How long has Pikachu been around?
Pikachu was first introduced in Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue for Game Boy, the original Pokémon games that were released in 1998 in North America. Pikachu became so popular that it got the starring role in Pokémon Yellow the next year. It actually travelled alongside you as you explored in the game!
A few important facts about about Pikachu:
- Stands at 1 foot, 4 inches tall and weighs in at 13.2 pounds
- Evolves from a Pichu if you have a high friendship level
- Evolves into a Raichu if you give it a Thunder Stone
- Categorized as a Mouse Pokémon
What are Pikachu's special abilities?
There are two abilities that Pikachu can learn to help it win battles.
- Static – When you use this ability in battle, there is a 30% chance that an attacking foe will become paralyzed. It can even affect Ground-type Pokémon.
Lightning Rod – It forces all single-target Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave to strike the Pokémon with this Ability in Double Battles including attacks used by allies. In a Single Battle, it will cause the Pokémon with this Ability to always be hit by Electric-type moves.
*If another Pokémon becomes the center of attention, then Electric-type moves will be directed to it instead of the Pokémon with Lightning Rod.