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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. whiskeyknight
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    The amount of review bombing here from people who haven’t even played the game is staggering, that being said, this game is fantastic, nostalgic, pretty, and most of all, addicting as hell. I would even agree that the new catching mechanic makes the grind less repetitive. One of my favorite games of 2018, and another great rpg for the switch.
  2. 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.
  3. sovereign2186
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    Great game if on the easy side. Fantastic graphics and music. A great introduction to the Pokemon games for the Go mobile crowd.
  4. tetsuoo
    Nov 28, 2018
    10
    Fantastic game which is unfortunately being slammed by trolls...
    Highly recommend this game!
  5. 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
  6. anakoz
    Nov 22, 2018
    10
    I would have waited longer to write a review as i'm only 15 hours in but at this stage I would have given it a 7. Really enjoyable game but the motion controls sometimes don't work as they should which frustrates me but overall very enjoyable game. The reason i'm even writing this is to try to balance out the ridiculous bad reviews from people who clearly haven't played the game. Why yourI would have waited longer to write a review as i'm only 15 hours in but at this stage I would have given it a 7. Really enjoyable game but the motion controls sometimes don't work as they should which frustrates me but overall very enjoyable game. The reason i'm even writing this is to try to balance out the ridiculous bad reviews from people who clearly haven't played the game. Why your life is so meaningless you have to go and give a bad review to a game you don't like the look of. That is the saddest thing i've ever seen.… Expand
  7. Sgtkeebler
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    I have played every single Pokemon game since red & blue (literally), so I am a veteran of the series I even remember countless nights playing pokemon snap, and I really like what they did to Let's Go. This game brings back nostalgia from yellow with the original 150 Pokemon. It does get rid of somethings that the classics had like battling wild Pokemon, but the content in the game is notI have played every single Pokemon game since red & blue (literally), so I am a veteran of the series I even remember countless nights playing pokemon snap, and I really like what they did to Let's Go. This game brings back nostalgia from yellow with the original 150 Pokemon. It does get rid of somethings that the classics had like battling wild Pokemon, but the content in the game is not lacking. If you read some of the reviews that people have left a lot of them don't even make sense. There are a FEW low rating that seem like they have taken the time to actually play, but remember the keyword is a FEW. I think this is another case of people bombing a game because the developers took the game in a different direction then what they felt entitled too.

    I really like the way you have to catch Pokemon now, by actually throwing the Pokeball just like Pokemon go. This game is not for everyone but coming from a veteran who has played every Pokemon game created I really enjoy the game's simple feeling but I still get to relive my childhood. This review bombing is the reason why Metacritic is a horrible site. It seems like lately whenever game devs take a series in a different direction a huge fit must be thrown    … Expand
  8. AhmadAlsumain
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    OK, I wasn't planning on writing this review at first, but I had to since about half of the reviews say bad things about the game.

    Let me say this at first: If you consider yourself a hardcore to the series and you aren't happy with the new changes of PLG and you don't want to play it, then don't. Just don't leave a negative review when you haven't even played the game. I've been a    OK, I wasn't planning on writing this review at first, but I had to since about half of the reviews say bad things about the game.

    Let me say this at first: If you consider yourself a hardcore to the series and you aren't happy with the new changes of PLG and you don't want to play it, then don't. Just don't leave a negative review when you haven't even played the game. I've been a hardcore fan of the series and I finished all core games. I am very happy that this is AMAZING.

    At first, the game hits the nostalgia very hard that it is almost impossible for me to dislike the game as a long time fan. Everything remains faithful to the original game. The new graphics are very cute and adorable. I love the movement of my favorite Pokemon, Pikachu. And as I kept plaything this game again, I felt like a child again.

    If you are coming to this game with an open mind, I am sure you will love it. But if you are going to complain about the small stuff, then forget it and wait for the upcoming core game.    … Expand
  9. sampsonj
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Really fun, very adorable, best looking pokemon game to date, music is really nice too. No random encounters is a blessing.
  10. alan666
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    Do not believe the review bombing. It is a good game.
    It is far from perfect, yes, basically because of the limitations present in the game it is based on. There was no significant innovation on the original title (Pokemon Yellow).
    Even then, it is a competent HD remaster, with a ton of nostalgia for the Pokemon fans.
    The new capture mechanic is a breath of fresh air. I love it.
  11. greenblock
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    The game is definitely not for everyone but it's a nice reboot. I wish they din't use the catching mechanics from Go but the other additions are nice!
  12. PeregrineOmega
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Let me preface this review with the fact that I own both a Blue and Yellow cart, both with 151 Pokemon on them. Yes, I have an original Mew, obtained through legitimate means. I own Crystal with max gen 2 Pokemon as well. The list of titles of games goes on. I have a Charizard and Chansey foil, too. And that Mewtwo you could only get from Nintendo Power. So yeah, safe to say I am a PokemonLet me preface this review with the fact that I own both a Blue and Yellow cart, both with 151 Pokemon on them. Yes, I have an original Mew, obtained through legitimate means. I own Crystal with max gen 2 Pokemon as well. The list of titles of games goes on. I have a Charizard and Chansey foil, too. And that Mewtwo you could only get from Nintendo Power. So yeah, safe to say I am a Pokemon fan.

