Ash's Pikachu: Difference between revisions

|gender=Male<ref>First confirmed in ''[[DP142|Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!]]''.</ref>

|firstevoname=''Prior to'' Pokémon - I Choose You!

|java1=[[Ikue Ohtani]]

|java2=[[Ikue Ohtani]]

|enva2=[[Ikue Ohtani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season 1}}

'''Ash's Pikachu''' (Japanese: '''サトシのピカチュウ''' ''Satoshi's Pikachu'') is the signature {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of the [[Pokémon anime]], and the [[starter Pokémon|first Pokémon]] that {{Ash}} obtained on his {{pkmn|journey}} as a [[Pokémon Trainer]], given to him by {{an|Professor Oak}}. Pikachu travels [[Walking Pokémon|outside his Poké Ball]].

[[File:JN001.png|thumb|250px|Pichu with his adoptive family]]

As shown in ''[[JN001|Enter Pikachu!]]'', Pikachu was once a lonely {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Pichu}} who lived in the woods in the outskirts of [[Pallet Town]]. After falling off a cliff, he was saved by a mother {{p|Kangaskhan}}, who, after realizing Pichu had nowhere to go, placed Pichu in her pouch and took him into her care. Eventually, Pichu and the child Kangaskhan grew bigger, and carrying them both became a burden to the mother. Realizing this, Pichu left his adoptive mother's pouch in the middle of the night while Kangaskhan's pack was asleep. Turning back to say goodbye to his family, his feelings of gratitude caused him to [[evolution|evolve]] into Pikachu. After taking a moment to realize what had just happened to him, Pikachu finished his goodbyes and left for parts unknown.

At some point after his departure, Pikachu was {{pkmn2|caught}} and eventually came under the possession of {{an|Professor Oak}}.

In the first episode of the [[Pokémon anime]], ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Ash woke up late the day he was supposed to go to [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] to obtain his first Pokémon. When he arrived at the lab, the three available starter Pokémon, {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{TP|Gary|Squirtle}}, had already been taken by other Trainers who had arrived on time. Seeing Ash's disappointment, Professor Oak gave him Pikachu, who, at first, [[Obedience|did not care at all for his new Trainer]], constantly zapping him and anyone else nearby. He refused to go into his {{i|Poké Ball}}, and when Ash failed to catch a {{p|Pidgey}}, he laughed at him. However, by the end of the episode, Ash gained Pikachu's trust by protecting him from an attack by a flock of angry {{p|Spearow}}. Seeing this act of selflessness, Pikachu defended Ash from the Spearow as well, and the two of them became inseparable friends, a moment that was capitalized on by catching a glimpse of {{an|Ho-Oh|an unknown Pokémon}} flying by. Ash then rushed to [[Viridian City]] to get Pikachu hospitalized quickly, as he had been badly injured during the fight.

[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png‎|thumb|220px|Pikachu and Ash meeting for the first time]]

Pikachu participated in Ash's first [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with {{an|Brock}} in ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]''. He faced {{TP|Brock|Onix}}, but his {{type|Electric}} attacks were ineffective. When Onix started {{m|bind}}ing Pikachu, Ash saw no other option than to forfeit the match. Ash and Pikachu later trained with {{ka|Flint}} to increase the strength of Pikachu's Electric-type [[move]]s. Ash then challenged Brock to a [[rematch]], where Pikachu managed to defeat [[Brock's Geodude]] with his training. Pikachu then faced Onix again, but despite their training, he was still unable to defeat it. As Ash was about to forfeit again, Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} managed to turn on the Gym's sprinkler system, severely harming Onix. As Ash was about to let Pikachu finish Onix off, he was stopped by [[Brock's siblings]] and he decided to forfeit again. Despite this, Brock still gave him the {{badge|Boulder}}.

