What are the pros/cons of Pikachu evolving?

[Paulisthebest]

Ok ok ok, we've seen and talked about this subject NUMEROUS times. I was watching some video on a site called "Screw Attack" I'm pretty sure most of you might know that site from their now famous (and still highly debated) Goku vs. Superman Deathbattle. Anyway they had one where Pikachu fought Blanka from Street Fighter and they did some interesting insight on Pikachu.

They mentioned that it is highly likely that Pikachu has reached its maximum potential, which I agree with despite plot clearly putting his power in flux. I mean defeating all those Spearow in episode one meant that the EV training from that massive victory raised explains why Pikachu's speed is off the charts.

Taking that into consideration along with other factors. Raichu would be an incredible Pokemon for Ash to have! Put back Volt Tackle instead of Electro Ball and we have lift off.

Some of the cons (and major reasons why we'll never see this happen):
Merchandise! Come on we all know that is the primary reason for the little yellow rat still being in its 1st form
Ash won't be able to have it ride around on its shoulders anymore
Writers will have to come up with even more ridiculous ways of making Raichu weak at the beginning of each series, seriously new Pokemon that are clearly weaker beating up Raichu isn't going to be easy to pull off in a reasonable manner
Team Rocket...if they can't contend with Pikachu (who at times pulls off what seems God-like power) would not have a chance in Hell with Raichu

What do you all think?

 

[Karamazov]

Aren't Pikachu better than Raichu offensively if they hold a Light Ball?

Ash won't be able to have it ride around on its shoulders anymore

Raichu could probably cling to Ash's backpack.

Another con would be its inability to sneak around. Being a larger Pokemon, it would be harder for it to follow people or go through air vents like a Pikachu could.

 

[Paulisthebest]

In terms of Light Ball (which is a VERY true point) we never see it in the anime right? Not to mention I'm sure if it was in Ash's bag it would have the same effect simliar to how Dawn has an Everstone in her bag and Piplup doesn't evolve.

Back to the point, that would be adorable if it were to hang on to his backpack xD

I think unlike Turtwig evolving into Grotle for example, Speed would definitely not be a hindrance to Raichu. Since Pikachu did learn all the Speed attacks (Agility and Quick Attack) already if it evolved its speed would increase of course. But like you mentioned its size would make it hard to sneak up on opponents but still its already fast enough.

I'd say if it evolved its strategy would be less about stealth and more about direct attack since it has an increased endurance and power due to evolution.

 

[DynoStretch]

Pros
-Enhanced strength and endurance.
-Tail reaches longer, potentially making his Iron Tail more effective.
-Can learn winder variety of moves like Focus Blast, Giga Impact or Hyper Beam.
-More intimidating looking then a Pikachu.
-Longer legs that provide better agility.
-Bigger ears for hearing.
-Still freaking adorable.

Cons
-Marketing (though kind of debatable. Would people really not want to buy more Raichu plushies?)
-Bigger size means bigger target.
-...
-....
-Uh...
-...
-Well he couldn't use... Evolite or Light Ball... even though those items don't exist nor does Ash actually use hold items, so it's a moot point...
-.......
-*points in a direction* Look a distraction!
-*runs*

 

[Moe]

My biggest problem with evolving - Pikachu has fingers, Raichu has rounded stubs.

 

[Satoshi_Pikachu]

I agree with the first 2 cons you mentioned, but I can't honestly come up with a single pro. The anime has established that Pikachu CAN be stronger than a Raichu, plus his strength will always depend on the plot, so really, I see nothing that could be gained from Pikachu evolving. Even if the anime followed game mechanics, Pikachu is still better than Raichu. Both are ridiculously frail, and although Pikachu is the frailer of the two, his Sp. Atk reaches Uber levels with a single Nasty Plot (which it learns as Pichu, but Volt Tackle proved that this doesn't matter in the anime either).

Maybe a Raichu does look slightly more menacing than Pikachu, but I don't really see it as a pro, considering it's still pretty cute.

 

[Paulisthebest]

My biggest problem with evolving - Pikachu has fingers, Raichu has rounded stubs.

Haha, reminds me of the PowerPuff girls. But though it might look "odd" I suppose it can still use punching techniques so does it really matter? I like how it has a longer tail like someone mentioned could make Iron Tail that much more effective and more difficult for opponents to dodge.

Techniques like Counter Shield, Spin Dodge and heck remember how Sho's Raichu pinned opponents to rocks/trees to fire a point blank range attack (in that case it was Hyper Beam) that would be interesting to see Pikachu using more menacing techniques to match its more intimidating appearance as a Raichu.

