Top 10 Characters that Should Be the Face of Pokemon Instead of Pikachu

Now, don't get us wrong, we all adore Pikachu. It's impossible to ignore the charm of the cute, yellow, electrifying creature who's been the franchise's poster child since its inception. But we all know the Pokemon world is filled with more than a thousand wonderfully unique creatures. Some of them are perhaps even equally, if not more, deserving to take center stage.

So, who could step into Pikachu's tiny, lightning-quick shoes? Is it the fiery Charizard, or the majestic Mewtwo? Perhaps it's the adorable Bulbasaur, or the mysterious Eevee with its many evolutions?

Imagine the Pokemon universe through a different lens. Think about the character's abilities, personality, and the impact they've had on your own Pokemon journey. Consider their evolution lines, their legendary battles, and the pivotal role they've played in saving your skin during those intense gym battles.

The Top Ten

Primarina

Primarina is a Water and Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII, specifically in Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016). It evolves from Brionne, which itself evolves from Popplio. Primarina's singing-based battle style is characterized by sea lion-inspired fluid movements. It has appeared in the animated... read more
Charizard

Charizard, known in Japan as Lizardon, is a Pokémon species created by Ken Sugimori. It first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and has since appeared in merchandise, spinoff titles, and various adaptations. Shin-ichiro Miki, who voices James in the original Japanese anime, also voices... read more

He's the face of the trading card games easily. Anyone remember the high price for the 1st Edition Charizard card from the first set?
He should only be the mascot if Pikachu stops being marketable.

It would be unfair to the other starters to make Charizard the mascot. It might be better if Charizard wasn't a starter Pokemon. In that case, I totally agree.

Charizard is awesome. Pikachu is just overrated and not even that cute or that cool.
Eevee

Eevee, known in Japan as Eievui, was first introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue. It is known as the Evolution Pokémon and has more evolutionary forms than any other species. Eevee can evolve into Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon depending on factors such as elemental... read more

We need a cute little furry friend that evolves into cool things, not a squealing little yellow rat.

Yes. This Pokemon is cute and cool, so if Pikachu ever retired, then Eevee could do just as well.
Ditto

Ditto, known in Japan as Metamon, is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. Ditto is known for its ability to transform into other Pokémon using its move Transform. It is often used for breeding due to this unique capability.

Super duper weird dude that can transform. Normal form looks like candy.
Arceus

Arceus is a Legendary Pokémon that first appeared in the 18th Pokémon movie, "Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life," where it was featured alongside other Legendary Pokémon. In the Pokémon universe, Arceus is referred to as "The Original One" and is believed to have created the entire Pokémon world... read more

Arceus is the god of Pokemon. That should surely be the face of the Pokemon franchise, right?

The god of Pokemon. Enough said.

I believe in Lord Helix, but Arceus is the most deserving of this role.
Blastoise

Blastoise, known in Japan as Kamex, is a Water-type Pokémon and the final evolution of Squirtle. It evolves from Wartortle and is known for the powerful water cannons mounted on its shell. Blastoise is capable of shooting water with enough force to punch holes through steel.
Pidgeotto

He is an underappreciated Pokémon.
Psyduck

Psyduck, known in Japan as Koduck, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is frequently depicted as being dazed due to persistent headaches. These headaches can trigger bursts of strong psychic power, which it cannot fully control.

Lame Pokémon, but very funny.
Mew

Mew is a Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon designed by Satoshi Tajiri. It was introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue and is notable for its ability to learn nearly every move in the games, with the exception of certain signature moves. Mew can also transform into other Pokémon using the move Transform.
Togepi

Togepi, known in Japan as Togepy, was first introduced in Generation II and is known for its egg-like appearance. Togepi evolves into Togetic when leveled up with high friendship.

It would be funny to see Ash with a Togepi. It doesn't really fit in the anime though, because Pikachu is a mouse and Meowth is a cat, so an egg versus a cat. The cat will win.

The Newcomers

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Wobbuffet
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Venusaur

Venusaur, known in Japan as Fushigibana, is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokémon. It evolves from Ivysaur starting at level 32 and is the final evolution of Bulbasaur. Venusaur first appeared in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games released in 1996 in Japan.

The Contenders

Vulpix

Vulpix, known in Japan as Rokon, is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It evolves into Ninetales when exposed to a Fire Stone. In Generation VII, an Ice-type regional variant of Vulpix was introduced in the Alola region, which evolves into Alolan Ninetales when exposed to an Ice Stone.

