Pokémon Yellow was the first Japanese Pokémon game to give the player Pikachu as a starter.
Released in Japan on September 12, 1998, Pokémon Yellow is a special edition based on Pokémon Red and Green. Instead of choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the beginning, the player receives Pikachu from Professor Oak.
The game was designed to reflect the popular anime. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball, refuses to evolve with a Thunder Stone, and reacts to the player through an in-game happiness mechanic. The three original starter Pokémon can still be obtained during the adventure, allowing players to collect all three without trading between versions.
Pokémon Yellow also includes characters and details associated with the television series, including Jessie and James of Team Rocket. Its presentation helped connect the games to the anime without replacing the core exploration, battling, and collecting systems.
The title was later released internationally in 1999. It is sometimes called Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, a subtitle used prominently in English marketing and packaging.