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(→‎Trivia: A representation implies any form whatsoever, and he's a trophy, so)
m (Removing as per this summary. I tried to write a reference note as a compromise, but I could not word it in a way I was satisfied with.)
 
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{{ArticleIcons|ssbm=y|ssbb=y|ssb4-3ds=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4-3ds=y|ultimate=y}}
:''For fighter info, see [[Pichu (SSBM)]].''
{{forfighter|SSBM=y|SSBU=y}}
{{Infobox Character General
{{Infobox Character General
|name         = Pichu
|name = Pichu
|image       = [[File:PichuFRLG.png|Pichu|300px]]
|image = {{tabber|title1=Pichu|content1=[[File:PichuFRLG.png|x300px]]|title2=Spiky-eared Pichu|content2=[[File:Spiky-eared Pichu.png|x300px]]}}
|caption     = [[File:PokemonSymbol.png|50px]]
|caption = [[File:PokemonSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]<br>Official artwork of Pichu from [[bulbapedia:Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen Versions'']] and {{s|bulbapedia|Spiky-eared Pichu}} from [[bulbapedia:M12|''Arceus and the Jewel of Life'']].
Official artwork of Pichu from ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions}}''.
|universe = {{uv|Pokémon}}
|universe     = {{uv|Pokémon}}
|firstgame = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver Versions'']] (1999)
|firstgame   = ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions}}'' (1999)
|games = ''[[Melee]]''<br>''[[Ultimate]]''
|lastappearance= ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Art Academy}}'' (2014)
|lastappearance = [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'']] (2022)
|games        = ''[[Melee]]''
|console = Game Boy Color
|console     = Game Boy Color
|gender = Varies
|gender       = Varies
|homeworld = {{iw|bulbapedia|Johto}}
|homeworld   = {{s|bulbapedia|Johto}}
|species = Pichu
|species     = Pichu
|artist = Ken Sugimori
|voiceactor   = Satomi Korogo
|voiceactor = {{iw|wikipedia|Satomi Korogi}}
|interwiki   = bulbapedia
|interwiki = bulbapedia
|interwikiname= Bulbapedia
|interwikiname = Bulbapedia
|interwikipage= Pichu (Pokémon)
|interwikipage = Pichu (Pokémon)
}}
}}
'''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー}}, ''Pichū'') is a fictional creature from the {{uv|Pokémon}} media franchise, in which it is the pre-evolved form of [[Pikachu]]. It appears as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and as a trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and {{for3ds}}.
'''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu'') is the Tiny Mouse Pokémon from the {{uv|Pokémon}} series. It debuted in the series' [[bulbapedia:Generation II|second generation]], and is present as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' after being absent from both ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''.


==Description==
==Origin==
[[File:PichuArtwork.png|thumb|left|Official artwork of Pichu from ''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver''.]]
[[File:PichuArtwork.png|thumb|left|150px|Official artwork of Pichu from [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver Versions'']].]]
Pichu is described as small bipedal mouse with an oval-shaped head and large, black, arrow-shaped ears. As it is the pre-evolutionary form of Pikachu and a [[Bulbapedia:Baby Pokémon|baby Pokémon]], the [[Bulbapedia:Pokémon|Pokédex]] explains that the electricity pouches on its cheeks are still small and not able to store much electricity yet. It may discharge power accidentally and spontaneously if amused or startled, and vice versa. Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans, but it surprises itself whenever it does so. When it plays with other Pichu, they may short out electricity with each other, creating a shower of sparks, startling them and causing them to start crying. It gets better at holding power as it grows older, where it starts playing with other Pichu by touching tails and setting off sparks in apparent mutual tests of courage. It charges itself with electricity more easily on days that either have very dry air or has thunderclouds, in which case the crackling of static electricity can be heard coming off of it.
Pichu is a small, rodent-like Pokémon characterized by its yellow fur, flat, triangular ears, and pink cheeks. It is categorized within the Pokédex at #172 as the "Tiny Mouse Pokémon".<ref name=Dex/> As both the pre-evolved form of [[Pikachu]] and a {{s|bulbapedia|baby Pokémon}}, Pichu is much less powerful than its evolved forms. While it cannot learn some moves that Pikachu and [[Raichu]] can, it can learn three moves ({{iw|bulbapedia|Charm|move}}, {{iw|bulbapedia|Sweet Kiss|move}} and {{iw|bulbapedia|Nasty Plot|move}}) that its evolved forms could not learn until [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']]. Pichu only evolves into Pikachu when it achieves a very high level of {{s|bulbapedia|friendship}} with its [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Trainer|Trainer]].


