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{{Infobox_game | colorscheme=yellow|bordercolorscheme=yellow
{{Infobox game | colorscheme=yellow|bordercolorscheme=yellow
|name=Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition
|name=Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition
|jname=ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
|jname=ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
|boxart=Pokemon Yellow boxart.jpg
|boxart=Yellow EN boxart.png
|caption=Pokémon Yellow Version's boxart, [[version mascot|depicting]] {{p|Pikachu}}.
|caption=Pokémon Yellow Version's boxart, [[Game mascot|depicting]] {{p|Pikachu}}.
|jbox=PokemonYellowJapanese.png
|jbox=Yellow JP boxart.png
|jcaption=Boxart of Pocket Monsters Pikachu.
|jcaption=Boxart of Pocket Monsters: Pikachu
|platform=[[Game Boy]]{{tt|*|GBC-enhanced for non-Japanese versions}}
|platform=[[Game Boy]] <small>(enhanced for the [[Super Game Boy]] in all releases and for the [[Game Boy Color]] outside of Japan)</small>, [[Nintendo 3DS]] ([[Virtual Console]])
|category=RPG
|category=RPG
|players=2 players simultaneous
|players=2 players simultaneous
|link_method=[[Link cable]]
|link_method=[[Game Link Cable]] <small>(Game Boy)</small><br/>3DS Wireless <small>(3DS [[Virtual Console]])</small>
|developer=[[Game Freak]]
|developer=[[Game Freak]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|gen_series=[[Generation I]] [[version|main series]]
|gen_series=[[Generation I]] [[core series]]
|cero=A
|cero=A <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|esrb=E
|esrb=E
|pegi=3+
|acb=G <small>(Game Boy)</small><br>PG <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|oflc=G8+
|oflc=G8+
|release_date_ja=September 12, 1998<ref>[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gb-pikachu/ Pokémon.co.jp]</ref>
|pegi=12
|release_date_na=October 1, 1999<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/us/games/videogame-pokemontm-yellow-special-pikachu-edition/ Pokémon.com (US)]</ref>
|gsrr=6+ <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|release_date_au=September 3, 1999<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20000614202450/http://www.nintendo.com.au/games/gameboy/games/pokemon_yellow.html Nintendo of Australia (archive)]</ref>
|release_date_ja=September 12, 1998 <small>(Game Boy)</small><ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gb-pikachu/ {{j|ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ}} | {{j|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト}}]</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/apsj/ {{j|ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ}}]</ref><br>February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|release_date_eu=June 16, 2000<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/gb/pokmon_yellow_version.html Nintendo of Europe]</ref>
|release_date_na=October 18, 1999 <small>(Game Boy)</small><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000621205847/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/100499.html PHENOMENON CONTINUES WITH NINTENDO'S POKéMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION™] (archive)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000302052202/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/110199.html NINTENDO'S LATEST POKéMON GAME SMASHES COMPANY SALES RECORD] (archive)</ref><br>February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|website_ja=[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gb-pikachu/ Official Site]
|release_date_au=September 3, 1999 <small>(Game Boy)</small><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000614202450/http://www.nintendo.com.au/games/gameboy/games/pokemon_yellow.html Nintendo - Nintendo 64 Games]</ref><br>February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|website_en=[http://www.pokemon.com/us/games/videogame-pokemontm-yellow-special-pikachu-edition/ Official Site]
|release_date_eu=June 16, 2000 <small>(Game Boy)</small><ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-yellow-special-pikachu-edition/ Pokémon™ Yellow Special Pikachu Edition | Video Games | Pokemon.com] (UK)</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy/Pokemon-Yellow-Version-266142.html Pokémon Yellow Version | Game Boy | Games | Nintendo]</ref><br>February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|release_date_hk=February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|release_date_tw=February 27, 2016 <small>(3DS VC)</small>
|website_ja=[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gb-pikachu/ The Pokémon Company] <small>(Game Boy)</small><br>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/VCAMAP/ The Pokémon Company] <small>(Virtual Console)</small><br>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/apsj/ Nintendo] <small>(Game Boy)</small><br>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000038655 Nintendo] <small>(Virtual Console)</small>
|website_en=[http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-yellow-special-pikachu-edition/ The Pokémon Company International] <small>(Game Boy & Virtual Console)</small><br>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071101085051/http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=m-Game-0000-319 Nintendo] <small>(Game Boy, needs {{wp|Adobe Flash Player|Flash Player}})</small><br>[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pokemon-yellow-special-pikachu-edition-3ds Nintendo] <small>(Virtual Console)</small>
}}
}}
{{StrategyWiki|Pokémon Yellow}}
'''Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition''' (Japanese: '''{{j|ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ}}''' ''Pocket Monsters Pikachu''), often known as '''Pokémon Yellow Version''', is the third Pokémon game for [[Game Boy]] released worldwide, as a [[core series|solitary version]] of {{g|Red and Blue Versions}}. In Japan, the game was the fourth Pokémon game released, as a second solitary version of {{game|Red and Green|s}}. Unlike other games, Pokémon Yellow was inspired by the [[Pokémon anime]].
Similar to Red and Blue, Yellow arrived towards the end of the Game Boy's lifespan. It managed, though, to receive the title of second best-selling non-bundled game for its console, losing only to its predecessors.
The game was available on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Virtual Console]] between the [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary]] on February 27, 2016 and the discontinuation of the 3DS Nintendo eShop on March 27, 2023.
[[Generation VII]] [[remakes]], titled {{LGPE}}, were released worldwide for the [[Nintendo Switch]] in November 2018, in celebration of Yellow's 20th anniversary in Japan.
==Plot==
{{spoilers}}
The plot of Yellow is very similar to that of the Japanese {{2v2|Red|Green}} and {{game|Blue| (Japanese)|Japanese Blue}} as well as of the {{game|Red and Blue|s|Western Red and Blue}}: the {{player}} (canonically known as {{ga|Red}}) begins his game in [[Pallet Town]], a small town in the [[Kanto]] region, on the same day as his former best friend and now {{ga|Blue|rival}}.
While looking for [[Professor Oak]] who had called both of them to his laboratory, the player tries to leave town, only for Oak to catch up to him two steps into {{rt|1|Kanto}}'s grassy path. Warning the player about the dangers of walking in [[tall grass]] without a Pokémon, Oak himself encounters a wild {{OBP|Pikachu|Yellow}} and manages to catch it, before leading the player to his laboratory, where he allows the player to take the single {{i|Poké Ball}} containing an {{p|Eevee}} from the desk near him. The [[rival]] quickly gets jealous, shoves the player out of his way and takes the Pokémon for himself. With no other options, Oak gives player the freshly caught Pikachu, after which the rival challenges the player to a {{pkmn|battle}}.
After the battle, Oak allows the two new Trainers to leave for their {{pkmn|journey}} across [[Kanto]]. Right after the rival leaves, the player's Pikachu breaks out of his Poké Ball and [[Walking Pokémon|starts following the player on foot]]. Stopping in [[Viridian City]]'s [[Poké Mart]], the player will find that a [[Parcel|package]] has come in for the professor, and the clerk asks that it be delivered to him. After this has been completed the professor gives one [[Pokédex]] to the player and one to the rival, and sends them on their way. Viridian City has a Gym; however, it is locked.
From here, the player has his first encounter with other Trainers, on {{rt|2|Kanto}} and in [[Viridian Forest]], and his first encounter with a [[Gym Leader]]: [[Brock]] the {{type|Rock}} Gym Leader of [[Pewter City]]. After his defeat, journeying along {{rt|3|Kanto}} and through [[Mt. Moon]] brings the player face to face with the regional [[villainous team]], [[Team Rocket]], who are attempting to extract rare [[Fossil]]s from the cave. Their defeat allows the player to continue through the cave and obtain the [[Dome Fossil]] or [[Helix Fossil]] which can be regenerated into {{p|Kabuto}} and {{p|Omanyte}}. Before the player leaves the cave, he is ambushed by two Team Rocket grunts (unnamed in this game but known as [[Jessie]] and [[James]] in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''), who try to take the fossil back. Continuing onto {{rt|4|Kanto}}, the player finds himself in [[Cerulean City]], where another [[Gym]] is. This one, however, is run by [[Misty]], and specializes in {{type|Water}} Pokémon. To the north, as well, there are two [[route]]s leading up to [[Bill]]'s cottage. On the way, the player is confronted with a trainer who tries to persuade him to join [[Team Rocket]]. When the player reaches [[Bill]]'s cottage and frees him of his transformation into a Pokémon, he will give the player a ticket for the [[S.S. Anne]], a luxury ship moored in {{DL|Vermilion City|Port|Vermilion Harbor}} and filled with Trainers. Taking a shortcut through a house burglarized by Team Rocket, the player finally arrives at {{rt|5|Kanto}}.
After traveling down Routes 5 and {{rtn|6|Kanto}}, using the {{OBP|Underground Path|Kanto Routes 5–6}} to bypass [[Saffron City]], the player finally arrives in {{ci|Vermilion}}. This city is home to another Pokémon Gym; however, the way to it is blocked by a small tree. The only thing to do is to show the ticket to the {{tc|Sailor}} guarding the harbor, allowing entry into the S.S. Anne. It is here, after assisting the captain with his seasickness, that the player will obtain the first of the five [[HM|Hidden Machines]] available in the game, containing {{m|Cut}}. With this, and the {{Badge|Cascade}}, the tree blocking the way to Vermilion Gym can be easily cut through, and [[Lt. Surge]], a Gym Leader specializing in {{type|Electric}}s, can be challenged. From here, {{rt|11|Kanto}} beckons, as does [[Diglett's Cave]], through which is the only way to get back to {{rt|2|Kanto}}, and a second HM, containing {{m|Flash}} held by one of [[Professor Oak]]'s aides on {{rt|2|Kanto}}. The player takes a brief detour to Pewter City's museum's back entrance which was previously blocked due to a Cut-able tree, which can now easily be bypassed. The player obtains the [[Old Amber]] in the museum. Heading back to Diglett's Cave, and to Vermilion, the player must go to Cerulean and to the east, onto {{rt|9|Kanto}} and towards the [[Rock Tunnel]].
Rock Tunnel, a still undeveloped natural tunnel between the sections of {{rt|10|Kanto}}, is pitch black inside; for this reason, {{m|Flash}} is recommended, but not required, for navigation of it. Finally reaching [[Lavender Town]], the only town in Kanto without a Pokémon Gym besides Pallet, there is not much to do; the local [[Pokémon Tower]] is haunted. From here, {{rt|8|Kanto}} leads to Saffron City, but it again must be bypassed by way of another {{OBP|Underground Path|Kanto Routes 7–8}}, which has its other entrance on {{rt|7|Kanto}}, on the west side of Saffron. [[Celadon City]], the home of the fourth Gym which specializes in {{type|Grass}} Pokémon, is just a short walk further. Like the Vermilion Gym, the Celadon Gym also has a small tree blocking the way to its entrance, and an old man outside.
The [[Celadon Game Corner|Rocket Game Corner]] in Celadon is not what it appears to be. In fact, the Game Corner itself is merely the above-ground portion of a sprawling underground complex: the [[Team Rocket Hideout|Rocket Hideout]]. The player runs into Jessie and James for a second time and then meets the Team Rocket boss, Giovanni, who after his defeat flees, leaving behind a Silph Scope. A Silph Scope is required to fully navigate the Pokémon Tower inside of Lavender Town that the player encountered earlier.
After this, the Pokémon Tower can be navigated, and the ghosts haunting it are revealed to be {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}}. In front of the stairs to the final floor, blocking the way, is also a final spirit, that of a deceased {{p|Marowak}} that was killed by Team Rocket when they captured her child. Making it all the way to the top reveals [[Mr. Fuji]] held hostage by Jessie and James, who will leave when they are defeated. Fuji gives away the [[Poké Flute]], and with that, the {{p|Snorlax}} blocking {{rt|11|Kanto}} and {{rt|16|Kanto}} can finally be moved away. Another HM, containing {{m|Fly}}, can be obtained easily by cutting away a tree blocking the northern section of Route 16.
Now the player is presented with a choice of how to get to [[Fuchsia City]]. Traveling down either way the Snorlax are blocking, a faster way via Routes 16, {{rtn|17|Kanto}}, and {{rtn|18|Kanto}} on [[Kanto Route 17|Cycling Road]], or down the {{DL|Kanto Route 12|Silence Bridge}} of Routes {{rtn|12|Kanto}}, {{rtn|13|Kanto}}, {{rtn|14|Kanto}}, and {{rtn|15|Kanto}}, inevitably brings one to the southernmost city in continental Kanto, [[Fuchsia City]], home of [[Koga]] of the {{t|Poison}}ous Fuchsia Gym and the [[Kanto Safari Zone]]. The Safari Zone is currently running a contest: the person to reach a specific rest house first will win yet another HM, containing {{m|Surf}}. Finding the [[Baoba|Safari Zone Warden]]'s [[Gold Teeth]] also will have him reward the player with the final of Kanto's HMs, containing {{m|Strength}}.
The player then goes back to either [[Celadon City]] or [[Lavender Town]], encountering the other {{p|Snorlax}} on the way back. After stopping off at the [[Celadon Department Store]] and buying a drink at a [[vending machine]], Saffron City can finally be entered. However, Team Rocket is guarding almost every door in the city, including that of the local Pokémon Gym! One of the open buildings, however, is the unofficial Fighting-type Pokémon Gym. After the player defeats the Fighting Dojo, he is entitled to either a {{p|Hitmonchan}} or a {{p|Hitmonlee}}. The city's centerpiece building, [[Silph Co.]]'s headquarters, has also been infiltrated by the organization, and at the top, waiting in the boardroom guarded by Jessie and James, is the Team Rocket Boss, [[Giovanni]], appearing for a second time, demanding that the president give him the [[Master Ball]] that the company had developed. After his defeat, he flees.
After Team Rocket clears out of [[Saffron City]], all buildings previously blocked are now open, as well as the Gym. The Gym Leader, [[Sabrina]], specializes in {{type|Psychic}}s. The floor, as well, is covered in warp tiles that make it difficult to navigate. After Sabrina's defeat, the player makes his way back to Fuchsia City again and heads out to obtain the rest of the Badges.
With six Badges in hand, and five HMs in the bag, finally the player can adventure onto the open sea of Routes {{rtn|19|Kanto}} and {{rtn|20|Kanto}}. A short way across them, of course, is a minor obstacle: the [[Seafoam Islands]]. After they have been navigated through, the player can continue on Route 20 to [[Cinnabar Island]], home of [[Blaine]]'s {{type|Fire}} Gym. There are also several more facilities on the island, including one that actually revives Pokémon [[Fossil]]s. After Blaine's defeat, only the final Gym, that of Viridian City, remains.
Finally unlocked, the Gym, whose leader specializes in {{type|Ground}}s, is revealed to be none other than the boss of Team Rocket himself, [[Giovanni]]! After his defeat, he vows to disband Team Rocket and disappears. Now with eight Badges, all that lies ahead is the [[Pokémon League]] at [[Indigo Plateau]], conveniently at the end of {{rt|23|Kanto}}.