    Let me also preface with the fact that this won't even be the only Switch game. If you aren't down for an entry level experience, there is a "core" Pokemon game representing the 8th generation coming along in 2019. There's no reason to bash this game in lieu of that. More ttraditional mechanics will return.

    The hate for this game is unwarranted. I can only imagine the review bombers are those who never even gave the game a chance. It's sad that this is what "reviews" have become. Never even giving a thing the chance to be what it is.

    And Let's Go, Pikachu IS a great game. A solid entry in the Pokemon game list, and certainly worthy of being the first, full-fledged big-screen Pokemon game. While it is lacking some of the modern conveniences and mechanics from some of the later titles, it's not without charm or depth.

    What this is, is a re-imagining of Kanto for a modern audience who, perhaps has only really heard of Pokemon via the wildly popular mobile game. The catch mechanics are similar in many ways, and it allows for (one-way) integration of Pokemon from your GO! account.

    That is where the similarities to the mobile game begin to part ways, however. Battles are more in the traditional sense, like the 1st gen we fell in love with. There are few new interesting mechanics, and mega-evolutions are still a thing, as well. While the challenge isn't as pronounced in the early game, it's not without the depth of team building that is suggested to be lacking. You can absolutely build and tweak individual stats, and more effectively at that, since you don't need to trade out abilities for things like CUT.

    It is a beautifully rendered image of Kanto, as well. The music is fantastic, too. There's a lot of nostalgia here for those of us who actually played Red/Blue/Yellow.

    It doesn't have the depth and complexity of X/Y or Ruby/Sapphire. Nor should anyone expect it to. No one should be surprised by what this game is, there have been plenty of early reviews and gameplay demos to give us a pretty good idea of what's going on here.

    Aside from that, the "core" game is still coming. So if that's what you're looking for, then avoid this, and don't downvote it just because you don't intend to buy it. If it's not for you, it doesn't make it bad, and Game Freak should be given credit for stepping outside of the box and changing things up a bit for the new generation.

    Don't sleep on it just because there are haters. Give it a shot if you've actually given a fair look and it still interests you.    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Kryzeth
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    This game is incredible, for longtime veterans of the franchise, newcomers to the series, AND those who have only ever played the first and/or second generations of games.

    Anyone who played the originals will appreciate the gorgeous graphics and orchestral soundtrack. Gamefreak has perfectly captured the essence of the original games, and included some of the improvements of the    This game is incredible, for longtime veterans of the franchise, newcomers to the series, AND those who have only ever played the first and/or second generations of games.

    Anyone who played the originals will appreciate the gorgeous graphics and orchestral soundtrack. Gamefreak has perfectly captured the essence of the original games, and included some of the improvements of the mainline franchise. After your second gym, you can pretty much go wherever you want, fighting gyms in any order you want, foiling team rocket's plans along the way, and eventually make your way to the elite four. It's nothing special, but despite being marketed towards a younger generation, the game holds your hand FARRR less than the previous 4 entries in Alola.

    The story is just as it was in in the originals, although some points of the game are accentuated by appearances from elite four members, gym leaders in other towns, Jessie and James, and even multiple appearances by Blue, who is not your rival in these games, but is more of a wandering mentor, like Cynthia or Steven in some of the other gens. Anyone who's played HeartGold and SoulSilver will also recognize a certain Team Rocket admin by the name of Archer. There are simply too many references to the other games of the franchise to list, which makes perfect for veterans.

    Those who love to hunt for shinies or the "perfect" pokemon will also not be let down in these games. IVs and EVs are both back, despite popular misconceptions. By catching the same pokemon repeatedly, you increase the stats of the next pokemon of that species. After 31 catches, the next catch is guaranteed to have perfect IVs in at least 4 stats, which is simply incredible. You could go even further, up to 100 catches of the same species, to guarantee maxed IVs, but there's always the bottlecap lady, who will max out any IV of a pokemon in exchange for a bottlecap, just like the previous games.