[[File:Ash Pikachu wounded.png|thumb|left|220px|Ash rushing Pikachu to the Pokémon Center]]

Pikachu's next major battle was in Ash's [[Vermilion Gym]] battle against [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]] in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]''. [[Lt. Surge]] laughed at Ash for attempting to defeat his Raichu with its pre-evolved form, angering Ash and Pikachu. Indeed, Raichu turned out to be more powerful than Pikachu, and a combination of attacks from it resulted in so much damage to Pikachu that he had to be hospitalized. Later, Ash offered to let Pikachu evolve into a {{p|Raichu}} with a [[Thunder Stone]] that Nurse Joy had given him. However, Pikachu refused, wanting to defeat Raichu on his own terms. During the subsequent rematch with Lt. Surge, Pikachu once again faced Raichu. Using moves like {{m|Agility}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}, which Raichu didn't know, Pikachu managed to gain the upper hand, dodge Raichu's attacks, and ultimately defeat it, thus earning Ash the {{badge|Thunder}}.

In ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]'', Pikachu entered the [[Big P Pokémon Race]] with {{AP|Squirtle}}. The two were at a significant disadvantage due to Squirtle's short legs, and Pikachu's comparative weight, but in a way, this helped as they managed to escape an {{p|Electrode}} self-destructing. They made ground when they reached the water stage, putting them in the top four with Ash, {{an|Misty}}, and [[Dario]]. However, intervention from Team Rocket forced a battle, and the two were put out of the running by a {{m|Glare}} attack from {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}.

In ''[[EP039|Pikachu's Goodbye]]'', Ash and {{ashfr}} ran into a group of wild Pikachu, which was a very rare encounter. Pikachu tried to make friends with the other Pikachu but received a lukewarm response. After saving a baby Pikachu from falling down a waterfall, Ash's Pikachu was accepted by the group. Ash was overjoyed by this at first but soon began to feel sad, because he thought that Pikachu would be better off with the rest of his kind. After stopping Team Rocket from poaching his Pikachu and the wild Pikachu, Ash decided it was best to leave Pikachu behind with the others. However, Pikachu refused to leave Ash and quickly ran to catch up with him, followed by the wild Pikachu, who supported Ash and Pikachu being together.

In ''[[EP052|Princess vs. Princess]]'', Pikachu was borrowed by Misty, so she could use him in the [[Queen of the Princess Festival]], the main event in the annual [[Princess Festival]]. During the competition, he was seen defeating a {{p|Fearow}}. In the finals, Pikachu was Misty's first Pokémon used against [[Jessie]]. Pikachu easily managed to defeat Arbok, {{TP|James|Weezing}}, and {{MTR}} in succession with a single Thunder Shock. Pikachu then faced [[Jessie's Lickitung]]. He tried attacking with Thunderbolt but was then licked by Lickitung and defeated.

In ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'', Ash had Pikachu attack Team Rocket and their Pokémon after they sent out Arbok and Weezing to attack during their Gym battle. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu hit all of the opposing Pokémon at once, causing {{p|Machamp}}, Rhydon and {{p|Kingler}} to run away in fear, and defeating Arbok and Weezing. After Team Rocket got blasted off, Ash got his eighth Gym Badge, the {{badge|Earth}}.

In ''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'', Ash called Pikachu to help mold a block of ice into a sled, as part of his competition against [[Danny]]. He later rode in the sled along with his Bulbasaur and Squirtle in a race against Danny and his team. In the end, Ash managed to win the coveted {{badge|Sea Ruby}}.

In ''[[EP111|Hello, Pummelo!]]'', Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}, where he faced off against Drake's {{p|Ditto}}. Despite Ditto being able to copy Pikachu's attacks, it wasn't in good shape as Pikachu was. After continuously exchanging attacks, Pikachu managed to defeat it. Pikachu was then recalled when Drake sent out his {{p|Onix}}. [[EP112|Later]], Pikachu faced off against Drake's powerful {{TP|Drake|Dragonite}}, who had already defeated three of Ash's Pokémon. After an exchange of attacks, Pikachu defeated Dragonite, earning Ash the [[Winner's Trophy]] and a spot in the [[Orange League Hall of Fame]].

In ''[[AG001|Get the Show on the Road!]]'', Pikachu was treated by [[Professor Birch]], who strapped him to a machine to drain out the overload electricity he received. However, the machine exploded when the electricity levels became too high. Pikachu then ran off, with Ash and Professor Birch chasing after him. Eventually, Ash found Pikachu, but in his confused state, Pikachu attacked him and fled off a cliff. Ash jumped after him and caught him before grabbing onto a branch. Pikachu tried resisting, but Ash was able to get through to him and calm him down. When Ash and Pikachu were pulled up to safety, Team Rocket arrived and captured Pikachu. However, their [[Team Rocket's mechas|mecha]] accidentally cured Pikachu of his illness, and he was able to blast them off, destroying {{an|May}}'s bike in the process.

