Created by Ken Sugimori, Psyduck first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and later in sequels.

A Psyduck also appears as part of the main cast in the live-action animated film Pokémon Detective Pikachu.

[2] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon.

Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.

[3] Introduced in Red and Blue, the design started as pixel art sprites by the development team first, with a single color identity chosen to work within the Super Game Boy hardware limitations.

[1] While conceived as a group effort by multiple developers at Game Freak,[5] the finalized design and artwork was done by Ken Sugimori.

games, though it was ultimately scrapped due to Eevee's popularity and Psyduck's yellow color scheme clashing with the other decided mascot, Pikachu.

[39] Described as "silly" by GameSpy and The New York Times, Psyduck has been well received by the media, identified as one of the most popular characters in the original games by GamesRadar+ and Kotaku.

"[45][46] Alex Walker of Kotaku highlighted it as a relatable character, also citing its role as comic relief in the Pokémon anime.

[47] The Coventry Evening Telegraph also praised its design, stating the character was "more interesting" in comparison to more commonly seen Pokémon such as Squirtle,[48] though James Stephanie Sterling of Destructoid was more critical, calling it "annoying" and "irritating.

She also highlighted how the show helped portray Psyduck in a more positive light, primarily in comparison in its role in the Pokémon anime series.

[14] Emma Stefansky, writing for The Atlantic, cited similar sentiments, stating that the series "wisely recognizes the dramatic potential of Psyduck."