Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

 Switch
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1782 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 952 out of 1782
  2. Mixed: 283 out of 1782
  3. Negative: 547 out of 1782
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  1. Geadaan
    Nov 18, 2018
    8
    I absolutely love this game. A lot of complaints have been that there aren't enough pokemon or not enough features. For me those are two of the biggest reasons I enjoy this game. Pokemon games of late have been over burdened with too many features and new flashy mechanics. This game takes you back to when I fell in love with pokemon, traveling around Kanto and being part of what madeI absolutely love this game. A lot of complaints have been that there aren't enough pokemon or not enough features. For me those are two of the biggest reasons I enjoy this game. Pokemon games of late have been over burdened with too many features and new flashy mechanics. This game takes you back to when I fell in love with pokemon, traveling around Kanto and being part of what made pokemon so great as a kid.

    The art style is exactly what I expected it to be, bright, colorful and cartoony.

    The story and dialogue is fine and what I'd expect from pokemon.

    New way to catch pokemon, while I can think of a few improvements, is fun.

    My biggest critique, and why it's only a 8/10, is sometimes the controls are just awkward to use. While not in handheld, using just one controller is just something that I am not used to and makes me a little restless with my unused hand.

    I think a lot of bad reviews are coming from people who expected a new generation of pokemon and would not be happy with anything less. If you look at this game for what it is, a remake of the original, I don't think you will be disappointed.

    Let's start work on a Pokemon: Let's Go to Johto    … Expand
  2. SnowydayUK
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    This game is awesome I wish people would stop moaning and just play the game
  3. lukadra90
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Instead of improving A.I. and creating interesting story we receive less content and simplified mechanics.
  4. SrLallana
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    Una inyección de nostalgia en vena. Creo que muchos que lo han puntuado negativamente solo han visto los trailers de YouTube.
    Mantiene la esencia de la saga (es un remake de amarillo) y dinamiza el Carmelo al no tener que estar combatiendo todo el rato de forma aleatoria.
    Quien dice que es un juego de teléfono móvil seguro que no ha comprado ni la Switch.
  5. greeze
    Nov 18, 2018
    2
    It's incredible how Game Freak can dumb down such an incredible franchise to milk as many pennies from the casual audience. Sadly, the new graphics and music can't make up for the removed gameplay elements such as wild Pokémon battles (I guess they were too difficult for the casual market?).
    Overall, this is a soulless game pandering to the most casual fans who have only played Pokémon GO.
  6. Roggiiieee
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Make Pokemon Good Again!

    It's a simple formula and yet Nintendo can't seem to make a classic and enjoyable pokemon game anymore.
  7. Dostedt
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Just a lazy cash grab from Nintendo. I'm pretty sure, with the resources, I could make a better game than this. Don't justify nintendos laziness by buying this crap. They need to know this is unacceptable.
  8. Murphdog405
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Ignore all the positive reviews for this game, they are either non gamers or paid shills.

    What this game does wrong: -Removal of wild Pokemon battles. Yes I know Colosseum did the same thing, but that was because of it's heightened emphaisis of battling and overall difficulty. -Unlike the 3DS games, this game doesn't have the Exp. Share, instead it is built into the games exp.    Ignore all the positive reviews for this game, they are either non gamers or paid shills.