Pikachu was the fourth and final Pokémon used in Ash's Battle Pyramid challenge against Pyramid King Brandon in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'', going up against {{DL|Brandon's Legendary titans|Regice|Brandon's Regice}}. Pikachu initially had trouble dealing with Regice's combination of Ice-type attacks, ice-based strategies, and {{m|Rest}}; and he was almost declared unable to battle. However, Pikachu overcame Regice's strategies and ultimately knocked the Iceberg Pokémon out. This gave Ash the win, earning him his last Symbol, the [[Symbol|Brave Symbol]].

In ''[[DP165|Flint Sparks the Fire!]]'', Pikachu was used in a battle against {{EF|Flint}}. He faced [[Flint's Infernape]], who had already defeated Ash's Buizel and his Infernape. After a hard-fought match in which both Pokémon took several hits, Pikachu was ultimately defeated, giving Flint the win.

 

[[File:Ash Pikachu No Electric Powers.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu being incapable of using his Electric-type moves]]

Ash decided to bring Pikachu to [[Unova]] with him, just as he did in Hoenn. In ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]'', upon arriving in Unova, Pikachu had an encounter with {{p|Zekrom}}, which, unbeknownst to Ash, caused him to lose his ability to use Electric moves. Ash finally noticed this during his battle against [[Trip]] and his {{TP|Trip|Snivy}}, when Pikachu tried using Volt Tackle. Despite Ash realizing Pikachu can use other moves like Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Snivy defeated the exhausted Pikachu with {{m|Leaf Tornado}}. In [[BW002|the next episode]], following another appearance of Zekrom, Pikachu recovered his Electric moves.

In ''[[BW010|A Rival Battle for Club Champ!]]'', he battled Trip's {{p|Tranquill}}, who had already taken out [[Ash's Oshawott]] and {{AP|Tepig}}. After defeating Tranquill, he then battled Snivy again, who by that point had evolved into Servine. As Pikachu tried to use Volt Tackle, Servine managed to strike him with Cut in mid-sprint, knocking him out.

[[File:Ash Pikachu Alder Bouffalant.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu striking Alder's Bouffalant]]

[[File:BW084.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu in Ash's final Unova Gym battle]]

[[File:Colress Pikachu.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu under Colress's control]]

[[File:Bulbasaur and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu reuniting with Bulbasaur]]

[[File:Ash Pikachu Fletchling training.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu training for the rematch against Viola]]

[[File:Officer Jenny Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu hypnotized by {{an|Malamar}}]]

[[File:XY044.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu facing Mega Lucario]]

[[File:Ash Pikachu vs Clemont Bunnelby.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu battling Bunnelby]]

[[File:Ash Pikachu Miette Slurpuff.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu dancing with Slurpuff]]

In ''[[XY105|Party Dancecapades!]]'', Pikachu partnered up with [[Miette]]'s {{p|Slurpuff}} in a dance party hosted by [[Monsieur Pierre]]. Later, Pikachu was used in a Tag Battle along with Serena's Eevee, where he faced [[James's Inkay]] and Miette's Slurpuff. Eventually, they were trapped after landing in Slurpuff's {{m|Cotton Spore}}, which left them vulnerable to Inkay's Psybeam. With Eevee badly injured, Pikachu tried to battle alone, without much success. However, Eevee evolved into Sylveon and defeated both Inkay and Slurpuff with {{m|Fairy Wind}}, giving Ash and Serena the win.

[[File:Ash Pikachu Alain Metagross.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu using Thunderbolt on Alain's Metagross]]

[[File:Lillie and Pikachu.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu and {{an|Lillie}}]]

[[File:Mimikyu defeating Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu being defeated by Mimikyu]]

In ''[[SM109|A Grand Debut!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his [[Poni Island]] grand trial against [[Hapu]], where he went up against her {{p|Mudsdale}}. Despite the type disadvantage and Mudsdale's {{a|Stamina}} Ability, Pikachu was able to overcome the obstacles when Musdale was splashed with seawater, allowing Pikachu to knock the Draft Horse Pokémon out with Gigavolt Havoc. Afterwards, Hapu offered Ash a choice of type-specific Z-Crystals; Pikachu opted for a [[Steelium Z]], which Hapu awarded to Ash for his victory.

