Ash's Pikachu: Difference between revisions

|image=[[File:Ash Pikachu.png|250px]]

|caption=Ash's Pikachu

|ability={{a|Static}}

|nature=Unknown<ref>Game events based on Ash's Pikachu can be either Naughty, Brave, or Hardy depending on which event Pikachu is received from.</ref>

|evolution=1

|firstevoep=EP001

|prevonum=172

|evo1num=025

|current=[[Party|With Ash]]

}}

==In the anime==

===History===

====Pre-series====

====[[Original series]]====

=====Kanto=====

[[File:Ash Pikachu EP001.png|thumb|left|220px|Pikachu's debut appearance]]

In ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', Ash managed to get to the Viridian City [[Pokémon Center]] just in time with the help of [[Officer Jenny]], who scolded Ash for "mistreating" Pikachu. [[Nurse Joy]] agreed to heal Pikachu, and thanks to her, Pikachu managed to regain his health. At the end of the episode, Pikachu had regained enough of his strength to send {{TRT}} blasting off for the very first time.

In ''[[EP022|Abra and the Psychic Showdown]]'', Pikachu was sent out to battle [[Sabrina's Abra]] during Ash's [[Saffron Gym]] battle. It proved to be a tough foe, using {{m|Teleport}} to avoid Pikachu's attacks. Abra then suddenly evolved into Kadabra, making it much stronger. Eventually, Kadabra used {{m|Psychic}} to control Pikachu's body and repeatedly smash him into the ceiling. Unwilling to see his friend suffer, Ash forfeited the match. In Ash's subsequent rematch with [[Sabrina]] in ''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'', Pikachu fought Kadabra again, since {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}} didn't show up and his other Pokémon were too terrified. Eventually, Haunter appeared and made Sabrina and Kadabra laugh, leaving them incapacitated. As a result, Ash was declared the winner by [[Sabrina's father]], which earned him the {{badge|Marsh}}.

In ''[[EP058|Riddle Me This]]'', Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his seventh Gym battle at the [[Cinnabar Gym]], where he faced off against [[Blaine]]'s {{p|Rhydon}}. Despite being immune to Electric moves, Rhydon was defeated when Pikachu aimed his Thunderbolt attack at the horn on Rhydon's head. Pikachu then faced [[Blaine's Magmar]], whose attacks eventually almost caused Pikachu to fall off the battlefield and into the lava below. Seeing that, Ash then decided to forfeit the match.

[[File:Ash Pikachu Poké Ball.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu's Poké Ball, with a lightning bolt mark, at Professor Oak's Laboratory]]

Ash used Pikachu many times during the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]]. In ''[[EP076|Fire and Ice]]'', Pikachu defeated [[Pete Pebbleman]]'s powerful {{p|Arcanine}}, but in ''[[EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble]]'', he was defeated by [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s {{p|Bellsprout}}. Pikachu then faced off against Happy, [[Ritchie]]'s {{p|Butterfree}}, in ''[[EP079|Friend and Foe Alike]]''. Despite being exhausted from battling Team Rocket earlier, he still wanted to fight. After defeating Happy, he faced off against [[Zippo]], Ritchie's {{p|Charmander}}, but due to being exhausted by all his battles, Pikachu was defeated.

In ''[[EP086|Pikachu Re-Volts]]'', [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] used a {{p|Drowzee}} to take over the minds of many Pokémon on [[Mandarin Island North]], including Pikachu. To rescue the Pokémon, Ash taunted Pikachu into using Thunderbolt on him, which also hit the machine that Drowzee was wired to, freeing all of the Pokémon from its control.

In ''[[EP099|The Mandarin Island Miss Match]]'', Ash used Pikachu in a battle against [[Lorelei]]{{tt|*|Referred to as Prima in the dub}} of the [[Elite Four]], where he faced her {{TP|Lorelei|Cloyster}}. Eventually, Pikachu lost.

In ''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against [[Luana]], where he had to fight alongside {{AP|Charizard}}. Despite both Pokémon being eager to battle, they started getting angry at each other right before the battle, affecting their teamwork negatively. However, after seeing Charizard being repeatedly attacked by Luana's {{p|Alakazam}} and {{p|Marowak}}, Pikachu decided to help his partner, cementing their cooperation. Both of their opponents ultimately knocked each other out accidentally, thus earning Ash the {{badge|Jade Star}} and allowing him to enter the [[Orange League]].

In ''[[EP116|The Rivalry Revival]]'', Pikachu battled [[Gary's Eevee]] and was eventually defeated after Eevee used a powerful {{m|Skull Bash}}. Later on in the episode, Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to [[Johto]] with him.

====''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]''====

=====Hoenn=====

In ''[[AG003|There's no Place like Hoenn]]'', Ash used Pikachu in an unofficial battle against [[Norman]], since Ash only had one Pokémon at the time instead of the three required. In the end, Norman's {{p|Vigoroth}} defeated Pikachu with a series of {{m|Scratch}} attacks. After their match, Team Rocket tried to steal Pikachu and Vigoroth but accidentally stole [[May's Torchic]] instead. Later, Pikachu was used alongside Vigoroth to battle Team Rocket and blasted them off in addition to rescuing Torchic.

In ''[[AG189|Gathering the Gang of Four!]]'', in preparation for Ash's rematch against {{an|Brandon}} for his final Frontier Symbol, Pikachu reunited with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charizard for training. Using Quick Attack to round up leaves created by Squirtle's {{m|Rapid Spin}} and Bulbasaur's {{m|Vine Whip}}, they were able to make a den to sleep in. Pikachu was later captured by Team Rocket but was rescued by Ash and the other Pokémon. They then combined their attacks to send Team Rocket blasting off. Afterwards, they met up with Brandon again, and he agreed to have a four-on-four rematch with Pikachu and the other Pokémon at the [[Battle Pyramid]].

