The show is similar to the game in that it follows Ash Ketchum with his first Pokémon, Pikachu, and his friends Misty and Brock (until Brock decided to leave the show). The show's creaters in Japan have said that the show will follow the game all the way to Pokémon League. The shows are also being converted to comic strips available in comic books and in Nintendo Power Magazine.

There has been some debate about something called the "Seizure Clip." Apparently during one of the episodes enough flashing occurs to cause several kids in Japan to have seizures and be rushed to the hospital. Although this is interesting, one must also note that other Japanese animation cartoons have caused seizures and nobody in Japan seems to care. It has been announced that the "Seizure Clip" episode will not be shown in the U.S.