Which Pokémon serves as the franchise’s official mascot?

Pikachu serves as the official mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon first introduced in the original Game Boy games. Its bright yellow body, red cheek sacs, pointed ears, and lightning-bolt tail made it visually distinctive, while its role beside Ash in the anime made it recognizable to audiences who had never played the games.

The anime's producers selected Pikachu partly because it appealed broadly across age groups and did not force viewers to identify with one of the three game starters. Pikachu therefore became the series' shared representative rather than the partner belonging to only one player choice.

Pikachu is not the first National Pokédex entry, the strongest Pokémon, or the first creature designed for the series. Its mascot status comes from its visibility, design, merchandise presence, and central role in the anime and wider brand.