Pikachu is the player’s only starter in Pokémon Yellow.
Released as an enhanced version of Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow was designed to resemble the television anime. Instead of choosing Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the beginning, the player receives Pikachu from Professor Oak.
Pikachu follows the player around the overworld and has a distinct personality. Its happiness changes depending on how the player treats it, and it can react to events by displaying different expressions.
The rival’s starting Pokémon is also different in Yellow: the rival begins with Eevee. The game’s anime-inspired structure distinguishes it from the original Red and Blue opening while keeping the Kanto setting and core adventure.