In the games, Pichu only evolves into Pikachu when it reaches a certain level of [[Bulbapedia:Friendship|friendship]] with its [[Pokémon Trainer|Trainer]]. Its Pokédex description claims that it is inexperienced with its ability to handle electric-attacks and occasionally inflicts damage to itself, though this does not actually occur in the ''Pokémon'' games. It however, has been demonstrated in both the Pokémon animated TV series and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''.
The {{s|bulbapedia|Pokédex}} explains that the electricity pouches in Pichu's cheeks are still small and unable to store much electricity. This, in turn, makes it inexperienced with handling electrical attacks, to the point that it occasionally inflicts damage to itself. While this does not actually occur in the ''Pokémon'' games (outside of [[bulbapedia:Volt Tackle|two]] [[bulbapedia:Wild Charge|instances]] where it is a universal mechanic), it has nevertheless been demonstrated in the [[bulbapedia:Pokémon anime|''Pokémon'' anime]], in ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Channel}}'' and the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.


In the game series, as the pre-evolved form of Pikachu, Pichu is less powerful than its evolved counterpart, and can't learn some moves that Pikachu can. However, the only way a player can obtain a Pikachu that knows [[Volt Tackle]] is through breeding a Pichu.
Pichu's inexperience with handling electricity may also result in spontaneously discharging if amused or startled. Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans, but surprises itself whenever it does so. When it plays with other Pichu, they may short out electricity with each other, creating a shower of sparks, startling them and causing them to start crying.<ref name=Dex>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/pichu Pichu | Pokédex]</ref>
<br clear="left">


==''In Super Smash Bros. Melee''==
Pichu becomes more adept at storing electricity as it grows older, and will start playing with other Pichu by touching tails and discharging sparks in apparent mutual tests of courage. It charges itself with electricity more easily on days that either have very dry air or thunderclouds, in which case the crackling of static electricity can be heard coming off of it.<ref name=Dex/>
 
If the parent of a Pichu holds a {{s|bulbapedia|Light Ball}} while the egg is produced, that Pichu will know [[Volt Tackle]] when it hatches. This is the only way other than move tutoring for any member of Pichu's evolutionary line to learn Volt Tackle. It is also not an egg move, meaning a parent that knows Volt Tackle is unable to pass the move down to its descendants.
 
Like Pikachu, Pichu has a special variant of its species; in Pichu's case, it is {{s|bulbapedia|Spiky-eared Pichu}}, which debuted in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'']]. True to her name, Spiky-eared Pichu features three spiky tufts of fur on her left ear. Spiky-eared Pichu also deviates from other members of her species by knowing {{s|bulbapedia|Helping Hand}} and {{s|bulbapedia|Pain Split}}, having different {{s|bulbapedia|Pokéathlon}} stats and, most notably, her inability to evolve or be traded outside ''HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'' and her incompatibility with the {{s|bulbapedia|Poké Transfer}} by extension. The latter two traits are later explained by {{s|bulbapedia|Professor Elm}} as a side effect of her constantly traveling through time with {{s|bulbapedia|Celebi}}.
{{clrl}}
 