{{StrategyWiki|Pokémon Yellow}}
The [[Elite Four]] await challengers, those who have proven themselves worthy by getting all eight Badges and making it through {{ka|Victory Road}} will face them, in order. [[Lorelei]], who {{pkmn|training|trains}} {{type|Ice}} Pokémon is first, followed by [[Bruno]], whose specialty is {{t|Fighting}}, [[Agatha]], whose specialty is {{t|Ghost}}, and finally [[Lance]], who specializes in {{type|Dragon}}s. After defeating these four, the reigning [[Pokémon Champion]] challenges the player to a final battle, and the Champion is none other than the player's own rival! After his defeat, Oak arrives and tells the player that he won because he cares better for his Pokémon, and the player's current [[party]] are added to the [[Hall of Fame]].


'''Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ''' ''Pocket Monsters Pikachu''), often known as '''Pokémon Yellow Version''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター {{tt|黄|き}}''' ''Pocket Monsters Yellow''), is the third Pokémon game released worldwide, as a [[version|follow up]] to and expansion on {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. In Japan, the game was the fourth Pokémon game released, as a follow up to {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}} intended to buy Game Freak time to rework the then-upcoming [[Generation II]] games.
After the credits roll, the player is back in Pallet Town. The previously closed [[Cerulean Cave]] is now open, and the powerful {{p|Mewtwo}} can be found inside.


Similar to {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, Yellow arrived towards the end of the [[Game Boy]]'s lifespan. It managed, though, to receive the title of second best-selling non-bundled game for its console, losing only to its predecessors.
==Blurb==
You've finally been granted your [[Pokémon Trainer's license]], and now you're on your way to becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer! The shockingly-cute {{p|Pikachu}} [[walking Pokémon|tags along]] behind {{Player|you}} as you search the enormous world for monsters to train and evolve. Face off against {{p|Blastoise}}'s torrential water cannons. Stand strong when facing {{p|Pidgeot}}'s stormy {{m|Gust}}. Develop the ultimate Pokémon strategy to defeat the eight [[Gym Leader]]s and become the greatest [[Pokémon Master]] of all time!


==Changes from Red, Green, and Blue==
==Changes from Red, Green, and Blue==
===Aesthetic changes===
===Aesthetic changes===
* The front Pokémon sprites have all been updated to resemble how they appear in their then-current [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork usually used in promotional images and strategy guides for Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, as well as some of them resembling how they appear in the anime. The back sprites are the same as the previous games.
* The Japanese release has one set of in-game [[Color palette (Generations I–II)|color palettes]] while the international releases of Pokémon Yellow have two separate sets for different game systems.
* Some Trainer sprites were also redone. {{ga|Red}} and {{ga|Blue}} now better resemble their stock art for [[Generation I]], as the Pokémon sprites do. [[Brock]] wears an outfit like his anime counterpart's, and [[Misty]]'s bikini was changed to a shirt and shorts similar to those worn by hers, albeit without suspenders.
** See details in "[[#Localization changes|Localization changes]]" below.
* [[Cerulean Cave]], the game's final dungeon, is redesigned a second time.
* The front Pokémon sprites have all been updated to resemble how they appear in their then-current [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork usually used in promotional images and strategy guides for the Japanese {{2v2|Red|Green}}, {{game|Blue| (Japanese)|Japanese Blue}}, and the {{game|Red and Blue|s|Western Red and Blue}}, as well as some of them resembling how they appear in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. However, the back sprites are the same as the previous games.
* Some {{pkmn|Trainer}} sprites were also redone. {{ga|Red}} and {{ga|Blue}} now better resemble their stock artwork for [[Generation I]], as the Pokémon sprites do. [[Brock]] wears an outfit like his {{an|Brock|animated counterpart}}'s and [[Misty]]'s bikini was changed to a shirt and shorts similar to those worn by {{an|Misty|her counterpart}}.
* [[Blaine]] has a different overworld sprite, this time clearly showing him wearing glasses.
* [[Giovanni]] uses a {{p|Persian}} in the battle at the [[Viridian Gym]], referencing {{an|Giovanni}} owning a Persian in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.
* All policemen were recast as [[Officer Jenny]]s and all [[Pokémon Center lady|Pokémon Center ladies]] were recast as [[Nurse Joy]]s (attended by a {{p|Chansey}}).
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] have their own individual overworld sprites ([[File:Jessie OD.png]][[File:James OD.png]]) and share a group battle sprite.
* The newly introduced {{p|Pikachu}} sprite [[File:025 I OD.png]] is used in the overworld for [[Pikachu (Yellow)|the player's Pikachu]]. This sprite is also used as the [[List of Pokémon icons in Generations I and II|icon]] for any Pikachu or {{p|Raichu}} in the [[party]], instead of using the {{p|Clefairy}}-like icon [[File:MS Clefairy I.png]] from earlier games.
** If a Pikachu owned by the player uses {{m|Surf}} outside of battle, this Pikachu appears as the sprite [[File:025 I Surfing OD.png]] instead of the generic aquatic [[File:MS Aquatic I.png]] sprite.
** Some Pokémon received new sprites that show their individual appearance more clearly instead of using generic icons shared by multiple Pokémon: {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Sandshrew}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Jigglypuff}}, {{p|Oddish}}, and {{p|Chansey}} ([[File:001 I OD.png]][[File:027 I OD.png]][[File:035 I OD.png]][[File:039 I OD.png]][[File:043 I OD.png]][[File:113 I OD.png]]). However, much like Snorlax [[File:143 I OD.png]] since the previous games, those new sprites only appear in the overworld; they still use their old generic sprites in the party.
* [[Kanto]] is slightly redesigned a second time, featuring different designs for doors, signposts, windows, and other minor elements.
* In the Japanese version of Pokémon Yellow, the player character {{ga|Red}} has a Super Famicon in [[Player's house|his bedroom]] (as opposed to a Famicon in the Japanese versions of {{game|Red and Green|s|Pokémon Red, Green}}, and {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Blue}}). However, in the international versions of all [[Generation I]] games, the player has an [[Super Nintendo|SNES]] instead.
* The [[game credits|credits]] of Pokémon Yellow now include {{p|Gengar}} as the 16th Pokémon silhouette, as opposed to the previous games with only 15 Pokémon silhouettes in the credits.


===Location changes===
===Location changes===
* Obtaining the starters from Red, Green, and Blue is possible through in-game events.
* In some locations, Trainers who reference characters from ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' replace previous Trainers.
** A girl in [[Cerulean City]] will give the player a {{p|Bulbasaur}} if the starter Pikachu's happiness is high.
** On {{rt|6|Kanto}}, a {{tc|Camper|Jr. Trainer♂}} and {{tc|Picnicker|Jr. Trainer♀}} are changed to reference [[Joe (EP009)|Joe]] and [[Giselle]].
** A boy at the north of {{rt|24|Kanto}} gives the player a {{p|Charmander}}.
** On {{rt|9|Kanto}}, a {{tc|Camper|Jr. Trainer♂}} was replaced with a {{tc|Youngster}} to reference [[A.J.]]
** An [[Officer Jenny]] in [[Vermilion City]] will give the player a {{p|Squirtle}} after the {{badge|Thunder}} has been acquired.
* Two extra trainers (a {{tc|Lass}} and another {{tc|Bug Catcher}}) were added in [[Viridian Forest]].
* The Summer Beach House, where [[Pikachu's Beach]] can be played, was added to {{rt|19|Kanto}}.
* In the [[Cinnabar Gym]], the player must now take the quiz machines' quiz before they can battle the Trainer stationed nearby.
* The [[Bicycle]] theme does not play on {{rt|23|Kanto}} and in {{ka|Victory Road}}.
* [[Cerulean Cave]] has a completely different layout.
* Changes were made to the locations and availability of Pokémon.
** Some changes may have been made to reinforce the animation-based setting.
*** {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Raichu}} are removed from all availability in the wild, leaving only the player's partner Pikachu (who cannot evolve).
*** In ''Pokémon the Series'', {{Ash}} catches a {{p|Caterpie}} and a {{p|Pidgeotto}} in [[Viridian Forest]]. In the game, though both {{p|Caterpie}} and {{p|Weedle}} were available in previous games, only Caterpie is now. {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Pidgeotto}} are also both added to Viridian Forest.
*** The player can now also obtain all three of the original [[Kanto first partner Pokémon]] (at [[Cerulean City]], {{rt|24|Kanto}}, and [[Vermilion City]]), just like Ash in ''Pokémon the Series''.
*** The Pokémon that {{TRT}} uses ({{p|Koffing}}, {{p|Ekans}}, {{p|Meowth}}, and their evolutions) are no longer available to be caught in the wild.
** [[In-game trade]]s are changed to different Pokémon, and two trades are removed from the game.
** {{p|Farfetch'd}} and {{p|Lickitung}}, previously available only through in-game trades, now appear as [[wild Pokémon]].
** {{p|Abra}}, previously available on the routes north of [[Cerulean City]], has now been relocated to the four routes surrounding [[Saffron City]].
* A trash can was added between the table and the wall in [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]].
** This forces the player to be located south of the table (instead of going around it) when trying to interact with the {{p|Eevee}} Poké Ball at the start of the game, which triggers the cutscene where {{ga|Blue|the rival}} pushes the player to the side and obtains his first partner instead.


