Talking Point: What Do You Make Of The Three Big Pokémon Games Coming To Nintendo Switch?

I've never been a fan of the mainline Pokémon games because I HATE random battles. These Let's Go games might actually win me over just because of the absence of that mechanic. Finally!

I'll skip "Lets go" and wait for the real game.

The more I look at the Let's Go! titles, the more they seem like an extension (or companion app) for Pokemon Go. It's a hard pass from me on those. Quest isn't really on my radar, either. I have no problem waiting until 2019 to get my 'Mon fix.

My opinion on the 3 games in order of release:

1. Meh.
2. Cool.
3. AWESOME!

I don't think most people on sites like this are as excited for Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee as they are for the more hardcore 2019 title, but it's great for bringing in new people and selling millions of Switches. And more Switches sold means better first and third party support, so it's really a win for everyone involved. The casual people get their casual game, the hardcore people get their hardcore game in 2019, and Nintendo rakes in the money, gets a lot of new players (such as ones who were fans of Pokemon Go), and gives us a lot of great games as a result.

Sure, it's possible that the 2019 title will have "casualization" issues, but so far, it seems like it won't, or at the very least it'll be more aimed towards the hardcore fans than the Let's Go games are.

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! Depends on if Pokemon GO offers exclusive stuff you wouldn't get if you don't play GO, because that would royally suck.

Other than that, I hope Pokemon 2019 won't have anything locked to handheld mode. I suspect GF would do that.

YOU CAN SELECT UP TO 3 ANSWERS

But there's only three answers

i Like it i see the logic and it a good stepping stone for GEN 8..what are the odds 2020 the redo Gold and silver the take it in turn each November

What I've played of Quest was boo-boo. Definitely feels like a mobile title (which is appropriate, it's being ported to phones).

I'm very hyped for Let's Go, Eevee!, and even more hyped for the core games!

Quick cash before the real deal hits.

I’m really interested in Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee and I never played Pokémon yellow, this is an opportunity to experience it without retro feelings (I never liked that old gray graphics thing, my first Pokémon Diamond and it was more than enough retro-looking for me) and with lots of fun additions, so it’s really perfect!

Of course, I’m equally hyped for the 2019 release! Let’s Go is perfect to kill the long wait.

Mostly only the 2019 one.

Need to see more of Lets GO,.. not sure if just an attempt to make something fast/simple to entice Mobile users to buy a Switch.

@KirbyTheVampire pretty much hit the nail on the head with regards to it. Personally I’ve never caught the Pokémon bug but it’s great for the switch and potentially bringing in system sales which is fantastic for all of us long term. Hope it really pushes millions of them

Where’s the option for none of them? What Pokémon needs is a big, ambitious, BotW/Odyssey-esque experience and that doesn’t look like it’s happening anytime soon. No, not even with the 2019 game. 2019 just looks like it’s going to be SM HD at this rate.

Excited for both!

While I'm most excited for Pokemon 2019, I think the naysayers really need to give Let's Go a chance. Now that we know it's not the direction the core series will take (and that the core series would release on Switch in 2019), I am definitely more open to new style of the game. Yeah catching Pokemon may be a bit too simplistic, but having Pokemon visible in the overworld means no more Zubats ad nauseam in caves or Tentacool ad nauseam in water. And we still don't have an idea about the story, characters, or post game. I think we should be cautiously optimistic since done right this game could be a nice breath of fresh air before the main games debut on Switch next year.

And in terms of business, this is a genius move. @KirbyTheVampire nailed it — this game will be the bridge between GO players on mobile and the core Pokemon RPGs. Even if most GO players don't buy Let's Go, if a good number do then they're more likely to get more used to the style of Pokemon RPGs and be more willing to play the game coming in 2019. Having a more casual game to entice players previously intimidated by Pokemon RPGs would result in more people buying the game in 2019, which is a smart move.

Letsa go

Quest:
Not interested at all.

