Every person who plays video games has formed an opinion about Pokémon . Some love it, many tolerate it, and a few even abhor it. Yet, there’s one aspect of Pokémon about which everyone knows, and that’s the Pikachu.
He’s escaped the bounds of his series to become a cultural icon. No longer does Pikachu just represent a simple video game. Ask someone about things Japan has given us and it’s quite likely the yellow rodent is on the list.
As a major Pokémon fan, I’ve found myself faced with this rodent before. He’s cute enough, I suppose, but my infatuation with him didn’t last beyond high school. Better electric types are out there, especially when trained properly, and the novelty of owning a Pikachu can wear off when the time comes to evolve one into Raichu.
Yet, somehow, I find I’ve been shanghai-ed into the Pikachu fan club (I didn’t even get to enjoy the experience! Or a free dinner!).
It started with the Pikachu 3DS XL. I already had a 3DS. I was quite happy with it, in fact. It was a launch system that worked flawlessly. But, when I saw those Pikachu nipples, I couldn’t say no. That stare was precious, and the fact that it would be ridiculously limited made it even better. The thrill of the hunt kicked in, and the promise of a $160 price point made it even better. I lined up for that system, and actually ran through the Target to beat out children to get one (and no – I didn’t actually trample anyone).
Pokémon X and Y were the next step. As many are aware, Pikachu is the most expressive character in Pokémon Amie. Instead of the barely-a-step-above Midi cries of the other 718 creatures, Pikachu is unique. He has an actual voice. I’m not sure about others, but that fact alone made me seek out a Pikachu and raise it to full hearts in the mini-game.
It got worse. When I decided to get an iPhone 5c, I was excited because it meant I could finally have a cool case. For years, I’d watched my friends with phones that looked unique or showed their love for their hobbies and even though it was incredibly silly, I felt jealous. I wanted to show off too! So, before E3 2014, I decided I would purchase a gaming-related case from Japan. That’s when I saw the Pikachu model and knew I had to have it. So what if I wasn’t a fan? I had a meeting with Nintendo and it would match my Pikachu 3DS XL. Sacrifices could be made. I’d use it once, then pass it off to a friend or family member.
Except, it ended up being a really awesome case (the ears don’t even really get in the way!). Plus, I got to thinking. It would be really cool (to me) if it not only had a Pikachu case, but had a Pikachu voice sound clip as a text message alert, the Pokémon trainer battle theme as a ringtone, and Pikachu wallpapers.
Basically, it was a slippery slope, and I couldn’t help caving in to the pressure. It was too easy, and there were even compliments! I couldn’t hold back.
However, this past weekend the final blow was dealt. I purchased a car. A Solar Yellow Kia, to be precise. Which my mother, upon seeing it, declared Pikachu Yellow.
There are some things you can’t fight, and apparently Pikachu fanclub membership is just something gamers have to accept. If you love Pokémon , eventually you’re going to encounter that rat so many times that he just wears you down. The next thing you know, you’ll be at the online Pokémon Center webstore ordering a Pikachu for your rear window because you might as well (Oh boy! Was that the Fed-ex truck? Is it here?).