[[File:Ash Pikachu contest.png|thumb|220px|Pikachu performing in a Pokémon Contest]]

In ''[[AG191|Once More With Reeling]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the [[Appeal|Performance Stage]] of the [[Terracotta Town]] [[Pokémon Contest]], an informal event not sanctioned by the [[Pokémon Activities Committee]]. He used Quick Attack and Thunderbolt at the same time to create electrical rings, then used Iron Tail to combine them and trigger a firework-like effect. This performance allowed Ash to proceed to the [[Contest Battle|Battle Stage]].

In ''[[DP160|A Marathon Rivalry!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the Hurdle Dash event of a [[Pokéathlon]] held in [[Camellia Town]]. Pikachu and {{OBP|Daniel|DP160}}'s {{p|Snorlax}} quickly managed to take the lead, and after racing neck-to-neck with Snorlax, Snorlax's large belly passed the finish line first, giving Daniel the win.

In ''[[DP179|The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Volkner]]'s {{p|Electivire}} and ultimately defeated it despite the activation of Electivire's {{a|Motor Drive}} Ability. He was then recalled before going up against Volkner's {{p|Luxray}}, but he was eventually knocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave.

During the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his battle against Paul in ''[[DP186|Familiarity Breeds Strategy!]]''. He was used against Paul's {{p|Aggron}} but was eventually recalled in place of Infernape. [[DP187|Later]], Pikachu was used again, this time facing Paul's {{p|Froslass}} and defeating it before being recalled once again. During [[DP188|the continuation of their battle]], Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Paul's Electivire, who soon knocked him out.

====''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''====

=====Unova=====

In ''[[BW005|Triple Leaders, Team Threats!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his second battle at the [[Striaton Gym]]. He faced [[Cress]] and his {{TP|Cress|Panpour}}, and despite having the type advantage, Pikachu was overwhelmed by their water-based strategies and eventually defeated without launching a single hit.

In ''[[BW013|Minccino—Neat and Tidy!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against {{an|Bianca}} and her {{TP|Bianca|Pignite}}. Eventually, Pikachu's Volt Tackle and Pignite's {{m|Flame Charge}} collided, knocking both Pokémon back. Ultimately, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.

In ''[[BW050|Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!]]'', Pikachu was used as the final Pokémon in Ash's Gym battle against [[Elesa]] after his two other Pokémon were defeated. He went up against Elesa's powerful {{p|Emolga}} and quickly defeated it. Pikachu then faced Elesa's {{p|Tynamo}}, which proved to be a tough opponent despite her not looking very strong. Eventually, Pikachu gained the upper hand and defeated Tynamo, thus winning Ash the {{Badge|Bolt}}.

In ''[[BW052|Ash Versus the Champion!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against [[Alder]], where he faced his {{p|Bouffalant}}. Pikachu hit Bouffalant with all of his attacks, but it absorbed the hits with its afro. Alder, however, didn't give any orders, causing Bouffalant to get angry. It was then revealed that Alder had been sleeping throughout the battle. After he was woken up, Alder ordered Bouffalant to use {{m|Head Charge}}, but Bouffalant, still angry at him, used the attack on him instead. The battle was then called off.

In ''[[BW069|Climbing the Tower of Success!]]'', Ash and Pikachu entered the [[Wishing Bell Festival]]. They managed to reach the final round, where they had to climb [[Mistralton Tower]] while protecting the flame of their {{p|Litwick}} candle. Despite Pikachu doing his best to protect the candle from a group of {{p|Pidove}}'s attacks, [[Stephan]]'s Litwick candle, which turned out to have been a real Litwick all along, blew out Ash's, causing Ash to end up in second place.

In ''[[BW084|Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 2]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his final Pokémon in his Gym battle with [[Roxie]]. He faced Roxie's strongest Pokémon, {{p|Garbodor}}, who had already defeated Ash's Pignite and {{AP|Palpitoad}}. Eventually, all of the physical contact Pikachu made with Garbodor activated its Static Ability, paralyzing Garbodor. This allowed him to defeat Garbodor, earning Ash his eighth and final Unova Badge, the {{badge|Toxic}}, thus allowing him to enter the Unova League.

In ''[[BW107|Cameron's Secret Weapon!]]'', Pikachu went up against {{un|Cameron}}'s Pokémon, defeating {{p|Samurott}} and Swanna before being recalled. [[BW108|Later]], Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Cameron's newly-evolved {{TP|Cameron|Lucario}}, which had just defeated {{AP|Snivy}}, leaving him as Ash's last Pokémon. Despite the large amount of damage both Pokémon had taken, they still managed to continue battling. At the end of the fight, Lucario's Aura Sphere overpowered Pikachu's Electro Ball and him Pikachu out, thus eliminating Ash from the Vertress Conference and placing him in Top 8.

In ''[[BW112|Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot]]'', Pikachu battled wild Pokémon controlled by [[Colress]] to free them and stop [[Team Plasma]]. Impressed by Pikachu's power, Colress managed to gain control of Pikachu by attaching a receiver to his head, and he ordered him to attack Ash and the group. As Colress was increasing the power of the EM waves responsible for the mind control, Ash begged Pikachu to fight it off. During Pikachu's strenuous attempts to do so, the receiver overloaded and got destroyed, freeing Pikachu from Team Plasma's control.