===Gameplay changes===
===Gameplay changes===
* {{p|Pikachu}} is the only [[starter Pokémon]] the player can have, and [[walking Pokémon|travels with the player]] on-screen, outside of a [[Poké Ball]] like {{OP|Ash|Pikachu}}. The {{ga|Blue|rival}} starts with {{p|Eevee}}, and the three normal [[Kanto]] starters can be obtained later in the game. No other wild Pikachu can be found in the game.
* {{p|Pikachu}} is the only [[first partner Pokémon]] the {{player}} can receive, and it [[Walking Pokémon|travels with the player]] on-screen, outside of a [[Poké Ball]], like [[Ash's Pikachu]]. It will also [[cry]] like Ash's Pikachu in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', with its cries now [[Voice acting in the Pokémon games|voiced]] by [[Ikue Otani]].
** The [[cry]] of the starter Pikachu, or any Pikachu with the same OT and ID of the player for that matter, is changed to "Pika!" in battle, or "Pikachu" on the status screen, instead of the original {{p|Pikachu}} cry.
** This Pikachu cannot be [[Evolution|evolved]] or {{pkmn2|released}}.
** The rival will eventually [[Evolution|evolve]] his Eevee (and thus affect which are the other members of his party) depending on the player's actions early in the game.
* The {{ga|Blue|rival}} starts with {{p|Eevee}}. He will eventually have a different team based around one of Eevee's evolutions depending on how the player fares in the first two battles with the rival (the second being optional), at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] and {{rt|22|Kanto}}.
*** If the player beats the rival at both Oak's Lab and the early optional battle at {{rt|22|Kanto}}, Eevee evolves into {{p|Jolteon}}.
** If the player wins both, Eevee evolves into {{p|Jolteon}}.
*** If the player loses one of these two battles or passes up the Route 22 battle, Eevee evolves into {{p|Flareon}}.
** If the player wins at the lab and loses or skips at Route 22, Eevee evolves into {{p|Flareon}}.
*** If the player loses at Oak's Lab, and loses or passes up the Route 22 battle, Eevee evolves into {{p|Vaporeon}}.
** If the player loses at the lab, Eevee evolves into {{p|Vaporeon}}.
* [[List of in-game trades|In-game trades]] are changed to different Pokémon.
* A minimal [[friendship]] system is implemented to track how Pikachu feels about the player.
* [[Gym Leader]]s have different teams and movesets, some based on those that appear in ''Pokémon the Series''.
* [[Level]]-up learnsets and [[TM]] compatibility are altered slightly for certain Pokémon. {{p|Charizard}}, for example, can now learn {{m|Fly}} via [[HM02]].
* [[Level]]-up learnsets and [[TM]] compatibility are altered slightly for certain Pokémon. {{p|Charizard}}, for example, can now learn {{m|Fly}} via [[HM02]].
* A minimal [[happiness]] system is implemented to track how Pikachu feels about the player, and Pikachu will refuse to evolve.
* Support is added for the [[Game Boy Printer]].
* [[Gym Leader]]s have different teams, some based on those that appear in the anime.
* If the player does not have {{PDollar}}500, they can still enter the {{safari|Kanto}}. The player will have to pay any money they do have and will receive a number of [[Safari Ball]]s proportional to the amount paid (but at least one).
* Enhanced compatibility with the [[Game Boy Color]] is present outside of Japan, providing color palette changes as the player switches locations. The ability to print out Pokédex entries using the [[Game Boy Printer]] was also implemented.
* {{m|Kinesis}} is given to {{p|Kadabra}} as its [[signature move]]. In the previous games, {{m|Kinesis}} was never used and the only way it might appear would be if randomly called by {{m|Metronome}}.
* Several [[glitch]]es were disabled, and all [[glitch Pokémon]] were altered because the data which was read incorrectly to create them had changed.
* A new mode, "Colosseum 2", was added to the {{DL|Pokémon Center|Generation I|Cable Club}}.
* A {{m|Surf}}ing Pikachu minigame, [[Pikachu's Beach]], is included. However, to play this the player will have to first teach {{p|Pikachu}} {{m|Surf}}, which requires the use of {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}.
* The [[Viridian City]] [[Poké Mart]] now sells [[Potion]]s. The NPC complaining about Potions not being sold in Pokémon Red and Blue now states that the Mart finally sells Potions again.
* The location and availability of some wild Pokémon allows the player to experience the game in a manner similar to the Pokémon television series.  
* In-game opponents have altered movesets where their Pokémon may use moves that aren’t exclusively learned by level-up unlike the opponent movesets encountered in Pokémon, Red, Blue and Green.
** In the TV series, Ash catches a {{p|Caterpie}} and a {{p|Pidgeotto}} in [[Viridian Forest]]. In this game, Caterpie (but not {{p|Weedle}}) and Pidgeotto are both available in Viridian Forest for the player to catch. This is the only instance in [[Generation I]] where a Pidgeotto can be caught at a level earlier than {{p|Pidgey}} would evolve into it.
** The Pokémon that Team Rocket use ({{p|Koffing}}, {{p|Ekans}}, {{p|Meowth}} and their evolutions) are not available to be caught in the wild. It would be unlikely that Ash would catch these Pokémon in the TV series as they are the primary antagonists.  
** Wild Pikachu and {{p|Raichu}} are not available in this game, as Pikachu is the character's starter Pokémon (furthermore, it is unlikely that Ash Ketchum would catch another Pikachu or a Raichu).


===Storyline changes===
===Storyline changes===
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] appear and are involved in [[Team Rocket]]'s scheme, and typically appear before the player battles [[Giovanni]]. They also replace the three Team Rocket members in the [[Pokémon Tower]] that hold [[Mr. Fuji]] hostage as well as two {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}}s: one close to the exit of [[Mt. Moon]] and the other one near the entrance to the President's room at [[Silph Co.]] Curiously, they are never referred to by their individual names and share their [[Trainer class]] with any other Team Rocket Grunt.
* The chain of events leading to the player obtaining their first partner Pokémon is slightly different:
** The player now takes one step further into the [[tall grass]] before [[Professor Oak]] comes along. Now himself standing in the tall grass, Oak encounters a wild Pikachu and immediately catches it before leading the player back to his laboratory.
** Instead of giving the player and {{ga|Blue}} the choice between {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}, Professor Oak tells the player to take the single [[Poké Ball]] on his desk, containing {{p|Eevee}}, but Blue shoves the player out of the way and takes the Poké Ball instead. Oak then gives the player the only Pokémon he has on hand: the Pikachu he has caught before, which, after the first battle against Blue, immediately breaks free from its Poké Ball and follows the player on foot from this point onward.
* The {{ka|old man}} in [[Viridian City]] now must be spoken to before going to [[Viridian Forest]]. He attempts to demonstrate how to catch a Pokémon, fails and leaves to get more Poké Balls from the Viridian [[Poké Mart]]. The player can visit the Poké Mart to ask him to repeat the tutorial.
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] appear throughout the game, replacing Grunts from the previous games in four different places. They are involved in [[Team Rocket]]'s scheme and are typically found before a battle with [[Giovanni]]. Though they are named "Rocket" like any {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}}, they have distinct overworld and in-battle sprites.


===Pokémon unobtainable in Yellow===
===[[Version-exclusive Pokémon|Missing Pokémon]]===
The following Pokémon are not obtainable in Pokémon Yellow. In order to obtain any of the below Pokémon, they must be traded from one of the paired versions of [[Generation I]], or from [[Generation II]], which has that Pokémon available, which will be indicated.
The following Pokémon are not obtainable in Yellow. In order to obtain any of the below Pokémon, they must be traded from one of the previous [[Generation I]] games, or from the [[Generation II]] games, which has that Pokémon available, which will be indicated.


Note that "'''{{color|{{green color}}|G}}'''" indicates a Pokémon that can be caught in the [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Japanese Green]], and thus in the [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|English Blue]] as well. "'''{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''" indicates a Pokémon obtainable in the [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Japanese Blue]].
Note that "'''{{color|{{green color}}|G}}'''" indicates a Pokémon that can be caught in the {{game|Red and Green|s|Japanese Green}}, and thus in the {{game|Red and Blue|s|Western Blue}} as well. "'''{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''" indicates a Pokémon obtainable in the {{game|Blue| (Japanese)|Japanese Blue}}.


{| align="center" style="background: #{{yellow color}}; {{roundy|1em}}; border: 5px solid #{{yellow color light}};"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background:#{{yellow color}}; border:5px solid #{{yellow color light}}"
|-
|-
! Yellow
! Yellow
|- align="center"
|-
|
|
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #{{yellow color}}; border-collapse: collapse; background: white; margin: auto;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{| border="1" style="background:white; border:1px solid #{{yellow color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- align="center"
|-
{{Moveentry|013|Weedle|2|Bug|Poison|'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|013|Weedle|2|Bug|Poison|{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|014|Kakuna|2|Bug|Poison|'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|014|Kakuna|2|Bug|Poison|{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|015|Beedrill|2|Bug|Poison|'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|015|Beedrill|2|Bug|Poison|{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|023|Ekans|1|Poison||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|023|Ekans|1|Poison||{{Gameabbrev1|R}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|024|Arbok|1|Poison||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|024|Arbok|1|Poison||{{Gameabbrev1|R}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|026|Raichu|1|Electric||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|026|Raichu|1|Electric||{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|052|Meowth|1|Normal||'''{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|052|Meowth|1|Normal||{{Gameabbrev1|JG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|053|Persian|1|Normal||'''{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|053|Persian|1|Normal||{{Gameabbrev1|JG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|109|Koffing|1|Poison||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|109|Koffing|1|Poison||{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|110|Weezing|1|Poison||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|110|Weezing|1|Poison||{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|124|Jynx|2|Ice|Psychic|'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}{{color|{{green color}}|G}}{{color|{{blue color}}|B}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|124|Jynx|2|Ice|Psychic|{{Gameabbrev1|RG}}{{Gameabbrev1|JB}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|125|Electabuzz|1|Electric||'''{{color|{{red color}}|R}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|125|Electabuzz|1|Electric||{{Gameabbrev1|R}}|gen=1}}
{{Moveentry|126|Magmar|1|Fire||'''{{color|{{green color}}|G}}'''}}
{{Moveentry|126|Magmar|1|Fire||{{Gameabbrev1|JG}}|gen=1}}
|}
|}
|}
|}


==Plot==
==Connectivity==
Unlike other games, Yellow was inspired by the {{pkmn|anime}}, and thus, instead of having a choice between {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}, players are forced to start off with a {{p|Pikachu}} that [[Professor Oak]] caught on {{rt|1|Kanto}}. With the {{ga|Blue|rival}} beginning with an {{p|Eevee}}, the player now journeys from Pallet to go through an all-new experience&mdash;with no {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, or {{type2|Water}}s to fall back on until each member of the Kanto starter trio is given to the player later on, about a quarter of the way through the game.
Players may [[trade]] Pokémon between two cartridges or battle with another cartridge using a [[Game Boy]] [[Game Link Cable]]. To take full advantage of this feature, several Pokémon are exclusive to other Generation I games and others require trading to evolve, making trading necessary to complete the [[Pokédex]]. The Japanese version can trade and battle with Japanese versions of {{game|Red and Green|s|Pokémon Red, Green}}, {{v2|Blue| (Japanese)}}, and Yellow; the Western versions can trade and battle with Western versions of {{game|Red and Blue|s|Pokémon Red, Blue}}, and Yellow. It can also trade with {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} via the [[Time Capsule]]. Pokémon Yellow is completely incompatible with games from [[Generation III]] onward.
 
Trades between Pokémon games in different languages are possible; however, a Japanese game cannot connect with a non-Japanese game without causing corruption. This is due to the fact that the games cannot automatically translate the Pokémon data from Japanese to a different language or vice versa, since neither game fully {{OBP|Character encoding|Generation I|encodes}} both {{wp|kana}} and the {{wp|Latin alphabet}} (only encoding one fully and the other partially). If a battle between a Japanese game and a non-Japanese game is attempted, the battle simply does not work, with the save files left unharmed.
 
Pokémon Yellow is compatible with the Japan-exclusive {{jpn|Pokémon Stadium}}, Western {{pkmn|Stadium}}, and {{pkmn|Stadium 2}}. While link battles are not possible directly between Pokémon Yellow and the Generation II games, a player may challenge a Generation II game using Pokémon Stadium 2.
 
Pokémon Yellow is also compatible with the [[Game Boy Printer]]. It is possible to print Pokédex entries, the [[Diploma]], [[Pokémon Storage System]] Boxes, [[Party]] Pokémon, and the [[Pikachu's Beach]] high score.
 
