv|Pokémon}}'' series. It debuted in the series' [[bulbapedia:Generation I|first generation]], and is considered part of the "[[Fighter#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]" throughout the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series. Similarly to [[Mario]] and [[Link]], Pikachu is one of the most well-known video game characters in the world, to the point of being the de facto mascot of the ''Pokémon'' series.

Soon afterwards, Pikachu's popularity led to its prominent appearance in the [[bulbapedia:Pokémon anime|''Pokémon'' anime]], where [[bulbapedia:Ash's Pikachu|a member of the species]] became the first Pokémon acquired by {{s|bulbapedia|Ash Ketchum}}, the anime's main character for 25 seasons. This, in turn, resulted in Pikachu becoming the main mascot of the series. To capitalize on its fame, it became a major focus of many ''Pokémon'' spin-offs, along with being the version mascot for ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Yellow Version}}'', a remake of ''Red'', ''Green'' and ''Blue Versions'' that is largely based on the anime. In keeping with the anime, [[bulbapedia:Red's Pikachu (game)|a Pikachu]] is the first Pokémon that [[bulbapedia:Red (game)|the player]] obtains, and its digitized cry from the previous versions is replaced with voiced soundbites provided by {{s|bulbapedia|Ikue Ōtani}}, Pikachu's voice actress from the anime.

 

Following ''Yellow Version'', Pikachu has since been featured in every core series game, and is usually associated with some new gameplay mechanic with each successive installment. It is also readily available to catch in all games within the core series, with the exception of those in the fifth generation ([[bulbapedia:Pokémon Black and White Versions|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White Versions'']] and [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White Versions 2'']]). In [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver Versions'']], released for the Game Boy Color, Pikachu gained a pre-evolutionary form called [[Pichu]] and the {{s|bulbapedia|Light Ball}} item, the latter of which doubled Pikachu's Special Attack {{s|bulbapedia|statistic}} when held. However, the Light Ball was only obtainable when trading a Pikachu over from the ''Yellow Version''. This generation also introduced the concept of {{s|bulbapedia|Shiny Pokémon}}; Pikachu's shiny variant has slightly redder fur. Several of Pikachu's [[alternate costume]]s throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series use the shiny coloration.

 

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'']] granted Pikachu and its evolutionary relatives a {{s|bulbapedia|signature move}} called [[Volt Tackle]], an [[bulbapedia:Volt Tackle|exceptionally powerful Electric-type attack that deals recoil damage]], although it only be attained starting in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Emerald Version|''Emerald'']] by breeding a female Pikachu that holds a Light Ball.

 

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl Versions'']] for the Nintendo DS introduced cosmetic differences between genders for certain species of Pokémon, with Pikachu being among of them; in Pikachu's case, females have a dent at the tip of their tails that makes it look like a heart. ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' features the female variant of Pikachu in two alternate costumes. The Light Ball was also improved, as it now doubles both Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stats.

 

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']] featured Ikue Ōtani voicing Pikachu in the core series for the first time since ''Yellow Version'', a change which was retained in all games up until ''{{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Legends: Arceus}}'' reverted to its original digitized cry. [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|''Pokémon Omega Ruby'' and ''Alpha Sapphire'']], the remakes of the ''Ruby'' and ''Sapphire Versions'', introduced {{s|bulbapedia|Cosplay Pikachu}}, a female Pikachu that can wear costumes that correspond to the five {{s|bulbapedia|contest condition}}s, each granting a special move that Pikachu cannot normally learn. One of Cosplay Pikachu's forms, Pikachu Libre, is an alternate costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.

 

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Sun and Moon|''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'']] introduced {{s|bulbapedia|Z-Crystal}}s, two of which ({{s|bulbapedia|Pikanium Z}} and {{s|bulbapedia|Pikashunium Z}}) are exclusive to Pikachu, alongside [[bulbapedia:Pikachu variants#Pikachu in a cap|a Pikachu based on Ash's that can wear one of his numerous hats]]. [[bulbapedia:Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'']], remakes of ''Yellow Version'', feature a Pikachu as the player's [[bulbapedia:Partner Pokémon (game)|partner Pokémon]] in ''Let's Go, Pikachu!''. In contrast to previous starter Pokémon, the partner Pikachu has various traits that notably distinguish it from other members of its species, such as exclusive moves and customization through various outfits and hairstyles.

 

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']] introduced the {{s|bulbapedia|Dynamax}} and {{s|bulbapedia|Gigantamax}} features, the latter of which is exclusive to specific members of certain species. By registering ''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' with the games, the player will receive a special Pikachu with the ability turn into Gigantamax Pikachu. While Gigantamaxed, it is able to use {{iw|bulbapedia|G-Max Volt Crash|move}}, which paralyzes all opponents on the field.

| ''{{uv|Pokémon}}'' series