At this day and age, having an Amazon Alexa- or a Google Home-compatible device is becoming more and more common. Those who have it or just maybe want a different but more familiar voice can even switch it to Pikachu's voice with the help of a new Pikachu Talk app.
This may not be new to those who have been updated with the technology in Japan as the app was first launched there. It is, after all, Pokémon Day on Feb. 27 of every year, which coincides with the release of the original Pokémon Red and Green. The Pikachu Talk app is their way of celebrating it this year.
The way the app works is pretty simple. It changes the voice to Pikachu's voice but also gives it the personality of the friendly Pokémon. Fans could even pretend to be Ash with this app although in a weird way. Of course, this is all just for fun as Pikachu does not actually talk. Asking questions will result in Pikachu speaking his name in different variations.
It would definitely throw off many loyal fans of the franchise as almost every fan has grown up hearing Pikachu just say "Pikachu" all the time. The last time Pikachu talked in human language was the recent "Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You" in which the audience was not exactly welcoming of the new change.
In other news regarding the celebration, Snapchat has Pokémon-filters based on the starters of the Kanto region. The augmented-reality game "Pokémon GO" also has its own event with a special kind of Pikachu appearing for a limited time.
As for the Pikachu Talk app itself, it is already available in Japan, of course, and in "most countries" with Amazon Alexa, and in the United States specifically for those with Google Home.
