Pokémon Designer Says Pikachu Originally Had Another Evolution Called Gorochu

Pikachu from the Pokémon series is one of the most recognizable characters in all of media, but it's history could have been different if the creators went through with the original idea to have the electric mouse evolve a second time.

In an interview for Japanese newspaper Yomiuri -- translated by Siliconera -- key Pokémon designers Ken Sugimori, Atsuko Nishida and Koji Nishino spoke about all things Pikachu. The interview talks about a number of things including how the Pokémon got its name and what it was modeled after.

However, the most interesting bit of information comes from the acknowledgment that Pikachu was originally supposed to evolve into Raichu and then again into Gorochu.

" It was Pika(chu), Rai(chu), and Goro(chu). The Pokémon known as Gorochu bared fangs and even had a pair of horns," Nishida said.

"Goro" is a Japanese onomatopoeia to describe rumbling from thunder, "Rai" comes from the Japanese word for thunder. "Pika" comes from the onomatopoeia "Pika-Pika" meaning to glitter, and "chu" comes from the sound a mouse makes.

Unfortunately, no artwork for Gorochu was ever released, leaving Pokémon fans to come up with their own ideas for what Raichu's evolution would look like.

When the creators were asked why Gorochu was cut from the Pokémon games, they said it had nothing to do with the appearance of the Pikachu evolution.

"There wasn't any problem with its appearances, but it was omitted due to matters surrounding game balance," Sugimori said.

The rest of the interview is very interesting and gives Pokémon and Pikachu fans some context to the creation of the franchise's mascot. The bits about why the Pokémon anime had Ash choose Pikachu instead of the usual starters, Squirtle, Charmander or Bulbasaur is especially telling.

What do you think of Pikachu originally having a second evolution? How do you envision Gorochu looking? Let us know in the comments section below

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Phillip Martinez is a game and culture reporter for Newsweek. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2018, he was a reporter ... Read more

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