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Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! are approachable Nintendo Switch adventures built around exploring Kanto, catching Pokémon and battling trainers. They are a good fit if you want a gentler, more catching-focused Pokémon game—especially if you enjoy Pokémon GO—but their motion-based catching and simplified controls may not suit everyone. The choice between editions mostly comes down to your partner Pokémon and a handful of version-exclusive species; the Poké Ball Plus is optional.
What are the games like?
Both games revisit the Kanto region with Pikachu or Eevee as your partner. Pokémon appear in the overworld, and catching them uses a timed throw rather than the traditional wild-battle-and-weaken routine. You still explore, collect Pokémon and take on trainer battles, but catching is a central part of the experience.
The Pokémon Company describes the games as classic Pokémon RPG experiences that are approachable for newcomers while offering depth for veteran Trainers. That is the publisher’s positioning, not an independent review consensus. Nintendo UK lists the release date as 16 November 2018. The Pokémon Company’s game page and Nintendo’s game listing describe the official features.
Are they worth playing?
They may suit you if
- You want to revisit Kanto in a colorful, lower-friction adventure.
- You like the visible Pokémon and catching style associated with Pokémon GO.
- You are new to the series, or want a Pokémon game that emphasizes catching and exploration alongside trainer battles.
- You would enjoy local cooperative play or transferring compatible Pokémon from Pokémon GO.
Consider another Pokémon game if
- You specifically want the traditional experience of encountering wild Pokémon in battles before catching them.
- You prefer conventional button-based catching in every mode: Nintendo says handheld mode has button controls, while the motion-based throw is available with Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus.
One independent review offers a useful but limited critical perspective. MeriStation’s review, published 13 November 2018, described catching as involving movement, position and timing, and characterized the controls as simple. Its reviewer enjoyed the motion interaction but found the Poké Ball Plus uncomfortable. That is one reviewer’s dated, subjective assessment—not a current aggregate score or evidence of broad critical consensus. Read the MeriStation review.
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#1 Best Overall
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
Which edition should you choose?
Nintendo’s official feature listing identifies the partner and version-exclusive Pokémon as the main differences. The available evidence does not establish that either edition is mechanically superior.
| Edition | Partner Pokémon | Listed version-exclusive Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! | Pikachu | Oddish, Sandshrew and Growlithe |
| Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Eevee | Bellsprout, Vulpix and Meowth |
Choose the partner you most want alongside you, or pick the edition whose exclusives you prefer. If completing a collection matters, the games support trading, so you can seek version-specific Pokémon through trades rather than buying both solely for those species.
Rank #2
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one
Do you need a Poké Ball Plus?
No. You can play with Joy-Con, and Nintendo says handheld mode supports button controls. The separately sold Poké Ball Plus adds a more physical throwing interaction, along with lights, vibration and sounds. Nintendo also says it can hold one Pokémon for a stroll and works with the Pokémon GO app with the same functionality as Pokémon GO Plus. These are additional features, not requirements for playing either game. Nintendo’s Poké Ball Plus FAQ explains compatibility.
Whether the accessory is worthwhile depends on whether you want its motion feedback and Pokémon GO or stroll functions. The 2018 MeriStation reviewer found it uncomfortable, but that is an individual handling impression. Current prices and stock are not established here, so check the price and condition of the specific listing before buying.
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- Meet countless characters from the beloved series
- High-end visuals, modern resolutions and carefully polished gameplay
- Brand new horde mode multiplayer for up to two players, online and splitscreen
Can you play with someone else or connect other Pokémon games?
Nintendo lists local cooperative play, local and online trading and battling, and transfers from Pokémon GO. Pokémon HOME exchange is supported on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Online features require the relevant Nintendo Switch Online membership; see Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch Online membership information for the applicable membership details. For compatibility and feature specifics, check Nintendo’s listing for the games.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only.
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
Rank #4
![Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! (Switch) - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AyQ4eHRYL._SL160_.jpg)
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
How to make the decision
- Pick the play style: choose these games if visible wild Pokémon and timed catching appeal to you more than the traditional wild-battle catching loop.
- Pick your partner: choose Pikachu or Eevee based on preference, then use the listed exclusives as a tiebreaker.
- Choose controls: use Joy-Con motion controls if you want the throwing gesture, or handheld button controls if you prefer playing portably without motion aiming.
- Consider the accessory separately: buy Poké Ball Plus only if its added interaction, stroll feature or Pokémon GO compatibility is worth the extra cost to you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
