Pikachu is a fictional species of the Pokémon media franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori, Pikachu first appeared in the 1996 Japanese video games Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green created by Game Freak and Nintendo, which were released outside of Japan in 1998 as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. Pikachu is a yellow, mouse-like creature with electrical abilities. It is a major character in the Pokémon franchise, serving as its mascot.
An image of Pikachu's balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Pikachu has been a popular and enduring character since its debut, and is often described as one of the most iconic characters in the world.
Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise consisting of video games, animated series and films, a trading card game, and other related media. The franchise takes place in a shared universe in which humans co-exist with creatures known as Pokémon, a large variety of species endowed with special powers. The franchise's target audience is children aged 5 to 12, but it is known to attract people of all ages.
Two original Game Boys connected with a Game Link Cable
Gashapon capsules have been cited as an inspiration for Pokemon.
Players during the Pokémon Go Fest in Chicago in 2017
Palkia, a card from the Diamond and Pearl Base Set
