What elemental type is Pikachu in the Pokémon games?

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon in the Pokémon games.

Its design and abilities are built around electricity: Pikachu stores electrical energy in red cheek sacs and can release it through attacks such as Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt. Its lightning-shaped tail reinforces the same theme.

Pikachu first appeared in the 1996 Pokémon Red and Green games. It evolves from Pichu and can evolve into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. Pichu was added later in Pokémon Gold and Silver, so it was not part of the original evolutionary line when Pikachu debuted.

Pikachu is the franchise mascot and became especially famous as Ash Ketchum’s partner in the anime. Its Electric typing is sometimes confused with the broader idea of lightning, but Electric is the official in-game type name.