[[File:SM144.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu's final battle with {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|Tapu Koko}}]]

In ''[[SM144|From Z to Shining Z!]]'', Ash sent Pikachu back into the battle as his final Pokémon to face Tapu Koko, who had taken the place of Kukui's sixth Pokémon in the match. When both Pokémon were evenly matched, Tapu Koko and its fellow deities restored Ash and Kukui's Z-Power, giving them a chance to use another Z-Move, since [[SM143|they already used up their Z-Moves for the match]]. Tapu Koko then handed Kukui a [[Tapunium Z]], and it and Kukui started performing {{m|Guardian of Alola}}. During this, Ash's Electrium Z once again transformed into a Pikashunium Z, allowing Pikachu to counter with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. The two Z-Moves clashed, with Pikachu's attack eventually overpowering Tapu Koko's, defeating it and making Ash the winner of the exhibition match.

[[File:Ash and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu and Ash]]

In ''[[JN013|The Climb to Be the Very Best!]]'', Ash used Pikachu to battle a [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Drednaw}} that was rampaging outside [[Wyndon Stadium]]. His attacks were ineffective, forcing Ash and Pikachu to run, but unexpectedly, they stumbled upon glowing cracks on the ground, from which [[Dynamax]] energy poured out and caused Pikachu to Gigantamax too. Initially, Pikachu had trouble moving around in his new, giant form, but soon got used to it. Following advice from {{an|Leon}}, Ash told Pikachu to use {{m|G-Max Volt Crash}}, defeating Drednaw and causing it to revert to normal. Afterwards, Pikachu returned to normal as well. Later, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Leon and his {{p|Charizard}}. With the help of the [[Dynamax Band]] that Ash received from Leon, Pikachu was able to Gigantamax again. Despite this, however, Pikachu was defeated by Charizard's {{m|G-Max Wildfire}}.

[[File:JN013.png|thumb|left|250px|Pikachu Gigantamaxed against Leon]]

In ''[[JN018|Destination: Coronation!]]'', Ash used Pikachu in his battle against [[Visquez]] so he could increase his [[World Coronation Series]] ranking. Pikachu first went up against Visquez's Raichu, but started to get overwhelmed. As such, Ash chose to withdraw Pikachu and send out {{AP|Gengar}} in his place. Ash later sent Pikachu back out to face Visquez's Electrode, which had just defeated Gengar. Despite Electrode initially having the upper hand, Pikachu was eventually able to defeat it. However, upon receiving the knockout blow, Electrode's {{a|Aftermath}} activated, but Pikachu used Electroweb just in the knick of time to protect himself, leading to only Electrode fainting. As such, Ash won the battle, leading to his World Coronation Series ranking shooting up to 3,763.

[[File:JN082.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu "Feastamaxed" by Gigantamax Alcremie]]

In ''[[JN082|The Sweet Taste of Battle!]]'', Pikachu helped Ash during [[Opal]]'s [[All-Alcremie Decoration Challenge]]. After Ash had won the contest, Opal challenged him to a battle, with Ash using Pikachu against Opal's {{p|Alcremie}}. While Pikachu managed to land several Iron Tails on Alcremie, some of Alcremie's cream got stuck on Pikachu's tail, softening his blows. After Pikachu had managed to shake of Alcremie's {{m|Attract}} and block her {{m|Dazzling Gleam}}, Opal chose to Gigantamax her Pokémon and had it use {{m|G-Max Finale}}, covering Pikachu in huge amounts of cream. Pikachu then started growing as well, becoming big enough to swallow an entire G-Max Finale cream projectile whole, much to Opal's shock. At first, everyone assumed that Pikachu had Gigantamaxed as well, but when Ash called for a G-Max Volt Crash and Pikachu didn't attack, it turned out that Pikachu had just eaten all the cream Alcremie had created with the [[G-Max Move]] and grown giant and fat as a result. As such, the battle was subsequently called off.

