Why won’t Pikachu evolve in Yellow?
Every Pikachu can become Raichu. In Yellow, yours says no.
Case status: Open. The games leave it unanswered, so nobody can say for sure.
What the games say
In most Pokémon games, a Thunder Stone turns Pikachu into Raichu. In Pokémon Yellow, your starter Pikachu follows you around, and if you try to use a Thunder Stone on it, it refuses. Other Pikachu in the game can evolve normally.
The Pokédex entries for Pikachu and Raichu in Yellow don't explain the refusal. Pikachu's entry says it keeps its tail raised to watch its surroundings. Raichu's entry says it glows in the dark when electricity builds up.
What fans think
Fans point to the anime. In an early episode, Ash's Pikachu knocks a Thunder Stone away because it wants to keep battling as a Pikachu. Pokémon Yellow came out as a version built around that idea, with a Pikachu that stays at your side.
That link is a fan connection. Game Freak has not said it in words that we could find.
Our verdict
Case status: Open
Open. What happens in the game is certain: your Pikachu refuses. Why is not officially explained. The anime match is strong, so we count it as the best guess.
What do you think?
Would you evolve your Pikachu?
- Yes, I want a Raichu
- No, keep it as Pikachu
- Depends on the day
Pick an answer on the page. Your pick stays on your own device: we do not collect votes or show totals.
Related Pokémon
Sources
- Pikachu: in-game Pokédex entries
- Raichu: in-game Pokédex entries
- PokéBase community answer: can you evolve Pikachu in Yellow?