Pikachu (Pokémon)
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Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an Electric-type Pokémon. It is the starter Pokémon one receives at the beginning of Pokémon Yellow, and is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.
Pikachu comes with the Ability Static, which paralyzes the foe 30% of the time it uses a direct attack on Pikachu.
Pikachu evolves with exposure to a Thunderstone into Raichu. It evolves from Pichu when it grows a level and its happiness is 220 or above.
Pikachu is the version mascot of Pokémon Yellow, appearing on the boxart.
Biology
Physiology
A Pikachu is a ground-dwelling rodent notable for its Electric abilities. Pikachu have short, yellow fur with brown stripes on its back, black-tipped ears, along with an unusually shaped tail, resembling a lightning bolt. Besides its evolution and pre-evolution, it may be related to Plusle, Minun and Pachirisu, due to notable physical similarities.
Pikachu are known to have acute senses of hearing, thanks to its large ears. Most domestic Pikachu are very intelligent, understanding and interpreting human speech at levels far surpassing those of any pet dog.
Gender differences
A female Pikachu has a small "dent" at the end of its tail, causing it to resemble a heart.
Special abilities
Exclusive to the Pikachu's subspecies is the ability to release electric discharges of varying intensity, at will, through electric sacs in its cheeks. This electric energy can be manipulated into a variety of techniques which are mostly used in battle but which can be used to roast berries as well.
As Pikachu build up energy in their electricity glands, it is often needed to discharge, as to not result in a short, or worse, which can lead to physical Paralysis, or in severe cases death. Pikachu release the built-up energy through their tail, which acts as a grounding rod, to safely remove unneeded energy. A sure sign to tell if a location is inhabited by Pikachu is to look for patches of burnt grass, which is the result of the discharge. Through an inability to release a buildup of electricity, a Pikachu may develop a rare condition similar to the human flu. This illness is most often caused by strong nearby electro-magnetic forces, which severely impact the electric glands. If a Pikachu is introduced to a magnet, it will be attracted towards its cheeks, and display other common attributes of magnetism.
In a few rare cases, Pikachu can learn to manipulate Water and, with the help of a surfboard, perform the move Surf.
Behavior
In the wild, Pikachu often travel in packs, and are rarely territorial. However, when threatened, a group can generate an intense electrical offensive, and the electro-magnetic forces exerted by the resulting field can even produce a short lived, localized thunderstorm. Pikachu can be harmful pests, eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment.
Despite this, it is a popular pet, and relatively easy to maintain, with little exercise necessary for its well being. However, it is important to discharge the electricity in its cheeks periodically.
As many know, yanking on a Pikachu's tail will result in a severe shock or a bite to the offender. Another defense of Pikachu's is the use of its nasty bite which has been known to leave quite a mark.
Habitat
They are found mostly in forests, but possibly because of their attraction to their electricity or simply because they are not afraid of people, Pikachu commonly show up in civilized areas. They may even enter houses, presumably attracted by the electrical output generated by the dwellers' appliances.
Diet
Main article: Pokémon food
Living in wooded areas, Pikachu often are found foraging for berries. Instead of climbing trees, they use small electrical shocks to release the berries from the tree, roasting them at the same time.
As pets, they can be fed a variety of processed food, available at many pet stores. Alternatively, like most Pokémon, Pikachu are tolerant to most "human" foods, and sometimes enjoy them more than the more nutritional food designed for their biology. In fact, Pikachu have been known to have a fondness of ketchup.
In the anime
Ash Ketchum has a Pikachu that he obtained from Professor Oak in Pokémon, I Choose You!, the first episode of the Pokémon anime series. It has appeared in every non-special episode since. Pikachu has also appeared in every Pokémon movie.
James used a Pikachu in the Pokémon League Entrance Exam in The Ultimate Test, but the Pikachu was defeated by the instructor's Graveler. James, after interfering with a battle Ash was having with the instructor, later tried to steal this Pikachu.
Another Pikachu nicknamed Puka was owned by a man named Victor on Seafoam Island in The Pi-Kahuna. This blue-eyed Pikachu had the ability to sense tidal waves approaching.
Ritchie also has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed.
A Pikachu has also been owned by Luana's son, Travis. Luana mistook Ash for Travis when she saw Ash playing with Pikachu.
Ash gets turned into a Pikachu in Hocus Pokémon by a Pokémon magician named Lily. He reverts to his human form at the beginning of the next episode.
In Lights, Camerupt, Action, Elijah used a Pikachu in one of his movies. This Pikachu helped Plusle and Minun on their mission to rescue Princess Kirlia from the evil Exploud.
