Pikachu

Pikachu is a Pokémon species in the Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures multimedia franchise. It is an Electric-type that debuted in the first generation of games, beginning with Pokémon Red and Blue (1996). Created by Satoshi Tajiri and designed by Ken Sugimori, Pikachu serves as the franchise’s mascot and is one of the most recognizable Pokémon worldwide. In the main series games, Pikachu evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone; in the Alola region it can evolve into Alolan Raichu, a regional Electric/Psychic form.

Pikachu is a small, rodent-like Pokémon with yellow fur, long ears with black tips, and red circular cheeks that store electricity. Its tail resembles a jagged lightning bolt; in females the tail has a distinctive heart-shaped notch near the end. The species uses electricity for offense and communication, charging chambers in the cheeks and releasing voltage in battles or signaling mood.

In gameplay, Pikachu typically learns Electric-type moves such as Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt and can learn a variety of other moves through leveling up or via technical machines. Its abilities generally include Static, which can cause paralysis on contact with opponents.

In media, Pikachu has appeared in countless video games across generations, as well as the anime where Ash Ketchum's Pikachu travels with him. It is widely represented in trading cards and other merchandise and is widely recognized as the franchise's de facto mascot.

The name Pikachu derives from Japanese onomatopoeia pika-pika (sparkle) and chu (the sound a mouse makes).