Pikachu is given as the player's first Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow.
Pokémon Yellow was an enhanced version of Red and Blue designed to resemble the television anime. Instead of choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the start, the player receives Pikachu from Professor Oak.
Pikachu also follows the player outside its Poké Ball, reflecting the anime's portrayal of Ash's companion. The rival begins with Eevee, making Eevee an important character in Yellow but not the player's starter.
The game was first released in Japan in 1998 and later internationally. Its Pikachu-focused design helped establish the character as Pokémon's primary mascot and influenced later games such as Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!.