Pikachu is Ash Ketchum’s first Pokémon in the Pokémon animated series. Ash receives Pikachu from Professor Oak after arriving late and missing the three standard starter Pokémon.
The relationship between Ash and Pikachu became the central partnership of the original anime. Pikachu initially resists Ash’s commands, but their bond develops during the early journey through the Kanto region.
A frequent mix-up comes from the video games, where the player normally chooses Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle in Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue. Pokémon Yellow instead begins with Pikachu, reflecting the anime’s influence and making Pikachu the player’s companion.
Pikachu also became the franchise’s best-known mascot. Its distinctive yellow design, red cheeks, and electric attacks made it recognizable far beyond the video games and television series.