A Pikachu named Sugar belonging to the owners of a restaurant went missing prior to Cooking up a Great Story!. This Pikachu evolved into a Raichu near the end of the episode.
A Pikachu also had a part in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate!. He was kidnapped by a Skarmory and Team Go-Getters set out to rescue him as their first mission. Pikachu provided them with some items in the battle.
A Pikachu belonging to an unnamed Aura Guardian appeared in DP056.
In the manga
Electric Tale of Pikachu prominently features a Pikachu.
A Pikachu is one of the main characters in Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure.
A more mouse-like Pikachu that communicates through pantomime is one of Isamu Akai's Pokémon in Pocket Monsters.
Satoshi has a Pikachu as one of the members of his team in Pokémon Zensho. It later evolves into a Raichu.
Shuu's first Pokémon was a Pikachu he found abandoned in the forest in Pokémon Get da ze!
Ash's Pikachu was the main character in the short-lived Pokémon Newspaper Strip.
A story called "Akari and Pikachu's Birthday" is featured in the final volume of How I Became a Pokémon Card.
In Golden Boys, Gold was in possession of a Pikachu, which ended up being Eusine's.
Pokémon Special
Pokédex entry: When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build up and cause lightning storms. Forest dwellers, they are few in number and exceptionally rare. The pouches in their cheeks discharge electricity at their opponents. The Pikachu are believed to be highly intelligent.
Both Red and Yellow have Pika and Chu Chu, respectively. Pika often used to shock Red repeatedly. However, Pika becomes one of Red's most valued Pokémon.
Pikachu debuted in its own round in the Red, Green & Blue chapter, Wanted: Pikachu!. Here, Pika is captured by Red.
In the ninth Volume, Yellow is seen to have a new addition to her team: a Pikachu she had found injured in the Viridian Forest and nursed back to health. When Pika is left behind by Red on his trip to Mt. Silver, Pika joins Yellow and Chuchu on their trip to Johto.
Pika and Chuchu share a loving relationship, one that is so strong that even Jasmine noticed, prompting her to hand Yellow a slip with the Pokémon Daycare's address on it. In Volume 13, after Yellow and Wilton are brought to the Daycare after being shipwrecked, Yellow finds that Pika and Chuchu now have an egg shortly after they were "put together". The egg eventually hatches into Gold's Pichu.
Wild Pikachu also appeared in the RS and DP sagas.
In the TCG
- Main article: Pikachu (TCG)
Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon in the TCG that have appeared on a lot of cards. There are currently at least 30 known Pokémon cards featuring Pikachu, including promos, owned and delta species. Pikachu has appeared as a card in almost every released set. There is also various trainer cards with Pikachu in the card's artwork too, including the very sought-after tourament promos such as No.1 Trainer.
The earliest known Pokémon cards featuring Pikachu includes the one from Base Set (which was reprinted in Base Set 2 and in POP Series 2 with different artwork), and the one in Jungle Set (which was also reprinted in the Legendary Collection). Pikachu from Base Set was originally released in an E3 expo as a promotion, the card back then had a misprint where the Pikachu's cheeks were red when they were supposed to be yellow in that specific card.
In the TFG
One Pikachu figure has been released.
Other appearances
Pikachu has the honour of being one of the mascots of the Smash Bros. series, alongside Mario, Link and Kirby.
Super Smash Bros.
Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is in the fifth box of the second row. Its main stage is Saffron City.
In the hands of a skilled player, Pikachu is not to be taken lightly. Alongside electrical attacks, it has very good aerial attacks and superb recovery. Because of this, top-level SSB players have placed Pikachu at the top of their list, theoretically making it the best character in the game.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is initially placed to the right of Mario but moves to the bottom row after Luigi is unlocked. Its main stage is Kanto: Pokémon Stadium.
While Pikachu's play style remained the same, it was powered down in the sequel. The tier lists for Melee place Pikachu in either the Middle or Low tier.
Trophy information
Classic Mode
It's safe to say that Pikachu is the most famous and popular of all Pokémon. It has electric pouches in both cheeks; when in danger, it shoots electricity at its enemies. Although Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by exposure to a Thunderstone, many trainers like Pikachu so much that they don't let it evolve.
Adventure Mode
While its electrical attacks, such as Thunder and Thunder Jolt, are powerful, Pikachu is at its best speeding around the fray and waiting for its chance to strike. You can control the path of Pikachu's two-directional Quick Attack, allowing you to jump twice. Hold down the B Button to charge up Skull Bash.
All-Star Mode
The angle of the Control Stick controls the direction of Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu will move blindingly fast, and it will also cause damage to any character it runs into. Move the Control Stick during Quick Attack and Pikachu will move in up to two directions. Be sure to check out the ceilings on the level when you use Thunder.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Pikachu is a returning playable character to the franchise. Its Final Smash move is Volt Tackle.