=====Decolore Islands=====

In ''[[BW125|Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness!]]'', Pikachu participated in the [[Marine Cup Tournament]]. He managed to beat other Trainers and make it to the finals. He then battled [[Teaque]]'s {{p|Galvantula}} and was able to knock it out with Iron Tail, winning the tournament for Ash.

====''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''====

In ''[[XY001|Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]'', Ash and Pikachu arrived at Kalos by plane along with Alexa. After being thrown out of the [[Lumiose Gym]] for not having enough Badges, Ash was saved by {{an|Clemont}} while Pikachu was saved by {{an|Bonnie}}. Bonnie was excited to be holding Pikachu, leading to him shocking her because she was holding him too tightly. After becoming acquainted with their rescuers, Ash challenged Clemont to a battle, which Clemont reluctantly agreed to. In the battle, Pikachu faced [[Clemont's Bunnelby]]. Despite Clemont admitting that he only recently caught Bunnelby, he proved to be quite a challenge for Pikachu. However, the battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who once again attempted to steal Pikachu. Ash attempted to stop them, but Jessie had her {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} reflect Pikachu's attacks with {{m|Mirror Coat}}. Pikachu was saved by a {{AP|Froakie}}, who shielded him with its body at the cost of being injured. With Bunnelby and Froakie's help, Pikachu blasted the trio off. Froakie soon collapsed from its injuries, so Ash, Pikachu, and their new friends went to {{an|Professor Sycamore}} to heal Froakie.

In ''[[XY002|Lumiose City Pursuit!]]'', Ash and Pikachu managed to get Froakie to Professor Sycamore. Later, when Professor Sycamore's {{p|Garchomp}} went crazy from one of Team Rocket's devices, Pikachu and Ash pursued her to get the device off and free her. After chasing her to the top of Prism Tower, Pikachu removed the device from Garchomp's neck with Iron Tail. However, due to the fight damaging the tower, the ground Pikachu was standing on broke off, causing him to fall off. Ash immediately leaped in to save his friend, to the shock of many, including {{an|Serena}}. They were both saved by a {{me|Blaziken}}, who intercepted them in the air and put the two safely back onto the ground.

In [[XY006|the next episode]], they were finally able to withstand Noivern's Gust. Later, using one of Clemont's inventions, they practiced avoiding Surskit's {{m|Sticky Web}}. After it broke, they used Froakie and its Frubbles instead to practice. The next day, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon for his rematch against Viola, where he again went up against her Surskit and finally defeated it. Ash recalled Pikachu and substituted him for Fletchling. He was later called out again to battle Vivillon, who had beaten Fletchling. During the battle, Pikachu was nearly put to sleep by Vivillon's {{m|Sleep Powder}}, but Ash had Pikachu use Electro Ball on himself to keep himself awake. Then, Pikachu defeated the Scale Pokémon, earning Ash the {{badge|Bug}}.

In ''[[XY019|A Conspiracy to Conquer!]]'', after overhearing one of Team Rocket's conversations, [[Officer Jenny|Madame X]] and her {{an|Malamar}} captured Pikachu. After Clemont attempted to use his "Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device" to find Pikachu, it was revealed that Malamar had hypnotized Pikachu, making him one of Madame X's subordinates. While searching for Pikachu, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were also hypnotized by Malamar. Once Ash and Meowth finally found Pikachu, Team Rocket, and Madame X, Madame X forced Pikachu to attack Ash. Ash got through to Pikachu, who started fighting Malamar's control. Afterwards, the Automatic Pikachu Retrieving Device burst in and rammed into Malamar, causing it to lose its control over everyone. After Malamar revealed its plans through Meowth, Pikachu attempted to attack it, but Malamar managed to escape.

In ''[[XY030|Mega Revelations!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Korrina's Lucario]] but was defeated by it. [[XY032|Later]], he battled Lucario in its [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]] form. However, during the battle, Lucario lost control of its Mega Evolution and went berserk, forcing Ash to protect Pikachu. In response, [[Gurkinn]] sent out his own {{p|Lucario}} to block the attack. Lucario then lost consciousness and the battle was called off.

In ''[[XY042|Battling Into the Hall of Fame!]]'', Pikachu was used in a Team Battle alongside with [[Serena's Fennekin]] and [[Clemont's Chespin]] against [[Tierno's Squirtle]], [[Shauna's Bulbasaur]], and [[Trevor's Charmander]]. Pikachu and the others initially had a hard time due to their opponents' great teamwork, but they eventually overcame this obstacle and defeated all three of their opponents, giving Ash, Serena, and Clemont the win {{tt|and the spot on the Hall of Fame|Despite having one point less than Team Chikorita, as the final scores were inconsistent with the points given on screen}}.

In ''[[XY065|Good Friends, Great Training!]]'', Pikachu and Sliggoo were used in a Double Battle against Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu. Before the battle could start, however, he was grabbed by a mecha created by Team Rocket, but Sliggoo was able to save Pikachu. After the mecha took Sliggoo, Wartortle, and Raichu, Pikachu split up with Ash and Serena to look for them. After Sliggoo evolved into Goodra to save Ash and Pikachu, and the crisis was resolved, they restarted their battle with Tierno and ultimately won.

In ''[[XY067|The Moment of Lumiose Truth!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Lumiose Gym battle against Clemont. He went up against his Bunnelby and ultimately defeated it. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but he later sent him out to battle Clemont's last Pokémon, {{TP|Clemont|Luxray}}. Ultimately, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon managed to defeat Pikachu.

