In Pokémon Yellow, the player receives Pikachu at the start of the adventure.
Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition was released after Pokémon Red and Green and their international counterparts. It was designed to reflect elements of the animated series, where Ash begins his journey with a Pikachu.
Unlike the original games, Yellow does not let the player choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle as the opening selection. Instead, Pikachu becomes the player’s partner and follows the character outside its Poké Ball.
The three original starter Pokémon can still be obtained later in Pokémon Yellow. This makes Yellow different from the first games without removing the classic Kanto starter trio. Pikachu’s starring role also helped establish it as the most recognizable symbol of the Pokémon franchise.