What’s in a name?
Well, Pikachu’s name comes from the mouselike animal pika, which then boiled down to a combination
of two Japanese sounds, pika, the sound that an electric spark makes, and chu, the sound
that a mouse makes.
10 Ash’s Pikachu Perhaps one of the most popular Pikachu variants
is the one from the Pokemon anime, created for Game Freak by OLM inc, a Japanese animation
and film studio whose claim to fame is our topic.
OLM are the ones who actually pushed Game Freak to make Pikachu the Pokemon mascot,
noting that the electric rat had a whole lot of potential they could profit on.
The Pokemon anime, which first hit television screens back in 1997, featured a Pikachu with
a very prominent personality.
He’s protagonist Ash’s best friend, his starter Pokemon, and while the two don’t
get along first (he even electrifies Ash upon meeting him), Ash shows Pikachu his unconditional
commitment to being his pal, and the two grow a bond that has made for one of the most heartwarming
relationships in pop culture history.
But there’s one thing Pikachu is always very adamant on in the show; he never wants
to go in a Pokeball.
He’s outspoken, at times quite sassy, and quite loyal to his friends.
9 The OG Pikachu Let’s dive into a history lesson, y’all.
Pikachu first debuted in 1996, along with all of the other generation one Pokemon.
But compared to the Pikachu we all know and love now, the initial Pikachu looked quite
different, and wasn’t intended to become the face of the franchise as it did; rather,
it was supposed to share that duty with Clefairy, with Clefairy being the main mascot of the
series.
That didn’t pan out though, and Pikachu was ultimately chosen since it presented a
more recognizable image for children, especially with its bright yellow colour.
Take a look at the original Pikachu in the games.
He’s significantly more plump that the Pikachus of later years, with very tiny limbs.
Even in the animated series, Pikachu’s body was more stout, wider and shorter, compared
to the longer, taller Pikachu.
The red circles on his cheeks have varied as well.
He’s gone from more of a circular creature to one that has more human-esque traits, despite
those traits being ever so subtle.
8 Pikachu in a cap I mean, this is pretty self explanatory.
Nintendo and Game Freak have a history of slapping hats on Pikachu’s head over the
years.
But the official cap wearing Pikachu is actually the product of an event exclusive that debuted
alongside Pokemon Sun and Moon, and to celebrate the anime’s 20th anniversary and 20th. movie.
Holy crap, 20 movies, right?
I feel so old right now.
These Pikachu are always male, and don’t evolve.
They were only available in the games for those who pre ordered tickets to the 20th
film in Japan, and received a single use serial code on games in Japan.
Each of these Pikachu variants represent the hat of various player characters from various
regions and Pokemon generations, along with the original cap, which is straight out of
the anime, and features the baseball cap that Ash wears throughout.
7 Cosplay Pikachu Cosplay Pikachu was first introduced in Pokemon
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
What’s it’s deal?
Well, it’s a unique female Pikachu, who has a black, heart shaped mark at the end
of it’s tail, who is only obtainable after the player takes part in their very first
Pokemon Contest Spectacular, which is essentially a beauty pageant of sorts for Pokemon.
Pokemon are judged based on their condition and moves in two rounds.
Anywho, Cosplay Pikachu is capable of dressing up into five different costumes, some of which
we’ll be breaking down in upcoming numbers.
It’s also worth noting that this Pikachu is unable to evolve into Raichu.
But considering how many variations of costumes it has, its not like you’ll ever be hungry
for an aesthetic change of pace.
6 Pikachu Belle Meet Pikachu Belle!
She’s donning some threads reminiscent of another time, another era, but all still Pokemon
themed, as you can see by the Pokeball designs on the front of her gown.
She’s also got some prominent eyelashes compared to her other variations.
Now, each of these five costumes variations for the Cosplay Pikachu that you can choose
from corresponds to a specific state in the Contest Spectacular, and Belle’ state is,
you guessed it, beauty.
Cause, you know, belle.
Just like the original cosplay Pikachu and all of the other variations of cosplay Pikachu,
she falls into the undiscovered egg group, meaning you can’t breed her.