In ''[[JN085|Battle Three With Bea!]]'', Pikachu was the first Pokémon as used during his second rematch against Bea at the [[Stow-on-Side Stadium]], first facing Grapploct. Pikachu's attempt at ensnaring Grapploct in an Electroweb proved unsuccessful, as it was able to use its stretchy tentacles to strike him through the web with a {{m|Close Combat}}. As such, Ash chose to recall Pikachu. In [[JN086|the next episode]], Pikachu was called back to the battlefield to face Bea's {{p|Hawlucha}}. By improving on a strategy he had used against both Lt. Surge and Visquez, Ash was able to repel Hawlucha's {{m|Sky Attack}}, while also dealing damage to it, allowing Pikachu to subsequently defeat it with a super effective Thunderbolt. Next, Pikachu faced Grapploct again, but wound up being ensnared by an Octolock once more, and was defeated soon afterwards.

[[File:JN118.png|thumb|250px|left|Pikachu battling Steven's Metagross]]

In [[JN123]], Pikachu was the third Pokémon used by Ash during his Masters Eight Tournament battle against Cynthia. He first went up against her {{p|Togekiss}}, only to end up getting [[flinch]]ed by a {{a|Serene Grace}}-boosted {{m|Air Slash}}, before Cynthia sent out {{p|Gastrodon}}. Despite the type advantage, however, Ash was able to defeat Gastrodon through some clever thinking. Pikachu then went on to also knock out Cynthia's Spiritomb, but was caught in its last-second {{m|Destiny Bond}}, resulting in him fainting along with his opponent.

[[File:JN132.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu's final clash with Charizard]]

In [[JN129]], Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used in his Masters Eight Tournament match against Leon. He went up against {{p|Cinderace}}, with his attacks quickly proving to be useless against Cinderace's Ability, {{a|Libero}}. Because of this, Ash decided to switch Pikachu in and save him for later. In [[JN131]], Pikachu returned to the battle after all of Ash's other Pokémon had been defeated to face Gigantamax Charizard. After enduring some of Charizard's [[Max Move]]s, Pikachu's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt clashed with Charizard's G-Max Wildfire, cancelling out both moves as Charizard returned to its normal size and form. At the start of [[JN132|the next episode]], Eternatus appeared above Wyndon Stadium and recharged Ash and Leon's Dynamax Bands, prompting Leon to temporarily recall Charizard and Gigantamax his Cinderace, with Ash doing the same with Pikachu. The two Pokémon's clash of G-Max Moves ended with both of them reverting to normal and Cinderace fainting, leaving Leon with just Charizard. During the subsequent battle between the two partner Pokémon, Pikachu took a severe hit from a {{m|Fire Blast}} and momentarily collapsed, experiencing a vision of all of Ash's Pokémon cheering for him. Backed by the mental support of his friends, Pikachu stood back up and executed one more furious exchange of blows with Charizard. While both Pokémon were completely exhausted following the clash, ultimately, Pikachu was able to stay standing as Charizard fell, ending Leon's winning streak, making Ash the winner of the tournament, and earning him the title of Monarch. Later, Pikachu joined Ash and the rest of his team for the awards ceremony.

After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to [[Misty's Togepi]], and has been seen meditating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]''. In ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', Pikachu, {{MTR}}, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his [[Pikachutwo|clone]] repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]'' and ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]''.

[[File:Pikachu loves ketchup.png|200px|thumb|Pikachu and his love of ketchup]]

 

