Pikachu is the player's fixed starter in Pokémon Yellow.
Unlike Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, Pokémon Yellow gives the player Pikachu rather than offering a choice among Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The design was influenced by the Pokémon anime, where Ash travels with Pikachu.
Pikachu follows the player on the overworld in Pokémon Yellow and has a distinct personality system. Its happiness can change based on how the player treats it, and the game includes several anime-inspired characters and situations.
The rival in Pokémon Yellow begins with Eevee, which is why Eevee is sometimes mistakenly named as the player's starter. Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of the first-generation games, not a second-generation title. It was released in Japan in 1998 and later in North America and Europe.