In ''[[XY098|Dream a Little Dream from Me!]]'', after the group viewed the [[Litleonids|Litleonid meteor shower]], Pikachu was pulled into [[Squishy]]'s dream by a {{p|Darkrai}}. In the dream, the group's Pokémon were either in their evolved or pre-evolved forms and could speak human language, while humans spoke like Pokémon. Freaked out by this, Pikachu fled and ran into Meowth, who had also been pulled into the dream. Pikachu and Meowth then encountered a talking Squishy. Suddenly, a flaming ghost appeared and attacked them. They managed to escape, after which Squishy revealed a glimpse of its true strength to Pikachu and Meowth, motivating them to help Squishy get to its home so it could gain this strength. On their way, they were attacked by the flaming ghost again and Pikachu decided to battle it. Pikachu's attacks, however, couldn't land, but he was soon aided by the group's Pokémon, and together, they managed to defeat the creature. In the end, Pikachu, Meowth, and Squishy were awakened by Clemont's invention.

In ''[[XY106|A Meeting of Two Journeys!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon in another three-round battle against Sawyer, where he faced and defeated {{p|Honedge}}.

In ''[[XY127|Analysis Versus Passion!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his battle against Sawyer during the semifinals of the [[Lumiose Conference]]. He was sent out against Sawyer's powerful {{p|Clawitzer}}, which he eventually defeated. Pikachu then faced Sawyer's next Pokémon, his {{p|Aegislash}}. [[XY128|Initially]], Pikachu was overwhelmed by Aegislash's alternating use of {{m|Sacred Sword}} and {{m|King's Shield}}, but Ash deduced Aegislash's weaknesses and had Pikachu use them against it, leading to the Royal Sword Pokémon's defeat. Ash then recalled Pikachu, but later used him again to face off against [[Sawyer's Sceptile]], who eventually knocked him out with {{m|Frenzy Plant}}.

In ''[[XY130|Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!]]'', Pikachu was used as Ash's first Pokémon in his battle against [[Alain]] during the Lumiose Conference finals. He went up against Alain's {{p|Tyranitar}} and defeated it. Pikachu was then recalled but later used again to battle and defeat Alain's Metagross. Afterwards, Pikachu battled Alain's strongest Pokémon, {{TP|Alain|Charizard}}. [[XY131|However]], Pikachu was too exhausted to outmaneuver Charizard by that point, thus he was overpowered and knocked out.

In ''[[SM009|To Top a Totem!]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's first [[island challenge]] trial in [[Verdant Cavern]]. Alongside {{AP|Rowlet}}, he first fought a Yungoos and {{p|Gumshoos}}. Afterwards, they faced a {{pkmn2|Totem}} Gumshoos. Despite its extreme strength, Pikachu outwitted Gumshoos with pure strategy and finished it off with Thunderbolt. This win earned Ash a [[Normalium Z]].

In ''[[SM019|A Guardian Rematch!]]'', Ash and Pikachu trained for a rematch against Tapu Koko. The next day, the two were greeted by Tapu Koko again and were challenged to another battle. Unlike their last battle, Pikachu managed to get a few hits on the guardian deity and performed Gigavolt Havoc again; this time, it was powerful enough to send Tapu Koko flying. However, Pikachu was blasted off a cliff, prompting Ash to jump after him. The two were saved in time by Tapu Koko, who flew off afterwards.

In ''[[SM030|The Ol' Raise and Switch!]]'', Professor Kukui tasked everyone with switching their partner Pokémon with somebody else. As a result, Pikachu was given to {{an|Lillie}}, whilst [[Snowy]] went to Ash. Because of her fear of Pokémon, Lillie decided to have a battle with [[Hobbes]] and his {{p|Oricorio}} to help conquer her fear. Despite her lack of battle experience, Lillie was able to defeat Oricorio and touch Pikachu. Ash then proposed a battle against Lillie and Pikachu, to show them how strong he and Snowy had gotten together.

In ''[[SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his trial battle at the {{OBP|Thrifty Megamart|Abandoned Site}}, where he battled Team Rocket and {{TP|Jessie|Mimikyu}}. Pikachu was left vulnerable to Mimikyu's Z-Move, {{m|Let's Snuggle Forever}}, but he protected himself with his newly learned {{m|Electroweb}}. Using his new move, Pikachu was able to trap Mimikyu, which allowed him and Ash to perform a Z-Move of their own. Ash's Electrium Z then turned into a Pikashunium Z again, allowing Pikachu to use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt once more and defeat Mimikyu. This allowed Ash to qualify for [[Nanu]]'s grand trial.

In ''[[SM100|Battling the Beast Within!]]'', Ash and Pikachu encountered Tapu Koko again and had another rematch against it. Just then, a {{Shiny}} {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|Shiny Tapu Koko|Tapu Koko}} from another dimension unleashed its own attack, creating a rift that transported Ash and Pikachu to the dimension's [[Ultra Ruin]]. They soon encountered a wild {{DL|Ultra Beasts (anime)|Ultra Ruin Guzzlord|Guzzlord}}, which started chasing after the duo. However, they were saved by {{al|Dia}} and {{p|Zeraora}}. After learning about Guzzlord and the Ultra Ruin, Ash challenged Dia to a battle to prove his ability to help Dia. Pikachu faced off against Zeraora, but was overwhelmed by Zeraora's fast moves and quickly defeated.