I agree with the first 2 cons you mentioned, but I can't honestly come up with a single pro. The anime has established that Pikachu CAN be stronger than a Raichu, plus his strength will always depend on the plot, so really, I see nothing that could be gained from Pikachu evolving. Even if the anime followed game mechanics, Pikachu is still better than Raichu. Both are ridiculously frail, and although Pikachu is the frailer of the two, his Sp. Atk reaches Uber levels with a single Nasty Plot (which it learns as Pichu, but Volt Tackle proved that this doesn't matter in the anime either).

Maybe a Raichu does look slightly more menacing than Pikachu, but I don't really see it as a pro, considering it's still pretty cute.

True Pikachu can be stronger than a Raichu but to what means? I'd say plot and nothing more aside from showing fans "Hey, I KNOW you want us to evolve Ash's Pikachu but what's the point when it can beat its evolved form? So, we'll show you Pikachu kicking Pikachu's ass but then at the end of the episode have it come back and win so there problem solved!"

Even if Ash's Pikachu learned Nasty Plot it could keep the move after evolving. But I think if it did evolve it would learn a fighting move or two to compliment its new form and attack power.

 

[garrison-san]

My biggest problem with evolving - Pikachu has fingers, Raichu has rounded stubs.

Surge's Raichu had had a visible finger in one scene. I don't have a screenshot to hand, but I feel the need to point that out.

 

[Paulisthebest]

My biggest problem with evolving - Pikachu has fingers, Raichu has rounded stubs.

Surge's Raichu had had a visible finger in one scene. I don't have a screenshot to hand, but I feel the need to point that out.

Was that in Electric Shock Showdown or in the flashback to Surge's Raichu in Pika and Goliath?

 

[NoirGrimoir]

Pros:
- The anime couldn't tease us with plots about Pikachi evolving or not wanting to evolve anymore.
- It would change the status quo.

Cons:
- The anime couldn't tease us with plots about Pikachi evolving or not wanting to evolve anymore.
- It would change the status quo.
- Pikachu is incredibly popular and well known, but Raichu is much less so, which means less product-recognition and monies $$.

So, I'm going to say that it's never going to happen.

 

[garrison-san]

My biggest problem with evolving - Pikachu has fingers, Raichu has rounded stubs.

Surge's Raichu had had a visible finger in one scene. I don't have a screenshot to hand, but I feel the need to point that out.

Was that in Electric Shock Showdown or in the flashback to Surge's Raichu in Pika and Goliath?

The former. Before their first battle, there's a scene where Surge is taunting Ash by wagging a finger at him, and Raichu (who seems to mimic all of his trainer's mannerisms) does the same. It could just have been for the sake of a single sight gag, but it makes me wonder if Raichu does, in fact, have digits in those stumpy paws of his, they're just not visible most of the time.

 

[Emaxxy]

What if Ash had a Pikachu for show and a Raichu for battle...problem solved!

 

[Megane]

I do have to mention that the anime universe's rules are drastically different from the games. Given that, Pikachu would more likely suffer from an evolution than benefit. (Recall the episode where Ash faced Lt. Surge)

Pokemon also change their personalities when they evolve, so Pikachu most likely wouldn't be as friendly. Especially so because if Pikachu were to evolve, it would be unwillingly since Pikachu had already clearly shown that it does not want to evolve.

 

[John Understands]

PROS
-Better, stronger, greater, Ash could win

CONS
-The fucking market for Pokémon would collapse and Pokémon could be no more.

 

[Karamazov]

I do have to mention that the anime universe's rules are drastically different from the games. Given that, Pikachu would more likely suffer from an evolution than benefit. (Recall the episode where Ash faced Lt. Surge)

If I recall right, Surge's Raichu's fault came from evolving too early, meaning it couldn't learn speed attacks like Agility.

 

[Paulisthebest]

I do have to mention that the anime universe's rules are drastically different from the games. Given that, Pikachu would more likely suffer from an evolution than benefit. (Recall the episode where Ash faced Lt. Surge)

If I recall right, Surge's Raichu's fault came from evolving too early, meaning it couldn't learn speed attacks like Agility.

Yeah, that was the only drawback that Brock pointed out (and back in those days if Brock made an observation they were usually right 99% of the time). Seriously, I don't see that many drawbacks (I'm talking about the series not games, merchandise, etc.).