    What this game does wrong:
    -Removal of wild Pokemon battles. Yes I know Colosseum did the same thing, but that was because of it's heightened emphaisis of battling and overall difficulty.
    -Unlike the 3DS games, this game doesn't have the Exp. Share, instead it is built into the games exp. Algorithm.
    -Lack of challenge whatsoever. Your starter being broken doesn't help either.
    -You can only get Mew if you spend Fifty Dollars more.
    -Tries too hard to pander to genwunners to the point of disrespecting the franchise's history.    … Expand
  9. CDizzness
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    Ignore negative reviews from people who pretend like they know what this game is about. Its Pokemon Yellow Remastered. Random encounters still exist, except now you can pick which Pokemon you want. The game is still challenging after the second gym, the graphics are gorgeous and the frame rate is solid. The Poke ball plus is a fun addition too. Tired of sh*** reviews from people whoIgnore negative reviews from people who pretend like they know what this game is about. Its Pokemon Yellow Remastered. Random encounters still exist, except now you can pick which Pokemon you want. The game is still challenging after the second gym, the graphics are gorgeous and the frame rate is solid. The Poke ball plus is a fun addition too. Tired of sh*** reviews from people who probably are not true fans, ive played since 1998, and this is my fav Pokemon game besides Sapphire version.… Expand
  10. XR4000
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    You can't judge the game if you doesn't even know the target audience. Many "Pokémon fans" are complaining about this title, but in reality, it's awesome. I played almost every game since the original Red, and im loving Let's Go. It's a newer and cleaner system to play with different concepts, and works flawlessly. Very balanced, with cool new features and focused to NEW GENERATIONS OFYou can't judge the game if you doesn't even know the target audience. Many "Pokémon fans" are complaining about this title, but in reality, it's awesome. I played almost every game since the original Red, and im loving Let's Go. It's a newer and cleaner system to play with different concepts, and works flawlessly. Very balanced, with cool new features and focused to NEW GENERATIONS OF FANS. Being simple make the game attractive to younger people, introducing them to the main series (whose come out next year). It's fun, it's balanced, it's beautiful, it's simple. It's the new Let's Go series. Im hoping they release future Let's Go games for other generations.… Expand
  11. mauso
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    A very lazyily made game that simply exists to make money. No care or effort was put into this sad excuse of a video game. Should have put it on mobile phones where it belongs, or better yet, the trash can.
  12. Diosys
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    Refreshing change to the series. No more grinding wild pokemon, candies given directly to you. Pokemon Company finally removed all the clutter from the game and worked on real mechanics, rather than a luck based game. Its nice to see a game that managed to remove tediousness and add interesting gameplay.
  13. Simoncino
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Pokémon GO: Console Edition. Easier, simpler, tasteless.
    No abilities. No day/night cycle. No weather. No fishing. No breeding. No end-game.
    Nice graphics and such things are not enough.
  14. ChristianDellon
    Nov 18, 2018
    7
    Game Freak could have accomplished so much more with this game. Not in a hardcore way, because I understand the need to seduce new trainers and a more dynamic approach. The game is beautiful, fun and nostalgic. New features such as climb on the pokemon and see them on the grass are fantastic additions. The last one was very annoying in the past games, since everytime you go into a cave itGame Freak could have accomplished so much more with this game. Not in a hardcore way, because I understand the need to seduce new trainers and a more dynamic approach. The game is beautiful, fun and nostalgic. New features such as climb on the pokemon and see them on the grass are fantastic additions. The last one was very annoying in the past games, since everytime you go into a cave it takes us a lot of time to go out without a bunch of repels. However, Game Freak could have absorbed another cool feature form pokemon go other than the capture mode. For instance, every city on the game has a light pole. How great would it be if the time passes and we've had afternoon and night during the game, requiring us to look for shelter, make a campfire and so on? Also the rain, basically things influencing the weather and causing surprises during the game. It would be amazing and less repetitive. Looking forward to improvements on Pokemon 2019.… Expand
  15. DJ-Clazzi
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    I'm about 20 hours in and game is way better than what i was expecting, seeing pokemon in the overworld is amazing and the new catching mechanic is really less cumbersome wich helps the pacing quite a bit (after the disastrous Sun/Moon), and the people calling the game too easy have no absolutely no clue what are they talking about or just don't have the game, extremely recommended
  16. mynamejeff21
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    Horrible, game lacks any sort of soul, effort and content. Do yourself a favor and buy anything else.
  17. lan2007
    Nov 18, 2018
    0
    A nice welcome for new players and a spit on the face for the long term fan. This game cannot be compared to its predecessors, it's on its own league, way below everything GF has made so far. The difficulty, the game play, the history, EVERYTHING is so dumbed down that just trying to play it becomes a chore. Even the graphics are a disappoint, being just a bit better than the graphics ofA nice welcome for new players and a spit on the face for the long term fan. This game cannot be compared to its predecessors, it's on its own league, way below everything GF has made so far. The difficulty, the game play, the history, EVERYTHING is so dumbed down that just trying to play it becomes a chore. Even the graphics are a disappoint, being just a bit better than the graphics of the 3DS games but still definitely not what you expect from a Switch game. They even managed to ruin the animations, making the characters look more like lifeless dolls than living creatures. If you are a casual gamer don't waste your money in this, Pokémon Go is free and gives you about the same experience minus the gen 1 pandering and multiple pay wall- blocked content. If you are a long term fan don't buy it either, even if there are some nifty new mechanics, they are not enough to compensate for the huge step back these games are for the Pokémon games.… Expand
  18. Orujimaru
    Nov 18, 2018
    8
    Pokemon Yellow was the first Pokemon game I ever played. I was 7 in 1998.
    I didn't understand much English back then, but I fell in love with the colorful creatures (GBC) and the mysterious world.
    I've played all Pokemon RPGs since then (also competitively), but I feel alienated from the series lately. I did not enjoy Sun/Moon, and I couldn't care to finish Ultra S/M. Pokemon Let's    Pokemon Yellow was the first Pokemon game I ever played. I was 7 in 1998.
    I didn't understand much English back then, but I fell in love with the colorful creatures (GBC) and the mysterious world.