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

In general, {{p|Pikachu}} as a species are not particularly powerful, but Ash's Pikachu is a notable anomaly, overcoming odds in {{pkmn|battle}} numerous times. In ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'', {{MTR}} remarked that Pikachu's power "exceeds its evolutionary level". In ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'', he defeated [[Brock's Onix]] with an {{type|Electric}} attack that triggered the sprinkler system causing Onix to be drenched in water, one of its weaknesses. Ash's Pikachu has also triumphed over some very powerful Pokémon that had previously defeated several of Ash's other Pokémon, such as {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}'s {{p|Dragonite}}, {{ho|Tyson}}'s {{p|Metagross}}, and {{an|Korrina}}'s [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{TP|Korrina|Lucario}}. He was also the second Pokémon in the anime to defeat a Legendary Pokémon in battle, defeating {{an|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's Legendary titans|Regice}} to win the Brave Symbol in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''. He later fought {{si|Tobias}}'s {{p|Latios}} to a draw in [[DP189|the semifinals]] of the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], and defeated [[Gladion's Silvally]] and the {{DL|Guardian deities (anime)|recurring Tapu Koko}} commanded by {{an|Professor Kukui}} in separate battles at [[Manalo Stadium]]. He has helped Ash win countless battles and [[Gym]] and {{pkmn|League}} matches.

[[File:Ash Pikachu and Dawn Piplup.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu walking along with Dawn's Piplup]]

<gallery perrow=6>

| [[File:Ash Pichu Egg.png|180px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu Pichu.png|180px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu Alola Cap.png|180px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu World Cap.png|180px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu Gigantamax.png|180px]]

{{anmov/h|electric||Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Electroweb|6=World Cap Iron Tail}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Thunderbolt|1=Volt Tackle|2=Quick Attack|3=Iron Tail|4=Electro Ball|5=Electroweb|6=Iron Tail<br>(World Cap)}}|image2=Ash Pikachu {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Pichu Thunder Shock|1=ThunderShock|2=Thunder|3=Leer|4=Double-Edge|5=Agility|6=Tackle}}.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 7}}|0=Thunder Shock<br>as a Pichu|1=Thunder Shock|2=Thunder|3=Leer|4=Double-Edge|5=Agility|6=Tackle}}}}

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' "Rocket Punch" was a move that Pikachu used while "boxing" {{OBP|Anthony|EP029}}'s {{p|Hitmonchan}} in ''[[EP029|The Punchy Pokémon]]''. Pikachu glowed red and shot off his boxing gloves, leaving off a trail of smoke. Once the smoke disappears, Pikachu still has his boxing gloves on and flies towards Hitmonchan at high speed.

| rowspan="2" | [[File:Ash Kanto starters Elemental Combo.png|150px]]

| {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Razor Leaf}}, {{m|Water Gun}}, and an {{type|Electric}} attack

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu combines one of his Electric attacks with Charizard's Flamethrower, Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf, and Squirtle's Water Gun to create a tornado of fire, electricity, leaves, and water. This was used to defeat [[Jessie's Arbok]] and {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}, along with [[James's Weezing]] and {{TP|James|Victreebel}}.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description''': Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with Politoed's Water Gun and Forretress' Rapid Spin, creating a tornado of water and yellow electricity. This was used to send Team Rocket and the [[Invincible Pokémon Brothers]] blasting off.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' [[Counter Shield]] was first used against [[Fantina]]'s {{p|Drifblim}}, and later in ''[[DP132|Evolving Strategies!]]'' against [[Paul's Magmortar]] and in [[JN123]] against {{an|Cynthia}}'s {{p|Spiritomb}}. Pikachu uses {{m|Thunderbolt}} while spinning, releasing yellow sparks everywhere or creating an electric whirlpool, disallowing movement for the opponent. It is a means of defending and attacking at the same time.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu combines his Thunderbolt with a joint Flamethrower attack from {{AP|Pignite}} and {{AP|Charizard}}, {{AP|Snivy}}'s Leaf Storm, {{AP|Oshawott}}'s Hydro Pump attack, {{AP|Unfezant}}'s Air Cutter attack, {{AP|Scraggy}}'s Focus Blast, {{AP|Leavanny}}'s Energy Ball, {{AP|Boldore}}'s Flash Cannon attack, {{AP|Palpitoad}}'s Mud Shot, and {{AP|Krookodile}}'s Stone Edge attack to create a gigantic blast of energy. This was used to defend [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] from Team Rocket.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' When Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, Goodra uses Dragon Pulse and fuses with it, creating a purple, dragon-shaped energy blast surrounded by electricity. Then the attack hits the opponent, causing serious damage. This was used to defeat [[Tierno's Wartortle]] and Raichu.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Super Pokémon Fireworks (Japanese: '''超特大ポケモン花火''' ''Super Special Pokémon Fireworks'') is a combination move used by the Ultra Guardians' partner Pokémon and their [[Poké Ride|Ride Pokémon]]. Pikachu launches {{m|Electroweb}} into the air, followed by {{TP|Sophocles|Togedemaru}} and {{TP|Sophocles|Charjabug}} adding to it by creating a makeshift Electroweb with {{m|Zing Zap}} and {{m|Discharge}}, respectively. {{TP|Lana|Popplio}}, Steenee, {{TP|Kiawe|Turtonator}}, and {{TP|Kiawe|Charizard}} add to the combination with {{m|Bubble Beam}}, {{m|Magical Leaf}}, and a double {{m|Flamethrower}}, respectively. {{p|Flygon}}, {{p|Garchomp}}, and {{p|Altaria}} then use a triple {{m|Fire Blast}}, followed by [[Snowy]]'s {{m|Powder Snow}} and {{AP|Poipole}}'s poison. Together, the moves make a giant, spinning, ferris wheel-shaped construction.

