During "Pikachu's Summer Vacation," Togepi appears as a young, infant Pokémon requiring constant care. Its small, egg-shaped body remains partially encased in a shell with distinctive red and blue patterns. Togepi exhibits typical infantile behavior, crying when hungry and becoming easily startled by loud noises. Other Pokémon, particularly Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, attempt to soothe it by making faces and fetching food. Bulbasaur successfully calms Togepi using Vine Whip to gently rock it while singing the "Bulbaby" lullaby, putting it to sleep. However, the arrival of a noisy group of Pokémon (Raichu, Snubbull, Marill, and Cubone) awakens Togepi, leading it to wander onto a rolling log bridge over a river, requiring a rescue by Pikachu. Togepi displays low tolerance for distress and hunger, often catalyzing the protective instincts of the protagonist Pokémon. Its presence motivates Pikachu to advocate for peace between rival groups, citing the need to set a good example. Later, sparks from Raichu frighten Togepi; Pikachu comforts it, but both get electrocuted, triggering Pikachu's confrontation with Raichu. By day's end, Togepi is safely returned to its trainer.

Beyond this film, Togepi's background originates earlier in the anime. Ash discovered its egg, which hatched in Misty's care. Filial imprinting upon seeing Misty first formed a strong maternal bond. Misty carried it extensively. While too young for standard battling, it demonstrated knowledge of Metronome. This Togepi traveled with Misty through Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto. During the Hoenn saga, Misty's Togepi evolved into Togetic to protect the Mirage Kingdom, a paradise for its species, leading Misty to release it there. Togepi are generally portrayed as symbols of good luck; their shells are believed to store happiness derived from others' positive emotions. A proverb suggests happiness comes to those who make a sleeping Togepi stand. However, one episode featured a wildly mischievous Togepi playing elaborate pranks on Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket. This Togepi used moves like Flamethrower, Psychic, Substitute, and Attract to manipulate others, commandeered a rocket ship, and displayed a markedly malicious personality before departing. In the Pokémon Adventures manga, a different Togepi, hatched from an egg received by Gold, exhibited a violent temperament and gambling habits before evolving rapidly into Togekiss during a confrontation with Arceus.

Togepi's biological characteristics are consistent: light yellow with a white shell adorned by red and blue patterns. It retracts into its shell, particularly while sleeping. Togepi rarely appears in the wild, often associated with forests or sanctuaries like the Mirage Kingdom or Togepi Paradise. It evolves into Togetic when leveled up with high friendship. Togetic further evolves into Togekiss when exposed to a Shiny Stone. These evolved forms gain wings and a more overtly fairy-like or avian appearance, with Togekiss specifically associated with bringing blessings in times of peace and lacking strife.