Go Pikachu/Evee:
I like the look of them and how experimental they seem to be. I wanted them to try more things out with the franchise, so I am all for these games. I'm intrigued, will wait for reviews.

2019
No feelings, really. I'm just glad they informed us that they are separate titles. Personally, I want the franchise to take a bigger leap both visually and in terms of gameplay than just upgrading the Sun/Moon engine to HD, so I guess that will be what will determines my excitement, we'll see what happens in 2019.

@Mr_Pepperami Exactly. A lot of people are just shouting "CASUAL! CASUAL BAD!" without looking at the bigger picture.

When it comes to my personal taste, I wish Let's Go would be less casual as much as anyone, but in the grand scheme of things, it makes a lot of sense to change some things so that more players are brought into the fold.

I think they look fun. I don't like the Pokemon Go stuff at all, but from what I can tell it all looks completely optional and just sort of exists for the kids who actually want to be doing that.

What do I make from it? That they're not big games at all. The only big Pokémon game is coming next year, these three are just an appetizer and two side dishes, no more, no less...

Looking forward to Let's Go. I'm neutral about the 2019 game actually.

Meh. I’m sure the Let’s Go games will be fun in their own unique way, but I’m far more interested in seeing the series move forward in Gen 8.

As long as a proper gen 8 main series RPG is coming, I will happily ignore spinoffs as I've done for years. It was a little concerning in their press conference when they kept referring to the Let's Go games as main series RPGs.

Bring on 2019.

@KirbyTheVampire No doubt, casual is not necessarily bad. Pokemon has a long history of successful casual spinoffs. They'd be foolish not to try to cash in on Pokemon Go's massive audience. They'd be equally foolish not to satisfy long time fans of the deep and competitive main series games, especially since they've spent so much time in recent years trying to bolster their esports offerings. It seems to me that they might have hit the right balance even if I have to wait until 2019 for the one that I want. Still, as long as the Let's Go games aren't replacing a real main series RPG, no complaints from me.

@KirbyTheVampire totally. For the switch to be a success for us all Nintendo needs to push the system beyond the previously established player base. Making it a halfway house between Pokémon go and classic Gen 1 is a great way of trying to bring in new players but also giving something to established fans before hitting them up with a hardcore Pokémon RPG next year. The more systems sold makes the switch more appealing to third parties and greater software depth. Same with Labo. Totally unappealing to me but it covers a corner of a market that could make a parent buy the device.

@NoxAeturnus That's true. If the 2019 game turns out to be casual-focused as well, then I'll be jumping right on the complaining bandwagon. I very much doubt that'll be the case, but we just have to wait and see.

I’m actually looking forward to Let’s Go Pikachu, I don’t want all the garbage they added after Pokemon yellow I just want the original story reimagined with the original 150, all the other Pokémon looked like they were designed by a blind man with Tourettes anyway.

Let’s Go is the perfect appetizer until Gen 8. I’m glad they aren’t rushing Gen 8, but taking the time to perfect it. Good job Nintendo

Until I get some info on the 2019 release I’m going to be really excited for Let’s Go!

I still like to play Pokemon Go occasionally and I've never played Yellow so for me it is a day one hopefully I can finally use all those Pokemon that I've caught in Go to play in a much better battle system I'm looking forward to hear more about the Let's Go titles like the online and battle system I think they have a real opportunity to be fantastic as well to learn more on what all new they have added to the titles, I love the graphic style they are using Lets Go looks amazing and these titles come out after the Nintendo Switch online service starts . Definitely psyched to play come November.

Not much, Pokémon is for kids

@Mr_Pepperami Agreed. There's the slight worry in the back of my mind that we're gonna get something of a Wii 2.0 in terms of tons of casual software, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case.

I'm feeling the Go and next gen. But this Quest game on switch seems very... odd. I played it a bit last night and it's colorful to say the least. Does anyone know if completing Quest will give us any carry overs in Pika/Eevee?