    I've played all Pokemon RPGs since then (also competitively), but I feel alienated from the series lately. I did not enjoy Sun/Moon, and I couldn't care to finish Ultra S/M.

    Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu, on the other hand, excites me.

    I think this is a great game for newcomers and old-timers like me whose first game was blue/red/yellow. People in between are probably going to be disappointed.

    * The game is simple, but it is not as simple as you'd think.
    * I prefer the new catching mechanics over the old.
    * Great nostalgia to see Kanto rendered in 3D and to have pokemon in 1:1 scale follow you around.

    - If only we could get difficulty modes for all future Pokemon RPGs, I would be ecstatic.    … Expand
  19. Aromdar
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    The game its a great intro into the franchise, the difficulty its not high bit its very pleasant to play with children. The new capturing system is far better than the original, they are going to be haters like with every change. The downside it s the coop , needs more work. It will be a solid 8, but i am going to rate 10.
  20. sonicpulsar
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    Wow, this is a great Pokémon adventure and Kanto never looked so gorgeous. It’s beautiful both on TV and handheld, and the soundtrack and use of the Pokeball really satisfying.
  21. Sigils
    Nov 17, 2018
    2
    Worst game in the entire series by far.

    In addition to the many things (literal dozens) they've removed from the series since 2009/2010, they further removed another half dozen features including some of which had been there for the entire series duration meaning no one who likes the series as is wanted them removed because if you like a game you don't want the basics changed    Worst game in the entire series by far.

    In addition to the many things (literal dozens) they've removed from the series since 2009/2010, they further removed another half dozen features including some of which had been there for the entire series duration meaning no one who likes the series as is wanted them removed because if you like a game you don't want the basics changed arbitrarily, you want them built upon.

    I wasn't against a return to Kanto in the slightest when leaks started happening that made it appear to be the case. But it should have been a BotW or Odyssey outing. A return to the series roots to build up with all of the content that had been present since the originals and more new content.

    Instead we get a game worse than a nearly 15 year old remake that wasn't that great itself objectively speaking.

    Graphic style is fine, following Pokémon is a nice return but this is a game and the game play is SEVERELY lacking. Especially for a the price. This is what should have been an easy mode in a full content game sold separately for people who don't know better or can't help themselves.

    I love Pokémon. Have played the series for about 65 THOUSAND hours over the last 20 years and this is not at all what I ever wanted Pokémon to be. The last few weren't impressive but to say they were outright bad would have been a lie. Just barely a lie in the case of the most recent brand new games, but a lie nonetheless when considering the game play alone. The same is not true here.

