5th Gen Pikachu take the heat?

[Yoak]

So, like, I really like pikachu, and I was planning on using him in competitive battles and stuff of that nature. The problem is I don't really want to evolve him. I know Richu has better defence and speed and stuff, and with the right items can be stronger than Pikachu with a lightball.
But what I want to know is, can a Pikachu, trained right, stand up with strong pokemon?
If I put him on a team, can he actually fight, or do I have to evolve him?

 

[Caranciio]

I think any Pokemon can stand up to the challenge, it all depends on EV training, IV training (although not so much of a deal imo), moves and it's held item. Even Magikarp can sweep a team of legendaries.

Also, being a Pikachu fan, don't evolve! So much cuter as Pikachu :3

 

[smurf]

Me personally i think you should evolve him

 

[Katja]

I think you would be fine without evolving him. Use what pokemon makes you happy!

 

[PlatinumDude]

Since Light Ball is unreleased right now, Pikachu can't be viable competitively due to its poor defenses and average offenses without Light Ball. It's best to evolve it to Raichu, sadly, until Light Ball becomes available (when you can breed for a new Pichu).

 

[Ho-Oh]

In the future you're better off asking in CBC's simple questions thread, since it's for all competitive things basically and thus you're likely to get more appropriate answers. Either way, if you don't feel the answers here are sufficient, then you can ask again in that thread. :3