Let's Go is not good. Alright I get it, the true game is coming next year. But I'm concerned. I'm concerned about what aspects of Let's Go could carry on forward. I don't like it at all. But of course I'm buying it, who am I kidding

Not interested in quest.

Would be if it was Pokémon Conquest 2.

Am interested in Let’s Go. Looks fun. I like Pokémon go.

Am very interested in Gen 8

@KirbyTheVampire lets seriously hope not. Although the fact that the leak weeks ago got this pretty much spot on makes me think that the E3 list leak maybe accurate now as well. That had a punch out, fzero and star fox on it so if that’s right I’ll be happy

Quest looks crap (but mobile, hey), Go already looks exactly as I imagined and hoped a classic/traditional Pokemon game would look and be done on Switch--very happy about that--and this makes me even more excited for the big Pokemon Switch game coming in 2019. So it's all good as far as I'm concerned!

I'm interested in Pokemon 2019, as long as they do not ruin it with simplistic pokemon go mechanics like the let's go games. Surprised no one on staff seemed to not like the Let's Go games.

@dougphisig Why would anyone on staff not like the Go games? They look like literally a modern and quite lovely version of the classic traditional Pokemon games that everyone already loves, with Pokemon Yellow being one of the most beloved it at that, and they're basically exactly as I imagined a traditional Pokemon game on Switch would look and play. There's not really anything for any reasonable person to not like here, especially the staff at Nintendo Life who I presume all love the main Pokemon series of games with a passion. So why in the world would they suddenly hate the idea of a new one that looks like the best-presented take on said games to date?

@Mr_Pepperami I kind of doubt that E3 list. 2018 is pretty much packed, and they said it would be 2018 only when it comes to announcements. And plus, "Yoshi's Flipping Island" is a completely dismal name, and it kinda makes me doubt the whole thing, not to mention how easy it is for anyone to make a list like that.

It'd be cool if it was real, but I think we'll probably get something like 1 new big game at E3 in the form of something like Animal Crossing, Pikmin 4, or the rumored Star Fox Grand Prix. Who knows, though. It's extremely easy to be wrong when it comes to predicting Nintendo.

There's never enough Pokemon games. It's nice it can please everyone.

"And as for Pokémon Quest? Well, it’s like that misshapen (cubed) olive in your pre-dinner drink, eaten out of desperation while you wait for the rest of your meal to arrive. It isn’t at all what you came for, but it’s a distraction."

I nearly spat out my own pre-dinner drink at that. It certainly gets my 'analogy of the month' award. : )

if let's go is the same in terms of leveling and evolving as mainline and not pkmn go i'm fine with the changes they are making

The free-to-play game doesn't interest me whatsoever. I'm going to need to see more of the Pikachu/Eevee game before I make decision any which way, I've never played Pokemon Go, but from what I can tell the gameplay in that game will be simplified compared to the regular Pokemon games, I did notice Pokemon had a "CP" value which as far as I'm aware is a simplified stat value used in Go, which leads me to believe that there are no real stats for Pokemon in this game either.

Probably the only one I will get is the real Pokemon game, I'm just so glad that this go series didn't replace the mainline games.

I hope gen 8 goes back to the more monster looking pokemon

Not one person on their team felt Let's Go was a disappointment at all? That's hard to believe.

My kids are loving Pokémon quest so far

They are over the moon excited about the games releasing this year and having poke balls (will of course have to buy 2, damn you nintendo!!!)

Looking forward to the 2019 titles but not really thinking about them yet.

I'm real excited overall with the Pokemon games coming/came out. They really creating something for everybody. A game for the casuals (more so the freenium crowd), the "hardcore", and everyone in between that wide gap. Plus you can never have too many Pokemon.

