Editing Pikachu

{{ArticleIcons|ssb=y|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4=y|ultimate=y|fa=y}}

|image = {{tabber|title1=Pikachu|tab1=[[File:Pikachu FireRed LeafGreen.png|300px]]|title2=Pikachu Libre|tab2=[[File:Pikachu-LibreORAS.png|300px]]}}

|caption = [[File:PokemonSymbol.svg|50px]]<br>Official artwork of Pikachu and Pikachu Libre.

|lastappearance = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'']] (2018)

|artist = Ken Sugimori

REMEMBER: Nintendo's affiliates' official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it".

'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a fictional creature from the ''{{uv|Pokémon}}'' series. It debuted in the series' [[bulbapedia:Generation I|first generation]], and represents that generation as a member of the "[[List of Super Smash Bros. series characters#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]" throughout the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series. Similarly to [[Mario]] and [[Link]], Pikachu is one of the most well-known video game characters in the world, to the point of being the de facto mascot of the ''Pokémon'' series.

==Character description==

[[File:PikachuArtworkRB.png|thumb|150px|left|Pikachu's original artwork from ''Pokémon Red and Green''.]]

Pikachu is a small, rodent-like Pokémon, and is categorized within the Pokédex at #025 as the "Mouse Pokémon". The extensive variety of Pokédex entries available for Pikachu throughout the ''Pokémon'' series provide plenty of biological information, such as how it lives in forests in groups away from people, and how it keeps its tail raised as it monitors its surroundings.

In the {{s|bulbapedia|core series}}, Pikachu is a relatively weak Electric-type Pokémon that can be found early in the series' [[bulbapedia:Generation I|first generation]] of games: [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Green Versions|''Pokémon Red'', ''Green'']] and [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|''Blue Versions'']]. Unlike certain Pokémon that had plot elements wrapped around them, such as [[Mewtwo]], Pikachu was simply a Pokémon that could be readily caught, evolved into a stronger form ([[Raichu]]), and had no bearing on the story.

However, Pikachu's popularity skyrocketed thanks to the [[bulbapedia:Pokémon anime|''Pokémon'' anime]], where [[bulbapedia:Ash's Pikachu|a member of its species]] became the first Pokémon acquired by {{s|bulbapedia|Ash Ketchum}}, the anime's main character. This, in turn, led to the creation of ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Yellow Version}}'', a remake of ''Red'', ''Green'' and ''Blue Versions'' that is largely based on the anime. In keeping with the anime, [[bulbapedia:Red's Pikachu (game)|a Pikachu]] is the first Pokémon that [[bulbapedia:Red (game)|the player]] obtains, and its digitized cry from the previous versions is replaced with voiced soundbites provided by Ikue Ōtani, Pikachu's voice actor.

Pikachu's role in ''Yellow Version'' was intensely elaborated on, as several events in the game depend on how Pikachu felt towards the player. Depending on the player's actions towards Pikachu, it will exhibit a variety of emotions when spoken to, varying from frustration, to amusement, to complete adoration. As such, ''Yellow Version'' became the first game in the series to implement a {{s|bulbapedia|happiness}} mechanic, which has since become a series standard. Pikachu's temperament toward the player would also become a prerequisite for certain rewards in the game, most notably the acquisition of all three of the {{s|bulbapedia|starter Pokémon}} from ''Red'', ''Green'' and ''Blue Versions'': {{s|bulbapedia|Bulbasaur}}, {{s|bulbapedia|Charmander}} and [[Squirtle]].

Following ''Yellow Version'', Pikachu has since been featured in every core series game, and is usually associated with some new gameplay mechanic with each successive installment. It is also readily available to catch in all games within the core series, with the exception of those in the fifth generation ([[bulbapedia:Pokémon Black and White Versions|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White Versions'']] and [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White Versions 2'']]). In [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver Versions'']], released for the Game Boy Color, Pikachu gained a pre-evolutionary form called [[Pichu]] and the {{s|bulbapedia|Light Ball}} item, the latter of which doubled Pikachu's Special Attack {{s|bulbapedia|statistic}} when held. However, the Light Ball was only obtainable when trading a Pikachu over from the ''Yellow Version''.

