In animated appearances, Squirtle is voiced in Japanese by Rikako Aikawa and in English localizations by Eric Stuart, and later Michele Knotz.

[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.

"[7] The idea to feature Squirtle and the other Red and Blue starters in a significant role in Pokémon X and Y came about a year and a half into the development of the games.

[14] The first video game appearance of Squirtle was in Pokémon Red and Blue, alongside the other two starters Charmander and Bulbasaur.

[35] Green, the original female protagonist in Pokémon Adventures, stole a Squirtle from Professor Oak's laboratory.

[37] Squirtle has been featured in several forms of merchandise, including figurines, plush toys, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

[43] According to Time magazine, Squirtle was considered one of the "more popular" in the original series,[6] while IGN ranked it the 46th best Pokémon ever, noting that it was "instantly recognisable.

[45] ITmedia also ranked Squirtle as the fourth best first partner Pokémon, primarily due to its familiarity even with those not too closely associated with the franchise.

She stated that the attempts of the local police to paint them as a gang showed an unfair prejudice against a group that did not deserve it, and how it built the family dynamic between the Squirtle Squad members.

[32] TheGamer's Khee Hoon Chan cited similar sentiments, stating that despite their initially menacing appearance, the Squad had a powerful backstory and a strong popularity among fans.

[55] Gabriel Boric Font received a Squirtle plush just prior to his Inauguration as President of Chile as a gift from Japan after he stated he was a fan of the series.