I get that Pikachu is more or less the mascot of the entire franchise, but why does that mean it should be more useful in battle (Light Ball)? Wouldn't it be a better move to encourage evolving pikachu simply for the sake of battle diversity?

I may have my facts messed up here, but I've never seen anyone use Raichu in competitive and have only read negative stuff about it, so I'm assuming it's easily dealt with. Its animated sprite in X&Y is so well done. I just wish GF would give it a little more love.


Pic unrelated. I have no idea what the fuck's going on there.