More excited for Lets Go since it have a play style I prefer over Quest and I know a lot more about it than the one coming in 2019. Only thing I know is the year of release, the system it's on, and that it's a core title. Cant work me up with words and tease

By the way, I have to take a moment to really appreciate how Globally united Pokemon games have gotten. I remember years ago having to wait up to a year, some cases more after Japan's release to get it stateside (in other cases never). Now I can get what they have same day. Oh how they evolved.

Me today during NL staff meetings:

While of course I want to get a core game on Switch and get to the proper meat of raising a team of my favourites, and battling the 'mon of the wild, the Let's Go! games provide a more relaxed take from the training and put the critters first - especially in terms of the mascots. These games should forge a connection with the world within them much better than what the core series has provided recently, and I'm all up for exploring this new vision of Kanto.

@KirbyTheVampire Another thing that I haven't seen many folks mention is the family involvement aspect of Let's Go. Red/Blue came out 30 years ago! While I don't have kids myself, some of my friends do, and Let's Go can provide a fun way to bridge the generational gap without sacrificing too much from the core ideas of the game. Not having to grind random encounters but still being able to catch new Pokemon is a good balance for younger generations to still enjoy it, while still keeping gym and trainer battles for us older fans that can't get into the mobile Go for lack of substance.

I think it's a neat package so far, and I'm definitely considering the purchase.

@redd214 Good to hear they enjoy it! I have Rumble on my 2DS and have played a few times for a light chuckle. Once I leave the office and dock this sucker at home (Harvest Moon consumed lunch time), I'll be downloading Quest.

I'm still not sure if I was more excited about the Pokeball than the Let's Go titles, to be honest. Who doesn't want a functional Pokeball??

@impurekind I love the main series pokemon games as well with a passion, but do not have love for what they are doing with this game. Also if you look around I'm definitely not the only one that's why I'm surprised because there is definitely a wide opinion of not liking what they are doing with this game. The biggest issues I have is this just feels like an over simplification of mechanics with the capturing and getting rid of random battles. I do like the graphics though I know some have complaints about that and would be ok with these graphics for the true main title. I think Pokemon GO's mechanics were fine for the type of game it was being a mobile title and with the style of gameplay they were going for, but I just feel that doesn't go well with a console/handheld game. Just my opinion, and just feel disappointed that I'll have to wait another year to get a real pokemon game, and I also fear they will bring some of these things I don't want to see into the main series title.

@HobbitGamer Yeah, I've heard a lot of people say that they're excited to show a game from their childhood to their kids, which is definitely cool.

@Mr_Pepperami I was thinking about that 'list' this morning. And then salivating for it to be true in order to have FO3. Then flashing back to coming across Old Olney as a lvl 4. I'm gonna go cry now.

@KirbyTheVampire,

You are correct,some people on forums will not see the value in a title like Pokémon lets go,but they are in the minority compared to the mass market this could appeal too.

You would think this was the only game the Pokémon company was working on to read some comments.

@KirbyTheVampire Unfortunately, if 'Yoshi's Flipping Island' were real, I'm afraid it would be nothing but the card flip mini game from old Yoshi titles.

I certainly couldn't care less about Pokemon Let's Go! and Pokemom Quest. I would tolerate everything else in Let's Go! if it wasn't Kanto again but I have no desire to play through Kanto a 3rd time, 5th time if you include Johto and it's remakes.

And there is no guarantee the 2019 Pokemon game won't follow the trend they started with Let's Go. All they said was "it would be more like X/Y and S/M", that's extremely vague and could mean a lot of things.

Cautiously optimistic. Looking fprward to playing the game co-op.

Yeah pokemon Let's go is NOT for pokemon fans and players, its for the hyper casual and pokemon Go players since niantic is so inept at building anything gamefreak has to step in and clean up their dumpster fire. This is fine, but it is not made for me. It is extremely basic overall but I am not surprised that this is the game they revealed. I had a sneaking suspicion that they couldn't possibly release the next pokemon main title game in 2018 on a new console. But this? This makes sense. Recycle the generation 6 game engine, recycle and visually upgrade Kanto, slap on the pokemon GO capture gimmick and you have yourselves a side game that will be probably as beloved as pokemon snap was for the original pokemon players.

