As the latest installment in the franchise, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings many new discoveries in the shared world of humans and Pocket Monsters. While most of these revelations center around the new Mega Evolutions and their associated gameplay experiences, one piece of NPC dialogue includes a rather embarrassing piece of trivia about franchise mascot Pikachu. The detail seems to have struck the Japanese side of the Pokémon fandom in particular, as “Pikachu’s Poop” became a trending topic on X not long after the game’s launch.
As you explore the vibrant Lumiose City, you will come across an NPC sitting on a bench beside a Pikachu. Talking to him will reveal that he is worried about his yellow electric Pokémon, who just so happens to be defecating more than usual.
Though Pokémon are living creatures, it isn’t explicitly mentioned that they poop, much less suffer from diarrhea. Some fans even liken Pokémon to Japanese idols, in that they are viewed by many as perfect beings who don’ participate in mundane activities of mortals like filing taxes or pooping.
With this NPC putting the pooping matter to rest, several new questions arise. Do all trained Pokémon use the bathroom? What about the larger Pokémon that can’t fit into houses? Do Poke Balls come with their own toilets?
There doesn’t seem to be any follow-up dialogue with the NPC regarding his Pikachu’s poop problem, but that doesn’t mean these questions won’t be resolved by another person or Pokémon game. Now that Game Freak has opened this Pandora’s Box, who knows what other obscure facts about Pokémon we’ll learn about in the future?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is available on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