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===As a playable character===
===As a playable character===
[[File:Pichu SSBM.jpg|thumb|150px|Pichu's official artwork for ''Melee''|left]]
{{Main|Pichu (SSBM)}}
{{Main|Pichu (SSBM)}}
[[File:Pichu SSBM.jpg|thumb|150px|Pichu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]
Pichu is a playable [[unlockable character]] in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. As confirmed in a development news update shortly after ''Melee''{{'}}s release, Pichu was purposed to be a "joke character" because of its status as an inferior [[clone]] of {{SSBM|Pikachu}} that possesses more weaknesses and weaker strengths.<ref>''[http://sourcegaming.info/2015/09/24/meleepichusite/ News Flash! Smash Bros. Dojo: Pichu]'' (translated 2015-09-24; [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nalj/smash/flash/1211/index.html original] posted 2001-12-11)</ref> Its most infamous flaw is based on its Pokédex description of unintentionally harming itself with its own electricity: whenever Pichu performs an [[electric]]al attack, it will sustain 1%-4% [[recoil damage]]. Along with this, Pichu is the lightest character in ''Melee'', giving it extremely poor endurance. Although its agility and okay juggling capabilities were more recently highlighted, such positives are insufficient to offset its multitude of cons, resulting in Pichu currently ranking 22nd out of 26 on the ''Melee'' tier list in the D tier.
{{clrl}}
===Trophies===
{{main|List of SSBM trophies (Pokémon series)}}
As a playable character, Pichu has three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} with Pichu on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively.
{{Trophy
|name=Pichu
|image=Pichu Trophy Melee.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=(1.0/1.01 NTSC) A baby Electric-type Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.
:(1.02 NTSC/PAL) A Tiny Mouse Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=Pokémon Gold & Silver|release1=10/00}}
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
{{Trophy
|name=Pichu
|image=Pichu Trophy (Smash).png
|mode=Adventure
|desc=Compared with Pikachu, Pichu is a tad more nimble and a little more difficult to hit. Those are the only two advantages, however, and since Pichu damages itself when it uses electrical attacks, it's best suited for handicapped matches. Even though Pichu's tough to catch, it's easy to throw its tiny frame great distances.
|gamelist=:B: Thunder Jolt
:Smash B: Skull Bash
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
{{Trophy
|name=Pichu
|image=Pichu Trophy (Smash 2).png
|mode=All Star
|desc=Pichu is the lightest character in Super Smash Bros. Melee., and it's top of the class in weakness, too! For Pichu, it's all about scampering here and there to pick up items that will help it survive. The first warp in Agility causes 1 point of damage to Pichu, and the second causes 3, so try to limit the number of times you use the move.
|gamelist=:Up & B: Agility
:Down & B: Thunder
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
Pichu is one of the five playable characters in ''Melee'' who did not return as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', along with [[Dr. Mario]], [[Mewtwo]], [[Roy]] and [[Young Link]]. It is also the only character who neither has unfinished data on ''Brawl''{{'}}s disc, nor a new playable character as a successor. Instead, Pichu only appears as a trophy. However, its ability to [[wall jump]] and the blue goggles from its [[Alternate costume (SSBM)#Pichu|blue alternate costume]] were given to {{SSBB|Pikachu}}.
===Trophy===
{{main|List of SSBB trophies (Pokémon series)}}
Pichu makes an appearance in ''Brawl'' as a collectible trophy. It is obtained by completing [[All-Star Mode]] without using a continue. The trophy describes Pichu's appearance in the ''Pokémon'' games, and makes no reference whatsoever to its appearance in ''Melee''.


Pichu is a playable [[unlockable character]] in this game, albeit as a percieved "joke character", being an intentionally inferior clone of {{SSBM|Pikachu}} with many significant weaknesses. ''Melee'' is notably the only game that is true to Pichu's Pokédex description of harming itself with its own electrical energy: whenever Pichu performs an attack that involves electricity, it'll sustain 1-4% in damage. Along with this, it is also the lightest character in ''Melee'', giving it extremely poor survivability overall. It is ranked 25th on the ''Melee'' tier list in F tier, at the second lowest spot.
{{Trophy
|name=Pichu
|image=Pichu - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc=A Tiny Mouse Pokémon. Because its electric cheek pouches are still small, it cannot store electricity yet. Pichu has been known to flaunt its courage by touching tails with others and setting off sparks. It is easier for Pichu to build up electricity when the humidity is lower. Pichu will evolve into Pikachu.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Gold/Silver|console2=DS|game2=Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


During the planning stages of ''Melee'', Sakurai wanted to include a second generation Pokemon, but he found none of the popular options feasible. When Pichu was considered, Sakurai decided against it, as he thought Pichu was too similar to Pikachu. Thinking back to Pichu however influenced Sakurai's decision to add clones to pad the roster, thus leading to Pichu being added into the game as a Pikachu clone and as a second generation representative.<ref>http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37915502&postcount=7506</ref>
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Once again, Pichu only appears as a trophy in {{for3ds}}, while {{forwiiu}} references it via [[Palutena's Guidance]] regarding {{SSB4|Pikachu}}. Once again, Pikachu still has Pichu's blue goggles and Pichu's wall jump.


