Pokémon Yellow is the Pokémon game that replaced the usual starter choice with Pikachu.
Released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the first-generation Game Boy games. It was designed to resemble the popular Pokémon anime more closely, especially in its treatment of Pikachu as the player character’s partner.
Instead of choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the opening, the player receives Pikachu from Professor Oak. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and reacts to the player character, reflecting the anime’s presentation of Ash and Pikachu. The game also makes all three original starter Pokémon obtainable during the adventure.
Pokémon Yellow is sometimes described as a direct anime adaptation, but it remains a role-playing game built on the Red and Blue foundation. Its story and locations are closely related to those games, while selected characters, encounters, and presentation elements were changed to evoke the television series.