Which Pokémon species is the franchise’s primary mascot?

Pikachu is the primary mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon with yellow fur, pointed ears, red cheek sacs, and a lightning-bolt-shaped tail. Its design was created by Atsuko Nishida and finalized by Ken Sugimori. The species first appeared in the original Pokémon games and later became the face of the wider brand.

The animated series strengthened Pikachu’s popularity by making it Ash Ketchum’s partner. Unlike most Pokémon in the anime, Ash’s Pikachu usually traveled outside its Poké Ball, giving the character an especially prominent role in the story and marketing.

Pikachu is not the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex; that position belongs to Bulbasaur. It is also not the player’s standard starter in the original Red and Blue games. Pokémon Yellow changed that setup by giving the player Pikachu at the beginning.