3825. Pichu

Pichu (ピチュー Pichū?) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Pichu first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. There have been multiple voice actors for Pichu. The two Pichu Brothers characters were voiced by Yumi Tōma and Satomi Kōrogi (who voiced Pichu in Super Smash Bros. Melee), while a spiky-eared Pichu from the film Arceus and the Jewel of Life was voiced by Shōko Nakagawa. Known as the "Tiny Mouse" species of the Pokémon series, Pichu is the pre-evolved version of Pikachu. Pichu made its debut appearance in Pokémon Gold and Silver and has since made appearances in the series. Ever since its introduction to the series, Pichu was seen as a sidekick like character towards Pikachu, being often seen in the spinnoff games alongside it in games like Pokémon Pinball. The Pokémon has been featured in Super Smash Bros. Melee where it was a playable character. In an interview, Junichi Masuda noted that he and Ken Sugimori wanted to create a Pokémon to be the "next" Pikachu, but were initially having a difficult time creating a design that they felt would be as appealing. After long discussion, they decided to create a Pokémon that evolved into Pikachu, and Sugimori developed Pichu as a result. In the same interview, Masuda noted that Pichu was a pokémon "close to his heart" due to the "well thought out" design process. In another interview, Masuda stated that Pichu is his favorite Pokémon. Pichu, known as the "Tiny Mouse" species of Pokémon, are the pre-evolved version of Pikachu. Pichu is a small ground-dwelling rodent. Its fur is very short, and it has bright yellow coloration. The tips of its large ears are black, and it has additional black markings on its neck and short tail. They are not skilled at storing electricity, so when amused or startled, they often discharge jolts of electricity strong enough to affect adult humans. This lack of control becomes more stable as they grow older. The electricity that they do manage to keep stored is limited by their small electrical pouches in their cheeks. When the air is dry or on stormy days, they charge much more easily, leaving the sound of crackling static electricity emanating from them. They play with each other by touching tails to set off sparks, which also acts as a test of courage. They run the risk of shorting each other out, and scaring themselves into a crying fit with the flash of sparks that emanates from them.