    To be a little more specific:
    -Level design which makes children characters look like they're either 7 foot tall and 8 foot around or building look like they're 5 and a half feet tall and 6 and a half feet wide as opposed to being much more reasonably sized comparitively in the actual gameboy games they're based on.
    -Terrible mobile game controls.
    -Lack of wild battles.
    -No random encounters making the grass utterly pointless to have included
    -Everything appearing in the overworld and with little animations build up and cause extreme graphic lag the 3DS games already only hit 30 at best and now you get about 15.
    -Stat system is ridiculously OP even beyond what the originals were.
    -Messes up the previous game's storyline entirely by introducing these into the same story without any explanation as to what's happened to change things.
    -Requirements on gyms. Some of which don't just teach you the game like some erroneously argue since it requires you to have very specific stuff even when those things are NOT the only way you could do it. They're teaching you only part of the game which I'm sure will lead to confusion on the part of any new players they might be targeting with this. To be clear, I know this isn't needed at all. Tens of millions of people have figured all of this out just fine on their own even as very young children - there are world championships for children if they can understand the metagame they can play casually without issue - but even accepting that as the intent, it's been done wrong. And done worse than the previous remakes which had the Teachy TV item for this and should have just been kept in and updated but is one of the dozens of things that these games have continued to leave out instead.
    -One of the Pokémon can only be obtained from physical DLC - a controller which has limited functionality than the ones it replaces and doesn't work with any other game.
    -You cannot access 80% of the only characters who matter AT ALL.

    And I could go on but I think I've gone on long enough.

    If you like what the series is you should not buy this. Game Freak's track record is to let each content lesser game define what the next ones will be because they have admitted to wanting yearly games at the cost of quality. You will get something worse than this if you let them know you will buy it no matter what.

    If you think you might want to transition to the other games from this? You should not buy this. The originals are available on 3DS and will actually wean you in where this is the furthest thing from the modern main series they've created to date.

    Like Go? You shouldn't buy it. I may not like it but you already have access to a superior and much more cost worthy version of this game.

    Are you a child or thinking about buying it for children? Do not buy this. Go buy the recent 3DS games. While they're certainly not the best of the series, you/they will find this game entirely condescending with it's baby talk and probably dislike anyone involved in buying it for them. You have a much more cost effective way to appease them and not treat yourself/them like mental invalids in the 3DS games.

    Are you nostalgic for Gen 1? Do not buy this game. It has a host of many things you do not want that were not in the originals. If you want straight Kanto HD this is not the game for you. Once again, the 3DS has what you're looking for on it's Virtual Console at a much better price point.    … Expand
  22. camkida
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    I've created an account on meta-critic just to tell you how BAD this game is. It is realistically one if not the worst Pokemon game ever created and you should buy it only if you want absolutely no challenge and to play the exact same region for the thirteenth time.
  23. SailorSonic
    Nov 17, 2018
    1
    Feels lazy. Incredibly easy and there's a pay wall. Complete trash. My Switch is still gathering dust... :(
  24. SamanthaT
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    I dropped the game as soon as I found out not a single one of Blastoise's water attacks comes from its cannons.
  25. lammatt
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    they raised the price by 20

    they stripped down the game to 20% of what it has always been.

