Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition

Awards

• Retro Gamer
  • October 2004 (Issue #9) – #9 Best Game Boy Game (together with Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version)

Arbitrary Code Execution

By corrupting their save file and manipulating the resulting item data, it is possible for the player to reprogram the game while playing it, in a process called arbitrary code execution. While arbitrary code execution is possible with several games, including other Pokémon titles, it was two tool-assisted speedruns of this game that brought the practice into the public eye.

Virtual Console Alterations

Pokémon Yellow and its counterpart versions were rereleased for the 3DS Virtual Console to celebrate the Pokémon franchise's 20th anniversary in 2016. Since the Nintendo 3DS isn't compatible with the long-obsolete Game Link Cable, these releases use the system's local wireless features for link trades and battles. Several attack animations have also been toned down for the safety of players with photosensitive epilepsy or other sensory conditions, and Jynx's sprite was updated to the creature's modern coloration due to the original having been accused of resembling a racist caricature. Lastly, the Pikachu's Beach minigame no longer requires the player to own a Pikachu with the move Surf, since obtaining that move on a Pikachu would require the impossible task of connecting to Pokémon Stadium for the N64.