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Stadium: Pikachu stars in the mini-game "Thundering Dynamo" alongside Voltorb. This mini-game involves charging up electric power.
- Pokémon Pinball: Pikachu serves as a Ball-Saver, but it will only work if the Lightning Meter is full.
- Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire: Pikachu has the same role as in Pokémon Pinball but is sometimes helped by Pichu. Pikachu also appears on the Catch 'Em Mode banner.
Pokédex entries
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Game locations
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In side games
| Game | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Channel | Collect all 101 Nice Cards |
| Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire | Safari Zone (Ruby Field) |
| Pokémon Trozei | Secret Storage 4 Secret Storage 20 Endless Level 1 Mr. Who's Den |
| Pokémon Mystery Dungeon | Starter Pokémon Lightning Field (6F-10F) |
| Pokémon Ranger | Lyra Forest Panula Cave Sekra Mountain Range |
Base stats
| Stat | Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| At Lv. 50 | At Lv. 100 | ||
HP: 35
|
95 - 142 | 180 - 274 | |
55
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54 - 117 | 103 - 229 | |
30
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31 - 90 | 58 - 174 | |
50
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49 - 112 | 94 - 218 | |
40
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40 - 101 | 76 - 196 | |
90
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85 - 156 | 166 - 306 | |
Total: 300
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Other Pokémon with this total | ||
Type effectiveness
Template:DP type effectiveness
Learnset
By leveling up
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By TM/HM
By breeding
| Generations I and II | Generation III | Generation IV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBY Compatible | Generation II | ||
| Bide | Encore | Charge | Fake Out |
| Doubleslap | Present | Volt Tackle | ThunderPunch |
| Reversal | Wish | Tickle | |
By tutoring
| FRLG | Emerald |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Defense Curl |
| Counter | DynamicPunch |
| Double-Edge | Endure |
| Mega Kick | Mud-Slap |
| Mega Punch | Rollout |
| Mimic | Sleep Talk |
| Seismic Toss | Snore |
| Substitute | Swagger |
| Thunder Wave | Swift |
| ThunderPunch |
Special moves
There are several ways for a Pikachu to learn Surf as well as Fly, though not both.
TCG-only Moves
Side game data
Evolution
Sprites
| Gen | Game | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Red | Blue | Yellow | Red (Ja) | Green | Back | |
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| II | Gold | Silver | Crystal | Back | |||
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| III | Ruby | Sapphire | Emerald | FireRed | LeafGreen | Back | |
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| IV | Diamond | Pearl | Platinum | HeartGold | SoulSilver | Back | |
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| V | Black | White | Black 2 | White 2 | Back | ||
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For other sprites and images, please see Pikachu images on Bulbagarden Archives.Trivia
- The "secret" move for Pikachu's evolution line, Volt Tackle, is actually based off of Pulseman's signature move, Volteccer. To get this move, a Pichu must be bred from a parent Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball, though this can only happen in Pokémon Emerald, Diamond, or Pearl.
- Additionally, a Pikachu knowing Surf and Volt Tackle can be obtained from Pokémon Battle Revolution by defeating Stargazer Colosseum for the first time.
- Pikachu's number in the National Dex (25) happens to be the reversed version of Meowth's (52). It is unknown whether or not this was intentional, however, in the anime, Team Rocket's Meowth and Ash's Pikachu are rivals.
- Pikachu is the smallest version mascot.
- In the games, Pikachu is the first Pokémon to have its cry changed-- to that of its anime counterpart. This only appeared in Pokémon Yellow.
- Pikachu assumes a pose that is identical to the pose of the Pikachu on the box art of Pokémon Yellow during its battle animation in Diamond and Pearl.
- Pikachu is in all four regional Pokédexes, possibly because of Ash's Pikachu.
- Despite being catchable in all games, Pikachu is not native to the Johto region.
- Although noted in the anime as having a dislike for being in Poké Balls many trainers keep their Pikachu in its Poké Ball.
Origin
Pikachu has physical aspects resembling several species of rodents, such as mice and squirrels. However, Pikachu most resembles the lagomorph known as the pika.
Name origin
Pikachu is a combination of ぴかぴか pikapika, which is Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkle, and ちゅうちゅう chūchū, which is the sound of squeaking. It may also be related to pika, a type of rodent. It could also come from the Japanese prefix Pikucha-.
In other languages
Related articles
External links
- Article on Wikipedia
- Electric Mouse, the fanlisting for Pikachu at The Anime Fanlistings Network
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species. |