Hey You, Pikachu! (1998). Play online

Summary

Hey You, Pikachu! turned the N64 into an improv class for Pokémon fans by pairing the Voice Recognition Unit with a tiny microphone. Speak a command—up to 256 recognized words—and Pikachu reacts, whether it’s answering a greeting, following a direction, or joining a mini‑game. Professor Oak serves as the tutorial guide, coaching players on how to “talk” to their yellow companion and how to earn Pika Points, the in‑game cash you spend at Abra’s Shop for new goodies. The experience is split into three themed days—Daring, Discovery, and Play—each packed with chores like fishing, gathering food, or solving puzzles, keeping the routine fresh. Only one other N64 title ever used the VRU, underscoring how unique the hardware partnership was. Critics were divided, giving it an average Metacritic score around 57, though it earned a nomination for the "Console Family" award. Its DNA lives on in spiritual successors such as Pokémon Channel and the PokéPark series, reminding us that a simple voice command can feel like real pet ownership.

Storyline

In Hey You, Pikachu! the player is recruited to test Professor Oak’s new PokéHelper, a device that lets humans talk to Pokémon. The first encounter is with a wild Pikachu, and after a brief exchange the player earns its trust, prompting the electric mouse to move into the player’s home. Over the course of 365 in‑game days Oak informs the player that, despite the bond, Pikachu must be released back into the wild.

The player journeys into the nearby woods, repeatedly saying “goodbye” to convince Pikachu it’s time to go. Each farewell nudges the Pokémon toward the realization that its place is outside the house, and eventually Pikachu departs. The credits roll as the player reflects on the adventure.

After the ending scene, Pikachu unexpectedly returns to the front yard, and the game resumes as if the release never happened, letting the friendship continue.