In Japan, Pokémon Legends: Z-A Discusses Pikachu Pooping, Though The Game's English Translation Simply References 'Tummy Troubles'
Japanese fans playing Pokémon Legends Z-A have spotted a rare mention of Pikachu pooping. However, the game’s English-language translation adjusts the dialogue — and instead simply references Pikachu experiencing “tummy troubles.”
According to Automaton, “Pikachu’s Poop” briefly trended on X for some Japanese users after the discovery of a Lumiose City NPC who mentions that their Pokémon is unwell. “Pikachu’s pooping more than usual, I’m worried,” the character reportedly says.
There’s no follow-up dialogue, leaving players without any further detail on Pikachu’s bowel habits. Nevertheless, the mention is notable, based on how infrequently Pokémon actually references the creatures’ need to poop at all.
https://twitter.com/teso_026/status/1978541393812291872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Pokémon series has occaisonally mentioned Pokémon droppings, suggesting that some species’ poop makes for good fertilizer (Diglett), while other species’ poop can be dangerously explosive (Turtonator). A particular favorite Pokédex of mine mentions the Fire-type creature Darumaka, whose “droppings are hot so people used to put them in their clothes to keep themselves warm.” Lovely.
Back to Pikachu, though, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s English translation of the above scene. As seen by IGN, the explicit mention of poop has been replaced with the following dialogue: “My Pikachu’s been having tummy troubles recently. I’m worried…”
The English dialogue feels something of a santized take on the game’s original script, though in keeping with a franchise about wild creatures that tries to skirt around some of the less family-friendly aspects of their lives whenever possible. Breeding, death and Pokémon eating other Pokémon as food are all canon within the franchise — though it’s increasingly rare to hear these elements referenced in the series’ games or anime.
Earlier today, IGN reported on a viral post discussing whether Pokémon can eat food meant for humans without getting some serious indigestion, sparked by the ability to take in-game photos of your character with their Pokémon hanging out in cafes. And for news on leaks of a different kind, we brought you the latest on this week’s spread of information pertaining to unannounced Pokémon projects — much of which has now been scrubbed from social media due to copyright notices.
If you have already picked up Pokémon Legends Z-A and are wondering which initial Pokémon to pick, see our tips for choosing from the game’s three starters. If you’re jumping into Pokemon Legends Z-A, choose your Starter Pokemon, then check out our in-progress Pokemon Legends: Z-A Walkthrough, plus our Side Missions List to make sure you don’t miss anything. We’ve also got a Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokedex, and most importantly, a guide to All Clothing Stores and Clothing in Pokemon Legends: Z-A so you can catch ’em all in style.
There’s also IGN’s Pokémon Legends: Z-A review-in-progress, which shares some early thoughts. Our full review comes out next week.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
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