Pokémon Yellow was the first Pokémon title released in Japan to feature Pikachu as the player's companion.
Released on September 12, 1998, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the first-generation games. It was designed to resemble the Pokémon anime more closely, so Professor Oak gives the player Pikachu rather than allowing a choice among Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle at the start.
Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and refuses to evolve using a Thunder Stone. The game also includes opportunities to obtain the three original starter Pokémon, connecting its anime-inspired opening with the structure of Red and Blue.
Pokémon Yellow was released internationally in 1999. Its subtitle, Special Pikachu Edition, identifies the character-focused premise, while the game remains mechanically rooted in the original Kanto adventure.