Like the face of Pokemon Franchise, Pikachu's timeless appeal has led to its iconic status emulated across pop culture. This has also included its own house series, featuring a multitude of new Pokemon species directly inspired by the electric mouse introduced over the years. While a new derivative comes with every new one Pokemon Generation, they've largely managed to bring all their own unique twists to the formula.
Due to the trend of what have been dubbed Pikachu “clones” constantly being added, it has become difficult for some of them not to feel replaced by new attempts at cute analogues of the mascot. PokemonThe Pikachu clone family has become so expansive that there are even controversial members of the classification, but their undeniably popular reputation means they deserve to stack up against the more outspoken clones.

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The most creative spins on Pikachu in the franchise
There could be an argument to be made for the Pokemon Mimikyu not being a legitimate Pikachu clone, but it manages to feel like a self-aware subversion of the concept as a whole. Having an identity of his own based on an emotionally compelling desire to be recognized as Pikachu, he has ironically achieved quite an iconic status.
Perhaps most distinct in terms of practicality as a flying squirrel-inspired iteration, the Emolga has the functional and memorable edge of a new dual typing. An adorable Gen 5 icon who remains known for her role on a gym leader's team, she more easily separates herself from the clone label.
At the level
Examples of inspiration done well
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Pachirisu
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Marill Line
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Morpeko
While Pachirisu was always cute and charming, it was also somewhat forgettable due to being rather weak in terms of gameplay. Since appearing on the team of a Pokemon World Championship winner, however, this simple squirrel has felt elevated to an unexpectedly legendary status.
Marill is a bit dubious when considering him a Pikachu clone due to the lack of electric type, but he is also clearly inspired by the mascot. Once known as “Pikablue”, its evolution line, with the eye-catching Azurillo and competitive Azumarill even seem to parallel Pichu and Raichu.
Morpeko, despite being newer, has won the hearts of many fans through its highly original hunger switch ability giving it the gimmick of having two opposing forms. Through his duality of cuteness and dark-type attitude, he's easily one of Gen 8's standouts.
B-level
Lovely designs retained through the derivative
She could potentially be the cutest of all the clones, but Dedenne's design doesn't necessarily make the most of her fairy type. After its notable role in the anime has diminished, the more mouse-like version of a Pikachu clone that lacks an evolution can often be overshadowed.
With its unique hedgehog-inspired design and signature gameplay design that complements an electric/steel typing, Togedemaru should be more relevant in theory. It would be difficult for any clone to compete with Mimikyu in Gen 7, but even past iterations seem to have nailed the concept better.
Pichu is an icon in its own right that could be considered the “original” Pikachu clone, retaining the Electric type unlike Marill. It added to the legacy of the original and is still a fan favorite, but Pichu probably peaked in terms of newness during Gen 2.
C-level
The more lackluster Pikachu takes on
The adorable design of Pokemon scarlet and purplePawmi and her status as being able to evolve it set her up for success, but is ultimately held back by the redundancy of her line's designs. With Pawmo and Pawmot nearly identical, their cuteness alone doesn't make them any less disappointing.
Their synergy in theme and gameplay – intended to represent the introduction of dual battles in Gen 3 – makes Plusle and Minun creative, but they are surpassed in almost every way. They thrived in the age of Pokemon Ranger and other media, but they now remain rather forgotten as essentially the same creature taking up two Pokedex slots.