I’m Luke Summerhayes and I love Togedemaru.
Hedeghogs are probably among the most misrepresented animals. In real life, they are timid, easily harmed little critters that can be killed by a shock. In the world of cartoons and videogames, hedgehogs are indestructible wrecking balls of attack spikes or impenetrable obstacles to be avoided at all costs.
Real hedgehogs’ spikes are essentially long stiff hairs. They share the trait with a few other animals; the large porcupines of both the new and old worlds, the echidna in Australia and the Spiny Rat in the Ryuku islands, what we now call Okinawa in the south of Japan. Unfortunately, none of these real creatures can run at the speed of sound or destroy a robot with their quills.
Togedemaru is an electric and steel type Pokemon which resembles a particularly spherical hedegehog with a shiny metal body, yellow spikes and round, yellow cheeks. This is Alola’s entry in the “cute little critter with electric cheek sacs” family that started with Pikachu.
Sword
With the long hairs on its back, this Pokémon takes in electricity from other electric Pokémon. It stores what it absorbs in an electric sac.

Ultra Moon
Its capacity to produce electricity is somewhat limited, so it gets charged up by letting lightning strike it!
The name Togedemaru, which is the same in Japanese and English, combines toge, or spines, with maru, or round, as this is a round ball of spines. Like a real hedgehog, Togedemaru’s spines are something similar to hairs.
Sun
The spiny fur on its back is normally at rest. When this Pokémon becomes agitated, its fur stands on end and stabs into its attackers.

Ultra Sun
When it's surprised or agitated, the 14 fur spikes on its back will stand up involuntarily.

Unlike a real hedgehog, and more like Sonic and his friends, Togedemaru can curl up into a ball and become a supernatural menace.
Shield
When it's in trouble, it curls up into a ball, makes its fur spikes stand on end, and then discharges electricity indiscriminately.

Togedemaru, like the other so-called Pikachu Clones, has no evolution and isn’t especially powerful. Some players have tried to replicate the legenday Pachirisu world tournament win with the spiky little critter, but to no real success.
Togedemaru is a cute little creature with a unique set of traits from the mascot mouse. In the ninth generation, we returned to a cheek pouch monster that can evolve, and it makes the less powerful monsters feel like a missed opportunity. Still, just because a hedgehog doesn’t have the power of Sega’s blue blur doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a healthy, happy life in the countryside.
Music for Luke Loves Pokemon was composed by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork for the show is by Katie Groves. Funding is by supporters at patreon.com/podcastiopodcastius.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch on youtube, social media or email and let me know about your favorite Pokemon. Coming up next are Mimikyu and Bruxish, so let me know your thoughts about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much for listening.
I love Togedemaru. And remember, I love you too.