In Japan, this card, along with a Jigglypuff card, was first available as an insert with the November 1996 issue of CoroCoro Comic, released on October 15, 1996. It was later included as an insert with Easily Understand How to Play Pokémon Card (Asobikata Volume 1), released in November 1996. The prints are very similar to each other, with the CoroCoro version printed on glossy stock, and the Asobikata version printed on regular stock. The CoroCoro version also incorrectly states Ken Sugimori as the illustrator. An English version on regular Japanese card stock was available as an insert with the April 1999 issue of Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic, released in March 1999. This print features a gray star symbol with a yellow "PROMO" superimposed on it, similar to the black star promotional cards released outside Japan. The Japanese gray star symbol is also comparatively smaller than that of the black star symbol. The card was first released in English through the first Pokémon card leagues in July 1999. A Portuguese version of this card was included in the Pikachu World Collection, available to purchase exclusively at Pokémon Park 2000 held at Sydney University, Sydney, Australia from September 12 to October 4, 2000. This print features a gold foil Pikachu tail stamp opposite the promo symbol.
In Japan, this card was reprinted with alternate artwork by Ken Sugimori and was available through a Toyota Auto campaign in October 1997. This card, along with Arcanine, came sealed in a folder presented to customers at participating dealerships. It was subsequently reprinted in the Intro Pack as part of the Bulbasaur Deck.
It was reprinted again in Japan as a XY-P Promotional card, using a layout resembling that of the Original Era print in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the TCG. It was available as part of the Trade Please Campaign 20th, which began on September 16, 2016 for as long as stocks lasted. Customers visiting participating Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, and Pokémon Store Outlets, as well as those attending the 20th Anniversary Festa venues in October, could trade 20 Pokémon TCG cards featuring a classic reverse (those released during the Original and Neo Eras) with a member of staff for 1 of 2 "courses" whilst saying the secret password "Trade Please!". The "A Course" included this card and a reprint of the Trade Please! promotional card available during the original campaign in 1998. The "B Course" included a Charizard card and the Trade Please! card. Only 1 trade could be completed per day.