Which 1998 Pokémon Game Boy title gives Pikachu to the player as the first partner?

Pokémon Yellow gives Pikachu to the player as the first partner. Released in Japan on September 12, 1998, it is an enhanced version of the first-generation Pokémon games.

Unlike Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, Yellow was designed to resemble the Pokémon anime more closely. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball, reacts to the player’s treatment, and refuses to evolve through the normal use of a Thunder Stone while it is the player’s partner.

The game also changes the early starter setup: players receive Pikachu from Professor Oak, while Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle can be obtained later through the adventure. Pokémon Yellow was released internationally in 1999 and later inspired the Nintendo Switch games Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!.