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Emerald Version|''Pokémon Emerald Version'']], the solitary follow-up to [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire Versions'']], granted Pikachu and its evolutionary relatives a {{s|bulbapedia|signature move}} called [[Volt Tackle]], an [[bulbapedia:Volt Tackle|exceptionally powerful Electric-type attack that deals recoil damage]] and can only be attained by breeding a female Pikachu that holds a Light Ball. [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl Versions'']] for the Nintendo DS introduced cosmetic differences between genders for certain species of Pokémon, with Pikachu being among of them; in Pikachu's case, females have a dent at the tip of their tails. The Light Ball was also improved, as it now doubles both Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stats.

[[bulbapedia:Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']] featured Ikue Ōtani reprising her role as Pikachu for the first time since ''Yellow Version'', a change which has since been retained in the core series. [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|''Pokémon Omega Ruby'' and ''Alpha Sapphire'']], the remakes of the ''Ruby'' and ''Sapphire Versions'', introduced {{s|bulbapedia|Cosplay Pikachu}}, a female Pikachu that can wear costumes that correspond to the five {{s|bulbapedia|contest condition}}s and grant her a respective move that her species cannot normally learn.

 

 

Pikachu has also appeared in the Tamagotchi-style virtual pet simulator ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pocket Pikachu}}'', which is a small LCD device that owners can clip onto their belt. Whenever the user takes a step, it will register on the system, which will give Pikachu points in the form of "watts". Much like its fighting game appearances in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Pikachu is one of the playable Pokémon in ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokkén Tournament}}'' and its [[bulbapedia:Pokkén Tournament DX|enhanced version]]. While the initial arcade release features a presumably<!--stylistic choice; don't remove!--> male Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu (wearing her Pikachu Libre costume) was later introduced as an additional character with a different moveset.

 

[[File:Pikachu SSB.png|120px|thumb|Official artwork of Pikachu in ''Super Smash Bros.'']]

Pikachu's debut in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is as one of the eight [[starter]] characters. Just like in its home series, Pikachu is a small, fast character whose playstyle is prominently dependent on its speed and powerful [[electric]]al attacks. Pikachu's [[neutral special]] move, [[Thunder Jolt]], emits a bolt of electricity that bounces along the stage. [[Quick Attack]] is Pikachu's [[up special]] move and while it's not capable of damaging, it grants a huge recovery distance. Lastly, its [[down special]] move, {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, involves Pikachu striking itself with a thunderbolt that blasts anyone else standing in the way.

[[File:Pikachu SSBM.jpg|120px|right|thumb|Pikachu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]

Pikachu returns as a starter character. While its playstyle is still incredibly similar to its first appearance, Pikachu was [[Nerf|nerfed]] in ''Melee'' but still holds up at 9th out of 26 on the [[tier list]], ranking at C tier. It has gained [[Skull Bash]] as a [[side special]] move, and possesses a respectable mix of speed and power.  

In line with the other playable characters, there are three Pikachu trophies obtained by defeating the single-player modes - a normal trophy from Classic Mode, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies from the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively. The Classic mode trophy reads:

;Pikachu

:''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.''

:*''Pokémon Red & Blue'' 9/98 (GB)

File:Pikachu Trophy Melee.png|Trophy [Classic Mode]

File:Pikachu Trophy (Smash).png|Smash Red trophy [Adventure Mode]

File:Pikachu Trophy (Smash 2).png|Smash Blue Trophy [All-Star Mode]

[[File:Pikachu SSBB.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Pikachu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]

Pikachu returns as a starter character in ''Brawl''. Visually, Pikachu has barely changed at all from its ''Melee'' design, only being touched up slightly. While it's position on the tier list isn't much of an improvement from ''Melee'', Pikachu was considered to have been [[Buff|buffed]] in ''Brawl'', becoming more powerful and gaining many new techniques such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ing and two [[chain grab]]s in exchange for mainly weaker knockback in its attacks. Pikachu is ranked 8th on the [[tier list]], placing it in the B tier. Like the rest of ''Brawl''{{'}}s cast, Pikachu possesses a [[Final Smash]], a new kind of special attack that debuted in ''Brawl''. In Pikachu's case, its Final Smash is called [[Volt Tackle]], which involves it generating a giant ball of electricity around itself that can be controlled by the player in order to slam into and/or shock the opponent.

[[File:Pikachu - Brawl Trophy.png|thumb|left|100px|Pikachu's trophy in ''Brawl'']]

:''A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes thunderbolts on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into Raichu.''

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red/Blue|console2=DS|game2=Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}

{{clear}}

! Name  

! Game  

! Effect  

! Character(s)

| ''{{uv|Pokémon}}'' series

[[File:Pikachu SSB4.png|thumb|right|Pikachu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]

Pikachu returns as a starter character, with its design having been updated to appear in line with its more recent appearances.