[[SM101|Later]], at Dia's base, Pikachu and Ash trained and convinced Dia and Zeraora to join them. Pikachu and Zeraora engaged in another battle, which attracted the attention of Guzzlord. After the {{an|Ultra Beasts|Ultra Beast}}'s arrival, the group lured it to the [[Ultra Wormhole]] that it emerged from in the past. After trapping Guzzlord with Electroweb, Pikachu and Zeraora attacked the immobilized Ultra Beast in an attempt to send it back through the Ultra Wormhole but failed. However, after the Shiny Tapu Koko intervened, Ash and Dia were able to activate their Z-Rings and have Pikachu and Zeraora perform a double Gigavolt Havoc to successfully push Guzzlord into the wormhole. Afterwards, Pikachu and Zeraora had one more battle to create another dimensional rift, which took Pikachu and Ash back home.

In ''[[SM115|The Dealer of Destruction!]]'', Pikachu battled [[Team Skull]]'s leader [[Guzma]] and his {{p|Golisopod}}. Despite the type advantage, Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Golisopod, as he was unable to penetrate the Hard Scale Pokémon's armor even when using his Z-Move {{m|Corkscrew Crash}}. The match ended prematurely when Golisopod returned to its Poké Ball due to its {{a|Emergency Exit}} Ability.

In ''[[SM129|Battle Royal 151!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in the [[Battle Royal]] preliminary round of the [[Manalo Conference]], where he was able to defeat various Trainers' Pokémon and allow Ash to proceed to the next round. In ''[[SM137|The Wisdom Not to Run!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his Manalo Conference semifinals battle against Guzma, where he went up against Golisopod after Torracat was defeated. The two Pokémon were evenly matched, but eventually, Pikachu defeated Golisopod, allowing Ash to advance to the finals.

In ''[[SM138|Final Rivals!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to finish off [[Gladion's Silvally]], who had been worn down by {{AP|Melmetal}}, in the Manalo Conference finals. He then went up against what seemed to be [[Gladion's Lycanroc]], but turned out to be {{p|Zoroark}} in {{a|Illusion|disguise}}. In the [[SM139|next episode]], the two Pokémon clashed and proved to be equal in strength. When Gladion had Zoroark use {{m|Never-Ending Nightmare}}, Ash countered with Pikachu's Breakneck Blitz. Both Z-Moves succeeded in hitting their targets, knocking both Pokémon out.

In ''[[SM142|A Full Battle Bounty!]]'', Ash chose to use Pikachu to battle Professor Kukui's {{p|Empoleon}} during Ash's {{wp|exhibition game|exhibition match}} against him. While the two Pokémon were equally matched, Pikachu was eventually caught in Empoleon's {{m|Whirlpool}}, causing him to get dizzy. To save Pikachu from being defeated, Ash withdrew him from the battle and sent out Melmetal to replace him.

====''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''====

In ''[[JN007|Serving Up the Flute Cup!]]'', Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his battle against [[Hodge]] in the [[Battle Frontier Flute Cup]] finals, where he faced Hodge's {{p|Mightyena}}. Pikachu was fairly evenly matched against his opponent, but eventually, he was able to defeat Mightyena, ending the battle and giving the victory to Ash.

In ''[[JN030|Betrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!]]'', Pikachu got jealous when Ash began training frequently with {{AP|Riolu}} instead of him. When Delia came to visit the [[Cerise Laboratory]], Pikachu slept with her for the night and later decided to follow Delia to Pallet Town. Mimey followed along in an effort to stop him. During their journey, Pikachu defended Mimey from a group of Spearow. After arriving in Pallet Town, Pikachu changed his mind and wanted to go back to Ash, but he was surprised to see that his Trainer was already in Pallet Town.

In ''[[JN039|Octo-Gridlock at the Gym!]]'', Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against [[Bea]] at the [[Cianwood Gym]], where he went up against her {{p|Hitmontop}}. After slowing down Hitmontop's movements with Electroweb, Pikachu was able to defeat him. Next, he went up against {{p|Grapploct}}, but he was overwhelmed by its {{m|Octolock}} and defeated soon after.

In ''[[JN046|Getting More Than You Battled For!]]'', Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his and [[Goh]]'s battle against {{OBP|Mewtwo|M01}} on [[Cero Island]], teaming him up with Goh's Cinderace. However, Pikachu was soon defeated, and Ash sent out {{AP|Lucario}} to replace him.

In ''[[JN077|Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon during his World Coronation Series battle against Volkner, being sent out to face his {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Rotom|Fan}} {{p|Rotom}} after it had defeated Gengar. Pikachu managed to bind Rotom with Electroweb, but just when he was about to use Thunderbolt on it, Volkner switched it out for Electivire, whose Motor Drive rendered Thunderbolt useless. After fighting against Electivire for a while, Pikachu was recalled and replaced with Lucario. Once both Ash and Volkner were down to their last Pokémon, Ash called Pikachu back to the battle to face Electivire again. Eventually, Ash decided to finish the match by using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The Z-Move proved to be too much for Electivire's Motor Drive to absorb, leading to it being defeated and thus giving Ash the victory.

In ''[[JN090|Showdown at the Gates of Warp!]]'', Pikachu [[Devolution|devolved]] back into Pichu and finally an {{pkmn|Egg}} as a result of a clash between {{OBP|Dialga|recurring}} and {{OBP|Palkia|recurring}} distorting time. After {{p|Arceus}} stopped the fight between Dialga and Palkia, the {{pkmn|category|Temporal and Spatial Pokémon}} repaired the distortions their fighting had caused and restored all the devolved Pokémon back to normal.