| colspan="3" style="text-align:left" |'''Description:''' Pikachu creates an Electroweb that spreads out over the opponent's side of the field. If the opponent tries to charge through the electric threads, they not only slow down, but also take damage. This was used during Ash's first World Coronation Series rematch against [[Bea]].

|ja=大谷育江 [[Ikue Ohtani]]

|en=[[Ikue Ohtani]]<br>[[Rachael Lillis]]{{tt|*|Occasionally in season one}}

|es_la=[[Ikue Ohtani]]<br>Claudia Motta (voiceover in [[EP017]])

| {{color2|000|Artwork from}} <br> {{color2|000|Pokémon Journeys: The Series}}<ref>https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1522523066256936961</ref>

In the main series, {{ga|Red's Pikachu}} is noticeably based on Ash's Pikachu: not only does {{ga|Red}} receive it from [[Professor Oak]] after his rival, Oak's grandson, takes the last [[starter Pokémon]] in {{game|Yellow}}, but it [[walking Pokémon|follows Red around]] rather than being kept in a Poké Ball. In [[Generation II]] and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, Pikachu is the highest-leveled member of Red's team when he is encountered at [[Mt. Silver]], and the highest leveled Pokémon owned by a Trainer in the entire series excluding battle arenas. His moves, notably in HeartGold and SoulSilver, are the four moves most used by Ash's Pikachu at the time of the games' release. The Pikachu in the Super Smash Bros. series may be based on Ash's Pikachu. In [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!]], a remake of Yellow, the [[Partner Pokémon (game)|partner]] Pikachu plays a similar role.

{{G8event/head|lochide=yes

|image=025Pikachu-World

|move1=Thunderbolt|move1type=Electric|move1cat=Special|move1rel=yes

|move2=Quick Attack|move2type=Normal|move2cat=Physical|move2rel=yes

|move3=Iron Tail|move3type=Steel|move3cat=Physical|move3rel=yes

|move4=Electroweb|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Special|move4rel=yes

{{G8event/entrybottom|swsh|serial code|hide|August 11 to September 30, 2022}}

Pikachu in a cap is not present in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], despite being based on a {{cat|Generation I Pokémon}}, but has Pokédex entries in {{g|Sword and Shield}}, and can be imported to the games via [[Pokémon HOME]]. An eighth Cap Pikachu, World Cap Pikachu, has since been added in Version 1.2.0 of Sword and Shield. This Pikachu wears Ash's hat from ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and was officially revealed September 29, 2020, along with a new set of distributions for the [[Generation VIII]] games.

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Kanto}}" | {{color2|000|Original series|Original Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Original.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Hoenn}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire|Hoenn Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Hoenn.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Sinnoh}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|Sinnoh Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Sinnoh.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Unova}}; color:#fff" | {{color2|fff|Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Unova Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Unova.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Kalos}}; color:#fff" | {{color2|fff|Pokémon the Series: XY|Kalos Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Kalos.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Alola}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon|Alola Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Alola.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemelight|Alola}}" | {{color2|000|M20|Partner Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-Partner.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" width="12.5%" style="background:#{{Colorschemedark|Galar}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon Journeys: The Series|World Cap}}<br>Pikachu<br>[[File:025Pikachu-World.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | Pichu<br>[[File:GO172O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | Pikachu<br>[[File:GO025O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | Raichu<br>[[File:GO026O.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | Pikachu<br>[[File:GO025W.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

| class="roundy" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | Raichu<br>[[File:GO026W.png|100px]]<br><small>{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>

Pikachu, along with the rest of Ash's ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' team, first appeared during {{DL|List of special events (Masters)|The Classic Thunderbolt}} special event in [[Pokémon Masters EX]]. He forms a [[sync pair]] with Ash.