I'll have to wait and see more of how the game works, but I am hoping that Gen 8 pokemon will be awesome and that the money these two spin offs make will allow for a really solid mainline game come 2019. When that happens....well you thought this announcement was bananas?

I'm overall not surprised, I thought no way they could bring a new pokemon so close after ultra sun/ultra moon and I was right, but I am always happy when they make really cool spin off games. Pokemon Ranger, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon were all great titles.

Keep it up Pokemon.

I'm actually really really enjoying Pokemon Quest! 😊

Truth be told I think pokemon needs to take a longer break. It blows my mind that people complain about yearly sequels with games like cod and ac meanwhile pokemon has been releasing same game after samey game on an almost annual basis since 2012. It seems ironic that fans demand a new pokemon game every year yet are disappointed when it doesn't change enough between entries.

My first reaction to "Let's Go" was 'this looks cool'. Not every Pokemon game has to be the same. I'd love to give it a go.

I’d care about Let’s Go if I cared about Go... but I don’t... at all. Bring on 2019!

There are some people saying Let's Go is meant to appeal to the Pokemon GO fan base, or the "casuals", people who mainly game on smartphones, not the "normal" Pokemon fans, or gamers, " but do you think casuals who mainly play games on smartphones, are interested in getting back into console gaming? The Wii eventually died, and the Wii U failed, because the casual market that made the Wii a success moved on to smartphone games, where they remain today.

Sounds like another futile attempt to recapture the lost casual market to me.

I'm not saying Let's Go won't sell, but if it sells it's Pokemon fans who buy anything Pokemon related or anything being called a main series game, not smartphone gamers who decided to give console gaming another chance.

The linking up with Pokémon Go is a masterstroke that will open it up to the new players they've got. Not that I expect a huge amount of people who solely play the phone game to invest in a games console, but I guess if people already own the switch they'll make the jump into the series. I'm just worried how sending them from the app works. Can I just send my whole pokedex over? I've already completed it, then. It looks as though it could be sending them to a park of some sort, so you probably can't use them in the game fully which is good thing imo.

honost. i never liked pokemon games, not the cartoon, not any 2d/3d version.

but i will give pokemon a change, if its an openworld game like botw. it got to have a story too, not a standard town or vilage where you constantly come back, to train monsters.

i find the pokemon franchise too childish, i realy dont understand adults can play these games even at the office!?
but eh, its great not everyone is the same.

I'm weird, because I've historically liked the Pokemon spin-off games better than the main games, so I honestly don't really care much about the Lets go games, and I've been having a little fun with Pokemon Quest

But that Pokeball plus better not be more than $40.

I am very excited about the Let's Go games for some reason.

Not really interested but i might check the Let's Go games at some point during the Switch lifetime. Definitely not dropping $60 on them.

I'd consider myself a fairly hardcore Pokémon player. I've been with the series since Red and Blue hit NA when I was 10 and have completed every entry in the main series up to and including Ultra Sun and Moon. I shiny hunt, I breed for perfect stats, I battle competitively online, and I do Nuzlockes every now and again. When the rumours of Let's Go first hit, I was a bit skeptical. "Kanto again, really?" is what I thought. Kanto was featured in the first 4 generations, going back yet again felt a little gratuitous.

When that trailer hit last night, though, I was immediately excited. Even though it's Kanto again, those shiny HD graphics really bring it to life. The simplified gameplay, while clearly aimed at the GO players, actually appeals to me greatly. I've been feeling a bit burnt out on the series because it has turned into a major grind. Speed through the story, get BP from Bank, buy EV training and battle items, start breeding for perfect stats and shinies, battle for a bit, breed again... it's more of a chore than anything now. I mean, I put in 400+ hours on each game from Platinum up to ORAS, 100 in Moon, but only 50 in Ultra Sun. This is just the chill Pokémon RPG experience that I need to reinvigorate my passion for the series. Can't wait until November! And yes, I'm going to rock that Pokéball Joy-Con out in public just like I did with the Pokéwalker.