===Trophy Description===
===Trophy===
''A Tiny Mouse Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.''
{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (Pokémon series)}}
*''Pokémon Gold & Silver'', 10/00 (GBC)
{{Trophy
<br clear="left">
|name=Pichu
|image=PichuTrophy3DS.png
|desc=Professor Elm must have been shocked when he discovered a pre-evolution of Pikachu! These cute baby Pokémon often discharge electricity accidentally when something takes them by surprise. They also play together by using their tails to make sparks fly! It's cute to watch, but it's good training for battle, too.
|game=ssb4-3ds
}}
{{clrl}}


<gallery>
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
Pichu Trophy Melee.png|Pichu [Classic Mode] trophy
===As a playable character===
Pichu Trophy (Smash).png|Pichu [Smash, Adventure Mode] trophy
{{Main|Pichu (SSBU)}}
Pichu Trophy (Smash 2).png|Pichu [Smash, All-Star Mode] trophy
[[File:Pichu SSBU.png|thumb|Pichu, as it appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]
</gallery>


==In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''==
After a two-installment absence, Pichu returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. This marks its first playable appearance in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series in 17 years, a distinction shared with fellow ''Melee'' newcomer [[Young Link]]. In addition, {{s|bulbapedia|Spiky-eared Pichu}} appears in this game as a playable character via Pichu's alternate costumes. ''Ultimate'' also marks her first appearance in any form of official media (video games or otherwise) in nearly a decade. Oddly enough, unlike [[bulbapedia:Cosplay Pikachu|Pikachu Libre]], Spiky-eared Pichu does not have an obtainable Fighter Spirit.
[[File:Pichu - Brawl Trophy.png|thumb|190px|Pichu's trophy in ''Brawl'']]


Pichu is one of the five playable characters in ''Melee'' who didn't return as a playable character in ''Brawl'', and is the only one who neither has unfinished data on ''Brawl'''s disc nor a new playable character as a clear replacement. Instead, Pichu only appears as a trophy. However, a couple of its unique attributes in ''Melee'' (its ability to [[wall jump]] and the blue goggles it wore on its [[palette swap (SSBM)#Pichu|blue palette]]) were given to {{SSBB|Pikachu}}.
Pichu still functions as a lighter, polarized [[clone]] of Pikachu, yet it has nevertheless been somewhat de-cloned (though not to the same extent as previous clones due to it not receiving as many entirely original moves), thanks to several of its moves having received modified animations, functionality changes and/or frame data adjustments, as well as Pikachu gaining a new neutral aerial. Presumably due to its previous status as a "joke character" in ''Melee'', Pichu has been buffed greatly. Although several of Pichu's moves had their recoil damage increased in update 3.1.0, a few of these nerfs were undone in update 11.0.0. As a result, Pichu is considered by many to be a viable character, albeit not to same degree as before update 3.1.0, currently ranking in the C+ tier at the 53rd place out of 82.


===As a Trophy===
Despite the term "Echo Fighter" being used in ''Ultimate'' to denote clones, Pichu is not labeled as such, and no official reason has been given for this oddity. However, it is worth noting that clone characters introduced before ''SSB4'' are not labeled as Echo Fighters.
Pichu makes a appearance in ''Brawl'' as a collectible trophy. It is obtained by completing [[All-Star mode]] without using a continue. The trophy describes Pichu's appearance in the ''Pokémon'' games, and makes no reference whatsoever to its appearance in ''Melee'':
{{clrl}}