    These games truly are a reimagining of the original Kanto games in the best possible way. There is a slight compatibility for Pokemon Go players, who can transfer their catches from Go into Let's Go, but it is completely optional, and can be ignored with no drawbacks. The capture mechanics, of course, have been changed from a battle, to throwing balls with proper timing. Personally, the motion controls of this game... are completely horrid. However, playing in handheld mode completely changes the game. You simply aim and shoot. Utterly, simple, perfection. It helps that it feels like you're playing a fully 3D game on a tablet shaped like a large GameBoy Advance. Even more nostalgia. And finally, Green is in the game. She is amazing. 10/10 game for that alone    … Expand
  16. gajoh064
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    I have really been enjoying this game a lot so far - I'm 6 badges in as of the time of this writing. This game really takes me back to the old days, it feels like a very polished yellow version. My daughter in particular loves this one because of its' simplified approach to catching pokemon. Couldn't recommend this enough
  17. ToshiroTakashi
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    Amazing game! Worth every cent. Fantastic game play, very nice visuals and a great story. The perfect game for everybody that loves Pokemon.
  18. Ocosu
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    I'm going to say this right now. Do not listen to these people doing everything in their power to hurt the sales on this game. Most didn't even buy the game and are just riding hate trains that have been formed by youtubers/streamers since the game's reveal.

    I was very 'eh' about this game initially. I remember first watching the trailer, losing my smile, and just kind of writing these    I'm going to say this right now. Do not listen to these people doing everything in their power to hurt the sales on this game. Most didn't even buy the game and are just riding hate trains that have been formed by youtubers/streamers since the game's reveal.

    I was very 'eh' about this game initially. I remember first watching the trailer, losing my smile, and just kind of writing these games off as a do not buy. I kept watching trailers though, and eventually decided to give them a shot even if I didn't think they were going to do well. I was wrong. These games are amazing in every sense of the word. They're fun, beautiful looking, beautiful sounding with the remastered music, and a real throw back into the roots of what pokemon was meant to be.

    Yes, wild battles are gone. Yes, breeding is gone. Yes, it only has the first 151 aside from the newly revealed pokemon, but it doesn't stop them from being fun. It has it's core elements and a lot of cool things they added that weren't even part of the original games. I won't say what those are to avoid spoiling, but it's worth your money. Even if you're eh like I was, you might just find yourself surprised.    … Expand
  19. nastybutler224
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    I Love the game. Best version of Kanto ever. Red/Blue were my first games and this is a great game for original players who fell off and new players who have never played before. Maybe not if you spent 100+ hours in the every pokemon game ever,becouse this game is not as difficult as the last few. But it is way more fun!
  20. Lui_Sher
    Dec 9, 2018
    10
    Aca tratando de neutralizar tanta mala nota dada a un juego que es una maravilla.
  21. ThatFlint
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    I'm just gonna give this a ten, cuz the way this game is scored is outrageous anyway. Thing is, if you're a hardcore mainline pokemon gamer, this game is not for you. This game is for beginners and people who just want to casually enjoy pokemon. Or just people who love cute stuff. I love cute stuff. This game is perfect.
  22. 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
  23. abvilla
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    Al principio no me animaba mucho el juego por opiniones de "expertos" y lo que me mostraban en los avances en los videos, ya que cambiaba muchas cosas en relación a las entregas anteriores, pero ahora que llevo muchas horas de juego, debo decir que me estoy divirtiendo como un enano xd, estéticamente es hermoso, la música está genial y el hecho de que la captura de los pokemon sea algoAl principio no me animaba mucho el juego por opiniones de "expertos" y lo que me mostraban en los avances en los videos, ya que cambiaba muchas cosas en relación a las entregas anteriores, pero ahora que llevo muchas horas de juego, debo decir que me estoy divirtiendo como un enano xd, estéticamente es hermoso, la música está genial y el hecho de que la captura de los pokemon sea algo similar a pokemon go no me resulta molesto, ademas de que eliminaron el spawn espontaneo de la hierba por los pasos y ahora los pokemon aparezcan físicamente en ella, me resulta atractivo y divertido. Si bien hay muchas cosas recortadas como por ejemplo las habilidades, es en pos para los nuevos usuarios no se mareen con tanta información. Debo decir que esta entrega es un buen inicio para los novatos, como tan bien uno lo fue con pokemon rojo y azul que tenían muchas menos cosas que let´s go.… Expand
  24. bowser12
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    This is the BEST Pokemon game in years. It looks super clean, is a nice throwback to the old days and has plenty to do for the avid pokemon fan. Ofcourse smogon players aren't real pokemon fans so they'll just bash this game, while its actually one of the best iterations in the franchise! I can recommend it to anyone who loves pokemon:)
  25. i_mush
    Nov 23, 2018
    10
    Felt like giving 10 just because this game is so badly bombed of 0 for silly reasons.
    It is easier, but then again, pokemon is a game meant to be played BY KIDS, for as much as we grown ups want to be passionate about it in good memory of our childhood.
    That said, I'm having a really great time, if you don't go around catching every pokemon you see (thus keeping the exp you get under    Felt like giving 10 just because this game is so badly bombed of 0 for silly reasons.
    It is easier, but then again, pokemon is a game meant to be played BY KIDS, for as much as we grown ups want to be passionate about it in good memory of our childhood.
    That said, I'm having a really great time, if you don't go around catching every pokemon you see (thus keeping the exp you get under control), or limit your party when they're getting too strong by swapping with weaker mons (that actually makes you feel more like a trainer that takes care of every mon he's got), the game can "feel" challenging too, but again...pokemon's never been challenging in the first place, I wasn't expecting challenge here either.
    The graphics are great, the new catching system is less grindy in a pleasurable way, keeping the experience at a decent pace and allowing you to enjoy and relax trough te story.
    I don't know why people was expecting something different, given that this game has been marketed as an entry point for new players that have discovered and got passionate about pokemon trough the mobile app.
    There's no need to make it a matter of principle, if you are into the competitive/more focused approach to the game, stick to the current gen till the next comes out, in which I hope some of the quality of life improvements (such as the new catching system) will be carried over, in tandem with the more strategic-rpg like elements like held items and so on.