Gen 1 is my favourite so I'm all over lets go pikachu version!

Can't wait for the mainline game, but not interested in these at all.

Wake me up when the 2019 version arrives.

Never‘ve been Kanto (except for hunting Legendaries in SoulSilver) so that‘s an aspect I enjoyed. I‘d rather have had a 'Kanto all those years later' than what is apparently HD versions of RBY. Another point I enjoy is the more simplified battle system. Out with Megas, Z Moves and the like, make it simpler and more accessible.

Only point I have major gripes with is the strong connection to Go.

I‘ll def get em both and play Eevee.

I don't understand why everyone is so mad at let's go, they haven't shown anything to prove that it's shallow compared to other games, and people need to stop saying it's a remake, which they never said, it most likely has a completely new story, and from the amount of gameplay they showed, no one should be judging it that much

Quest: Don't really care
Let's Go: Great idea to ease the Pokémon Go audience into the core series' gameplay, but I gotta wait for more information to see if I'll get it, personally.
Main Game 2019: That's the one I really want, can't wait to see it.

@dougphisig I don't mind so much about losing the random battles at all, and I kinda like you can now see Pokemon in the grass and stuff before fighting them, but I'm slightly wary of the lack of battling the Pokemon before capturing them. Although, there are still proper battles with actual trainers so it might turn out to be a really good balance in the end. Having to fight every random Pokemon did become a bit of a slog at times, but battling trainers was always fun. I'll wait and see how it all plays out before final judgement but I think the game is looking like it could be a good solid balance all round.

My boys are having fun with Quest. It's free, it's entertaining enough to keep them occupied and they have 3 different versions of the game going.

Let's Go, I think, will be Switches version of Pokemon Snap. It isn't going to be for everyone an obviously the mechanics and style of the game will annoy some of the "Pokemon Purists" but I think it will be enjoyed by most.

My boys were annoyed by the 2019 release date for the mainline RPG Pokemon game. They were both hoping it would be out this year. Having said that, they both want Let's Go and the Poke Ball accessory. I don't know if they will get it but at least for now Nintendo has their attention and they are getting hooked into the Pokemon culture.

I could not care less at this point as I'm a little too old to have Pokemon as nostalgia, but I'm excited for the Fans, that they get 3 games announced overnight and some hype going into the next year and a half for their Switches.

Now if only Nintendo hooks me up with 3 Fire Emblem games for the Switch.......hahaha

Only thing about Let’s Go is that I can play side by side one of my kids and Eevee & Pikachu can sit on your shoulder or head. I am more excited about the 2019 game. And I can wait for that.

I’m curious about Let’s Go! Pikachu. Call it nostalgia, but I’m intrigued to dive in, if not immediately.

2020 should bring us Pokémon Let’s Go Gold, Silver & Crystal.

Like the look of Let's Go Pikachu. I'm struggling to find lots of time to play Pokemon Moon lately so a more casual experience might suit me.

Pretty unimpressed with let's go and the freemium game. Have to wait and see what 2019 game looks like, but I'm kind of saturated by Pokemon games, I think there's been a lot and I'm kind of over it, at least the standard formula. I thought Sun and moon were annoying more than anyrhing. It will probably sell more switches, hopefully that means more ambitious games except I don't think the Pokemon audience necessarily wants what I want. A big shrug for now.

@MasterJay Maybe if you're looking at the trailer, but some of the details that have come out since do not inspire confidence. To summarize:

-Original 151 only
-No wild Pokemon battles
-Different EXP/leveling system
-No EVs or IVS

And if they're stripping the game down to this degree, how much else do you think they're even going to have besides just the base Kanto experience?