''A Tiny Mouse Pokémon. Because its electric cheek pouches are still small, it cannot store electricity yet. Pichu has been known to flaunt its courage by touching tails with others and setting off sparks. It is easier for Pichu to build up electricity when the humidity is lower. Pichu will evolve into Pikachu.''
===Spirit===
{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Gold/Silver|console2=DS|game2=Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}
<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Pichu.png|410. '''''Pichu'''''
</gallery>
</center>
{{clrl}}


{{clear}}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
SSBU Spiky Pichu.png|Spiky-eared Pichu, as she appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.
</gallery>


==In {{for3ds}}==
==Names in other languages==
Pichu returns as a trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
{{Langtable
===Trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''===
|ja={{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu''
[[File:PichuTrophy3DS.png|thumb|100px|The Pichu trophy from ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.]]
|en=Pichu
{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (Pokémon series)}}
|fr=Pichu
;Pichu
|de=Pichu
:''Professor Elm must have been shocked when he discovered a pre-evolution of Pikachu! These cute baby Pokémon often discharge electricity accidentally when something takes them by surprise. They also play together by using their tails to make sparks fly! It's cute to watch, but it's good training for battle, too.''
|it=Pichu
|es=Pichu
|nl=Pichu
|pt=Pichu
|zh={{rollover|皮丘|Píqiū|?}}, ''Pichu''
|ko={{rollover|피츄|Pichu|?}}, ''Pichu''
|ru={{rollover|Пичу|Pichu|?}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Since Pikachu has blue goggles for its [[Palette swap (SSBB)#Pikachu|blue palette swap]], the ability to [[wall jump]] in ''Brawl'', and knows [[Volt Tackle]] (which can only be learned by Pichu through breeding under the condition that one of the parents holds a [[bulbapedia:Light Ball|Light Ball]]), it is commonly speculated and joked among the [[community]] that ''Melee''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Pichu evolved into the Pikachu in ''Brawl''.
*Pichu is the only playable character in ''Smash'' whose console of origin is the Game Boy Color.
*At the time ''[[Melee]]'' was released, Pichu was the most recently introduced playable character (not including [[Roy]], who hadn't made an official debut yet).
*Pichu is the only playable {{s|bulbapedia|baby Pokémon}}.
* Pichu is the only character to have never had more than four palette swaps.
*Despite Pichu using both {{iw|bulbapedia|Skull Bash|move}} and {{iw|bulbapedia|Agility|move}} as part of its moveset, Pichu cannot legitimately learn either move in the ''Pokémon'' {{s|bulbapedia|core series}}.
* Pichu is the only character to have been a playable representation of the {{uv|Pokémon}} not to be playable in ''Smash 4'' (if one includes [[Pokémon Trainer]] as one character, since [[Charizard]] returns).
**Additionally, both moves deal [[recoil damage]] to Pichu, even though neither of them are Electric-type moves.
*Pichu is the only character in the series with non-special attacks that inflict recoil damage.


==References==
==References==
Line 85: Line 164:
{{Pokémon universe}}
{{Pokémon universe}}


[[Category:Alternate characters]]
[[Category:Pokémon]]
[[Category:Pokémon]]
[[Category:Pichu]]
[[Category:Pichu| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Pichu]]

Latest revision as of 19:58, June 16, 2024

For fighter info, see Pichu (SSBM) and Pichu (SSBU).
Pichu
PichuFRLG.png
Spiky-eared Pichu.png

PokemonSymbol.svg
Official artwork of Pichu from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions and Spiky-eared Pichu from Arceus and the Jewel of Life.
Universe Pokémon
Debut Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions (1999)
Smash Bros. appearances Melee
Brawl
SSB4 (3DS only)
Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
Console/platform of origin Game Boy Color
Species Pichu
Gender Varies
Place of origin Johto
Designed by Ken Sugimori
Voice actor Satomi Korogi
Article on Bulbapedia Pichu (Pokémon)

Pichu (ピチュー, Pichu) is the Tiny Mouse Pokémon from the Pokémon series. It debuted in the series' second generation, and is present as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after being absent from both Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. 4.

Origin[edit]

Official artwork of Pichu from Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions.