===Personality and characteristics===

{{bulbanews|Personality & Development: Ash's Pikachu}}

During the Hoenn saga, Pikachu [[AG089|temporarily developed amnesia]] and sided with {{TRT}} for a while. On several occasions, Pikachu has developed an "electric flu" causing him to become overcharged and extremely powerful. During these instances, Pikachu will sometimes accidentally let off electric outbursts which can be set off on anyone, including Ash. In all of these cases, Pikachu did not mean harm upon anyone.

As shown in a handful of episodes, the first being ''[[EP042|Showdown at Dark City]]'', Pikachu has a special fondness for ketchup, but he will eat and enjoy almost any other human or Pokémon food. In ''[[BW116|The Fires Of A Red-Hot Reunion]]'', Pikachu also displayed a fondness for orange juice. In ''[[SM104|That's Some Spicy Island Research!]]'', Pikachu was revealed to have a distaste for [[Poni Island]] radishes. A running joke in the anime also seems to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt at the beginning of each series to accidentally destroy a female companion's bike or unintentionally shock the companion herself. This has happened to {{an|Misty}}, {{an|May}}, {{an|Dawn}}, {{an|Iris}}, and {{an|Bonnie}}.

Pikachu, like his Trainer, is always happy to battle. He often tries his very best, but when he loses, he doesn't complain or feel bad about himself, especially when Ash reassures him. Ash and Pikachu are almost identical personality-wise, and thus are the perfect match for one another. Most others agree, except for [[Burgundy]], who in ''[[BW019|A Connoisseur's Revenge!]]'' said that Ash had a terrible relationship with all of his Pokémon, though this is more due to her inexperience in determining such relationships. Though rare, the two can still butt heads at times. When they first met, Pikachu would shock Ash with electricity out of vitriol. While being zapped by Pikachu still happens regularly for poor Ash, it's usually when he angers his buddy (such as when Ash rubs and pulls Pikachu's cheeks), or by accident (when Ash grabs Pikachu's tail by mistake).

[[File:ZappedAgain.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu does not like having his cheeks rubbed]]

The possibility of evolving into Raichu was first raised and discussed in the episode ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. After suffering a crushing defeat by [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]], Nurse Joy presented Ash with a Thunder Stone. Ash allowed Pikachu to decide, but he refused, having decided to become stronger as he is, and defeated Raichu by using superior speed. In the Sinnoh region, Pikachu [[DP074|battled]] another Raichu belonging to a trainer named [[Sho]]. The two were not only even matches in power but, unlike before, also in speed; ultimately Raichu used {{m|Hyper Beam}} to secure victory, a move Pikachu could not learn. At a Pokémon Center, Ash revealed that he kept the Thunder Stone he acquired in Vermilion City in case Pikachu changed his mind about evolving. Once again, Pikachu chose not to evolve and defeated Sho's Raichu in a rematch with a combination of speed, power, and spinning techniques learned from {{an|Dawn}}. During this event, {{TRT}} stole the Thunder Stone, as they also wanted Pikachu to stay as he is.

However, at times, Pikachu has lived up to his species' frail and brittle strengths, particularly in Gym battles, where he was defeated with relative ease by his opponent; for example, he was overpowered very easily by Lt. Surge's Raichu, [[Sabrina's Kadabra]], [[Blaine's Magmar]], [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Scyther}}, [[Whitney's Miltank]], [[Chuck]]'s {{p|Poliwrath}}, [[Roark's Rampardos]], [[Fantina's Drifblim]], [[Cress]]'s {{p|Panpour}}, and [[Viola]]'s {{p|Surskit}}, despite having type advantages against Scyther, Poliwrath, Drifblim, Panpour, and Surskit. He also drew against [[Winona]]'s {{p|Pelipper}} and [[Norman]]'s {{p|Vigoroth}}, and struggled against [[Crasher Wake]]'s {{p|Floatzel}}. Furthermore, he has lost twice to [[Trip's Serperior]], as a Snivy in ''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'' and a Servine in ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', despite Trip being a starting Trainer and recently having obtained Serperior. In addition, Pikachu tends to noticeably struggle when an opponent hinders his mobility in some fashion, such as when the aforementioned Panpour stopped Volt Tackle with a {{m|Mud Sport}} that covered the battlefield, when [[Burgh]]'s {{p|Leavanny}} impared his speed and accuracy by immobilizing his tail with {{m|String Shot}}, when the icy battlefield of Viola's Surskit threw him off balance in the first battle, or when [[Wulfric]]'s {{p|Bergmite}} prevented him from using Quick Attack by numbing his legs with {{m|Icy Wind}}.

Pikachu is also the only one of Ash's Pokémon to accompany him to the [[Hoenn]], [[Unova]], [[Kalos]], and [[Alola]] regions, and was intended to be the only Pokémon to accompany him to [[Sinnoh]] before {{AP|Aipom}} was discovered to have stowed away on the ship Ash was taking. Up until the capture of [[Dawn's Pachirisu]], Pikachu was the only {{type|Electric}} Pokémon in the anime owned by a main character.

