Pikachu and the Pokéball are both emblematic of the Pokémon franchise, yet ironically, Ash’s Pikachu has always staunchly rejected the red-and-white orbs. From the very first episode, Pikachu has resisted Ash’s attempts to confine him in a Pokéball, instead perching on Ash’s shoulder for the majority of the series. However, it’s never been clear what exactly Pikachu has against Pokéballs.
Pokéballs can be handy for catching and storing Pokémon, but they can also protect Pokémon from harsh environments with threatening foes or weather conditions. Nevertheless, Pikachu always chooses to be by Ash’s side rather than seek shelter in the ball. Is there a hidden meaning behind Pikachu’s Pokéball stubbornness, or is it just a sneaky way to give the Pokémon favorite more screen time?
The History of the Pokéball-Defying Pikachu
Pikachu was the very first Pokémon to join Ash’s team on his Pokémon journey, but Ash wasn’t the one to initially catch Pikachu. Before Ash, Pikachu belonged to Professor Oak, and -- just like the other starter Pokémon -- was contained in a Pokéball. Although Ash was hoping to start his journey with Squirtle or Bulbasaur, the tardy trainer was happy to adopt Pikachu, as the others were already taken. However, Pikachu proved to be rather feisty, shocking Ash when being picked up and swatting away the Pokéballs Ash threw at him.
The story of Ash’s Pokémon journey in Pokémon Episode 1 “ Pokémon - I Choose You!” is similar to the Nintendo Game Boy videogame Pokémon Yellow. In this version, the protagonist’s rival snatches away an Eevee offered to Ash, leaving him with a newly caught Pikachu that Professor Oak offers in its place. This Pikachu also expresses a distaste for being kept in a Pokéball, instead following the main character around throughout the whole game.
With Pikachu’s electric entrance in the anime and an entire game dedicated to the Pokémon, the mousy creature's popularity skyrocketed. Thus, Pikachu’s out-of-the-Pokéball presence could, in large part, be due to the creators’ desire to keep Ash’s main buddy as close as possible. This also allows Pikachu to be a major actor in the story with more agency and less captivity.
Pikachu’s Unique Bond With Ash Is Telling
Though Pikachu’s screen time may be a factor, the reason behind his Pokéball refusal could be tied to a deeper explanation. Some theories suggest that Pikachu hadn’t accepted Ash as his true owner, still attached to Professor Oak or whoever first caught Pikachu with a Pokéball. However, this theory doesn’t hold up as the series progresses.
While Pikachu may have been standoffish toward Ash in the beginning, this certainly isn’t the case later on when the two become the best of friends. When a swarm of angry Spearows started to attack, Ash protected Pikachu and pleaded for him to enter the Pokéball to be shielded from the aggressive Pokémon. Instead, Pikachu found the strength to fight against them with a strong thundershock. Afterward, Ash rushed Pikachu to the Pokémon Center, and the two became inseparable.
This inseparability between Pikachu and Ash may in fact be the real key to why Pikachu will never enter a Pokéball. Their bond only grows more precious with each episode, especially during emotional moments throughout the anime. For example, in the heartbreaking episode “Pikachu’s Goodbye,” Ash decides Pikachu should be left with his own kind in the wild. Despite the kinship of the wild Pikachu, Ash’s Pikachu chooses to stay with Ash instead -- a true sign of friendship and love.
Pikachu Shares the Pokémon Perspective
While this strong bond helps fans connect the dots regarding Pikachu’s Pokéball refusal, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! allowed fans to hear an explanation right out of Pikachu’s mouth. In one of the most infamous Pokémon twists, Ash gets seriously injured and asks Pikachu why he doesn’t want to go in the Pokéball. In a surreal, perhaps hallucinogenic response, Pikachu squeaks out, “It’s because I always want to be with you.”
Many Pokémon fans found this scene disturbing, but others found the verbal expression touching. Moreover, the direct answer solidifies the theory that Pikachu truly chooses to remain outside the Pokéball due to his strong connection to Ash.
However, this strange and shocking confession doesn’t explain why Pikachu refused to go inside a Pokéball before he developed a strong connection to Ash. The real reason for this could be more connected to Pikachu’s feisty personality. After all, Professor Oak did say there was a problem with Pikachu, implying that the Pokémon’s unruliness would provide Ash with that extra challenge as a trainer.