    nuff said
  26. PokemonFan1991
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    The only good thing about this game is the sprites, over world, and the music. Which is not enough to even earn a ONE for me. There is almost zero interesting mechanics, save for maybe two. Turning the game off, and throwing it into the trash. I'm also not a fan of this giant 10/10 review from people who clearly haven't played it but are upset about these negative scores. That's the onlyThe only good thing about this game is the sprites, over world, and the music. Which is not enough to even earn a ONE for me. There is almost zero interesting mechanics, save for maybe two. Turning the game off, and throwing it into the trash. I'm also not a fan of this giant 10/10 review from people who clearly haven't played it but are upset about these negative scores. That's the only reason I made an account to vote on this. In fact, I wrote this exact same general review for the Eevee version (my wife and I bought both.)… Expand
  27. Jaytamber77
    Nov 17, 2018
    7
    So, I am def a Pokemon vet, played all the games since Red and Blue, heavy into the competitive scene. All I gotta say is, yeah this game leaves lots to be desired, especially since the last titles Sun and Moon. The game visually looks okay, honestly it doesn't live up to my expectations, I feel the game kind of looks like an indie game, especially since so much content has been removed,So, I am def a Pokemon vet, played all the games since Red and Blue, heavy into the competitive scene. All I gotta say is, yeah this game leaves lots to be desired, especially since the last titles Sun and Moon. The game visually looks okay, honestly it doesn't live up to my expectations, I feel the game kind of looks like an indie game, especially since so much content has been removed, it feels incomplete. Yet, this game provides so much beautiful nostalgia, the visuals are sweet and colorful, I love looking at them, just like how I love looking at your mother, you might not appreciate her but I do. Difficulty wise, the story for Pokemon games are usually a breeze, I still have to experience the E4 rematches and Battle Master trainers, I think I will find that enjoyable, but seriously, this game is hella easy. That is not a bad thing for me though, I am an adult and have to dedicate my time to other things, so I honestly don't mind it. Regarding capture mechanics, I am being honest, I honestly don't mind it at all. Joycon controls def take time to get used to. At first I thought the motion detection sucked because the pokeballs would go everywhere, only then did I realize I had no clue how to throw, the game should do a better job explaining that. It requires a very specific motion. I feel the capture mechanics make your pokemon level up quick. It was NOT fun in Pokemon red to have to dedicate hours grinding for a specific pokemon, only to realize that that particular pokemon is much weaker than your team. The recent games fix that. I feel this game is more of an entree, before the main dish next year. If you can't figure out what the means, basically this is something Gamefreak has given us to stall us until next year. Next years game should be amazing.

    If you're gonna play this game, stop being a salty lil **** and play it with an open mind, it is enjoyable in its own unique way. At the same time, being a hardcore Pokemon fan, I do find myself agreeing with the upset crowd. But still, stop being a lil **** and maybe give it a shot.    … Expand
  28. Nuadu
    Nov 17, 2018
    10
    Really loving this game, Yellow was my first game and this really has all the stuff I remember but improved with just the right amount of new stuff, if this is an indication of how the next generation game will be I fully approve. Openly visible pokemon like that is something I have always wanted and it works really well, love the pokemon storage being portable. Actually really liking theReally loving this game, Yellow was my first game and this really has all the stuff I remember but improved with just the right amount of new stuff, if this is an indication of how the next generation game will be I fully approve. Openly visible pokemon like that is something I have always wanted and it works really well, love the pokemon storage being portable. Actually really liking the just capture pokemon mechanic, catching a bunch of pokemon is more fun than battling every single one in my opinion.… Expand
  29. Ghede152
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    This is not Pokemon, this is Pokemon Go. This is a game about buying and throwing pokeballs instead of battling pokemon. I don't know if the critics were afraid of giving a big franchise and much hyped game bad reviews or what, but this game does not deserve an 81 meta score.
  30. DanielMagna
    Nov 17, 2018
    10
    I been playing the whole day with my kids and is one of my favorite Pokemon games. Is great for 2 players and also is a nice entry title, if you like pokemon concept but you are new to games, this is an awesome game to start before move to the RPG games.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
1
#1 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 84 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 84
  3. Negative: 0 out of 84
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 5, 2019
    85
    A simple, nostalgic return to the Kanto region, offers little if you are a series veteran eager for complexity and challenge. But if that's not your main interest, Pokemon Let's Go has it all! It's a simple, cute and fun game that will keep you hooked for hours. An excellent starting point for newcomers, and a great nostalgia trip for those in a search for one.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Feb 26, 2019
    85
    If you've got a kid in your life who's never played Pokémon before? Buy this game immediately. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 67]
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Feb 8, 2019
    78
    It’s hard to make sense of the game that’s basically a Switch port of iOS/Android remake of Pokemon Red/Green. Is it a step forward, step backward – or maybe just a shameless cash-in? Turns out, it’s a great remake – the world looks exactly as we imagined it back when we were staring at black and white pixels of original Red/Green. [Issue#235, p.44]
See all critic reviews »