What type is Pikachu in the Pokémon video games?

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

Its design centers on electricity: Pikachu is a yellow, mouse-like Pokémon with red cheek sacs that generate electrical power and a lightning-bolt-shaped tail. In the games, its Electric typing gives it strengths and weaknesses governed by the series’ type chart.

Pikachu first appeared in the original Pokémon games and later became the franchise mascot through its prominent role beside Ash Ketchum in the anime. The character’s popularity helped make Pikachu one of the most recognizable figures in Japanese popular culture and video-game history.

Pikachu is sometimes confused with Raichu, its evolution, or Pichu, its later-added pre-evolution. All three are associated with electricity, but Pikachu itself is the species that became the global mascot. Pikachu evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone in the relevant games.