Everything you need to know about "Pokémon Let's Go"
16.11.2018
Translation: machine translated
Attention Pokémon Trainers: There's work for you again. With "Pokémon Let's Go", a brand new game featuring the cuddly monsters has been available since Friday. If you are still struggling with the purchase decision, I have the most important information for you here.
With "Detective Pikachu", a new film is in the starting blocks, "Pokémon GO" continues to delight millions of players worldwide and now there is a brand new part for the Switch on top of it all. "Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu!" and "Pokémon Let's Go Evoli!" are a remake of "Pokémon Yellow" from 1998 for the Gameboy. A lot has happened since then.
It looks the same as always. What's new?
"Pokémon Let's Go" aims to be even more accessible and is therefore simplifying various mechanics. As the game can be linked to "Pokemon GO" (more on this later), Nintendo would like to pick up potential new customers as gently as possible.
On the one hand, this is noticeable in the random encounters: They no longer exist. All wild Pokémon will now appear normally in the world and you can always see which Pokémon are nearby.
The second major change, which is directly inspired by "Pokémon Go", is catching. Instead of wearing the little monsters down in battle and catching them just before they topple over and gag them forever, you simply throw a Pokéball at their head. You can either do this with a button or use the motion controls on the joycons to add a little more simulation.
What many hardcore fans won't be happy about is that you can't put Pokémon in the guesthouse where they hatch an egg. This removes another mechanic that is highly appreciated by players.
What can the new Pokéball controller do?
You can optionally purchase the Pokéball Plus. It is significantly smaller than a "real" Poké Ball and has a small joystick. You can use it to navigate your character through the game. It also has a glowing ring and if you catch a Pokémon and hold your ear to the ball, you can hear the little creatures scream one last time.
You can also use the Pokéball Plus like the Pokémon GO Plus Band to catch monsters in Pokémon GO at the touch of a button. And here we come straight to the next point.
How does it play together with "Pokémon GO"?
You can import all Kanto Pokémon caught in Pokémon GO directly. They will then end up in the Go Park. However, if you want to use them for battling, you have to catch them in the park. However, you cannot import your entire Pokédex. At least initially, Pokémon from the Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh regions are excluded.
How do the two versions differ?
As with all Pokémon games, there are two versions of "Let's Go". As the name suggests, one gives you Pikachu as your starter Pokémon and the other gives you Evoli, which sits on your shoulder.
Can you also play it in pairs?
The Switch supports local multiplayer. All you have to do is shake the second Joycon and you can join in. In battles, the two of you can beat up your opponents. When catching Pokémon, you can throw balls and berries at the same time.
Need the paid online service?
The competitive online component, where you can compete with other trainers, is only available if you subscribe to Nintendo's online service. The plan is available in different variants. For example, a month costs CHF 5.60 individually or CHF 2.30 if you buy a whole year. However, you don't have Cloud Saves with the online service, as Nintendo says you can use it to obtain a full Pokédex.
Are there any new Pokémon?
Firstly, all 151 original Pokémon are included. In addition, the Mega Evolutions of the Kanto Pokémon from X and Y as well as from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire can also be found. The Alola forms from Sun and Moon are also included. And of course you can import your Kanto Pokémon from "Pokémon Go".
Nintendo is throwing the mysterious Meltan and Melmetal into the ring as new Pokémon.
Is it also available for the 3DS?
No "Pokémon Let's Go" is exclusively available for the Switch.
Who is the game aimed at?
As mentioned at the beginning, many fan-favourite mechanics have either been removed or simplified. With this and the connection of "Pokémon GO", the aim is to pave the way for newcomers to the traditional "Pokémon". The style is even more child-friendly than in previous instalments. Hardcore fans will pick it up anyway, as will many converted 'Pokémon GO' players. Anyone hoping for a proper RPG Pokémon will be disappointed. According to rumours, this will follow next year...
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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