===Colosseum 2===
Yellow debuted a new link battle mode, Colosseum 2. In Colosseum 2, players can select from several battle modes:
* [[Pika Cup]] (for Pokémon between [[level]]s 15 to 20 only; their combined level limit is 50)
* [[Petit Cup]] (for Pokémon between levels 25 to 30, with a height no more than 6'07" (2&nbsp;m), and weight no more than 44.1&nbsp;lbs. (20&nbsp;kg) only)
* [[Poké Cup]] (for Pokémon between levels 50 to 55 only, and the sum of all entered Pokémon's Levels cannot exceed 155; {{p|Mew}} is not allowed).
These three cups would later become standard cups in [[Pokémon Stadium]] (known as Pokémon Stadium 2 in Japan).
 
In addition, in the Japanese versions, {{m|Blizzard}}'s chance to {{status|freeze}} in Colosseum 2 is changed to 10% rather than the usual 30%. Blizzard's chance to freeze is always 10% in the {{g|Stadium series}} and the Western releases of the Generation I games.
 
===Virtual Console===
The [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Virtual Console]] release uses 3DS wireless communication as a substitute for the Game Link Cable. The Virtual Console release disables [[Game Boy Printer]] compatibility. Japanese and non-Japanese Generation I core series games do not recognize each other when attempting to link them via 3DS wireless communication.
 
Using [[Poké Transporter]], all Pokémon in Box 1 can be sent from the Generation I core series games to {{g|Bank}} (regardless of language), and from Pokémon Bank, they can then be moved to [[Generation VII]] core series games.
 
==Localization changes==
* In the [[player's house|player's bedroom]], the video game console is a Super Famicom in the Japanese Yellow (unlike the Famicom in earlier Japanese games). This video game is a [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] in the localizations of all Generation I games.
* In the [[Celadon Department Store]] 4F, there is a male [[non-player character|NPC]] planning to give a [[Poké Doll]] to {{OBP|Copycat|character}}. In the Japanese, French, and Italian versions, he correctly mentions that Copycat lives in [[Saffron City]]. However, due to a localization error in the English and Spanish versions, he incorrectly says that she lives in [[Cerulean City]]. In the German version, he does not mention where she lives.
 
===Color palettes===
* Much like the earlier games {{game|Red and Blue|s}} (in all languages), the Japanese version of Pokémon Yellow has a single set of [[Color palette (Generations I–II)|color palettes]] which is compatible with [[Super Nintendo]]'s [[Super Game Boy]] and [[Super Game Boy 2]], as well as the [[Game Boy Tower]] from the [[Pokémon Stadium series]]. There are a number of external color options when played on the [[Game Boy Color]]. The Japanese Yellow is monochromatic when played on other systems such as the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo Game Cube]]'s [[Game Boy Player]], or [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]].
** The international versions of Pokémon Yellow have two separate sets of color palettes: the previously mentioned one from the Japanese version, as well as another set of brighter color palettes which is compatible with the [[Game Boy Color]], [[Game Boy Tower]] from the [[Pokémon Stadium series]] (which does not use the SNES palette for the international Yellow), [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo GameCube]] with [[Game Boy Player]], and [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]].
[[File:YellowTitle GBC unused.png|thumb|The Game Boy Color mode's yellow palette]]
* In Japanese Yellow on [[Game Boy Color]] mode, the game uses a yellow palette similarly to how Red, Green, and Blue use their respective red, green, and blue palettes. In Western Yellow, Game Boy Color mode instead uses the [[Super Game Boy]] palettes but with more saturated colors. The yellow palette from Japanese Yellow is used by Western Yellow in certain situations like [[Pikachu's Beach]] hi-score screen and it can be reinstated completely by modifying the ROM.
* The change to the color of {{p|Jynx}}'s sprites mentioned below only affects the localized version of Pokémon Yellow, since this game is monochromatic in the Japanese version of the Virtual Console.
 
===Localization changes shared by Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow===
{{main|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|section=Localization changes shared by Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow}}
 
==Differences in the Virtual Console release==
{| style="{{roundy|20px}}; float:right; text-align:center; border: 2px solid #{{yellow color dark}}; background: #{{yellow color}}"
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}}; border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{ice color}}; width:80px; padding:5px"|
[[File:Spr 1y 124.png]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}}; border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{ice color}}; width:80px; padding:5px"|
[[File:Spr 1y 124 vc.png]]
|- style="font-size: 80%"
| {{pcolor|Jynx|000}}'s original sprite<br>(GBC mode)
| {{pcolor|Jynx|000}}'s recolored<br>Virtual Console sprite
|}
The Nintendo 3DS [[Virtual Console]] releases can [[#Connectivity|link]] with other Virtual Console Generation I and II core series games via Nintendo 3DS wireless communication, simulating the [[Game Link Cable]]. When initiating a link, the Virtual Console menu on the touch screen replaces the Cable Club attendant's dialogue. Additionally, all of the [[Game Boy Printer]] features are disabled, although the option still appears in the PC menu: when selected, the game acts as if the printing is in progress, even though, in reality, nothing is happening.
 
Using [[Poké Transporter]], Pokémon can be sent from the Generation I core series games to {{g|Bank}}, and from Pokémon Bank, they can then be moved to [[Generation VII]] core series games.
 
The moves {{m|Blizzard}}, {{m|Bubble Beam|BubbleBeam}}, {{m|Confusion}}, {{m|Dream Eater}}, {{m|Explosion}}, {{m|Guillotine}}, {{m|Hyper Beam}}, {{m|Mega Kick}}, {{m|Mega Punch}}, {{m|Psychic}}, {{m|Reflect}}, {{m|Rock Slide}}, {{m|Self-Destruct|Selfdestruct}}, {{m|Spore}}, and {{m|Thunderbolt}} had their animations changed slightly to tone down the flashing.
 
In the Western language releases, which are emulated in [[Game Boy Color]] mode, {{p|Jynx}}'s battle sprites have been recolored to align with its modern design, recoloring Jynx's black skin to purple. Jynx's original design had previously been subject to {{pkmn|controversy}} due to its resemblance to racial stereotypes of African-Americans. The Japanese release is emulated in [[Game Boy]] mode—which is monochromatic—so no change was made.
 
The requirement for the [[Pikachu's Beach]] minigame is now the {{OBP|Pikachu|Yellow}} received at the beginning of the game instead of [[Surfing Pikachu]].
 
==Differences from ''Pokémon the Series''==
The game is loosely based on the [[original series]] of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', but has several differences:
* [[Brock]] does not surrender during the [[Pewter Gym]] battle and does not accompany the {{player}} thereafter.
* [[Misty]] is first encountered in the [[Cerulean Gym]]. In ''Pokémon the Series'', she had left the Gym when {{Ash}} met her (the Gym was run by the [[Sensational Sisters]]). She also does not accompany the player on their journey in the game.
* {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}} are acquired from tasks. In ''Pokémon the Series'', {{AP|Bulbasaur}} was caught in a formal battle, {{AP|Charmander}} was rescued from heavy rain, and {{AP|Squirtle}} simply followed Ash.
* {{MTR}} can use {{m|Pay Day}} and does not speak in the game.
 
==English title==
[[File:Pokemon Yellow cartridge.png|thumb|200px|An American version game cartridge of Yellow]]
While the game's title has become widely accepted as simply ''Pokémon Yellow'', its officially recognized name outside of Japan is not entirely certain. On the boxart for most English versions, the expression ''Special Pikachu Edition'' replaces the series' then-current slogan ''[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]'' below the Pokémon logo, while ''Yellow Version'' is at the bottom, near where Red and Blue had theirs. However, the expression ''Special Pikachu Edition'' is repeated on the box's opening and spine.
 
Contemporaneous materials refer to the game as ''Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition'',<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000621205847/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/100499.html PHENOMENON CONTINUES WITH NINTENDO'S POKéMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION™ | Nintendo Press Releases] (archive)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000302052202/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/110199.html NINTENDO'S LATEST POKéMON GAME SMASHES COMPANY SALES RECORD | Nintendo Press Releases] (archive)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19991013114744/http://pokemon.com/games/index.html#yellow Pokémon Games | Pokémon.com] (archive)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19991013020010/http://www.nintendo.com/gb/gamelist.html Game Boy Color: Upcoming Games | Nintendo] (archive)</ref> or ''Pokémon Yellow'' for brevity. The instruction manual refers to the game as "the Yellow version of Pokémon", "Yellow" is one of the selectable preset names for the {{ga|Red|player character}}, and ''Yellow Version'' can be seen on the game's title screen.
 
ESRB classified the game under the title ''Pokémon yellow''.<ref>[https://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=4122&Title=Pokemon+yellow ESRB]</ref> The Australian Classification Board classified the game under the title ''POKEMON YELLOW''.<ref>[http://www.classification.gov.au/Pages/View.aspx?ncdctx=FCkQCm7viLSpoubB2Pl%2bUqk4ywcYhGtIFwZYml92sndTY3DWHTTp5KpY2RCkfmf8 Classification Board]</ref> The {{wp|Canadian Intellectual Property Office}} records the copyright ''POKEMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION''.<ref>[https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/cpyrghts/dtls.do?fileNum=405833&type=1&lang=eng Canadian Copyright Register]</ref>


Much like before, players journey across [[Kanto]] from their hometown of [[Pallet Town|Pallet]], defeating the eight [[Gym Leader]]s ([[Brock]] and [[Misty]] do not join the player, unlike in the anime) and eventually the [[Elite Four]].
[[Pokémon.com]] refers to the game as ''Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition'' in full, but ''Pokémon Yellow Version'' and ''Pokémon Yellow'' in general usage.<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-yellow-special-pikachu-edition/ Pokémon.com - Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition]</ref> ''Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition'' is also the title used in the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afo0sk9VNww Nintendo World Pokémon Series Showcase]. [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]] refers to the game as ''Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition'' in Pikachu's trophy description.


[[Team Rocket]] battles feature yet another special, anime-based surprise, as [[Jessie]] and [[James]] show up, along with their Pokémon, {{TP|Jessie|Ekans}}, {{TP|James|Koffing}}, and {{MTR}}. Beyond these changes, the plot of Yellow is very similar to that of Red, Blue, and Green.
In the Virtual Console release, the game is referred to as ''Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition'' on the Nintendo eShop and in the manual. Like many games, it is abbreviated on the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu, being referred to as ''Pokémon Yellow Version''.


==Blurb==
==Version history==
"You've finally been granted your [[Pokémon Trainer]]'s license, and now you're on your way to becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer! The shockingly-cute {{p|Pikachu}} [[walking Pokémon|tags along]] behind {{Player|you}} as you search the enormous world for monsters to train and evolve. Face off against {{p|Blastoise}}'s torrential water cannons. Stand strong when facing {{p|Pidgeot}}'s stormy {{m|Gust}}. Develop the ultimate Pokémon strategy to defeat the eight [[Gym Leader]]s and become the greatest [[Pokémon Master]] of all time!"
===Japan===
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:left; border: 3px solid #{{yellow color}}; background: #{{yellow color}}"
|- style="text-align:center"
! Version
! Changelog
|- style="background:#FFF"
| style="text-align:center" | 1.0
| Initial release
|- style="background:#FFF"
| style="text-align:center" | 1.1
| Differences in the locations of internal functions, unintentional glitch differences.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| style="text-align:center" | 1.2
| Adjustments to the code in existing routines. It is unknown how this affects the game.
|- style="background:#FFF"
| style="text-align:center" | 1.3
| Fixes [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh4bdbEEvms a minor glitch] in which a [[Walking Pokémon|walking]] {{p|Pikachu}} can remove the walls that can usually only be removed by pushing a boulder on to a switch in [[Victory Road (Kanto)|Victory Road]], except for one wall in 3F. The glitch may occur when the player has the walking Pikachu stand on the switch, rather than pushing the boulder on to the switch.
|}
===International===
Only one known version of each international language version was released.


