It debuted on March 27, 1998, in Japan,[5][2] on November 2, 1998 in North America,[1] and in December 1998 in Europe.

The first release, a yellow unit resembling a Game Boy, features a black and white LCD screen used to display animations of Pikachu's activities.

Gameplay differs slightly from other portable virtual pets in that Pikachu does not need to be fed, watered, or cleaned up after.

If neglected, Pikachu will express anger and eventually refuse to recognize the player.

It featured a transparent shell with black buttons and a Pikachu silhouette (the same as the USA release).

This featured a similar design to the first Pokémon Pikachu, with a game based on Hello Kitty and her friends, available in a pink-colored case.