What type of Pokémon is Pikachu, the franchise mascot?

Pikachu, the Pokémon franchise mascot, is an Electric-type Pokémon.

Pikachu is designed as a yellow mouse-like creature with red cheek sacs that store and release electricity. Its signature attacks, including Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt, reflect this electrical identity. In the original games, Pikachu could be found in Viridian Forest, although it was less common than the three starting Pokémon.

Pikachu became the best-known Pokémon largely because it was chosen as Ash Ketchum’s partner in the animated series. The anime helped turn Pikachu into a global character rather than merely one species among many in the games. Its name combines Japanese sound-symbolic words associated with sparkling electricity and a mouse’s squeak.

Pichu, introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, is Pikachu’s pre-evolution. Raichu is its evolution, requiring a Thunder Stone in the main games. These related Pokémon remain Electric-type, although some regional forms have additional type combinations.