In Pokémon Yellow, the player receives Pikachu first.
Unlike Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green, where the player chooses Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, Pokémon Yellow begins with Pikachu. The choice reflects the television anime, in which Ash Ketchum starts his journey with Pikachu.
Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and expresses reactions through speech bubbles. It also refuses to evolve when the player uses a Thunder Stone, although the game lets players obtain the other original starters later.
Pokémon Yellow was released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999. It is often described as an enhanced version of the first-generation games because it combines the original Kanto adventure with characters, Pokémon appearances, and story elements inspired by the anime.