Pichu is a small, rodent-like Pokémon characterized by its yellow fur, flat, triangular ears, and pink cheeks. It is categorized within the Pokédex at #172 as the "Tiny Mouse Pokémon".[1] As both the pre-evolved form of Pikachu and a baby Pokémon, Pichu is much less powerful than its evolved forms. While it cannot learn some moves that Pikachu and Raichu can, it can learn three moves (Charm, Sweet Kiss and Nasty Plot) that its evolved forms could not learn until Pokémon Sword and Shield. Pichu only evolves into Pikachu when it achieves a very high level of friendship with its Trainer.

The Pokédex explains that the electricity pouches in Pichu's cheeks are still small and unable to store much electricity. This, in turn, makes it inexperienced with handling electrical attacks, to the point that it occasionally inflicts damage to itself. While this does not actually occur in the Pokémon games (outside of two instances where it is a universal mechanic), it has nevertheless been demonstrated in the Pokémon anime, in Pokémon Channel and the Super Smash Bros. series.

Pichu's inexperience with handling electricity may also result in spontaneously discharging if amused or startled. Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans, but surprises itself whenever it does so. When it plays with other Pichu, they may short out electricity with each other, creating a shower of sparks, startling them and causing them to start crying.[1]

Pichu becomes more adept at storing electricity as it grows older, and will start playing with other Pichu by touching tails and discharging sparks in apparent mutual tests of courage. It charges itself with electricity more easily on days that either have very dry air or thunderclouds, in which case the crackling of static electricity can be heard coming off of it.[1]

If the parent of a Pichu holds a Light Ball while the egg is produced, that Pichu will know Volt Tackle when it hatches. This is the only way other than move tutoring for any member of Pichu's evolutionary line to learn Volt Tackle. It is also not an egg move, meaning a parent that knows Volt Tackle is unable to pass the move down to its descendants.

Like Pikachu, Pichu has a special variant of its species; in Pichu's case, it is Spiky-eared Pichu, which debuted in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. True to her name, Spiky-eared Pichu features three spiky tufts of fur on her left ear. Spiky-eared Pichu also deviates from other members of her species by knowing Helping Hand and Pain Split, having different Pokéathlon stats and, most notably, her inability to evolve or be traded outside HeartGold and SoulSilver and her incompatibility with the Poké Transfer by extension. The latter two traits are later explained by Professor Elm as a side effect of her constantly traveling through time with Celebi.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Pichu (SSBM)
Pichu, as it appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Pichu is a playable unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. As confirmed in a development news update shortly after Melee's release, Pichu was purposed to be a "joke character" because of its status as an inferior clone of Pikachu that possesses more weaknesses and weaker strengths.[2] Its most infamous flaw is based on its Pokédex description of unintentionally harming itself with its own electricity: whenever Pichu performs an electrical attack, it will sustain 1%-4% recoil damage. Along with this, Pichu is the lightest character in Melee, giving it extremely poor endurance. Although its agility and okay juggling capabilities were more recently highlighted, such positives are insufficient to offset its multitude of cons, resulting in Pichu currently ranking 22nd out of 26 on the Melee tier list in the D tier.

Trophies[edit]

As a playable character, Pichu has three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the Classic Mode with Pichu on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively.

Pichu's Classic Mode trophy in Melee
Pichu
(1.0/1.01 NTSC) A baby Electric-type Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.
(1.02 NTSC/PAL) A Tiny Mouse Pokémon identifiable by its big ears, Pichu evolves into Pikachu. It's not very skilled at storing up electrical energy and will sometimes discharge it if jarred. Although it's small, it has enough electrical power to give even an adult quite a shock. It's often startled by its own power.
Pokémon Gold & Silver (10/00)
Pichu's Adventure Mode trophy in Melee
Pichu SMASH
Compared with Pikachu, Pichu is a tad more nimble and a little more difficult to hit. Those are the only two advantages, however, and since Pichu damages itself when it uses electrical attacks, it's best suited for handicapped matches. Even though Pichu's tough to catch, it's easy to throw its tiny frame great distances.
B: Thunder Jolt
Smash B: Skull Bash
Pichu's All-Star Mode trophy in Melee
Pichu SMASH
Pichu is the lightest character in Super Smash Bros. Melee., and it's top of the class in weakness, too! For Pichu, it's all about scampering here and there to pick up items that will help it survive. The first warp in Agility causes 1 point of damage to Pichu, and the second causes 3, so try to limit the number of times you use the move.
Up & B: Agility
Down & B: Thunder

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Pichu is one of the five playable characters in Melee who did not return as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, along with Dr. Mario, Mewtwo, Roy and Young Link. It is also the only character who neither has unfinished data on Brawl's disc, nor a new playable character as a successor. Instead, Pichu only appears as a trophy. However, its ability to wall jump and the blue goggles from its blue alternate costume were given to Pikachu.

