Prior to Generation V, Pickup has no effect in battle.
From Pokemon Black/White onwards, pokemon with Pickup gain the opponent's single-use held item after they use it.
When a battle ends, any party pokemon with Pickup has a 10% chance of picking up an item (if they are not already holding an item).
Items picked up range from Potions, Great & Ultra Balls and Rare Candies up to Leftovers and some TMs. Better items have a lower chance of being found; furthermore, higher-level pokemon will obtain better items.
| Generation III | May pick up items. |
|---|---|
| Generation IV | The Pokémon may pick up items. |
| Generation V | The Pokémon may pick up items. |
| # | Name | 2nd ability | Hidden ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 052 | Meowth | Technician | Unnerve |
| 190 | Aipom | Run Away | Skill Link |
| 216 | Teddiursa | Quick Feet | Honey Gather |
| 231 | Phanpy | — | Sand Veil |
| 263 | Zigzagoon | Gluttony | Quick Feet |
| 264 | Linoone | Gluttony | Quick Feet |
| 417 | Pachirisu | Run Away | Volt Absorb |
| 424 | Ambipom | Technician | Skill Link |
| 446 | Munchlax | Thick Fat | Gluttony |
| 506 | Lillipup | Vital Spirit | Run Away |
No Pokemon have Pickup as a hidden ability in Pokemon Black & White.