Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu (NSP, XCI) ROM + v1.0.2 Update

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu brings classic Pokemon adventures to the Nintendo Switch, with updated gameplay that can be easily mastered by both novice and experienced players. The game also allows two people to play simultaneously, making it possible for friends to embark on the journey together. Moreover, Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu has a strong connection with Pokemon GO, making it even more exciting for fans of the popular mobile game to explore new adventures.

GAMEPLAY

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are set in the Kanto region and include the original 151 Pokémon in addition to their respective Mega Evolved forms from Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and their Alolan Forms from Pokémon Sun and Moon. Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! feature common elements of the main series, such as battling non-player character Pokémon Trainers and Gym Leaders with caught Pokémon creatures. However, when facing wild Pokémon, instead of battling them with the traditional battle system like in past games, the catching of Pokémon uses a system that is reminiscent of the mobile spin-off game Pokémon Go. By using the motion controls of the Joy-Con controller or Poké Ball Plus peripheral, players can throw berries to pacify a Pokémon or Poké Balls to attempt to capture it.

The action can also be performed with a button press when the Joy-Con controllers are docked to the console or in handheld mode, but this still requires using motion controls to aim. If a player uses motion controls, the catching of Pokémon is based on the player’s timing rather than accuracy. Although it is possible to miss a throw, the ball is almost guaranteed to make contact with the Pokémon. One notable difference between Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! is that wild Pokémon are visible from the overworld, rather than as random encounters in grass or caves like in previous main series Pokémon role-playing games. To start an encounter with a wild Pokémon, the player must simply approach the Pokémon in the environment.

The game’s control scheme is designed to only require one Joy-Con per player, and the games support cooperative multiplayer. If another player shakes a second Joy-Con, they can join the current player and can participate in battles with Pokémon Trainers and wild Pokémon encounters, allowing them to aid in the catching of wild Pokémon. When playing multiplayer, Trainer battles become battles of two Pokémon against one, and in wild encounters, each player can throw a Poké Ball at the same time, doubling the chances of capturing the Pokémon.

Depending on the version, players start with either a Pikachu or an Eevee, which sits on the player character’s shoulder in the overworld. This mechanic is similar to the “walking Pokémon” mechanic first introduced in Pokémon Yellow, in which Pikachu followed behind the player character throughout the game. The player’s partner Pokémon wiggles its tail when they are near a hidden item, and it can be dressed up for further customization. Similarly to Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, players may also choose a Pokémon to follow them, and some larger Pokémon can also be ridden, a mechanic first seen in Pokémon X and Y and later expanded on in Sun and Moon.

Since Pokémon X and Y, experience points are rewarded to Pokémon not only by defeating opponent Pokémon but also by catching wild Pokémon. However, in Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! experience points rewarded by catching wild Pokémon are affected by various multiplier bonuses depending on the timing of the throw and the technique used to throw the Poké Ball, such as performing an overarm or underarm throw. The games also introduce new items called “candies,” which are used to power up a Pokémon’s statistics, such as hit points (HP), Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Different types of candies are awarded to players who transfer their Pokémon to Professor Oak via an in-game storage box. “Combat Power” (CP) also returns from Pokémon Go.

The evolution mechanic from previous games returns in Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! However, as with Pokémon Yellow, the player’s starting Pikachu or Eevee cannot evolve; only other Pokémon that the player has caught, including ones of the same species as the partner Pokémon. Some features, like Pokémon breeding and HMs, are absent from the games.

PLOT

The setting and story remain largely the same as Pokémon Yellow, complete with the inclusion of anime-exclusive characters. The eight Gym Leaders and the members of the Elite Four return, as well as the antagonist faction Team Rocket, including Jessie, James, and Meowth, from the anime series.

Unlike the anime series, Meowth cannot speak the human language and is given his Meowth cry. There are eight gym badges. The Boulder Badge, The Cascade Badge, The Thunder Badge, The Rainbow Badge, The Soul Badge, The Marsh Badge, The Volcano Badge, And The Earth Badge. Players need all eight gym badges to get into the Pokémon League and challenge the Elite Four.

THE NEXT STEP IN YOU POKEMON JOURNEY

Partner up with Pikachu to catch and collect Pokémon on a vibrant adventure in the Pokémon™: Let’s Go, Pikachu! game – available now on the Nintendo Switch™ system! Become the best Pokémon Trainer you can be as you battle other Trainers, Gym Leaders, and the sinister Team Rocket. Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con™ controller or a Poké Ball™ Plus accessory (sold separately), which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life. You can also use button controls in Handheld Mode.

Share your adventure with family or friends using a second Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus. You can even connect to the Pokémon™ GO app* using a compatible smartphone to bring over Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region! Explore the vibrant region of Kanto—home to beloved characters like Brock, Misty, and the nefarious trio Jessie, James, and Meowth! Throughout the story, your bond with your partner Pokémon grows stronger as you care for it and travel together.

See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits. True-to-size wild Pokémon roam around in the game—catch them like a real Pokémon Trainer by using timing and a well-placed Poké Ball™. Battle and trade with other players who own the game via local wireless or online**. Go on a stroll with your favorite Pokémon in your Poké Ball Plus to level them up, and to receive in-game rewards after returning them to the game. 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.