Can Pikachu and Eevee Really be Considered Starter Pokémon?

If you're anything like me, Pokémon has probably been a huge part of your childhood (and let's be honest, adulthood too!). You've probably chosen your fair share of starters—from the fiery Charmander or chilled-out Squirtle to the leafy-headed Bulbasaur. Starters are iconic, adorable, powerful, and let's face it, we tend to grow way too emotionally attached to them. But wait a minute—what about Pikachu and Eevee? These two fan favourites often spark debates amongst fans everywhere: can they actually be classified as starters too? Or are they forever destined to sit outside the exclusivity of that wonderful little club?

Grab a snack and settle down trainers, because today we're exploring a question no Pokémon fan can resist debating: do Pikachu and Eevee genuinely deserve the title, "starter Pokémon"?

The Traditional Starter Definition

Ask anyone what a starter Pokémon is, and their answer probably revolves around that classic trio offered by the local professor at the beginning of every great Pokémon journey. Typically, these three lovable critters openly represent three distinct types: Fire, Water, and Grass. Our journey starts by picking the one that resonates most with us, marking the beginning of an incredible, everlasting bond.

Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur; Cyndaquil, Totodile, Chikorita... you get the idea. These little companions have been handed out for decades, setting the benchmark for what we traditionally distinguish as a "starter." They’re simple, beloved, straightforward. But hold onto your Pokéballs for a second—what about Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee?

But Wait—What About Pokémon Yellow?

Flashback to 1998's Pokémon Yellow, a legendary title that shook things up by putting the iconic Pikachu front-and-centre. This version boldly defied the standard starter archetype. Instead of Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur, we excitedly embarked on our Kanto adventure hand-in-paw with everyone's favourite electric mouse who, interestingly enough, followed us around refusing the safety of its Pokéball. And wasn’t that just the coolest thing ever?

Fans immediately fell in love with this new dynamic. Pikachu, with his cheeky attitude and formidable electric powers, became arguably one of the most beloved "starter" options—even though he didn't follow the traditional starter type rules. Yellow version quite literally powered-up the discussion of what could be included under the 'starter' umbrella.

Let's Not Forget Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee

Then along came Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu! and Let's Go Eevee! in 2018. These games took nostalgia to dazzling new heights, recreating our beloved Kanto region adventures with a vibrant new twist. And, plot twist time, trainers began their journey accompanied by either Pikachu or Eevee. At last, Eevee got its much-deserved spotlight moment as a clever little starter.

These games cemented something we'd all suspected—that iconic status doesn't strictly belong only to those traditional Grass-Water-Fire starters. Pikachu and Eevee became symbols again, representing not only the franchise itself but our earliest childhood Pokémon memories. So doesn't having played such integral roles automatically earn them the starter badge of honour?

What Really Counts as a Starter Pokémon Anyway?

Okay, so let's clear something up right now—what officially makes a starter?

If you're part of the purist Pokémon fanbase, you'll probably argue that starters must follow strict rules. You choose them at the start, from three distinct typed options: Fire, Grass, Water. By this rigid framework, Pikachu and Eevee probably don't quite squeeze into that starter mould.

But think about it—does it truly matter that Eevee is Normal-type or Pikachu Electric? Maybe choosing starters shouldn't be all about strict Pokémon-game bureaucracy! Pokémon, after all, thrives because of its charm, unpredictability, and individual experiences. Nothing feels quite as brilliant as discovering something absolutely new and exciting, right? And Pikachu and Eevee certainly tick that box!

Another argument people bring up: starters should have evolutionary lines. Charmander becomes Charizard, Squirtle transforms into Blastoise, and so on. Of course, Pikachu evolves into the equally-loveable Raichu—well, unless you're Ash Ketchum who seems fundamentally opposed to that! And Eevee doesn’t just have one evolution; it has multiple possibilities (looking at you Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon, and all the adorable "-eons"). If anything, Eevee has got this whole evolving thing down better than any other starter out there!

So... Are Pikachu and Eevee Actually Starters?

Alright enough beating around the Oddish bush—are Pikachu and Eevee legit starters or not? In my humble (and overly enthusiastic) Pokémon-master opinion, yes absolutely! Let's face it, everyone who's played Pokémon games has their own unique journey. And a starter Pokémon encompasses way more than just predefined rules based solely on types and evolutions.

When I see Pikachu and Eevee, I don't just see two cute Pokémon. I see childhood friends and emotional allies, representing memories, nostalgia, and the heart and soul of Pokémon itself. A true starter is that first friend you turn to in battle, one whose friendship carries you through countless escapades, tutorials, Gym Leaders, and Elite Fours. Pikachu was literally Ash’s starter, after all, and Eevee has carved its own legendary reputation with trainers worldwide.

Plus, Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon Let's Go proved beyond doubt that these two fan-favourites can comfortably inhabit that prestigious starter pedestal. They aren't sidekicks or mere novelty Pokémon; they're adored icons in their own rights, proudly making their marks in Pokémon history.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Okay To Break Tradition

The actual charm of Pokémon lies in exploration and diversity. While tradition has its place, shaking things up with iconic and universally beloved characters like Pikachu and Eevee enriches our Pokémon journeys.

So the next time someone argues about who counts as a "real starter," proudly tell them Pikachu and Eevee are just as legitimate as Charmander or Squirtle. Pokémon has always thrived on the bond between trainer and partner, not set rules in a manual.

After all, your best friend Pokémon is whatever makes your adventure feel special, exciting, and uniquely yours. So let's happily embrace Pikachu and Eevee into the legendary starter Pokémon club—because frankly, our adventures would have felt so incomplete without them!