==Connectivity==
==Development==
As well as reprising the ability to allow players to trade Pokémon between two cartridges via a [[Game Boy]] [[link cable]], Yellow also debuted a new link battle mode, Colosseum 2. While battling another player's Pokémon team had been possible since the release of {{game|Red and Green|s}} two years before Yellow's release, Yellow introduced several regulations in Colosseum 2 mode. Battle modes introduced include the [[Pika Cup]] (for Pokémon between [[level]]s 15 to 20 only; their combined level limit is 50), [[Petit Cup]] (for Pokémon between [[level]]s 15 to 20, heights under 6'8" (2m), and weights less than 44.1 lbs (20 kg) only) and [[Poké Cup]] (for Pokémon between [[level]]s 50 to 55 only, and the sum of all entered Pokémon's levels cannot exceed 155. {{p|Mew}} is not allowed). These three cups would later become standard cups in [[Pokémon Stadium (English)|Pokémon Stadium]].
{{main|Pokémon Yellow beta}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
Like {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, Pokémon Yellow was also well received by the press. Like its predecessors, it received a perfect 10/10 "Masterful" rating from IGN.<ref>[http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/012/012045.html IGN: Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref> However, it was criticized as being "just a stopgap to help us wait for the [[Generation II|real sequels]]".<ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/legacy-game-platforms/pokemon-yellow-game-boy/4505-9882_7-30965879-2.html?tag=txt;page Pokemon Yellow (Game Boy) Legacy game platform reviews - CNET Reviews] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref> Yellow received a slightly lower average score than {{game|Red and Blue|s}} of about 85% on GameRankings. Despite this, it was the site's top rated [[Game Boy]] game in the year of its release, 1999.<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/198314-pokemon-yellow-version-special-pikachu-edition/index.html Pokemon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition for Game Boy] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref>
Like {{2v2|Red|Blue}}, Yellow was also well received by the press. Like its predecessors, it received a perfect 10/10 "Masterful" rating from IGN.<ref>[http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/012/012045.html IGN: Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref> However, it was criticized as being "just a stopgap to help us wait for the {{game|Gold and Silver|s|real sequels}}".<ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/legacy-game-platforms/pokemon-yellow-game-boy/4505-9882_7-30965879-2.html?tag=txt;page Pokemon Yellow (Game Boy) Legacy game platform reviews - CNET Reviews] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref> Yellow received a slightly lower average score than Red and Blue of about 85% on GameRankings. Despite this, it was the site's top rated [[Game Boy]] game in the year of its release, 1999.<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/198314-pokemon-yellow-version-special-pikachu-edition/index.html Pokemon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition for Game Boy] (retrieved December 21, 2009)</ref>
 
==Soundtrack==
{{main|Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD}}
The soundtrack for {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}} and {{game|Red and Blue|s}} also applies to Pokémon Yellow. However, Yellow added three tracks that are absent from the official soundtrack, which precedes the release of Yellow by ten months. These additional tracks were also composed by [[Junichi Masuda]].
 
==Staff==
{{main|Staff of Pokémon Yellow}}
 
==Gallery==
===Title screens===
<gallery>
File:YellowTitle.png|English Title screen (Game Boy Color)
File:Japanese YellowTitle GBC.png|Japanese title screen (Game Boy Color)
File:YellowTitle SGB.png|English title screen (Super Game Boy)
File:Japanese YellowTitle SGB.png|Japanese title screen (Super Game Boy)
File:YellowTitle 3DS VC.png|English title screen (Virtual Console)
</gallery>


==Title==
===Flyers===
[[File:Pokemon Yellow Version.jpg|thumb|200px|The Pokémon Yellow Version game cartridge]]While this game's title has become widely accepted as simply Pokémon Yellow, its officially recognized name is not entirely certain. On the boxart for most English versions, "Special Pikachu Edition" replaces the series' then-current slogan "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]," below the Pokémon logo, while "Yellow Version" is at the bottom, near where Red and Blue had theirs. However, "Special Pikachu Edition" is repeated on the box's opening and spine, while the Japanese title is simply Pocket Monsters Pikachu, with no color specified.
<gallery>
Y flyer front.jpg|Front of Japanese flyer
Y flyer back.jpg|Back of Japanese flyer
</gallery>


Despite this, the instruction manual refers to the game as "the Yellow version of Pokémon", the [[Red (game)|player]] has the option of being called Yellow, following the trends of the other versions, and "Yellow Version" can be seen at the game's title screen.
===Virtual Console icons===
<gallery>
Yellow VC JP icon.png|Japanese Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console icon
Yellow VC icon.png|English Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console icon
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The opening of Pokémon Yellow features the least Pokémon out of all main series games, fittingly showing ''only'' {{p|Pikachu}}.
* The game's Japanese release date of September 12, 1998, was intentionally timed to coincide with the release of a movie, being released two months after [[M01]].<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/ipkj/vol1/index2.html {{j|社長が訊く『ポケットモンスター ハートゴールド・ソウルシルバー』}}]</ref><ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/ds/pokemon/0/1 Iwata Asks : Pokémon HeartGold Version & SoulSilver Version : The King Of Portable Toys]</ref>
* {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, which implemented the [[walking Pokémon]] mechanic that was introduced in this game, were released in Japan exactly 11 years after this game was released in Japan.
** As such, it came out in Japan before the [[Game Boy Color]], which was not released until October 21, 1998.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/color/ {{j|ゲームボーイカラー}}]</ref> This explains the lack of Game Boy Color support in the Japanese versions, with the game using a yellow palette by default when played on a Game Boy Color, [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Game Boy Advance SP]], or [[Game Boy Player]], much like the red, green, and blue palettes respectively used by {{game|Red and Green|s|Pokémon Red, Green,}} and {{v2|Blue| (Japanese)}}.
* Pokémon Yellow is the first [[main series]] Pokémon game to depict two Trainers ([[Jessie]] and [[James]]) in a battle sprite.
** Pokémon Yellow was also announced and released after [[Game Freak]] postponed {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}, which were originally set to come out in March 1998.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n12/swgbsoft/swgb03.html {{j|SPACEWORLD'97 出展 GAME BOYソフト}}]</ref> Instead, [[Pokémon Pikachu]] came out that month.
* Pokémon Yellow is the only Generation I game in Japanese where a message describing the current progress of a save in course appears, unlike the international versions, where such behavior is present in all games of the generation.
** The special Pikachu Yellow model of the [[Game Boy Printer]] was also exclusively released in Japan on September 12, 1998.<ref>[http://maru-chang.com/hard/gb/ {{j|DMG/MGB/CGB: ゲームボーイ}}]</ref><ref>[http://www.geocities.jp/hagane0772/rekisi.html {{j|ポケモンの歴史}}]</ref>
* Pokémon Yellow is the first game to allow the player to walk into the grass without any Pokémon, though [[Professor Oak|Prof. Oak]] intervenes after taking two steps into the grass; the second is [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl]].
* {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, which re-implemented the [[walking Pokémon]] mechanic that was introduced in Yellow, were released in Japan exactly 11 years after Yellow was released in Japan.
* If a player uses [[Cheating|cheats]] to obtain another Pikachu and releases the one they started with, the new Pikachu will continue to follow the player as if it were the original. In addition, the new Pikachu will refuse to evolve into {{p|Raichu}}. This shows that the game recognizes any Pikachu whose [[original Trainer]] is the current player as the {{pkmn2|starter}} (this is normally fine, as no other Pikachu can be obtained in the game without trading). If one of the new Pikachu is released, the "active" Pikachu will have a disappointed expression for a limited time.
* The two available first partner Pokémon of this game, {{p|Pikachu}} ({{ga|Red|player}}) and {{p|Eevee}} ({{ga|Blue|rival}}), are the only Pokémon introduced prior to [[Generation V]] to evolve with a [[Thunder Stone]].
* What determines a '[[starter Pokémon|starter Pikachu]]' is actually whether it has the same [[Original Trainer|OT]] and [[Trainer ID number]] of the player. If it doesn't, it will not follow the player around and can be evolved using a [[Thunderstone]].
* [[Junichi Masuda]] details the modification of [[Ikue Otani]]'s [[Voice acting in the Pokémon games|voice]] to a sound capable of being made by the low-tech [[Game Boy]] in his [https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/2008/02/index.html Director's Column]. However, this change is exclusive to this one specimen and not the entire species, as other Pikachu (i.e. those that don't have the player's [[Original Trainer]] ID and name) use the original cry.
** Consequently, a traded Pikachu with the same [[OT]] and [[Trainer ID number]] of the player will follow the [[player character]] around like a starter Pikachu even if it wasn't originally received from [[Professor Oak]].  
* Prior to the Virtual Console release announcement, [[Pokémon.com]] listed Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow with a PEGI rating of 3.<ref>[http://archive.is/8EFqK Pokémon™ Yellow Special Pikachu Edition | Video Games | Pokemon.com] (archive)</ref>
* The two available starter Pokémon of this game, {{p|Pikachu}} (player) and {{p|Eevee}} ([[rival]]), are the only Pokémon introduced prior to [[Generation V]] to evolve with a [[Thunderstone]].
* The box arts for {{game|Red and Blue|s|Pokémon Red}}, Yellow, and {{game|Gold and Silver|s|Silver}} are the only three instances where the English ''Pokémon'' logo is shown partially covered by some element (in this case, Pikachu's ears).
* This is the only game in [[Generation I]] where {{p|Lickitung}} and {{p|Farfetch'd}} can be caught in the wild; in Red, Green, and Blue these Pokémon are only available by means of an [[list of in-game trades|in-game trade]].
* Yellow Special Pikachu Edition has the longest name of all core series titles, including symbols and spaces, with 30.
* This is the only game released before Generation III to lack the [[Gotta catch 'em all!|slogan]] below the Pokémon logo.
* According to a FAQ page that was available in February 1999 on [[Pokémon.com]], there were no plans to release an American version of Pokémon Yellow (mentioned as the "Pikachu" version), as well as any other Pokémon games that had only been released in Japanese at the time.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19990221021626/http://www.pokemon.com/games/faq.html</ref>
 
* The Poké Cup format is based on the Nintendo Cup '97, a real life event that took place in Japan that year and which was the first tournament in Pokémon history.
==Comparison to anime==
* If the player attempts to use a Thunder Stone on their Pikachu, it'll refuse. Talking to Pikachu afterwards will cause it to shake its head. Traded Pikachu are unaffected by this.
* The Japanese version of {{g|Pinball}} uses the {{pin|Pokédex}} entries from Pokémon Yellow. However, Pokémon Pinball was released in English before Pokémon Yellow. The English version of Pokémon Pinball uses the Pokédex entries shared by {{game|Red and Blue|s}} instead.
* The majority of Pokémon unavailable for capture in Pokémon Yellow have either been caught (albeit given away) or temporarily commanded by {{Ash}} in later seasons of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.
** Ash catches a {{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}, but gives it to {{an|Casey}}.
** In ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} catches an Ekans for the [[Pokémon Catch Race]]. However, Ash had to release it as per the race’s rules.
** In ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]'', Ash commands an {{p|Arbok}}, {{p|Weezing}}, and {{p|Meowth}} when he took the [[Pokémon League Admissions Exam]].
** Ash temporarily cares for a {{p|Raichu}} as part of [[Pokémon Summer Academy]].


The game is loosely based on the original anime series, but has several differences.
===Unique content===
In the [[core series]], this is the only game with these characteristics:
* It was the second "upper version" game in the same [[generation]] (in Japan, after {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Pokémon Blue}}).
* It has a single [[walking Pokémon]].
* This is the only game with these [[friendship]]-based qualities:
** There is a single Pokémon with the friendship mechanic available.
** Depositing a Pokémon in the {{pkmn|Storage System}} causes it to lose some friendship.
** There are no available friendship-based evolutions even though the friendship mechanic is present.
* There are two different types of [[cry|cries]] available for the same species depending on whether the player is the Pokémon's [[Original Trainer|OT]] (the partner Pikachu has a vocalized cry like in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', while a non-OT Pikachu still has a chiptune noise cry like in earlier games).
* The entire trio of first partner Pokémon introduced in the game's own [[generation]] can be obtained without trades, transfers, or events.
* The [[rival]] is seen preventing the player from obtaining a Pokémon (the first partner {{p|Eevee}} in the cutscene at the start of the game).
* The rival's first partner Pokémon is able to evolve, but not the player's first partner Pokémon.
* The rival's team is influenced by whether he has won or lost earlier battles against the player.
* Out of all localized games, this is the only one where no [[item]] was introduced.
** In Japanese, this applies to both {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Pokémon Blue}} and Yellow.


