Pokémon: Let’s Go!: everything we know

[logitech]

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! were announced on Tuesday as the first Pokémon games for Nintendo Switch. There’s been speculation about the Switch Pokémon titles for a while, and now with the official announcement, there’s even more buzz about the exact nature of the games.


Here’s everything we know about Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go!

WHAT IS POKÉMON: LET’S GO?

Described by director Junichi Masuda as a remake of Pokémon Yellow, the first Pokémon titles for Switch will take us back to the Kanto region, where the original Pokémon games were set. Players will start off in Pallet Town, meet Professor Oak and encounter the 151 original Pokémon. In addition, elements of the Pokémon anime will appear, notably Team Rocket and specific characters.

WHEN IS THE RELEASE DATE?

Both versions of Pokémon: Let’s Go! will launch on Nov. 16, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. The games are available for pre-order on Amazon for $59.99 each.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PIKACHU AND EEVEE VERSIONS?

Each game allows you to travel with the starter Pokémon in question, either Pikachu or Eevee. And yes, you can dress them up.

WHICH POKÉMON WILL BE AVAILABLE?

Currently, just the original 151 Pokémon will be available in the games, though their Alolan forms will also appear.


There will also be an all-new Pokémon appearing in both games, though further details are still unannounced.

CAN PIKACHU AND EEVEE EVOLVE?

Your starter Eevee or Pikachu will not be able to evolve, but any Pokémon that you catch will. Keep in mind that since the game features first-generation Pokémon, the only available Eeveelutions will be Jolteon, Flareon and Vaporeon.

WHAT ABOUT POKÉMON TRADING, BATTLING, AND BREEDING?


Players will be able to trade Pokémon from their Let’s Go! games and battle other players via local wireless and Wi-Fi. This requires two Nintendo Switch system. There will, however, be no breeding and no eggs.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT POKÉMON: LET’S GO?

The biggest difference between the original games and Pokémon: Let’s Go! is the catching system. Unlike the usual turn-based battle mechanics from the older games, Let’s Go! has a catch system reminiscent of Pokémon Go. Wild Pokémon battles have been completely eliminated in favor of maneuvering the Joy-Con controller to “throw” Poké Balls. Additionally, wild Pokémon appear visibly, instead of surprising the player in the tall grass.


Regular fights between NPCs and other players, however, will have the same turn-based battle system of the regular games. There will be a variety of difficulty in the trainer battles, according to director Junichi Masuda.


Additionally, two-player co-op will allow another player to join and assist in the Pokémon adventure.

DOES POKÉMON: LET’S GO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH POKÉMON GO?

The inspiration from Pokémon Go is clear and, indeed, Let’s Go! will allow players to connect their Pokémon Go games. There will be a way to transfer Pokémon caught in Pokémon Go to Pokémon: Let’s Go! via Bluetooth. It should be noted that this transfer is only from Go to Let’s Go!, not vice versa.


A new device called the Poké Ball Plus will work with both games, allowing for a neat real-life catching mechanic, the ability to take your Pokémon with you where you go, and transfer between the mobile and Switch games.

SO, DO YOU NEED THE POKÉ BALL PLUS TO TRANSFER?

Nope! You can just use Bluetooth LE to transfer Pokémon between Go and Let’s Go!

CAN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE SAVES?


Since Switch allows for multiple accounts per device, each account can have its own save file. So a family of three siblings with three accounts can have three different Let’s Go! save files with the same copy of the game.


ARE WE STILL GETTING A NEW REGULAR POKÉMON GAME?


Yes. Pokémon: Let’s Go! is not intended to replace a new core game, which is set to be released in late 2019 on Nintendo Switch. The new core game will focus more on the handheld features of Switch, while Let’s Go! will focus on the home console experience.


IS THERE ANY WAY TO TRY IT OUT?


If you’re attending E3 from June 12 - 14, there will be a hands-on demo at the Nintendo Booth available on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information can be found on Nintendo’s E3 page.


WHAT KIND OF GAME CAN WE EXPECT?


Pokémon: Let’s Go! is tailored towards younger people and new players who may be familiar with Pokémon Go and the Pokémon television series, but not with the original games. Although the game is geared to newcomers, it looks like committed fans will still find some fun and familiar aspects in it. Nostalgic elements that older players know and love combined with newer mechanics, revamped graphics and a connection to Pokémon Go promise a new type of Pokémon game.