Which Pokémon game was the first to feature Pikachu as the player’s permanent partner?

Pokémon Yellow was the first Pokémon game to feature Pikachu as the player’s permanent partner.

Released in Japan in 1998, Pokémon Yellow was an enhanced version of the original Game Boy games. Its presentation was influenced by the Pokémon anime, so the player begins with Pikachu rather than choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle from Professor Oak. Pikachu follows the player outside its Poké Ball and reacts to the player’s actions.

The game also changes the early story so that the rival receives an Eevee, while the three original starter Pokémon can be obtained during the adventure. Jesse and James of Team Rocket appear in the game as anime-inspired characters, another feature that distinguishes Yellow from Red and Blue.

Pikachu was available in the original games, but it was not the player’s required starter or permanent visible companion there. Pokémon Yellow therefore occupies a specific place in series history: it connected the game world more directly to the television series while remaining a Game Boy role-playing game.