If there's one thing we've learned from Pokemon over the years, it's that any Pokemon can have its day in the spotlight. From unusually supportive Sync Pairs in Pokemon Masters EX to extraordinarily strong attackers in Pokemon GO, any Pokemon can step up on a given day to prove its skills in a given context.

With all that in mind, it got us thinking about which Pokemon might be capable of being the mascot over Pikachu. We've come to love and adore Pikachu's sweet yet strong personality over time, but what if another Pokemon was chosen to be the face of the franchise? These Pokemon could've been our main mascot.

Togepi

Togepi might not be as old as one of Kanto's most popular Pokemon that remain superstars in the modern Pokemon universe, but it still has an overwhelming cute factor to qualify it for contention as the Pokemon mascot. If Togepi's constant appearances as Misty's baby Pokemon in the anime weren't enough to endear it to you, then its playtimes with Pikachu were.

Johto's roster of Pokemon was originally meant to be included with the release of the first Pokemon generation, so Togepi might have been in the running if Pikachu hadn't claimed the honor.

Both Togepi and Pikachu are small and adorable in their playful natures, with Togepi requiring careful nurturing and love to grow into a beautifully strong Togekiss. This message of caring for your precious Pokemon is often repeated throughout the series, and Togepi would be a great mascot supporting this notion.

Meowth

Meowth offers a much different skillset than Togepi, as one of the few Pokemon to ever speak and communicate clearly with humans in the anime. Unfortunately, Meowth was chosen to be the iconic pet for Team Rocket's Giovanni, but its role with Pikachu could easily have been reversed.

Imagine an energetic but vicious version of Pikachu confronting Meowth, who desperately tries to talk the Electric-type out of a violent rampage. It seems strange to think about now, but this could have been a real scenario if Meowth were Ash's Pokemon instead.

Psyduck

Psyduck is another one of Misty's cute Pokemon that could have ascended to a much more prominent role if it were chosen to fill Pikachu's shoes. Both Pikachu and Psyduck are small and yellow, and Psyduck's inexplicably strong Psychic powers are perfect plot armor for plenty of rule-bending moments that occur in the Pokemon anime.

Psyduck would have been a great companion Pokemon for Ash in addition to being a great mascot for the entire series. A duck is a recognizable creature that many have latched onto, despite Pysduck's humble strength, so it's easy to imagine that this Pokemon's position could've been even higher.

Mewtwo

via Pokemon

While it might be unreasonable to say that Mewtwo would've been a possible companion for Ash, this Pokemon's recognizability and raw Psychic power make it a standout option for the Pokemon mascot. Aside from its power, Mewtwo teaches important lessons in its appearance in Pokemon: The First Movie, delivering its now-famous quote:

I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.

If Pokemon wanted a sage-like creature that could deliver invaluable life lessons, then Mewtwo would've been the perfect option. That said, it's easy to understand why Mewtwo's alien-like form might have been difficult to market to kids.

Charmander/Charizard

Charmander and Charizard have been around from the beginning of the Pokemon anime, and played massive roles in Ash's development alongside Pikachu, at least in the Kanto days.

Charizard even has an incredible Mega Evolution design to give it more appeal as a mascot choice.

Charizard is essentially the unofficial or secondary Pokemon mascot as is, so it wouldn't be difficult to imagine it claiming the limelight from its little yellow mouse friend.

Gengar

Gengar might be a Ghost-type, but this Pokemon boasts a goofy streak that can perfectly offset the creepy vibes of its spectral form.

Gengar appeared opposite Nidorino as one of the two Pokemon in battle during the original game's opening animation, so it was clearly considered an iconic choice.

Though it might've needed some slight tweaks to lean into its apologetic, helpful qualities rather than its spooky, nefarious nature, Gengar could have been an amazing Pokemon mascot if it were given the chance. Gengar's almost unparalleled popularity further supports its claim to the throne.

Eevee

Eevee is probably the most obvious choice aside from Charizard to claim the mantle of Pokemon mascot away from Pikachu, and it was one of the options considered alongside the now-iconic mouse. Eevee's ability to evolve into multiple Pokemon feels like such a great way to teach kids about the concept of evolution and the importance of choice in Pokemon.

Its cuteness and power are on par with Pikachu as well, so it seems that luck was the primary factor that prevented Eevee from having an entirely different career in Pokemon.

Mew

Mew is arguably the best choice to replace Pikachu as the Pokemon mascot thanks to its mythical distinction, its aptitude to use any known Pokemon move, and its perfectly balanced mischievous, yet helpful nature. In many ways, Mew mirrors Pikachu's personality, though this Pokemon is a bit more of a prankster than Pikachu.

If you had to choose a single Pokemon that ticks all the marketing boxes while still making sense as a mascot option, Mew would be one of the best choices to be the Pokemon mascot over Pikachu.

Pokemon

10.0/10 Created by Satoshi Tajiri First Film Pokemon: The First Movie Latest Film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle First TV Show Pokémon First Episode Air Date April 1, 1997 Video Game(s) Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon GO, Pokemon Snap, Pokémon Unite, New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Masters EX, Pokemon TCG Live Expand Collapse