Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee Announced for Switch, Untitled Core Game Coming 2019
After all the rumours, they were proved to be true as the Nintendo Switch will be getting two Pokémon games this year that will incorporate with the immensely popular Pokémon Go mobile game. Sticking to traditions within the series, there will be two versions of the game releasing this year with Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee.
The trailer seen above shows gameplay that looks rather traditional to the series when exploring the worlds, as well as when battling with Pokémon with RPG elements. However, both versions of the game will incorporate elements from the mobile game, especially when it comes to catching the Pokémon, as well as allowing you to trade Pokémon from Go to the Switch version and vice versa. You will be able to bring all Pokémon caught from the Kanto region, as well as their Alolan forms. When it comes to catching the Pokémon, it is very similar to what we have in Pokémon Go, however of course in the Switch version, you’ll be making use of the motion controlled Joy-Con controllers.
There will also be a new peripheral with the Pokéball Plus. The Pokéball Plus uses motion controls; lights up with a variety of colours and plays sounds (seemingly with whatever Pokémon may be in the ball at the time, as the trailer shows Pikachu chatting away). I suppose it’s quite cool that you can transfer your favourite Pokémon from either of the Switch games or the mobile game, to take with you on the go. Also, once you return your Pokémon back to the Switch after going on a journey together, you will be gifted with reward bonuses.
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee are developed by Game Freak, will be playable in 2-player co-op and will release for Nintendo Switch on November 16th.
However, that is not all, because another new Pokémon game was announced, which is available right now. Pokémon Quest is available to download on the Nintendo Switch eShop, so players are “free to start”, which indicates that it’s free to play (at least initially) and micro-transactions of sorts will perhaps appear at a later date. Pokémon Quest will also be available for Android and iOS this coming June. To get a hint as to what Pokémon Quest is all about, you can check out its announcement trailer below.
If you’re worried that the Pokémon Let’s Go games is what’s to come on the Switch going forward, then fear not, because a “core RPG” Pokémon game is in development which is separate from the recently announced games. We don’t know too many details, other than its slated for a 2019 release; but it will feature traditional series gameplay which will be based upon the style seen in Pokémon X, Y, Sun and Moon. However, rumours also suggest that the 2019 game will be a remake of Pokémon Yellow, the original game that started it all on the Game Boy. Will a reveal at E3 this June be too soon? Only time will tell.