Which Pokémon game was the first enhanced version to feature Pikachu as its partner?

Pokémon Yellow was the first enhanced version to feature Pikachu as the player’s partner.

Released in Japan in 1998, Pokémon Yellow was based on Pokémon Red and Green but added elements inspired by the animated series. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball, and the player cannot choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle as the opening partner in the usual way.

The game also lets players obtain all three original starter Pokémon during the adventure, reflecting the anime’s influence and giving players access to the complete starter trio. Team Rocket’s Jessie and James also appear in roles shaped by the television series.

Pokémon Yellow is often called a remake, but it is more precisely an enhanced version of the first-generation games. Its subtitle in Japan was Pikachu, making the mascot’s role especially explicit.