Pikachu has long held the title of mascot for the Pokémon franchise but with so many different Pokémon characters out there, perhaps it's time for Pikachu to share the spotlight with someone else. There are over 1,000 Pokémon that have been added to the Pokédex in the last 25 years, and with Ash and his Pikachu retiring from the anime series, it's likely a new Pokémon mascot will emerge. Every fan has their favorite Pokémon, and there are some who have gained enough popularity that they could possibly even dethrone Pikachu.
Originally, the Pokémon franchise's mascot was not supposed to be Pikachu but could have been Clefairy or Poliwhirl, however, the little electric squirrel won over the hearts of the fans. Pikachu is now the most widely recognizable Pokémon due in part to the marketing that Pikachu has been a part of, and his prevalence in the anime series. Yet, if some of these Pokémon could prove themselves as a mascot with the same exposure and marketing campaigns that Pikachu has had, they could do very well, if not better.
10 Munchlax
Munchlax would make a pretty adorable mascot for the Pokémon franchise because of their lovable personality and quirks. Always hungry, Munchlax stores food in its fur, though it will sometimes forget about the hidden snacks. Munchlax is said to be able to eat its own body weight in food each day. This gluttonous little Pokémon perhaps doesn't set the best example, however, it is sweetly endearing.
9 Shaymin
The mythical Shaymin is special in its ability to have two types that it can switch between. Using the Gracidea flower, it switches between Land Forme during the night and Sky Forme during the day. In Land Forme, it looks like a little hedgehog-type Pokémon and is more shy and fearful. Meanwhile, in Sky Forme, it looks more like a small dog with a lot of playful energy. Shaymin loves flowers and is attracted to people with warm, grateful hearts, which is why it has been dubbed the Gratitude Pokémon.
Not only is Shaymin cute, but being a mascot for the Pokémon Company as the Gratitude Pokémon could offer a very positive message. Shaymin could be a love letter to Pokémon fans, expressing the company's gratitude towards the people who have made it popular. Additionally, Shaymin could be motivational for people to share more gratitude for each other and the world around them.
8 Grookey
Grookey was even a Build-A-Bear plush due to its sheer adorableness, and so could easily be a mascot for Pokémon. This tiny lime green and brown monkey-like creature has two tufts of leaf-shaped fur that hold a stick on the top of its head, which Grookey then uses in some of its attacks. Part of Grookey's charm though is its endless curiosity and love of music and dancing. As a mascot, this little one would do very well at winning hearts if given the opportunity.
7 Spheal
This chubby seal-like Pokémon, Spheal, is one that people would have a hard time not smiling at with its plushy light blue fluffy fur and a nearly perpetual smile on its face. . It perhaps doesn't offer the same mascot qualities as a Gratitude Pokémon, or even dancing and music-loving one, but it is so adorable that it is hard not to love. When it is happy Spheal will clap its fins, including while it is in groups because Spheal is just the perfect happy companion. But despite being a seal-type of creature, Spheal actually is very bad at swimming and will stay on the ice and walk or roll along the ground.
6 Oshawott
Another cold water creature, Oshawott is a sea otter-like Pokémon who already has a strong following of fans. Oshawott is so popular it has appeared as one of the starters in two games now, most recently in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Oshawott appears to have freckles, although they may actually be premature whiskers, which add to its charm along with its big nose. As a character who is already a favorite of many and a starter, Oshawott is already well on their way to being a Pokémon mascot.
5 Dragonite
Pokémon fan-favorite, Dragonite, is a bit of a departure from the other potential Pokémon mascot choices. Like Shaymin, Dragonite would be a positive mascot for Pokémon to adopt. Dragonite is a very intelligent and kindhearted Pokémon who has been known to save humans from drowning or lead ships to safety. Although, it also can go on an uncontrollable rampage of destruction when it feels threatened, which could be both entertaining and disastrous.
4 Arcanine
The beautifully fluffy Arcanine is known for being the most loyal of Pokémon. While it can be quite intimidating, Arcanine forms a strong bond with its trainers and is much like a regular human dog in its love for playtime. As a mascot for Pokémon, it would be admired and provide more regal majesty to the franchise.
3 Charizard
Charizard seems to be in everything and is likely second to Pikachu in being the mascot for Pokémon already, simply due to the exposure it's had with so many of the anime, games, and merchandise utilizing it. Charizard is well-known, and well-liked as a strong and powerful dragon that can both fly and shoot fire. Charizard items are often the most expensive collector's items, particularly the original Charizard Pokémon TCG cards. If any Pokémon were to sneak into Pikachu's place as a mascot, Charizard already has a head start.
2 Squirtle
Squirtle has been around since the beginning of Generation 1 and this sweet Pokémon that has the appearance of a light-blue turtle is already beloved. Squirtle's personality is generally that they want to be liked and are very outgoing. Much like Pikachu, the cute factor is high with Squirtle which would make it a good mascot, and many fans already love them for their round, friendly-looking appearance.
1 Eevee
It's hard to say what Eevee actually is, however, this fluffy Pokémon is already almost as famous as Pikachu and Charizard. Ever since the games Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, this creature's popularity has skyrocketed to where they are already a type of mascot for the company as well. Though Eevee may not be as recognizable to those who are not already fans of the Pokémon franchise, it wouldn't take much to present Eevee as a Pikachu replacement and win the hearts of the world.
It's unlikely that Pikachu will ever actually be replaced as a mascot for the Pokémon universe as there really is no reason to uproot them. Pikachu is adorable and beloved by not only fans but even many who only casually know of Pokémon. Perhaps some of these Pokémon can simply share the spotlight rather than replace Pikachu, as Eevee and Charizard already seem to be doing. After all, Pokémon would never be the same without Pikachu.
Source: Screen Rant/YouTube