5 Pikachu Pop Star Pop Star Pikachu is another variation of Cosplay
Pikachu, and she looks a whole lot like one of your classic traditional J-pop stars.
With a big ol pink bow held together by a shiny gem, sparkly pink and purple skirt and
her mid drift exposed, it makes sense.
She’s also got a whole lot of glow in her eyes, as if she’s sucking in the lime light.
Pop Star Pikachu’s corresponding Contest stat is none other than Cuteness.
4 Captain Pikachu Captain Pikachu is a character who is a sailor.
Yup.
He appears in the Trading Card Game in Japan, as one of the unnumbered Promotional cards
that were released back in October of 2008 in order to commemorate the moving of the
Yokohama Pokemon Center.
On the card, Pikachu mans a ship while wearing a captain’s hat, surrounded by other Pokemon
as his ship crew, out on the high seas.
The card was released as a jumbo card, which makes it not legal to use in tournaments,
and even has the Yokohama Pokemon Center logo on it.
This isn’t the only promotional Pikachu card to have hit the scene either.
There’s another one called Shopping Pikachu, that features the character amongst shopping
baskets full of fruit.
3 Pikachu Rock Star Similar to Pikachu Belle and Pikachu Pop Star,
there’s not a whole lot to say about Pikachu Rock Star outside of its aesthetic.
And, clearly, she is in fact, a total rock star.
Leather jacket with metal studs?
Check.
Furry bad ass collar?
Not typically a rock star thing, but definitely works.
Check.
And sparkly black pants also with metal studs?
Check check check.
She even has an eyebrow variation that makes her more heavy metal, and a thunderbolt shirt
that’s fitting of a rock musician.
Rock Star Pikachu’s corresponding Contest stat is coolness.
Of course.
2 Surfing Pikachu Surfing Pikachu is one of the coolest Pikachus
out there.
While it’s not a very different alternate, it does mark an important moment in the character’s
history, since Surfing Pikachu was one of the first moments where the Pokemon was seen
doing other things just than, you know, being a Pokemon.
You’re welcome Cosplay Pikachu.
Surfing Pikachu is simply a Pikachu who can use the HM surf, and appears on a surf board
while doing so.
It began with Pokemon yellow, and expanded into Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
You can even get one in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon by beating the Big Boss’ high score
in Mantine Surfing.
It was also featured in a mini game that was exclusive to Pokemon Yellow, called Pikachu’s
Beach, and could only be activated by transferring in a Pikachu with the ability to surf from
other games.
Surfing Pikachu even made its way into the anime, with a whole distinct Pikachu character
named Puka who had blue eyes appeared in an episode titled The Pi-Kahuna.
There’s also one in the Pokemon Pocket Monsters manga, who is owned by Yellow.
Since, it’s become a bit of an icon, and Surfing Pikachu merchandise has often been
distributed during various Pokemon events world wide.
1 Pikachu Libre Pikachu Libre is technically one of Cosplay
Pikachu’s costumes.
It’s Pikachu stylized as a Lucha Libre wrestler.
But unlike the others, she’s gotten a life of her own.
Pikachu Libre appears in the Pokken Tournament, and is classified as a speed type Pokemon,
making her one of the fastest characters in the game.
That being said, her attacks are somewhat weak.
Gotta have balance, friends!
She can power up her moves for a short time by causing Phase Shifts using a move, and
also temporarily increasing her attack stat.
This unique ability allows for her to build up momentum quickly and deal out a reasonable
amount of damage to her does.
Her synergy burst attack is pretty impressive, too.
It’s a Flying Thunderclap Press, where she sashes forward, stunning her foe on a wrestling
ring, and following up by cheering with the audience and slamming her foe from above.
There’s even a nice Easter Egg in the brand new Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee games that
you can find at the Celadon Game Corner that describes a video game featuring a Pikachu
wearing a mask.
Nice little reference there.
There we have it friends!
What other versions of Pikachu do you think should’ve made our list?
Give us a shout in those comments below and let us know your thoughts.
If you dug this video, spread that love!
Hit that like button.
Share this video with a friend!
And be sure to subscribe to top 10 gaming for more Pokemon lists, just like this one.
In the meantime though, thanks for watching friends!
I’ll catch you all in the next one.