Summary
- Pikachu clones, such as Plusle and Minun, have been introduced to capitalize on Pikachu's marketability but lack the same recognition and popularity.
- While some Pikachu clones, like Morpeko and Togedemaru, have unique features and typings, they still suffer from low stats and the absence of evolution.
- Pawmi, introduced in Gen 9, breaks the trend of Pikachu clones lacking evolution by eventually evolving into the powerful Pawmot, providing fans with a valuable team member.
Pikachu has been the beloved mascot of the Pokemon franchise for over twenty-five years. The yellow mouse is instantly recognizable and is synonymous with the brand. The electric mouse got a leading role in the anime Ash’s main companion, and Game Freak keeps trying to find new ways to make Pikachu useful in every subsequent game release. It has received a G-Max form in Gen 8 and is available as a starter in Pokemon Go.
However, Pikachu has made even more of an impact on future Pokemon Generations in the form of what the fans call Pikachu clones. These are clear attempts by Game Freak to capitalize on the mouse’s marketability by adding a very similar Pokemon to the new roster. While some of these Pokemon are more popular than others, none are quite as recognizable as Pikachu itself.
8 Plusle/Minun
Arguably two of the most obvious attempts at recreating the success of Pikachu, Plusle and Minun were introduced in Gen 3 as a means to hype up the new double battle feature. Unfortunately, the new Pokemon stands out as nothing more than a recoloration of Pikachu’s pre-evolution, Pichu.
Plusle and Minun aren’t that different from one another and neither one evolves. As such, their battle prowess is nothing to shout about either as they aren't even as strong as the Pokemon they are trying to imitate. Honestly, the only reason to catch both Pikachu clones is to complete the Pokedex.
7 Morpeko
By the time Gen 8 rolled around, fans had become privy to the notion of a Pikachu clone. As such, Game Freak had to create something unique for the Pikachu clone in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Unique is one way to describe Morpeko. This electric Pokemon has two forms. When Morpeko enters battle, it is in full belly form. This makes it appear as a friendly, yellow rodent. However, Morpeko will switch to a Dark type at the end of each turn as part of its Hangry form. This changes it to an angry, purple, and black mouse. While the gimmick is interesting, Morpeko’s stats are still nothing to shout about in either form. Players may get some use out of it in the early game, but it won’t take them to the Elite 4.
6 Togedemaru
Togedemaru is Gen 7’s attempt at aiming some of Pikachu’s spotlight on something else. Game Freak did this by giving the Pokemon the Electric/Steel type. This typing does come in handy from time to time, and Togedemaru does have the Sturdy ability to keep it around longer, but that’s it.
Once again, low stats and the absence of an evolution stop Togedemaru from being anything to talk about. The grey-colored ball isn’t even that cute. The only thing that stops Togedemaru from being completely forgettable is the fact that it belongs to a long list of Pikachu clones.
5 Dedenne
Gen 6 was the first to introduce fans to the new fairy type, the first new addition since Gen 2. What better way to do that than with a Pikachu clone?
The result was Dedenne, an Electric/ Fairy type. Overall, Dedenne is one of the cuter Pikachu clones, even scoring itself a prominent place in the X and Y anime. However, its new fairy typing doesn’t carry it very far and this is another early-game Electric mouse that players will eventually leave in the PC.
4 Pawmi
The biggest weakness facing all Pikachu clones is their lack of an evolution. Fortunately, Gen 9 put an end to that trend. Pawmi is the regional electric mouse Pokemon in the Paldea region. Its overall cute design and stats are nothing to shout about, but Pawmi has a trick up its sleeve.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Comparing Pawmi to Past Pikachu Clones
Pawmi is the latest Pikachu clone introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it differs from its counterparts in many ways.
At level 18, Pawmi will eventually evolve into Pawmo, an Electric fighting type. But it doesn’t stop there. Pawmo will then evolve into Pawmot after the player has taken 1000 steps in the region. While it may seem like a hassle, it is worth it for fans to finally have a Pikachu clone they can take through the game as a decent team member with a valuable typing.
3 Pachirisu
When Gen 4 was released, the developers probably weren’t expecting many players to talk much about Pacharisu. Once again, the new region introduced another cute, single-stage electric rodent only this time it was based on a squirrel instead of a mouse. Pacharisu was destined to fade into the long library of other Pikachu clones. That was until the 2014 VGC finals.
The victor in this battle used Pachirusu on their team and continually had the rodent use the move Follow Me. This forced the opponent’s Pokemon to attack the harmless Pachirisu while their stronger Pokemon took out the enemy team with ease. It was this victory that earned Pachirisu legendary status among the Pokemon community.
2 Emolga
One thing lacking from other Pikachu clones was a great double-typing. That is why many fans gravitate toward the electric-flying Pokemon, Emolga.
Gen 5 is not known for many memorable Pokemon; however, a lot of players remember Emolga. This is mostly due to the Electric Gym leader of the region, Elesa using it on her team to great effect. Players may not get a lot of use out of Emolga’s stats, but its design and great typing make it one of the most favored Pikachu clones.
1 Marill
There are many who do not consider Marill to be included as a Pikachu clone. However, since its early nickname from fans during the development of Gold and Silver was 'Pikablue', it should definitely get some recognition as a Pikachu clone.
Marill is the first of its kind. A new kind of cute rodent in the games, only this time, with a water typing. Marill was one of the first Gen 2 Pokemon that fans saw as it was used predominantly by Tracy in the Orange Islands anime. However, what sets Marill apart is the fact that it is still loved today. So, whether it was an accident or not, Marill’s popularity and striking resemblance to Pikachu make it the first and best Pikachu clone.