Editing Pikachu

:''For fighter info, see [[Pikachu (SSB)]], [[Pikachu (SSBM)]], [[Pikachu (SSBB)]], and [[Pikachu (SSB4)]].''

|name         = Pikachu

|image       = [[File:Pikachu FireRed LeafGreen.png|300px]]

|caption     = [[File:PokemonSymbol.svg|50px]]

Official artwork of Pikachu from [[bulbapedia:Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen Versions'']].

|universe     = ''{{uv|Pokémon}}''

|firstgame   = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Red and Green Versions|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green Versions'']] (1996) {{Flag|Japan}}

|games       = ''[[SSB]]''<br/>''[[Melee]]''<br/>''[[Brawl]]''<br/>''[[SSB4]]''

|lastappearance= [[bulbapedia:Pokémon: Magikarp Jump|''Pokémon: Magikarp Jump'']] (2017)

|console     = Game Boy

|species     = Pikachu

|gender       = Varies

|homeworld   = Kanto  

|creator     = Atsuko Nishida

|artist       = Ken Sugimori

|voiceactor   = Ikue Ōtani

|interwiki   = bulbapedia

|interwikiname= Bulbapedia

|interwikipage= Pikachu (Pokémon)

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 in the ''{{uv|Pokémon}}'' franchise of media. It is one of the most popular and well-known Pokémon in the world, to the point of being the de facto mascot of the series. As a member of the "[[List of Super Smash Bros. series characters#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]", Pikachu has been featured as a playable character throughout the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]].

==Creature description==

[[File:PikachuArtworkRG.png|thumb|left|Pikachu's original artwork from ''Pokémon Red and Blue''.]]

Pikachu is a small, rodent-like Pokémon with short, yellow fur and brown markings on its back, pointy, black-tipped ears, red circles on its cheeks, and a tail in the shape of a lightning bolt. 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 just another Pokémon that could be caught, evolved into a stronger form ({{s|bulbapedia|Raichu}}), and had no bearing on the story. However, Pikachu's popularity in the anime, where it was the first and primary Pokémon of the main character, {{s|bulbapedia|Ash Ketchum}}, eventually led to it starring in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Yellow Version|''Pokémon Yellow Version'']], a specialized remake of the ''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 in the ''Yellow Version'' is replaced with voiced soundbites of it saying its name, which are provided by Ikue Ōtani. Pikachu's role in the game was intensely elaborated on, as several events on the game depended 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. Pikachu's {{s|bulbapedia|happiness}} is sometimes a prerequisite for certain rewards in the game, most notably the acquisition of all three of the {{s|bulbapedia|starter Pokémon}} from the ''Red'', ''Green'' and ''Blue Versions'': {{s|bulbapedia|Bulbasaur}}, {{s|bulbapedia|Charmander}} and [[Squirtle]].

Pikachu has not had a starring role in any of the main games in the series since then, but it has been featured in every core series game since then 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 new evolutionary phase in the form of [[Pichu]]. It also gained an item called the {{s|bulbapedia|Light Ball}}, which doubled Pikachu's special attack {{s|bulbapedia|statistic}} when held. However the item 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]], which is an 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 end of their tails. The Light Ball was also improved, as it now doubles both Pikachu's attack and special attack stats. [[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 she cannot normally learn. The core series' latest installments, [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Sun and Moon|''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'']], introduced {{s|bulbapedia|Z-Crystal}}s, two of which are exclusive to Pikachu.

Pikachu has also been featured in virtually every ''Pokémon''-related spin-off game ever released, sometimes as a main character or merely being featured among the hundreds of other Pokémon species. Notable Pikachu-centric games include ''{{s|bulbapedia|Hey You, Pikachu!}}'', where the player can talk to Pikachu using the {{s|bulbapedia|Voice Recognition Unit}}, ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Channel}}'', which is usually regarded as a spiritual sequel to ''Hey You, Pikachu!'', and the [[bulbapedia:PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure|''PokéPark'']] [[bulbapedia:PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond|series]], which features [[bulbapedia:Pikachu (PokéPark)|a Pikachu as the main character]]. The {{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|''Pokémon Mystery Dungeon'' series}} has also consistently featured Pikachu as one of the Pokémon that the player can start out as. 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|DX remake]]. While the initial arcade release features a presumably male Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu (wearing her Pikachu Libre costume) was later introduced as an additional character with a different moveset.

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.

Pikachu is considered the best character among the ''Smash 64'' competitive community and is ranked 1st on the [[tier list]], placing it in the S tier.

[[File:Pikachu SSBM.jpg|120px|right|thumb|Official artwork of Pikachu 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]

 

===Trophy Info===

[[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|Official artwork of Pikachu 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)

PikachuAllStarTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

PikachuAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

*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 came well after ''SSB'' and ''Melee'' did. Given this, and the fact that its alternate costumes include hats worn by male characters, the Pikachu in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is commonly thought to be male. However, 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 costume]]s 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. Coincidentally, they are also currently ranked at the top of tier lists.

*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''.