Which Generation I Pokémon game made Pikachu the player's starting partner?

Pokémon Yellow made Pikachu the player's starting partner.

Released in Japan on September 12, 1998, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the Generation I games. It was designed to resemble the Pokémon anime more closely, so the player receives Pikachu rather than choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle from Professor Oak at the beginning.

Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and refuses to evolve with a Thunder Stone. The game also gives players opportunities to obtain Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, echoing the anime's first-season cast and broadening the starter experience.

Pokémon Yellow was not the franchise's first game and did not replace Red, Green, or Blue. Instead, it was a later enhanced release that combined the original region and mechanics with anime-inspired character and story details. Its design influenced later remakes such as Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!.