Even with his high level of electrical power, Pikachu has not stopped learning new attacks. Upon learning that [[Roxanne]], the Rustboro Gym Leader used Rock types, Ash had Pikachu begin learning Iron Tail in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''. After training hard, Pikachu finally perfected it in ''[[AG016|The Winner by a Nosepass]]'', where he used it to defeat Roxanne's {{p|Nosepass}} and earn Ash his first Hoenn Badge. In addition to giving Pikachu an advantage over Rock types, Iron Tail has allowed Pikachu to defeat many other powerful opponents. In ''[[AG150|May's Egg-Cellent Adventure]]'', during a battle with Team Rocket, Ash ordered Pikachu to do a Quick Attack. Much to the surprise of Ash and his friends, the Quick Attack morphed into an imperfect {{m|Volt Tackle}} which sent Team Rocket blasting off. Upon mastering the move in ''[[AG155|The Green Guardian]]'', it became one of Pikachu's most distinctive techniques, to the point of garnering [[Paul]]'s interest, up until ''[[BW020|Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!]]'', where Pikachu replaced it with Electro Ball. In ''[[SM076|A Battle Hand-Off!]]'', Pikachu learned {{m|Electroweb}} in place of Electro Ball, allowing him to not only trap opponents, but also use the move as a springboard to increase his mobility or as a shield to protect himself from damage. In addition to his repertoire of moves, Pikachu has used his Ability, {{a|Static}}, a few times in the anime, has an affinity for [[Z-Move]]s, and is capable of [[Gigantamax]]ing.

====Pikachu's imitations====

Pikachu has demonstrated a great talent for mimicking Pokémon, altering the look of his physical features to match another Pokémon's appearance. He will occasionally use this talent to specify what Pokémon or person he is talking about. These imitation skills were notably put to use during the [[Pokémon Dress-Up Contest]], where Pikachu was able to thrill the audience without the need for a costume or make-up.

File:Pikachu imitating Brock.png|{{an|Brock}} imitation from ''[[Snow Way Out!]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Squirtle.png|{{AP|Squirtle}} imitation from ''[[PK03|Kanga Games]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Bulbasaur.png|{{AP|Bulbasaur}} imitation from ''[[EP051|Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden]]''

File:Pikachu as Ash.png|{{Ash}} imitation from ''[[EP110|The Stun Spore Detour]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Psyduck.png|{{TP|Misty|Psyduck}} imitation from ''[[PK06|Stantler's Little Helpers]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Lickitung.png|{{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}} imitation from ''[[PK06|Stantler's Little Helpers]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Charizard.png|{{AP|Charizard}} imitation from ''[[EP132|For Crying Out Loud]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Noctowl.png|{{AP|Noctowl}} imitation from ''[[EP203|The Screen Actor's Guilt]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Blacephalon.png|{{p|Blacephalon}} imitation from ''[[SM078|Twirling with a Bang!]]''

File:Pikachu imitating Popplio.png|{{TP|Lana|Popplio}} imitation from ''[[SM099|We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!]]''

</gallery>

====Pikachu's language====

* Pi-Kachu: ''[[Dawn's Piplup|Pochama]]'' (Piplup)

* Pikachu-Pi: ''{{an|Misty|Kasumi}}'' (Misty)

* Pika!: "Matte!", or saying "Wait!"

* Pi-kaPika: "Sayōnara," or saying "Good-bye."

===Appearance===

! style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a Gigantamax Pikachu

|- style="background:#fff"

|}

===Moves used===

{{anmov|electric|Thunder Shock|EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}

{{anmov|electric|Thunderbolt|EP005|Showdown in Pewter City|rec=yes}}

====[[Z-Move]]s used====

====[[Max Move]]s and [[G-Max Move]]s used====

====Moves improvised====

| None

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| ''[[EP117|Don't Touch That 'dile]]''

| [[Ash's Squirtle]], {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, and {{AP|Charizard}}

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electric Water Gun.png|150px]]

| [[Misty's Politoed]] and [[Brock's Forretress]]

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" |[[File:Electric Solar Beam.png|150px]]

| [[Ash's Swellow]]

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu Spinning Volt Tackle.png|150px]]

| None

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" |[[File:Ash Pikachu Thunderbolt battlefield.png|150px]]

| None

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Thunderbolt-Whirlpool.png|150px]]

|- style="background:#FFF"

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Ash has Pikachu use Electro Ball, then tells him to use Thunderbolt on it to increase the speed of the Electro Ball. This was used when Ash had to battle {{an|Cilan}} as part of [[Luke]]'s movie.

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Pikachu Electro Iron Tail.png|150px]]

| Ash's rotation for ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Iron Tail Ground.png|150px]]

| [[Ash's Goodra]]

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electric Flamethrower.png|150px]]

| The [[Ultra Guardians]]' Pokémon

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Electroweb Iron Tail combo 1.png|150px]]<br>[[File:Electroweb Iron Tail combo 2.png|150px]]

| None

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Iron Tail Ember combo.png|150px]]

| None

|- style="background:#FFF"

|- style="background:#FFF"

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Thunderbolt Thunder combo 1.png|150px]]<br>[[File:Thunderbolt Thunder combo 2.png|150px]]

|- style="background:#FFF"

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu uses Iron Tail on the ground before using Quick Attack to start vibrating, creating ultrasonic vibrations around his body that he can use to repel incoming attacks. This was used during Ash's second World Coronation Series rematch against Bea.

|}

===Voice actors===

{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}

|de=Sabine Bohlmann ([[S01]])

|hi=सोनल कौशल ''Sonal Kaushal'' (Hungama dub)

}}

| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:025Pikachu XY anime.png|x200px]]

| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:Ash SM 3.png|x200px]]

| style="{{roundy|5px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}"| [[File:Master Class Artwork JN.png|x200px]]

|-

| Official artwork from<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: XY}}''

| With Ash in<br>''{{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon}}''

|-

| colspan=6 style="{{roundy|15px}} border: 2px solid #{{electric color dark}}; background: #{{electric color light}}; width:96px" | For more artwork, please see [[a:Category:Pikachu|Pikachu]] and [[a:Category:Ash's Pikachu|Ash's Pikachu images on the Bulbagarden Archives]].

|}

</div>

==In the games==

===Core series===

{{main|Red's Pikachu (game)}}

====Event distributions====

{{G6event/entrybottom|xyoras|Nintendo Network|Japanese|online|August 24 to 30, 2015}}

{{G6event/footer}}

=====Pikachu in a cap=====

A [[Ash's Pikachu (M20)|seventh Cap Pikachu]], wearing the hat Ash wears in [[M20|the twentieth movie]], debuted in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]]. In Japan, it was distributed via [[QR Code]] on a special [[Pokémon Ga-Olé]] disc. In the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, it was distributed via a QR Code that was given to those who attended screenings of the 20th movie.

