Pikachu

Pikachu[a] is a fictional species in the Pokémon media franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori, Pikachu first appeared in the 1996 Japanese video games Pokémon Red and Green created by Game Freak and Nintendo, which were released outside of Japan in 1998 as Pokémon Red and Blue. Pikachu is a yellow, mouse-like creature with electrical abilities. It is a major character in the Pokémon franchise, serving as its mascot and as a major mascot for Nintendo.

Pikachu is widely considered to be the most popular and well-known Pokémon species, largely due to its appearance in the Pokémon anime television series as the companion of protagonist Ash Ketchum. In most vocalized appearances Pikachu is voiced by Ikue Ōtani, though it has been portrayed by other actors, notably Ryan Reynolds in the live-action animated film Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Pikachu has been well received by critics, with particular praise given for its cuteness, and has come to be regarded as an icon of Japanese pop culture.

Pikachu has appeared in all Pokémon video games, except Black and White, without having to trade.[26] The game Pokémon Yellow features a Pikachu as the only available Starter Pokémon. Based on the Pikachu from the Pokémon anime, it refuses to stay in its Poké Ball, and instead follows the main character around on screen. The trainer can speak to it and it displays different reactions depending on how it is treated.[27][28]

An event from April 1 to May 5, 2010, allowed players of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to access a route on the Pokéwalker, which solely contained Pikachu which knew attacks that they were not normally compatible with, Surf and Fly.[29] Seven "Cap" forms of Pikachu, wearing caps belonging to Ash Ketchum across different seasons, were released across Pokémon Sun and Moon as well as their Ultra versions.[30] These games also released two Z-Crystals exclusive to Pikachu: Pikanium Z, which upgrades Volt Tackle into Catastropika, and Pikashunium Z,[31] which upgrades Thunderbolt into 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt when held by a Cap form of Pikachu.[32]

Pokémon Let's Go, which is based heavily on Yellow, has Pikachu as a starter in one of its two versions.[33] This starter Pikachu has access to several secret techniques and exclusive moves.[34][35] In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pikachu gained access to a special Gigantamax form.[36]

Aside from the main series, Pikachu stars in Hey You, Pikachu! for the Nintendo 64; the player interacts with Pikachu through a microphone, issuing commands to play various mini-games and act out situations.[37] The game Pokémon Channel follows a similar premise of interacting with the Pikachu, though without the microphone.[38] Pikachu appear in almost all levels of Pokémon Snap and its sequel, New Pokémon Snap,[39] games where the player takes pictures of Pokémon for a score. A Pikachu is one of the sixteen starters and ten partners in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series.[40] PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure and its sequel, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond,[41] features a Pikachu as the main protagonist.[42] Pikachu has appeared in all five Super Smash Bros. fighting games as a playable character,[43] including in Pokkén Tournament, along with "Pikachu Libre", based on "Cosplay Pikachu" from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.[44][45] Detective Pikachu features a talking Pikachu who becomes a detective and helps to solve mysteries.[46] Pikachu has also appeared in Pokémon Unite,[47] Pokémon Rumble World,[48] Pokémon Go,[49] and also puzzle games such as Pokémon Shuffle, Pokémon Battle Trozei, Pokémon Picross,[50] and Pokémon Café Mix.[51]