Cute, strong, and energetic! I would really like to see how the story would change if this little sexy creature was Ash's partner.
Clefairy

Clefairy, known in Japan as Pippi, is a Fairy-type Pokémon. It was originally a Normal-type before the Fairy type was introduced in Generation VI. Clefairy evolves from Cleffa when leveled up with high friendship and then evolves into Clefable when exposed to a Moon Stone.

They should have gone with the first thought. I mean, it'd be hilarious to see Ash with a Clefairy.
Raichu

Raichu is an Electric-type Pokémon that evolves from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. In the Alola region, it has a regional variant known as Alolan Raichu, which is Electric and Psychic type. Alolan Raichu differs in appearance and behavior and is known for using its tail like a surfboard to... read more

Does a better job being cool and cute at the same time.
Zigzagoon

Zigzagoon, known in Japan as Jiguzaguma, is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It is recognized for its zigzagging walk and curious nature, often investigating anything it sees moving. Zigzagoon first appeared in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Abomasnow
Magneton

Magneton, known in Japan as Rarecoil, evolves from Magnemite starting at level 30. It can later evolve into Magnezone when leveled up in a special magnetic field.
Magneton is an Electric and Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It consists of three Magnemite units joined together, and... read more
Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur, known in Japan as Fushigidane, is the first Pokémon listed in the National Pokédex. It debuted in Pokémon Red and Green in Japan and in Pokémon Red and Blue internationally. Bulbasaur is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokémon and has long been associated with the beginning of the Pokémon journey... read more

He IS technically recorded as the first Pokemon in the Pokedex. At least he's the mascot of Bulbapedia.
Rhydon

First-ever Pokemon designed, so why not?
Nosepass

Nosepass, known in Japan by the same name, is a Rock-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It evolves into Probopass when leveled up in a magnetic field, such as Mt. Coronet or Chargestone Cave. Nosepass is inspired by the Moai statues of Easter Island.
Lucario

Lucario was created by Ken Sugimori and first appeared as a central character in the film Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. It was later introduced in the main series games with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Lucario has since appeared in numerous sequels, spinoff titles, and a wide range of merchandise... read more

Should be #3 or #4 (but not as an outright Pikachu replacement, but as the official secondary mascot for the latter generations!).
Lucario is pretty much the de-facto mascot for Gen IV, which is why he's been in Smash for three games now (same goes for Charizard and Mewtwo).
If we were to go by ranking mascots by generation:
Pikachu (worldwide mascot, basically the Mario of the series. Nothing can ever replace him, except for more Pika clones).
Jigglypuff (was originally intended to be the secondary mascot in the anime and the games before being phased out in favor of Meowth (in the anime at least, due to being an annoying pest) and Charizard).
Charizard (is pretty much the secondary mascot in the series, very popular worldwide. If Pikachu stops being Pokemon's mascot, Charizard should take his place, but that's only if Pokemon stops being marketable).
Mewtwo (pretty much the Bowser/Ganondorf of the Pokemon world. Despite not owning up to that legacy, he's basically everything Shadow the Hedgehog from Sonic should have been).
Lucario (de-facto face of Gen IV and a very popular character, easily the third most popular Pokemon worldwide).
Greninja (de-facto face of Gen VI in the same way that Lucario is for Gen IV).
Incineroar (face of Gen VII easily due to how popular he is in Japan. No doubt that Ash will be getting one real soon in the anime!).
Arbok

A fictional creature from the Pokémon series, Arbok is a Poison-type Pokémon that evolves from Ekans. It is most recognizable for its hood, which displays a pattern resembling a face to intimidate foes. In the Pokémon universe, Arbok is often associated with the villainous Team Rocket, particularly... read more
Ludicolo
Meowth

Meowth, known in Japan as Nyarth, is a Normal-type Pokémon. Designed by Ken Sugimori, it first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue and became widely known as the mascot of Team Rocket in the anime. At level 28, Meowth evolves into Persian.... read more

Meowth already looks like he could be the number one Pokemon and great for Pokemon pictures.
Celebi

Celebi is a Mythical Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It is known for its Psychic and Grass typing and its ability to travel through time. Celebi is often associated with forests and acts as a guardian of nature... read more
Swampert

Swampert, known in Japan as Laglarge, is a dual-type Water and Ground Pokémon. It evolves from Marshtomp and is the final form of Mudkip, first introduced in Generation III. Swampert is known for its strong physical stats and also has a Mega Evolution that boosts its power and speed.