Which Pokémon game first introduced Pikachu as the player’s fixed starter partner?

Pokémon Yellow first introduced Pikachu as the player’s fixed starter partner.

Released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the first-generation Game Boy games. It was designed with a stronger visual and story connection to the Pokémon anime, whose star was Ash’s Pikachu.

Instead of choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the beginning, the player receives Pikachu from Professor Oak. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and refuses to evolve with a Thunder Stone. The rival receives an Eevee, creating a different opening from Red, Green, Blue, and their international counterparts.

Pokémon Yellow still uses the Kanto region and the original generation’s broad adventure structure. It also allows players to obtain the three traditional starter Pokémon during the journey. A common mix-up is thinking Pikachu was the fixed starter in every original game; that feature belongs specifically to Yellow and its anime-inspired presentation.