Trophy[edit]

Pichu makes an appearance in Brawl as a collectible trophy. It is obtained by completing All-Star Mode without using a continue. The trophy describes Pichu's appearance in the Pokémon games, and makes no reference whatsoever to its appearance in Melee.

Pichu's trophy in Brawl
Pichu
A Tiny Mouse Pokémon. Because its electric cheek pouches are still small, it cannot store electricity yet. Pichu has been known to flaunt its courage by touching tails with others and setting off sparks. It is easier for Pichu to build up electricity when the humidity is lower. Pichu will evolve into Pikachu.
Game Boy: Pokémon Gold/Silver
Nintendo DS: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

Once again, Pichu only appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, while Super Smash Bros. for Wii U references it via Palutena's Guidance regarding Pikachu. Once again, Pikachu still has Pichu's blue goggles and Pichu's wall jump.

Trophy[edit]

Pichu
Professor Elm must have been shocked when he discovered a pre-evolution of Pikachu! These cute baby Pokémon often discharge electricity accidentally when something takes them by surprise. They also play together by using their tails to make sparks fly! It's cute to watch, but it's good training for battle, too.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Pichu (SSBU)
Pichu, as it appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

After a two-installment absence, Pichu returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This marks its first playable appearance in the Super Smash Bros. series in 17 years, a distinction shared with fellow Melee newcomer Young Link. In addition, Spiky-eared Pichu appears in this game as a playable character via Pichu's alternate costumes. Ultimate also marks her first appearance in any form of official media (video games or otherwise) in nearly a decade. Oddly enough, unlike Pikachu Libre, Spiky-eared Pichu does not have an obtainable Fighter Spirit.

Pichu still functions as a lighter, polarized clone of Pikachu, yet it has nevertheless been somewhat de-cloned (though not to the same extent as previous clones due to it not receiving as many entirely original moves), thanks to several of its moves having received modified animations, functionality changes and/or frame data adjustments, as well as Pikachu gaining a new neutral aerial. Presumably due to its previous status as a "joke character" in Melee, Pichu has been buffed greatly. Although several of Pichu's moves had their recoil damage increased in update 3.1.0, a few of these nerfs were undone in update 11.0.0. As a result, Pichu is considered by many to be a viable character, albeit not to same degree as before update 3.1.0, currently ranking in the C+ tier at the 53rd place out of 82.

Despite the term "Echo Fighter" being used in Ultimate to denote clones, Pichu is not labeled as such, and no official reason has been given for this oddity. However, it is worth noting that clone characters introduced before SSB4 are not labeled as Echo Fighters.

Spirit[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese ピチュー, Pichu
UK English Pichu
France French Pichu
Germany German Pichu
Spain Spanish Pichu
Italy Italian Pichu
China Chinese 皮丘, Pichu
South Korea Korean 피츄, Pichu
Netherlands Dutch Pichu
Russia Russian Пичу
Portugal Portuguese Pichu

Trivia[edit]

  • Pichu is the only playable character in Smash whose console of origin is the Game Boy Color.
  • Pichu is the only playable baby Pokémon.
  • Despite Pichu using both Skull Bash and Agility as part of its moveset, Pichu cannot legitimately learn either move in the Pokémon core series.
    • Additionally, both moves deal recoil damage to Pichu, even though neither of them are Electric-type moves.
  • Pichu is the only character in the series with non-special attacks that inflict recoil damage.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Pichu | Pokédex
  2. ^ News Flash! Smash Bros. Dojo: Pichu (translated 2015-09-24; original posted 2001-12-11)