*Brock does not surrender during the Pewter Gym battle, and does not accompany the player thereafter.
===Introduced content===
*Misty is first encountered in the Cerulean Gym. In the anime, she had left the Gym when Ash met her.
In the core series, this was the first game with these characteristics:
*Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are acquired from tasks. In the anime, Charmander is rescued from heavy rain, Squirtle merely follows Ash, and Bulbasaur was caught.
* It is heavily influenced by ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. This carries over into its remakes, {{LGPE}}.
*Meowth can use {{m|Pay Day}} and does not speak in the game.
* A Pokémon species is part of the Japanese title. This is also the case in the remakes.
*Bulbasaur and Squirtle are able to evolve in the game.
* This was the first localized game whose boxart lacks the [[Gotta catch 'em all!|slogan]] below the Pokémon logo, although this slogan was reused in [[Generation II]] before it was dropped from the game boxarts altogether in [[Generation III]].
* Characters introduced in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' appear in-game. This includes the [[Team Rocket trio]], [[Nurse Joy]], and [[Officer Jenny]].
* {{p|Farfetch'd}} can be caught in the wild, instead of only from [[in-game trade]]s like in earlier games.
* The [[game intro|intro]] cutscenes only feature a single Pokémon species ({{p|Pikachu}} in this case).
* The intro cutscenes do not feature any human character.
* It has a Pokémon whose [[cry]] was influenced by the vocalizations used in animation instead of using a chiptune noise.
** This was also the first game to have a single available Pokémon species with this kind of cry, which was also the case later for Pikachu in [[Pokémon X and Y]].
* It has a single [[first partner Pokémon]] available for the player.
* The player's first partner Pokémon is unable to evolve. This is also the case in the remakes.
* A Pokémon is unable to evolve even though the current game is compatible with the evolved form.
** In later games, this was also the case with other Pokémon such as [[Spiky-eared Pichu]]{{sup/4|HGSS}} and [[Cosplay Pikachu]]{{sup/6|ORAS}}.
* The first partner Pokémon for the player and the rival have no [[type]] advantage against each other before evolving (although this changes if the rival's first partner Pokémon evolves into {{p|Vaporeon}}).
* An entire trio of first partner Pokémon is obtainable in a single saved game with no trades, transfers, or events.
* A Pokémon may be available (in this case, {{p|Bulbasaur}}) depending on the friendship value of a Pokémon owned by the player.
** This was also the case for the [[lake guardians]] in the [[Nameless Cavern]] from [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]].
* Even though the [[friendship]] mechanic is present, there are no usable moves involving this mechanic.
** This is also the case with later games from [[Generation VIII]] onwards.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{Yellow color}}|bordercolor={{Yellow color light}}
{{langtable|color={{Yellow color}}|bordercolor={{Yellow color light}}
|ja=ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
|ja={{tt|ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ|Pocket Monsters Pikachu}}
|fr_eu=Pokémon Version Jaune
|fr=Pokémon Version Jaune: Edition Spéciale Pikachu
|de=Pokémon Gelbe Edition
|de=Pokémon Gelbe Edition: Special Pikachu Edition
|it=Pokémon Versione Gialla
|it=Pokémon Versione Gialla: Speciale Edizione Pikachu
|es_eu=Pokémon Edición Amarilla}}
|ko={{tt|포켓몬스터 피카츄|Pocket Monsters Pikachu}}
|pt_br=Pokémon Versão Amarela: Edição Especial Pikachu
|es=Pokémon Edición Amarilla: Edición Especial Pikachu
}}
 
==See also==
* {{appendix|Yellow walkthrough}}
 
==External links==
* [https://miiverse.nintendo.net/titles/6437256808907399718/6437256808907399721 Miiverse - Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow Version Community]


==References==
==References==
<references/>
{{reflist}}
 
{{Core series}}


{{Main series}}
{{Project Games notice}}
{{Project Games notice}}
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Pokémon Yellow|*]]
[[Category:Pokémon Yellow|*]]
[[Category:Third versions]]
[[Category:Upper versions]]
 
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[pt:Pokémon Yellow]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]


[[de:Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition]]
[[de:Pokémon Gelbe Edition: Special Pikachu Edition]]
[[es:Pokémon Edición Amarilla]]
[[es:Pokémon Amarillo]]
[[fr:Pokémon Jaune]]
[[fr:Pokémon Version Jaune]]
[[it:Pokémon Giallo]]
[[it:Pokémon Giallo]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ]]
[[pl:Pokémon Yellow]]
[[zh:寶可夢 皮卡丘]]

Latest revision as of 07:13, 17 August 2024

Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition
ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
Yellow EN boxart.png
Pokémon Yellow Version's boxart, depicting Pikachu.
Basic info
Platform: Game Boy (enhanced for the Super Game Boy in all releases and for the Game Boy Color outside of Japan), Nintendo 3DS (Virtual Console)
Category: RPG
Players: 2 players simultaneous
Connectivity: Game Link Cable (Game Boy)
3DS Wireless (3DS Virtual Console)
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Part of: Generation I core series
Ratings
CERO: A (3DS VC)
ESRB: E
ACB: G (Game Boy)
PG (3DS VC)
OFLC: G8+
PEGI: 12
GRAC: N/A
GSRR: 6+ (3DS VC)
Release dates
Japan: September 12, 1998 (Game Boy)[1][2]
February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
North America: October 18, 1999 (Game Boy)[3][4]
February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
Australia: September 3, 1999 (Game Boy)[5]
February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
Europe: June 16, 2000 (Game Boy)[6][7]
February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
South Korea: N/A
Hong Kong: February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
Taiwan: February 27, 2016 (3DS VC)
Websites
Japanese: The Pokémon Company (Game Boy)
The Pokémon Company (Virtual Console)
Nintendo (Game Boy)
Nintendo (Virtual Console)
English: The Pokémon Company International (Game Boy & Virtual Console)
Nintendo (Game Boy, needs Flash Player)
Nintendo (Virtual Console)
Japanese boxart
Yellow JP boxart.png
Boxart of Pocket Monsters: Pikachu
StrategyWiki
StrategyWiki has more about this subject:

Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ Pocket Monsters Pikachu), often known as Pokémon Yellow Version, is the third Pokémon game for Game Boy released worldwide, as a solitary version of Pokémon Red and Blue Versions. In Japan, the game was the fourth Pokémon game released, as a second solitary version of Pokémon Red and Green. Unlike other games, Pokémon Yellow was inspired by the Pokémon anime.

Similar to Red and Blue, Yellow arrived towards the end of the Game Boy's lifespan. It managed, though, to receive the title of second best-selling non-bundled game for its console, losing only to its predecessors.

The game was available on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console between the Pokémon 20th Anniversary on February 27, 2016 and the discontinuation of the 3DS Nintendo eShop on March 27, 2023.

Generation VII remakes, titled Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, were released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch in November 2018, in celebration of Yellow's 20th anniversary in Japan.

Plot

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

The plot of Yellow is very similar to that of the Japanese Red and Green and Japanese Blue as well as of the Western Red and Blue: the player (canonically known as Red) begins his game in Pallet Town, a small town in the Kanto region, on the same day as his former best friend and now rival.

While looking for Professor Oak who had called both of them to his laboratory, the player tries to leave town, only for Oak to catch up to him two steps into Route 1's grassy path. Warning the player about the dangers of walking in tall grass without a Pokémon, Oak himself encounters a wild Pikachu and manages to catch it, before leading the player to his laboratory, where he allows the player to take the single Poké Ball containing an Eevee from the desk near him. The rival quickly gets jealous, shoves the player out of his way and takes the Pokémon for himself. With no other options, Oak gives player the freshly caught Pikachu, after which the rival challenges the player to a battle.

After the battle, Oak allows the two new Trainers to leave for their journey across Kanto. Right after the rival leaves, the player's Pikachu breaks out of his Poké Ball and starts following the player on foot. Stopping in Viridian City's Poké Mart, the player will find that a package has come in for the professor, and the clerk asks that it be delivered to him. After this has been completed the professor gives one Pokédex to the player and one to the rival, and sends them on their way. Viridian City has a Gym; however, it is locked.

From here, the player has his first encounter with other Trainers, on Route 2 and in Viridian Forest, and his first encounter with a Gym Leader: Brock the Rock-type Gym Leader of Pewter City. After his defeat, journeying along Route 3 and through Mt. Moon brings the player face to face with the regional villainous team, Team Rocket, who are attempting to extract rare Fossils from the cave. Their defeat allows the player to continue through the cave and obtain the Dome Fossil or Helix Fossil which can be regenerated into Kabuto and Omanyte. Before the player leaves the cave, he is ambushed by two Team Rocket grunts (unnamed in this game but known as Jessie and James in Pokémon the Series), who try to take the fossil back. Continuing onto Route 4, the player finds himself in Cerulean City, where another Gym is. This one, however, is run by Misty, and specializes in Water-type Pokémon. To the north, as well, there are two routes leading up to Bill's cottage. On the way, the player is confronted with a trainer who tries to persuade him to join Team Rocket. When the player reaches Bill's cottage and frees him of his transformation into a Pokémon, he will give the player a ticket for the S.S. Anne, a luxury ship moored in Vermilion Harbor and filled with Trainers. Taking a shortcut through a house burglarized by Team Rocket, the player finally arrives at Route 5.

After traveling down Routes 5 and 6, using the Underground Path to bypass Saffron City, the player finally arrives in Vermilion. This city is home to another Pokémon Gym; however, the way to it is blocked by a small tree. The only thing to do is to show the ticket to the Sailor guarding the harbor, allowing entry into the S.S. Anne. It is here, after assisting the captain with his seasickness, that the player will obtain the first of the five Hidden Machines available in the game, containing Cut. With this, and the Cascade Badge, the tree blocking the way to Vermilion Gym can be easily cut through, and Lt. Surge, a Gym Leader specializing in Electric-types, can be challenged. From here, Route 11 beckons, as does Diglett's Cave, through which is the only way to get back to Route 2, and a second HM, containing Flash held by one of Professor Oak's aides on Route 2. The player takes a brief detour to Pewter City's museum's back entrance which was previously blocked due to a Cut-able tree, which can now easily be bypassed. The player obtains the Old Amber in the museum. Heading back to Diglett's Cave, and to Vermilion, the player must go to Cerulean and to the east, onto Route 9 and towards the Rock Tunnel.

Rock Tunnel, a still undeveloped natural tunnel between the sections of Route 10, is pitch black inside; for this reason, Flash is recommended, but not required, for navigation of it. Finally reaching Lavender Town, the only town in Kanto without a Pokémon Gym besides Pallet, there is not much to do; the local Pokémon Tower is haunted. From here, Route 8 leads to Saffron City, but it again must be bypassed by way of another Underground Path, which has its other entrance on Route 7, on the west side of Saffron. Celadon City, the home of the fourth Gym which specializes in Grass-type Pokémon, is just a short walk further. Like the Vermilion Gym, the Celadon Gym also has a small tree blocking the way to its entrance, and an old man outside.

The Rocket Game Corner in Celadon is not what it appears to be. In fact, the Game Corner itself is merely the above-ground portion of a sprawling underground complex: the Rocket Hideout. The player runs into Jessie and James for a second time and then meets the Team Rocket boss, Giovanni, who after his defeat flees, leaving behind a Silph Scope. A Silph Scope is required to fully navigate the Pokémon Tower inside of Lavender Town that the player encountered earlier.

After this, the Pokémon Tower can be navigated, and the ghosts haunting it are revealed to be Gastly and Haunter. In front of the stairs to the final floor, blocking the way, is also a final spirit, that of a deceased Marowak that was killed by Team Rocket when they captured her child. Making it all the way to the top reveals Mr. Fuji held hostage by Jessie and James, who will leave when they are defeated. Fuji gives away the Poké Flute, and with that, the Snorlax blocking Route 11 and Route 16 can finally be moved away. Another HM, containing Fly, can be obtained easily by cutting away a tree blocking the northern section of Route 16.

Now the player is presented with a choice of how to get to Fuchsia City. Traveling down either way the Snorlax are blocking, a faster way via Routes 16, 17, and 18 on Cycling Road, or down the Silence Bridge of Routes 12, 13, 14, and 15, inevitably brings one to the southernmost city in continental Kanto, Fuchsia City, home of Koga of the Poisonous Fuchsia Gym and the Kanto Safari Zone. The Safari Zone is currently running a contest: the person to reach a specific rest house first will win yet another HM, containing Surf. Finding the Safari Zone Warden's Gold Teeth also will have him reward the player with the final of Kanto's HMs, containing Strength.

