Here’s Everything We Know So Far About Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch

Yesterday, The Pokémon Company made a huge announcement out of the blue.

There had been murmurings about a core Pokémon title on the Nintendo Switch since the console first released, but we got our first official info on it yesterday in the form of an announcement trailer.

If you haven't had the chance to check it out yet, here's everything we know so far about the upcoming games.

There Will Be Two Versions of the Game

Like all of the core Pokémon games of the past, the next generation of Pokémon on the Switch will have two different versions. Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu! will start with Pikachu as your partner Pokémon, while Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee! stars Eevee. We're also guessing there will be other subtle differences between the two games, such as the availability of certain Pokémon, as per tradition.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Be an Updated Remake of Pokémon Yellow Version

Based on the locations and all of the Pokémon who have appeared in the trailer so far, it appears that the Let's Go games will take place in the Kanto region. It's where the original 151 Pokémon hail from, as well as the setting of the original Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow. Since Pokémon Yellow had players starting with Pikachu as their partner, and Eevee as the partner of their rival, it seems both of these games are a remake of sorts.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

Your Pokémon Will Travel With You

Pikachu and Eevee are constant companions on your Pokémon adventure, riding on your back or shoulder as you travel across Kanto. While this is cute, we're extra excited to see that other Pokémon can also follow your character (at least some of the time). The trailer shows two players being trailed by a Nidoqueen in one frame, and an Electrode and a Gengar in another. This was our favorite feature of the HeartGold and SoulSilver Pokémon games, and we're thrilled to see it continue into this game.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

Pokémon Will Actually Be Visible In Grass and Caves

Unlike the core Pokémon games of the past, you'll actually be able to see Pokémon in the wild instead of randomly being ambushed by them. This will be extra handy where you're looking to catch a particular Pokémon, or if you're really into Pokémon and want to scope out specific monsters for EV training. We just think it's fun to see a cave swarming with cute Pokémon.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

Catching Pokémon Will Look a Lot Like Pokémon Go

In the past, catching Pokémon in the core games has been all about fighting them to get their health down before throwing a Poké Ball to catch them. It looks like the Let's Go games are doing away with that old system for a new one that looks just like Pokémon Go. Players will use the Joy-Con motion controls to throw Poké Balls, so accuracy will become important, and the probability of the catch will be displayed by the color of the ring. In Pokémon Go, a throw in the center of the shrinking ring grants extra experience, but we're guessing the new game will use this to increase the likelihood the Pokémon will be caught.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Have a Co-op Mode

The two-player mode in past Pokémon games has always been about battling each other, and for the first time ever, the Let's Go titles will include a co-op mode where two players can work together. So far, it appears that the second player can hop in or out at any period of the game, helping the main player on their Pokémon journey. They'll work together to catch new Pokémon, as well as battle. Two heads are always better than one.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Feature Traditional Pokémon Battles

While these games will feature a new method for catching Pokémon, the battles will be just like the ones in the past core Pokémon games. Still, we think they'll be a little better because they're fully animated with extremely cute 3D models.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Be Compatible With Poké Ball Plus

Poké Ball Plus will be a brand new peripheral for the Nintendo Switch, and it'll be super handy for playing the Let's Go games.  You can use its motion controls to catch Pokémon in the game and scroll through the Pokédex, as well as store a Pokémon from your game in the ball and take it for a walk. We're not sure what benefits this will have for the Pokémon just yet, but we're sure it'll be something good.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Integrate With Pokémon Go

We may be the only ones still regularly playing Pokémon Go, so we're extra excited to see that the two games will link up with one another. You'll be able to transfer Kanto Pokémon from Pokémon Go into the Go Park in the new game, as well as transfer presents from the Switch game to Pokémon Go (including a surprise Pokémon). We're not sure if Pokémon will be directly catchable from Go Park just yet, but it'll be great to see our favorite creatures travel between the two games.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

It'll Feature Rideable Pokémon

The trailer shows players riding on Onix, Lapras and Charizard, and we're guessing many more Pokémon will also be rideable. This feature may work similarly to Poké Ride from the Sun and Moon Pokémon games, but we'd prefer to be able to ride Pokémon in our party.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

Pokémon Refresh May Be Back

In Sun and Moon, Pokémon Refresh let you groom and feed your Pokémon to fix status conditions, pet Pokémon and feed them Poké Beans. A petting feature is definitely back in the new game, though it appears that Poké Beans may be replaced by the berries from Pokémon Go.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

You'll Be Able to Dress Up Pikachu and Eevee

Based on the trailer, it appears a number of adorable, wearable outfits will be available for Eevee and Pikachu, and your Pokémon will even wear them when they battle. Clothing options may be available for other Pokémon as well, but obviously the main two characters are the most important.

(via The Pokémon Company)

Its Release Date Is Nov. 16, 2018

That's less than half a year away, and we bet a lot more info about the upcoming game will be announced in June during E3. The countdown begins now.

(via The Pokémon Company)

 

If you haven't seen the announcement trailer for Pokémon: Let's Go yet, watch below!

 

If you're looking for a new Pokémon title to keep you busy until then, click HERE for our review of the extremely fun Detective Pikachu.