Pikachu appears in [[Pokémon Mezastar]] as one of Ash's Pokémon. It appears as an opponent during the {{mezastar|Super Tag set 1|first Super Tag set}}. Pikachu also appeared as an opponent in an event that recreated the [[Masters Eight Tournament]] that ran from October 27 to November 21, 2022.

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

====Gallery====

{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{electric color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{electric color dark}}"

|-

! style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As a {{color2|000|Gigantamax}} Pikachu

! style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | Using {{mcolor|G-Max Volt Crash|000}}

! style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Using {{mcolor|Max Strike|000}}

|- style="background:#fff"

| [[File:Ash Pikachu Gigantamax JNM.png|x150px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu G-Max Volt Crash JNM.png|x150px]]

| [[File:Ash Pikachu Max Strike JNM.png|x150px]]

* Ash also told Pikachu to use {{m|Max Steelspike}} once, but the move was interrupted before it could be executed.

Ash's Pikachu is featured in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. The following is a list of related cards.

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|109}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM109|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=071/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|110}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM110|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=072/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|111}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM111|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=073/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|112}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM112|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=074/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|113}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM113|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=075/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|114}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM114|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=076/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM Promo|Ash's Pikachu|108}}|type=Lightning|standard=yes|enset=SM Black Star Promos|ennum=SM108|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=086/SM-P}}

{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM-P Promo|Pikachu|227}}|type=Lightning|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=367/SM-P}}

The '''Ash vs Team Rocket Deck Kit''' (Japanese: '''30枚デッキ対戦セット「サトシVSロケット団」''') is a Japanese-exclusive Deck Kit released alongside the {{TCG|Facing a New Trial}} subset, on April 21, 2017. The deck features Pokémon from ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'' of the [[Pokémon anime]], including Ash's Pikachu and Jessie's Mimikyu as {{TCG|Pokémon-GX}}. The Deck Kit also includes a player's guide, damage and Status Condition markers, 2 GX markers, a coin, a playmat, and a How to Play instruction manual.

[[File:Surfing Pikachu BW087.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu {{DL|Pikachu variants|Surfing Pikachu|surfing}}]]

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

* Pikachu was shown at various points in the anime, such as ''[[EP102|The Mystery Menace]]'' and ''[[BW087|Expedition to Onix Island!]]'', to be capable of surfing, a potential reference to the {{DL|Pikachu variants|Surfing Pikachu}} initially featured in {{game|Yellow}}, which itself was inspired by the anime.

* Pikachu is the second Pokémon in the anime to have defeated a [[Legendary Pokémon]], as he defeated {{an|Brandon}}'s {{DL|Brandon's Legendary titans|Regice}} in ''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]''.

* If counting former {{pkmn|Champion}}s, then Pikachu has defeated the most Champion-owned Pokémon onscreen in the anime, at a total of seven Pokémon: [[Wallace]]'s {{p|Milotic}}, Steven's {{p|Cradily}} and Mega Metagross, {{an|Cynthia}}'s {{p|Gastrodon}} and {{p|Spiritomb}} (though the battle ended in a draw, as Pikachu was knocked out due to {{m|Destiny Bond}}), and {{an|Leon}}'s {{p|Cinderace}} and {{p|Charizard}}.

* In the anime, Pikachu is the first Pokémon belonging to a main character to have activated their [[Ability]] or [[Gigantamax]]ed.

** Pikachu held the overall record of most moves used until [[JN132]], when Leon's Charizard surpassed him by one move.

* ''[[JN032|Time After Time!]]'' and [[JN133]] are the only main series episodes to not feature Pikachu in any capacity.

==Related articles==

[[Category:Anime starter Pokémon|Pikachu, Ash's]]