What was the first Pokémon game to feature Pikachu as the player’s starting Pokémon?

Pokémon Yellow was the first Pokémon game to feature Pikachu as the player’s starting Pokémon.

The game was released in Japan on 12 September 1998 as Pokémon Yellow: Pikachu. Special Edition. Unlike Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, it gives the player Pikachu at the beginning rather than offering a choice among Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.

Pikachu also refuses to remain inside its Poké Ball and follows the player on screen. These features were designed to resemble the relationship between Ash and Pikachu in the anime, which had become extremely popular by the time Yellow was developed.

Pokémon Yellow remains a distinct game rather than an anime episode adaptation. It uses the first-generation Kanto adventure but changes several encounters, character appearances, and starter arrangements to create a more anime-inspired version of the original formula.