The player then goes back to either Celadon City or Lavender Town, encountering the other Snorlax on the way back. After stopping off at the Celadon Department Store and buying a drink at a vending machine, Saffron City can finally be entered. However, Team Rocket is guarding almost every door in the city, including that of the local Pokémon Gym! One of the open buildings, however, is the unofficial Fighting-type Pokémon Gym. After the player defeats the Fighting Dojo, he is entitled to either a Hitmonchan or a Hitmonlee. The city's centerpiece building, Silph Co.'s headquarters, has also been infiltrated by the organization, and at the top, waiting in the boardroom guarded by Jessie and James, is the Team Rocket Boss, Giovanni, appearing for a second time, demanding that the president give him the Master Ball that the company had developed. After his defeat, he flees.

After Team Rocket clears out of Saffron City, all buildings previously blocked are now open, as well as the Gym. The Gym Leader, Sabrina, specializes in Psychic-types. The floor, as well, is covered in warp tiles that make it difficult to navigate. After Sabrina's defeat, the player makes his way back to Fuchsia City again and heads out to obtain the rest of the Badges.

With six Badges in hand, and five HMs in the bag, finally the player can adventure onto the open sea of Routes 19 and 20. A short way across them, of course, is a minor obstacle: the Seafoam Islands. After they have been navigated through, the player can continue on Route 20 to Cinnabar Island, home of Blaine's Fire-type Gym. There are also several more facilities on the island, including one that actually revives Pokémon Fossils. After Blaine's defeat, only the final Gym, that of Viridian City, remains.

Finally unlocked, the Gym, whose leader specializes in Ground-types, is revealed to be none other than the boss of Team Rocket himself, Giovanni! After his defeat, he vows to disband Team Rocket and disappears. Now with eight Badges, all that lies ahead is the Pokémon League at Indigo Plateau, conveniently at the end of Route 23.

The Elite Four await challengers, those who have proven themselves worthy by getting all eight Badges and making it through Victory Road will face them, in order. Lorelei, who trains Ice-type Pokémon is first, followed by Bruno, whose specialty is Fighting, Agatha, whose specialty is Ghost, and finally Lance, who specializes in Dragon-types. After defeating these four, the reigning Pokémon Champion challenges the player to a final battle, and the Champion is none other than the player's own rival! After his defeat, Oak arrives and tells the player that he won because he cares better for his Pokémon, and the player's current party are added to the Hall of Fame.

After the credits roll, the player is back in Pallet Town. The previously closed Cerulean Cave is now open, and the powerful Mewtwo can be found inside.

Blurb

You've finally been granted your Pokémon Trainer's license, and now you're on your way to becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer! The shockingly-cute Pikachu tags along behind you as you search the enormous world for monsters to train and evolve. Face off against Blastoise's torrential water cannons. Stand strong when facing Pidgeot's stormy Gust. Develop the ultimate Pokémon strategy to defeat the eight Gym Leaders and become the greatest Pokémon Master of all time!

Changes from Red, Green, and Blue

Aesthetic changes

  • The Japanese release has one set of in-game color palettes while the international releases of Pokémon Yellow have two separate sets for different game systems.
  • The front Pokémon sprites have all been updated to resemble how they appear in their then-current Ken Sugimori artwork usually used in promotional images and strategy guides for the Japanese Red and Green, Japanese Blue, and the Western Red and Blue, as well as some of them resembling how they appear in Pokémon the Series. However, the back sprites are the same as the previous games.
  • Some Trainer sprites were also redone. Red and Blue now better resemble their stock artwork for Generation I, as the Pokémon sprites do. Brock wears an outfit like his animated counterpart's and Misty's bikini was changed to a shirt and shorts similar to those worn by her counterpart.
  • Blaine has a different overworld sprite, this time clearly showing him wearing glasses.
  • Giovanni uses a Persian in the battle at the Viridian Gym, referencing Giovanni owning a Persian in Pokémon the Series.
  • All policemen were recast as Officer Jennys and all Pokémon Center ladies were recast as Nurse Joys (attended by a Chansey).
  • Jessie and James have their own individual overworld sprites (Jessie OD.pngJames OD.png) and share a group battle sprite.
  • The newly introduced Pikachu sprite 025 I OD.png is used in the overworld for the player's Pikachu. This sprite is also used as the icon for any Pikachu or Raichu in the party, instead of using the Clefairy-like icon MS Clefairy I.png from earlier games.
    • If a Pikachu owned by the player uses Surf outside of battle, this Pikachu appears as the sprite 025 I Surfing OD.png instead of the generic aquatic MS Aquatic I.png sprite.
    • Some Pokémon received new sprites that show their individual appearance more clearly instead of using generic icons shared by multiple Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Sandshrew, Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Oddish, and Chansey (001 I OD.png027 I OD.png035 I OD.png039 I OD.png043 I OD.png113 I OD.png). However, much like Snorlax 143 I OD.png since the previous games, those new sprites only appear in the overworld; they still use their old generic sprites in the party.
  • Kanto is slightly redesigned a second time, featuring different designs for doors, signposts, windows, and other minor elements.
  • In the Japanese version of Pokémon Yellow, the player character Red has a Super Famicon in his bedroom (as opposed to a Famicon in the Japanese versions of Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue). However, in the international versions of all Generation I games, the player has an SNES instead.
  • The credits of Pokémon Yellow now include Gengar as the 16th Pokémon silhouette, as opposed to the previous games with only 15 Pokémon silhouettes in the credits.

Location changes

Gameplay changes

  • Pikachu is the only first partner Pokémon the player can receive, and it travels with the player on-screen, outside of a Poké Ball, like Ash's Pikachu. It will also cry like Ash's Pikachu in Pokémon the Series, with its cries now voiced by Ikue Otani.
  • The rival starts with Eevee. He will eventually have a different team based around one of Eevee's evolutions depending on how the player fares in the first two battles with the rival (the second being optional), at Professor Oak's Laboratory and Route 22.
    • If the player wins both, Eevee evolves into Jolteon.
    • If the player wins at the lab and loses or skips at Route 22, Eevee evolves into Flareon.
    • If the player loses at the lab, Eevee evolves into Vaporeon.
  • A minimal friendship system is implemented to track how Pikachu feels about the player.
  • Gym Leaders have different teams and movesets, some based on those that appear in Pokémon the Series.
  • Level-up learnsets and TM compatibility are altered slightly for certain Pokémon. Charizard, for example, can now learn Fly via HM02.
  • Support is added for the Game Boy Printer.
  • If the player does not have $500, they can still enter the Safari Zone. The player will have to pay any money they do have and will receive a number of Safari Balls proportional to the amount paid (but at least one).
  • Kinesis is given to Kadabra as its signature move. In the previous games, Kinesis was never used and the only way it might appear would be if randomly called by Metronome.
  • A new mode, "Colosseum 2", was added to the Cable Club.
  • The Viridian City Poké Mart now sells Potions. The NPC complaining about Potions not being sold in Pokémon Red and Blue now states that the Mart finally sells Potions again.
  • In-game opponents have altered movesets where their Pokémon may use moves that aren’t exclusively learned by level-up unlike the opponent movesets encountered in Pokémon, Red, Blue and Green.

Storyline changes

  • The chain of events leading to the player obtaining their first partner Pokémon is slightly different:
    • The player now takes one step further into the tall grass before Professor Oak comes along. Now himself standing in the tall grass, Oak encounters a wild Pikachu and immediately catches it before leading the player back to his laboratory.
    • Instead of giving the player and Blue the choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, Professor Oak tells the player to take the single Poké Ball on his desk, containing Eevee, but Blue shoves the player out of the way and takes the Poké Ball instead. Oak then gives the player the only Pokémon he has on hand: the Pikachu he has caught before, which, after the first battle against Blue, immediately breaks free from its Poké Ball and follows the player on foot from this point onward.
  • The old man in Viridian City now must be spoken to before going to Viridian Forest. He attempts to demonstrate how to catch a Pokémon, fails and leaves to get more Poké Balls from the Viridian Poké Mart. The player can visit the Poké Mart to ask him to repeat the tutorial.
  • Jessie and James appear throughout the game, replacing Grunts from the previous games in four different places. They are involved in Team Rocket's scheme and are typically found before a battle with Giovanni. Though they are named "Rocket" like any Team Rocket Grunt, they have distinct overworld and in-battle sprites.

Missing Pokémon

The following Pokémon are not obtainable in Yellow. In order to obtain any of the below Pokémon, they must be traded from one of the previous Generation I games, or from the Generation II games, which has that Pokémon available, which will be indicated.

Note that "G" indicates a Pokémon that can be caught in the Japanese Green, and thus in the Western Blue as well. "B" indicates a Pokémon obtainable in the Japanese Blue.

Yellow
0013 Weedle Weedle
Bug Poison RGBᴶ
0014 Kakuna Kakuna
Bug Poison RGBᴶ
0015 Beedrill Beedrill
Bug Poison RGBᴶ
0023 Ekans Ekans
Poison R
0024 Arbok Arbok
Poison R
0026 Raichu Raichu
Electric RGBᴶ
0052 Meowth Meowth
Normal GBᴶ
0053 Persian Persian
Normal GBᴶ
0109 Koffing Koffing
Poison RGBᴶ
0110 Weezing Weezing
Poison RGBᴶ
0124 Jynx Jynx
Ice Psychic RGBᴶ
0125 Electabuzz Electabuzz
Electric R
0126 Magmar Magmar
Fire G

Connectivity

Players may trade Pokémon between two cartridges or battle with another cartridge using a Game Boy Game Link Cable. To take full advantage of this feature, several Pokémon are exclusive to other Generation I games and others require trading to evolve, making trading necessary to complete the Pokédex. The Japanese version can trade and battle with Japanese versions of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow; the Western versions can trade and battle with Western versions of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. It can also trade with Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal via the Time Capsule. Pokémon Yellow is completely incompatible with games from Generation III onward.

Trades between Pokémon games in different languages are possible; however, a Japanese game cannot connect with a non-Japanese game without causing corruption. This is due to the fact that the games cannot automatically translate the Pokémon data from Japanese to a different language or vice versa, since neither game fully encodes both kana and the Latin alphabet (only encoding one fully and the other partially). If a battle between a Japanese game and a non-Japanese game is attempted, the battle simply does not work, with the save files left unharmed.

Pokémon Yellow is compatible with the Japan-exclusive Pokémon Stadium, Western Stadium, and Stadium 2. While link battles are not possible directly between Pokémon Yellow and the Generation II games, a player may challenge a Generation II game using Pokémon Stadium 2.

Pokémon Yellow is also compatible with the Game Boy Printer. It is possible to print Pokédex entries, the Diploma, Pokémon Storage System Boxes, Party Pokémon, and the Pikachu's Beach high score.

Colosseum 2

Yellow debuted a new link battle mode, Colosseum 2. In Colosseum 2, players can select from several battle modes:

  • Pika Cup (for Pokémon between levels 15 to 20 only; their combined level limit is 50)
  • Petit Cup (for Pokémon between levels 25 to 30, with a height no more than 6'07" (2 m), and weight no more than 44.1 lbs. (20 kg) only)
  • Poké Cup (for Pokémon between levels 50 to 55 only, and the sum of all entered Pokémon's Levels cannot exceed 155; Mew is not allowed).

These three cups would later become standard cups in Pokémon Stadium (known as Pokémon Stadium 2 in Japan).

In addition, in the Japanese versions, Blizzard's chance to freeze in Colosseum 2 is changed to 10% rather than the usual 30%. Blizzard's chance to freeze is always 10% in the Pokémon Stadium series and the Western releases of the Generation I games.

Virtual Console

The Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console release uses 3DS wireless communication as a substitute for the Game Link Cable. The Virtual Console release disables Game Boy Printer compatibility. Japanese and non-Japanese Generation I core series games do not recognize each other when attempting to link them via 3DS wireless communication.

Using Poké Transporter, all Pokémon in Box 1 can be sent from the Generation I core series games to Pokémon Bank (regardless of language), and from Pokémon Bank, they can then be moved to Generation VII core series games.

