The player is given Pikachu as a partner in Pokémon Yellow.
Released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999, Pokémon Yellow was an enhanced version of the original Pokémon games. It was designed to resemble the Pokémon anime more closely, so Pikachu became the player’s initial partner instead of allowing a choice among Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
Pikachu follows the player in the overworld and reacts to the player’s actions. It also refuses to evolve using a Thunder Stone, reflecting the anime’s version of Pikachu. The game’s rival begins with an Eevee, creating a different starter contrast from Red, Blue, and Green.
The game still takes place in Kanto and follows the broad journey of collecting Gym Badges and challenging the Pokémon League. Because Pikachu is the required partner at the beginning, players sometimes mistake Yellow for a version in which all three original starters are unavailable; the player can obtain Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle later.