On what date did Pokémon Yellow first release in Japan?

Pokémon Yellow first released in Japan on September 12, 1998. Its full Japanese title was Pocket Monsters Pikachu, and it was an enhanced version of the first-generation Pokémon games.

Yellow was designed to resemble the television anime more closely than Red, Green, and Blue. Pikachu became the player’s required partner, followed the player outside its Poké Ball, and reacted differently depending on the story and the player’s treatment of it.

The game also let players obtain all three original starter Pokémon during the adventure, rather than choosing only one at the beginning. Team Rocket’s Jessie and James appeared in roles inspired by the anime, further linking Yellow to the animated series.

Pokémon Yellow later reached North America and Europe in 1999. It was released for the original Game Boy but could also use the Game Boy Color’s enhanced color capabilities.