Pikachu is the player’s first partner in Pokémon Yellow.
Unlike Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, Pokémon Yellow gives the player Pikachu at the beginning of the adventure. Pikachu refuses to stay inside its Poké Ball and follows the player in the overworld, reflecting its prominent role in the television anime.
The game also changes the early rival setup. The rival receives Eevee, while Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle can be obtained later during the adventure rather than selected at the opening in the usual way.
Pokémon Yellow was released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999. It is an enhanced version of the first-generation games, combining their Kanto setting with visual and story elements inspired by the anime. Pikachu’s central role is the game’s defining difference.