Localization changes

  • In the player's bedroom, the video game console is a Super Famicom in the Japanese Yellow (unlike the Famicom in earlier Japanese games). This video game is a SNES in the localizations of all Generation I games.
  • In the Celadon Department Store 4F, there is a male NPC planning to give a Poké Doll to Copycat. In the Japanese, French, and Italian versions, he correctly mentions that Copycat lives in Saffron City. However, due to a localization error in the English and Spanish versions, he incorrectly says that she lives in Cerulean City. In the German version, he does not mention where she lives.

Color palettes

The Game Boy Color mode's yellow palette
  • In Japanese Yellow on Game Boy Color mode, the game uses a yellow palette similarly to how Red, Green, and Blue use their respective red, green, and blue palettes. In Western Yellow, Game Boy Color mode instead uses the Super Game Boy palettes but with more saturated colors. The yellow palette from Japanese Yellow is used by Western Yellow in certain situations like Pikachu's Beach hi-score screen and it can be reinstated completely by modifying the ROM.
  • The change to the color of Jynx's sprites mentioned below only affects the localized version of Pokémon Yellow, since this game is monochromatic in the Japanese version of the Virtual Console.

Localization changes shared by Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

Main article: Pokémon Red and Blue Versions → Localization changes shared by Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

Differences in the Virtual Console release

Spr 1y 124.png

Spr 1y 124 vc.png

Jynx's original sprite
(GBC mode)
Jynx's recolored
Virtual Console sprite

The Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console releases can link with other Virtual Console Generation I and II core series games via Nintendo 3DS wireless communication, simulating the Game Link Cable. When initiating a link, the Virtual Console menu on the touch screen replaces the Cable Club attendant's dialogue. Additionally, all of the Game Boy Printer features are disabled, although the option still appears in the PC menu: when selected, the game acts as if the printing is in progress, even though, in reality, nothing is happening.

Using Poké Transporter, Pokémon can be sent from the Generation I core series games to Pokémon Bank, and from Pokémon Bank, they can then be moved to Generation VII core series games.

The moves Blizzard, BubbleBeam, Confusion, Dream Eater, Explosion, Guillotine, Hyper Beam, Mega Kick, Mega Punch, Psychic, Reflect, Rock Slide, Selfdestruct, Spore, and Thunderbolt had their animations changed slightly to tone down the flashing.

In the Western language releases, which are emulated in Game Boy Color mode, Jynx's battle sprites have been recolored to align with its modern design, recoloring Jynx's black skin to purple. Jynx's original design had previously been subject to controversy due to its resemblance to racial stereotypes of African-Americans. The Japanese release is emulated in Game Boy mode—which is monochromatic—so no change was made.

The requirement for the Pikachu's Beach minigame is now the Pikachu received at the beginning of the game instead of Surfing Pikachu.

Differences from Pokémon the Series

The game is loosely based on the original series of Pokémon the Series, but has several differences:

English title

An American version game cartridge of Yellow

While the game's title has become widely accepted as simply Pokémon Yellow, its officially recognized name outside of Japan is not entirely certain. On the boxart for most English versions, the expression Special Pikachu Edition replaces the series' then-current slogan Gotta Catch 'em All! below the Pokémon logo, while Yellow Version is at the bottom, near where Red and Blue had theirs. However, the expression Special Pikachu Edition is repeated on the box's opening and spine.

Contemporaneous materials refer to the game as Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition,[8][9][10][11] or Pokémon Yellow for brevity. The instruction manual refers to the game as "the Yellow version of Pokémon", "Yellow" is one of the selectable preset names for the player character, and Yellow Version can be seen on the game's title screen.

ESRB classified the game under the title Pokémon yellow.[12] The Australian Classification Board classified the game under the title POKEMON YELLOW.[13] The Canadian Intellectual Property Office records the copyright POKEMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION.[14]

Pokémon.com refers to the game as Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition in full, but Pokémon Yellow Version and Pokémon Yellow in general usage.[15] Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition is also the title used in the Nintendo World Pokémon Series Showcase. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U refers to the game as Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition in Pikachu's trophy description.

In the Virtual Console release, the game is referred to as Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition on the Nintendo eShop and in the manual. Like many games, it is abbreviated on the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu, being referred to as Pokémon Yellow Version.

Version history

Japan

Version Changelog
1.0 Initial release
1.1 Differences in the locations of internal functions, unintentional glitch differences.
1.2 Adjustments to the code in existing routines. It is unknown how this affects the game.
1.3 Fixes a minor glitch in which a walking Pikachu can remove the walls that can usually only be removed by pushing a boulder on to a switch in Victory Road, except for one wall in 3F. The glitch may occur when the player has the walking Pikachu stand on the switch, rather than pushing the boulder on to the switch.

International

Only one known version of each international language version was released.

Development

Main article: Pokémon Yellow beta

Reception

Like Red and Blue, Yellow was also well received by the press. Like its predecessors, it received a perfect 10/10 "Masterful" rating from IGN.[16] However, it was criticized as being "just a stopgap to help us wait for the real sequels".[17] Yellow received a slightly lower average score than Red and Blue of about 85% on GameRankings. Despite this, it was the site's top rated Game Boy game in the year of its release, 1999.[18]

Soundtrack

Main article: Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD

The soundtrack for Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue and Pokémon Red and Blue also applies to Pokémon Yellow. However, Yellow added three tracks that are absent from the official soundtrack, which precedes the release of Yellow by ten months. These additional tracks were also composed by Junichi Masuda.

Staff

Main article: Staff of Pokémon Yellow

Gallery

Title screens

Flyers

Virtual Console icons

Trivia

  • The game's Japanese release date of September 12, 1998, was intentionally timed to coincide with the release of a movie, being released two months after M01.[19][20]
  • Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which re-implemented the walking Pokémon mechanic that was introduced in Yellow, were released in Japan exactly 11 years after Yellow was released in Japan.
  • The two available first partner Pokémon of this game, Pikachu (player) and Eevee (rival), are the only Pokémon introduced prior to Generation V to evolve with a Thunder Stone.
  • Junichi Masuda details the modification of Ikue Otani's voice to a sound capable of being made by the low-tech Game Boy in his Director's Column. However, this change is exclusive to this one specimen and not the entire species, as other Pikachu (i.e. those that don't have the player's Original Trainer ID and name) use the original cry.
  • Prior to the Virtual Console release announcement, Pokémon.com listed Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow with a PEGI rating of 3.[25]
  • The box arts for Pokémon Red, Yellow, and Silver are the only three instances where the English Pokémon logo is shown partially covered by some element (in this case, Pikachu's ears).
  • Yellow Special Pikachu Edition has the longest name of all core series titles, including symbols and spaces, with 30.
  • According to a FAQ page that was available in February 1999 on Pokémon.com, there were no plans to release an American version of Pokémon Yellow (mentioned as the "Pikachu" version), as well as any other Pokémon games that had only been released in Japanese at the time.[26]
  • The Poké Cup format is based on the Nintendo Cup '97, a real life event that took place in Japan that year and which was the first tournament in Pokémon history.
  • If the player attempts to use a Thunder Stone on their Pikachu, it'll refuse. Talking to Pikachu afterwards will cause it to shake its head. Traded Pikachu are unaffected by this.
  • The Japanese version of Pokémon Pinball uses the Pokédex entries from Pokémon Yellow. However, Pokémon Pinball was released in English before Pokémon Yellow. The English version of Pokémon Pinball uses the Pokédex entries shared by Pokémon Red and Blue instead.
  • The majority of Pokémon unavailable for capture in Pokémon Yellow have either been caught (albeit given away) or temporarily commanded by Ash in later seasons of Pokémon the Series.

Unique content

In the core series, this is the only game with these characteristics:

  • It was the second "upper version" game in the same generation (in Japan, after Pokémon Blue).
  • It has a single walking Pokémon.
  • This is the only game with these friendship-based qualities:
    • There is a single Pokémon with the friendship mechanic available.
    • Depositing a Pokémon in the Storage System causes it to lose some friendship.
    • There are no available friendship-based evolutions even though the friendship mechanic is present.
  • There are two different types of cries available for the same species depending on whether the player is the Pokémon's OT (the partner Pikachu has a vocalized cry like in Pokémon the Series, while a non-OT Pikachu still has a chiptune noise cry like in earlier games).
  • The entire trio of first partner Pokémon introduced in the game's own generation can be obtained without trades, transfers, or events.
  • The rival is seen preventing the player from obtaining a Pokémon (the first partner Eevee in the cutscene at the start of the game).
  • The rival's first partner Pokémon is able to evolve, but not the player's first partner Pokémon.
  • The rival's team is influenced by whether he has won or lost earlier battles against the player.
  • Out of all localized games, this is the only one where no item was introduced.

Introduced content

In the core series, this was the first game with these characteristics:

  • It is heavily influenced by Pokémon the Series. This carries over into its remakes, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
  • A Pokémon species is part of the Japanese title. This is also the case in the remakes.
  • This was the first localized game whose boxart lacks the slogan below the Pokémon logo, although this slogan was reused in Generation II before it was dropped from the game boxarts altogether in Generation III.
  • Characters introduced in Pokémon the Series appear in-game. This includes the Team Rocket trio, Nurse Joy, and Officer Jenny.
  • Farfetch'd can be caught in the wild, instead of only from in-game trades like in earlier games.
  • The intro cutscenes only feature a single Pokémon species (Pikachu in this case).
  • The intro cutscenes do not feature any human character.
  • It has a Pokémon whose cry was influenced by the vocalizations used in animation instead of using a chiptune noise.
    • This was also the first game to have a single available Pokémon species with this kind of cry, which was also the case later for Pikachu in Pokémon X and Y.
  • It has a single first partner Pokémon available for the player.
  • The player's first partner Pokémon is unable to evolve. This is also the case in the remakes.
  • A Pokémon is unable to evolve even though the current game is compatible with the evolved form.
  • The first partner Pokémon for the player and the rival have no type advantage against each other before evolving (although this changes if the rival's first partner Pokémon evolves into Vaporeon).
  • An entire trio of first partner Pokémon is obtainable in a single saved game with no trades, transfers, or events.
  • A Pokémon may be available (in this case, Bulbasaur) depending on the friendship value of a Pokémon owned by the player.
  • Even though the friendship mechanic is present, there are no usable moves involving this mechanic.

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
France Flag.png French Pokémon Version Jaune: Edition Spéciale Pikachu
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon Gelbe Edition: Special Pikachu Edition
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon Versione Gialla: Speciale Edizione Pikachu
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬스터 피카츄
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Pokémon Versão Amarela: Edição Especial Pikachu
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon Edición Amarilla: Edición Especial Pikachu

See also

External links

References

  1. ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  2. ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ
  3. PHENOMENON CONTINUES WITH NINTENDO'S POKéMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION™ (archive)
  4. NINTENDO'S LATEST POKéMON GAME SMASHES COMPANY SALES RECORD (archive)
  5. Nintendo - Nintendo 64 Games
  6. Pokémon™ Yellow Special Pikachu Edition | Video Games | Pokemon.com (UK)
  7. Pokémon Yellow Version | Game Boy | Games | Nintendo
  8. PHENOMENON CONTINUES WITH NINTENDO'S POKéMON YELLOW VERSION: SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION™ | Nintendo Press Releases (archive)
  9. NINTENDO'S LATEST POKéMON GAME SMASHES COMPANY SALES RECORD | Nintendo Press Releases (archive)
  10. Pokémon Games | Pokémon.com (archive)
  11. Game Boy Color: Upcoming Games | Nintendo (archive)
  12. ESRB
  13. Classification Board
  14. Canadian Copyright Register
  15. Pokémon.com - Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition
  16. IGN: Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition (retrieved December 21, 2009)
  17. Pokemon Yellow (Game Boy) Legacy game platform reviews - CNET Reviews (retrieved December 21, 2009)
  18. Pokemon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition for Game Boy (retrieved December 21, 2009)
  19. 社長が訊く『ポケットモンスター ハートゴールド・ソウルシルバー』
  20. Iwata Asks : Pokémon HeartGold Version & SoulSilver Version : The King Of Portable Toys
  21. ゲームボーイカラー
  22. SPACEWORLD'97 出展 GAME BOYソフト
  23. DMG/MGB/CGB: ゲームボーイ
  24. ポケモンの歴史
  25. Pokémon™ Yellow Special Pikachu Edition | Video Games | Pokemon.com (archive)
  26. https://web.archive.org/web/19990221021626/http://www.pokemon.com/games/faq.html


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