    If you wanna have some relaxed fun and have some spare money, just get the game and be positive, this game is about childhood and positivity, it's the game I would have wanted to play when I was a little kid, and it's the game I'd like nowadays kid to play.    … Expand
  26. Finisterrax
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    This is the first review I ever write only because the amount of bad reviews just because and the amount of people that apparently never played Pokémon Yellow and doesn't know that this is a remake of that game is incredible, I would bet that most of the reviews in here are from players that haven't played this game at all, it's a shame on the community that they try to bully theThis is the first review I ever write only because the amount of bad reviews just because and the amount of people that apparently never played Pokémon Yellow and doesn't know that this is a remake of that game is incredible, I would bet that most of the reviews in here are from players that haven't played this game at all, it's a shame on the community that they try to bully the developers to do whatever they want, coming from a Pókemon player through Red/blue to X/Y this game is amazing, a nostalgia trip and a love letter from the developers to us, the original Players.… Expand
  27. FullDive
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    No random battles, nice visuals, incrdible soundtrack...this game has everything to be the most enjoyable Pokémon experience :)
  28. SuperRon
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    Good Standard pokemon Game.

    Some features: Wild battle are now direct capture like pokemon go. While this sounds bad on paper, this make the overall process a bit faster, much more comfortable, and there is a new "chaining" mechanics that allow you to catch multiple time a pokemon, to get Higher IV and shiny chance, so you can always revisit old zone to build your team, instead of    Good Standard pokemon Game.

    Some features:
    Wild battle are now direct capture like pokemon go.
    While this sounds bad on paper, this make the overall process a bit faster, much more comfortable, and there is a new "chaining" mechanics that allow you to catch multiple time a pokemon, to get Higher IV and shiny chance, so you can always revisit old zone to build your team, instead of them becoming useless like in most pokemon game where you flee all the time.

    The story and game progression itself is like the original Yellow, you get your snowflake pokemon with inflated stats and can pretend to be ash like in the Anime, feel free to remove it to give the game the "normal" difficulty.

    The pokemon now follows you! they can pick up items, some of them have unique interaction and overall make the pokemon world feel more alive.

    Online stille there, but limited to simple trade with randoms using a code(or a friend if you put the same one) and simple and double battle

    Competitively, it's only gen 1 with alola pokemon, and minor moves changes, not as deep as other main game pokemon, but you get the basics, No abilities or held items.

    The game is fun and relaxing overall, don't expect something grandiose, if you are nostalgic and like kanto go ahead, and if you have kid you can have a fun co op experience.    … Expand
  29. 180679529
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    Bastante bueno no es igual que el original pero es mejor gráficamente y además agrega eventos nuevos al juego lo único malo pero simple es la manera de capturar a los pokemon pero es un detalle mínimo.
  30. benjistan
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    The majority of people metabombing this have never played the game. This is a great introduction to the pokemon universe for young and old.
prev
Page:

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 »