Pokémon Yellow was the first main-series Pokémon game to feature Pikachu as the player’s starting Pokémon.
Released in Japan on September 12, 1998, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the first-generation games. It was designed partly to reflect the popularity and presentation of the Pokémon anime, so the player begins with Pikachu rather than choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.
Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and reacts to the player’s treatment, echoing Ash’s relationship with Pikachu in the animated series. The game also makes the three original starter Pokémon available through the story, allowing players to obtain the full trio without trading between versions.
Pokémon Yellow is not the same as a direct remake of the anime. It retains the Kanto adventure and many mechanics from Red and Blue while adding anime-inspired character encounters and presentation. Later titles such as Let’s Go, Pikachu! drew inspiration from Yellow but were released for Nintendo Switch.