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF" width="250px"

|}

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF"

|}

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#FFF"

|}

====[[Pokémon Masters Arena]]====

Pikachu appears alongside {{Ash}} in [[Pokémon Masters Arena]].

====[[Pokémon Mezastar]]====

=====As an opponent=====

| style="vertical-align:top" |

{{MezastarPokémon|type=Electric|name=Pikachu|img=025Pikachu|move=Thunderbolt|movetype=Electric}}

|}

|}

{{-}}

====[[Pokémon Puzzle League]]====

Pikachu was one of {{Ash}}'s three Pokémon in {{g|Puzzle League}}.

====[[Pokémon Tretta]]====

Prior to the proper introduction of Pikachu in a cap, Ash's Pikachu was featured in several {{g|Tretta}} pucks, based on its appearance in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''. When the player used these pucks, Pikachu would appear in-game wearing Ash's Kalos hat. This Pikachu variant was featured in the following:

The same Pikachu also appeared as a summonable Pokémon in two pucks based on [[Ash's Greninja]]; [[Ash-Greninja (Z2-06)]] and [[Ash-Greninja (Ultimate Z Challenge)]].

====[[Pokémon Zany Cards]]====

Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Zany Cards]], as a card in Special Seven mode. The card can be played at any time but cannot be played as the final card from the player's hand.

====[[Sega Pico]] games====

Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon: Catch the Numbers!]], [[Pokémon Advanced Generation: I've Begun Hiragana and Katakana!]], and [[Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pico for Everyone Pokémon Loud Battle!]].

{{-}}

==In the manga==

===Ash & Pikachu===

Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in [[Ash & Pikachu]], which is based on the [[Johto]] and [[Hoenn]] seasons of the [[Pokémon anime]]. Like in the anime, Pikachu and Ash share a strong friendship.

{{anmov/f|electric|x=manga}}

===Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters===

Pikachu appears in [[Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters]].

===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===

{{main|Ash's Pikachu (EToP)}}

Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the {{pkmn|manga}} series [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], which is loosely based on the Pokémon anime. Pikachu was {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}}'s first Pokémon. However, Ash did not receive Pikachu from {{an|Professor Oak}} - instead, he finds Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, chewing on wires to eat the electricity.

===Magical Pokémon Journey===

Ash's Pikachu, along with {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}}, makes a cameo appearance in the bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the [[Magical Pokémon Journey]] {{pkmn|manga}} series. In the bonus chapters, Ash and friends have mistakenly wandered into the Magical Pokémon Journey world and are trying to return to the world of the {{pkmn|anime}}, encountering many unusual situations along the way, including encounters of aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which are different in anime canon.

Ash's Pikachu shows a video to {{MPJ|Pikachu}} of him bouncing a {{i|Poké Ball}} on his head in [[One Hundred Fifty-One]].

===Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl===

Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in the {{OBP|Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl|Sakai Takayuki}} manga, which is based on ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' of the anime.

{{anmov|Steel|Iron Tail|PDP12}}

{{anmov/f|electric}}

===Movie adaptations===

As Ash and Pikachu have appeared in every [[Pokémon movie]] to date, Pikachu is also a main character in every movie manga adaptation.

{{anmov/f|Electric}}

===Pokémon Journeys: The Series===

Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in {{ma|Pokémon Journeys: The Series}}, playing the same role as he does in the anime.

{{anmov/f|Electric}}

==In the TCG==

{{cardlist/header|Ash's Pikachu|Lightning|char=yes}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pichu and Pikachu (CoroCoro promo)]]||type=Lightning|jpset=Unnumbered Promotional cards}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|Pikachu]] {{SP|M}} [[Pikachu M LV.X (DPt-P Promo 43)|LV.X]]|type=Lightning|jpset=DPt-P Promotional cards|jpnum=043/DPt-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname=[[Ash's Pikachu-GX (Ash vs Team Rocket Deck 5)|Ash's Pikachu]] {{GX}} |type=Lightning|jpset=Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit|jpnum=005/026}}

{{cardlist/footer|Lightning}}

====Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit====

{{main|Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit (TCG)}}

'''Product image:'''

==Trivia==

[[File:Pikachu as female Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu disguised as a female]]

* Pikachu appears as a figure in the [[MC Sixth Generation|sixth generation]] of [[Monster Collection]].

* {{Animespeciesevo1|Pichu|Pikachu}}

* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Pikachu}}

* [[Ash's Pikachu (M20)]]

* [[Pikachu in a cap]]

{{-}}

{{Ash's Pokémon|electric}}<br>

{{Animecharacters}}<br>

{{Ash and Pikachu characters}}<br>

{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Oak's Pokémon|Pikachu]]

[[Category:Ash & Pikachu characters|Pikachu]]

[[Category:Male characters (Pokémon)|Pikachu]]

[[Category:Pokémon with anime move errors]]

[[Category:Pokémon Newspaper Strip characters]]

[[Category:Pokémon GO characters]]

[[de:Ashs Pikachu]]