Pokemon's first variants were introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon in 2016. The idea was quite popular and to this day is consistently met with mostly positive reactions. Variants basically take an already existing Pokemon and giving it a new type and design based on it living in a different region. This renews old nostalgic Pokemon in a creative way.
However, Pikachu has been left untouched by region variants. Known as the face of the series, Pikachu is one of the most recognizable pop culture icons of today. While Pikachu's rival, Meowth, has gotten two region variants, Pikachu still has none. Overall, it would've been clever to make Pikachu variants from the beginning. After all, every region has an electric rodent Pokemon, so at least one region ought to have a special Pikachu.
How Pikachu Has Changed Throughout The Games
Despite no variants, Pikachu's design and abilities have never been stagnant. In older games, the electric mouse was plumper and made gibberish sounds like other Pokemon. In later games, Pikachu lost its plumpness, says its own name, and even has two different designs for males and females. When games introduced new gimmicks, Pikachu usually was involved. This happened with Z-moves and Gigantamaxing.
Whenever events happen in Pokemon GO, Pikachu tends to get a hat costume. In some games, Pikachu could even be dressed in cosplays. When baby Pokemon were introduced, PIkachu got Pichu, and when variants happened, Pokemon mascot Pikachu got Alolan Raichu as an evolution rather than a variant for itself.
The Case For A Pikachu Variant
With how well-known Pikachu is, it is a little odd that the games have not banked on Pikachu variants yet. A Pokemon close to a Pikachu variant is Mimikyu, and that is one of the most popular Pokemon of its generation because of how it played with a Pikachu design but as a Ghost and Fairy-type. There is a ton of potential out there for Pikachu designs. For example, cold climates can bring up fluffy Pikachus and hot climates and show Fire-type variants.
The other electric rodent types are a little like Pikachu regional variants, as they are all similar in design from the circles on the cheeks to the little arms and feet. It is as though the developers wish to make Pikachu variants without actually making regional variants for Pikachu. Since introducing regional variants in Sun and Moon, the developers have missed a couple of chances to show Pikachu in a different regional light. However, with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet coming out, it is not too late. It's possible a Pikachu variant can happen.
Why Hasn't a Pikachu Variant Happened Yet?
It is possible that due to how iconic Pikachu is, the developers hesitate to give Pikachu a regional variant. Game Freak could just be playing it safe. There are other reasons as well, such as the fact that regional variants are a chance to put Pokemon that have gotten little attention in the spotlight. This was the case for Exeggutor in Sun and Moon, Farfetch'd in Sword and Shield, and Qwilfish in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Little is known about what goes into the development of these regional variants and how they are chosen. It is possible that developers have tried to make a Pikachu regional variant but have scrapped it after finding it unsatisfactory. There could be a sense of perfectionism halting any progress. When it comes to making a regional variant of the most iconic Pokemon of all time, there may be a lot of opinions.
However, regional variants have been a hit with fans. Pokemon that were already well-liked were made more popular from regional variants, such as Vulpix in Sun and Moon, Ponyta in Sword and Shield, and Zorua in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Hopefully, as more variants are positively received, Game Freak may gain confidence in releasing a Pikachu variant.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release for Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.
