And Pikachu—visible in the bottom right corner of the screen—is seen making the face from the meme. Within the context of the episode of course, he’s meant to be experiencing genuine shock.

In other words, Surprised Pikachu may have gotten so popular that it inspired an organized and coordinated effort by users who were sick of seeing it, in order to get it blanket-removed from the site.

Card Concept Based on Surprised Pikachu Meme Delights Pokemon TCG Pocket Players The comments section approved of the OP's idea, suggesting even more humorous ideas such as increasing the card's ...

Both the Pikachu protester and the viral Studio Ghibli-esque animations demonstrate the global appeal of cuteness. But to me, there's more to cute than its ability to go viral.

Aries – "Surprised Pikachu" Acts first, thinks later. Whether starting unnecessary fights or regretting a chaotic decision in real-time, Aries is forever stuck in the Pikachu gasp.