Pikachu is ranked 15th on the ''SSB4'' [[tier list]]. Pikachu received some [[nerf]]s in the transition from ''Brawl'', such as its powerful down throw and forward throw chain grabs (which were a large part of Pikachu's previous success in ''Brawl'') being removed, and lower damage outputs on some moves. In return, Pikachu benefits from the changes to [[hitstun canceling]], which improve its combo game by enabling its attacks to chain together easier. Some of its attacks' ranges and KO potentials were also improved. However, Pikachu suffers from poor endurance, and has a general lack of reliable KO options. Despite having a small playerbase in the competitive scene, Pikachu still gained a bit of success in the metagame from a few players.

:{{Flag|North America}} ''Recognized the world over, Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon that stores energy in its cheeks for use in battle. In Smash Bros., Pikachu is a well-rounded fighter with speedy, powerful electric attacks. Quick Attack can be used twice in a row if two directions are input, one after another.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''Pikachu is famous worldwide as the face of the Pokémon series. There's a lot of electricity stored in those rosy cheeks, and in this game, that allows for some devastating attacks, like Thunder Jolt. Tip: Input another direction after using Quick Attack to get a second burst. It's top-notch for recoveries!''

 

:'''Pikachu (Alt.)'''

:{{Flag|North America}} ''Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. It does more damage to enemies in the air. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.''

:{{Flag|Europe}} ''Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. Airborne enemies will take extra damage from it and get launched further. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.''

PikachuTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

PikachuTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

PikachuAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

PikachuAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

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[[File:Pikachu SSBU.png|thumb|right|Pikachu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]

Pikachu returns as a starter character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. For the first time in the series, Pikachu now has female variants to choose from via [[alternate costume]]s, one of which is [[bulbapedia:Cosplay Pikachu|Cosplay Pikachu]] wearing her Pikachu Libre attire.

{{clrl}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"

! style=|Image

|[[File:Pikachu Spirit.png|center|108x108px]]

|{{anchor|Pikachu}}[[Pikachu]]

|''[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red & Green]]''

|[[File:Pikachu Libre Spirit.png|center|108x108px]]

|{{anchor|Pikachu Libre}}Pikachu Libre

|[[bulbapedia:Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire|''Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire'']]

|{{color|#B5986C|Support}}

|1,298

|[[File:Let's Go Pikachu Spirit.png|center|108x108px]]

|{{anchor|Partner Pikachu}}Partner Pikachu

|{{color|#B5986C|Support}}

|''Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!''

{{clrl}}

File:Pikachu_Libre_SSBU.png|Pikachu Libre, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.

*Pikachu and [[Charizard]] are the only playable ''Pokémon'' that are {{iw|bulbapedia|game mascot}}s.  

*Pikachu is the only playable Pokémon in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] to have a visible gender difference. Male Pikachu look like the one in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, while females have a dent at the tip of their tails. However, gender differences in the ''Pokémon'' series were introduced in {{s|bulbapedia|Generation IV}}, which debuted well after ''SSB'' and ''Melee'' did. Given this, and the fact that its [[alternate costume]]s include hats worn by male characters, the Pikachu in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is commonly perceived as male. In addition, ''Ultimate'' gave it two distinctly female variants via alternate costumes. Despite this, Pikachu is not listed under a specific gender, as Nintendo and its affiliates primarily use gender-neutral pronouns for all Pokémon, regardless of a species' appearance/gender ratio or lack thereof.

*Pikachu is the only character in the entire ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to have only four alternate costumes in the first three ''Super Smash Bros.'' games. It has eight alternate costumes in ''SSB4'', just like every other character aside from [[Little Mac]] and the [[Mii Fighter]]s.

*As of the current [[tier list]]s for each installment of ''Super Smash Bros.'', Pikachu and [[Fox McCloud]] are the only characters who are ranked no lower than the upper portion of the mid-tier, and have also been at the top of a tier list before.

*Pikachu is the only Pokémon to be a [[starter character]] in every ''Super Smash Bros.'' game.

*Pikachu's poses for its Classic trophy in ''Melee'' and its official artwork for ''SSB4'' are based on the [[bulbapedia:File:Spr 1y 025.png|sprite]] of {{iw|bulbapedia|Red's Pikachu|game}} from ''Pokémon Yellow Version''.

*Despite being a move that causes {{s|bulbapedia|recoil}}, Pikachu does not take damage from using [[Volt Tackle]].