Pancham is a bipedal, mammalian Pokémon that resembles a young panda. Its head and short, puffy tail are white. It has a triangular black nose, rounded black ears, black circles around its eyes, and tufts of fur on top of its head and on each cheek. Its upper body and hind feet are black, while the lower body is a dark gray. Where the two colors meet the dark gray forms a three-pointed pattern on its chest. There are three digits on each paw and small, dark brown circular pads on the soles of its black hind paws. Pancham carries a small, green leaf in its mouth. There is no actual purpose behind this leaf, aside from an attempt to look cool.
Pancham looks up to Pangoro as a leader and tries to emulate its behavior in an effort to learn how to battle and hunt for its prey. If Pancham makes a big mistake, Pangoro will take away its leaf. It tries to make itself look serious to its foes, but its glare is not intimidating enough, and if it is distracted, it ends up grinning. Despite its attempts to look frightening, it cannot help grinning if patted on the head. In Generation VI, Parting Shot was its signature move.
Two Pancham debuted in The Bamboozling Forest!, where they caused some trouble for Ash and his friends. They and a Pangoro that was their guardian later became embroiled in Team Rocket's latest scheme.
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: He appears as one of the students, he along with Shelmet are often picking on the player and partner, though after being rescued from the Ancient Barrow they become friends with them.
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Pancham imitate other Pokémon to learn how to grow strong. They may be easily distracted, but they seem to be training as hard as they can under Shiftry’s instruction.
Pancham is based on a giant panda cub. Its Shiny coloration could be a reference to the Qinling panda, whose coloring tends to be more brown than black.
Name origin
Pancham may be a combination of panda, punch and champion.
Yancham may be a combination of やんちゃ yancha (naughty) and champion.
↑Creator profile on Megumi Mizutani in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Collection, p. 178: "She was in charge of the design for Mienshao and Pancham, among other Pokémon, as well as the design of and official illustrations for Gym Leaders, Pokémon Trainers, and other human characters." (archive)