I would be interested in seeing how its personality would change but I can't say for sure that it would. I could see Pikachu being a bit more confident in battle but I don't think it will turn into a complete asshole. The longer a Pokemon and trainer stay together/interact the more they are alike. After all the time he and Ash have been together even if Raichu would change in personality I'm sure being outside its Pokeball and traveling like it does, it will eventually drawback into acting more like Ash.

I would think if anything, Raichu would have to hold back a little more if its playing with Pokemon or trying to help out another Pokemon since it is bigger in size, stronger so it has to be careful and more delicate when doing things. And I would think Pokemon would be more willing to listen to a Raichu than a little Pikachu...

 

[Moe]

The former. Before their first battle, there's a scene where Surge is taunting Ash by wagging a finger at him, and Raichu (who seems to mimic all of his trainer's mannerisms) does the same. It could just have been for the sake of a single sight gag, but it makes me wonder if Raichu does, in fact, have digits in those stumpy paws of his, they're just not visible most of the time.

Mind. Blown. Still, even if it does have fingers in there somewhere, I can't see those moments of Pikachu helping out and doing general out of its ball stuff with the lack of dexterity that Raichu seem to have compared to Pikachu.

Spoiler

What if Ash had a Pikachu for show and a Raichu for battle...problem solved!

It could digivolve before each major battle.

 

[Paulisthebest]

The former. Before their first battle, there's a scene where Surge is taunting Ash by wagging a finger at him, and Raichu (who seems to mimic all of his trainer's mannerisms) does the same. It could just have been for the sake of a single sight gag, but it makes me wonder if Raichu does, in fact, have digits in those stumpy paws of his, they're just not visible most of the time.

Mind. Blown. Still, even if it does have fingers in there somewhere, I can't see those moments of Pikachu helping out and doing general out of its ball stuff with the lack of dexterity that Raichu seem to have compared to Pikachu.

Spoiler

HOLY CRAP IT DOES HAVE FINGERS!!!!

PROS
-Better, stronger, greater, Ash could win

CONS
-The fucking market for Pokémon would collapse and Pokémon could be no more.

Not to bash your "cons" theory but if the Unova series reflects the Pokemon company I'd say that it has already turned to shit. Seriously, evolving Pikachu would probably be an improvement. Sure it would piss off Pikachu fans but still its not like the company hasn't already pissed off some of the more devoted fans by busting up the original 3 (Ash, Misty, Brock).

Then mind raping Team Rocket, and other things like that. Heck, it would not surprise me if they fuck up Charizard's return in the N saga (sorry admins not trying to go off topic just making a point).

Seriously, I'm interested to see Gen 6 Pokemon to see if the writers are pulling random Pokemon along with their names and whatnot out of their butts just for the sake of making more money.

 

[Satoshi_Pikachu]

True Pikachu can be stronger than a Raichu but to what means? I'd say plot and nothing more aside from showing fans "Hey, I KNOW you want us to evolve Ash's Pikachu but what's the point when it can beat its evolved form? So, we'll show you Pikachu kicking Pikachu's ass but then at the end of the episode have it come back and win so there problem solved!"

Even if Ash's Pikachu learned Nasty Plot it could keep the move after evolving. But I think if it did evolve it would learn a fighting move or two to compliment its new form and attack power.

But then what's the point of making him stronger? His strength will fluctuate anyway depending on what the plot demands, evolving him makes no difference. He'd still lose at the League and he'd probably be weak at the beginning of the next series anyway. The point is that he's proven he doesn't need to evolve to be strong and that the Pokémon franchise can't afford to lose its precious mascot.

Really, regardless of what his strength would be, the most important thing is that Pikachu shits money, so the biggest con would be that the Pokémon franchise potentially loses a ton of money. And Nintendo itself isn't doing too well, did you check out their financial results? Pokémon's one of their few franchises that consistently tops charts, they can't risk it. And one might argue that Raichu might become as popular as Pikachu, but after 15 years of using Pikachu as the mascot, I doubt it.

Pikachu reaches a Sp. Atk of 796 after a single Nasty Plot, whereas Raichu only reaches 612, and that's with a helpful nature (it only gets to 558 with a Timid nature). But who are we kidding, it's obviously never going to happen.

 

[yourlilemogirl]

Ash won't be able to have it ride around on its shoulders anymore

Just like to point out that despite Munchlax weighing a whopping 231.5 lbs/105.0 kgs Max was still able to pick it up and carry it around on his back (yay logic!).

Spoiler

I think it's safe to say that just because Raichu is bigger, that it wouldn't necessarily change it's ability to ride on Ash's shoulder despite how weird it might look