So far, I'm interested with Let's Go Pikachu.
I can't give comment for Pokemon 2019 since the game is not published yet but i will keep my eyes on them.

The Lets Go games are designed to bring in players who only played Pokemon Go and show them a Pokemon adventure. It looks like fun and I'll be sure to pick it up and play until the real Gen 8 game gets released.

hard to tell from the trailers but even for someone like me who has never owned a Pokemon game it looks pretty plain, they didnt really show any elaborate fighting system , it looked like you just wander around collecting pokemon

Maby I am wrong but I figured Pokemon games had in depth battle systems

I'll probably end up getting Let's Go Evee, but the mainline entry in 2019 is the one I really want. Still, the graphics in Let's Go actually looked pretty good to me!

I have seen a lot of irrational hate and outrage online and I don't get it. We are getting an update to Go, a new free-to-play game(Quest), a "mid-range" game that bridges the gap between casuals and traditional games(Let's Go), and finally, a new core series entry(Gen 8).

Seriously people, what is your problem? Pokemon is covering all the bases. The people who want a re-imagining are getting what they want. The gen-1 crowd is being pandered to in the extreme. The casual players get new content, and the people who prefer the traditional game are getting it too.

@ValhallaOutcast It does, but you are right, the videos don't show much of it. Because what little they do show, implies it is the traditional battle system, which I am guessing they assume most people already know.

@KirbyTheVampire #6 I couldn't have said it better myself.
Some people are disappointed or downright angry at Pokemon Let's Go, but I believe that those games are the perfect way to attract new players to both the Pokemon series and, more importantly, the Switch. More sales is a good thing for everyone, both Nintendo and all gamers.
The hardcore fans will get their time next year and in the meantime, giving these game a little chance won't hurt anyone.

I think it'll be interesting to see how the games impact the Switch. As much as I liked the original Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, I don't think it really drove DS sales. Pokemon Rumble U definitely didn't do anything for the Wii U.

Aside from that though, I'm not interested in any. Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee have the best shot at success simply for cashing in on nostalgia (first time HD Kanto) and trying to reviatlize interest in Pokemon Go, despite there only being the original 151 monsters (and the first look at generation 8, probably). I think that's incredibly lame, but whatever pays Nintendo's bills... I just really hope that if Let's Go is so focused on casuals that generation 8 will bring back features for hardcore fans like gym rematches and battle frontier.

@Heavyarms55
I think some outrage gamers out there are just Only care about themself in term of Pokemon games, never cared about Casual gamers.
It like Pokemon games are Must created for them (Hardcore gamers) , not for Casuals because they think Casuals = Wimpy gamers, Lousy, Cheap, etc.

Umm if they’re saying Let’s Go is part of the main line series then how is it a spin off? I actually like the Let’s Go changes, the core series has gotten really stale anyway. I wouldn’t be totally surprised if Gen 8 actually caries over some of the new elements used in these games.

@impurekind i agree with all of that except for catching wild pokemon. It looks kinda fun but not as good as battles.

Even 12 year old me would roll his eyes at these "Lets Go Con People Out Of Their Money" games

@cfgk24 I'm glad I'm not the only one!😁

Really thinking about it Let's Go probably ironically has more of what I want from a Pokemon game than a figurative Gen 8 would provide.

-Less focus on story with a lot fewer cutscenes.
-A more open-less linear world.
-More laid back atmosphere that doesn't involve evil villain using Mcguffin Token Legendary Pokemon to destroy the world.

Meanwhile, what I fear from Pokemon 2019 based on what I've played in Sun and Moon:
-Hours and hours of cutscenes involving another pretentious, yet generic plot that can be summed up in a paragraph.
-Random encounters, but little to no dungeons anyways.
-Probably made the EXP share mandatory at this point because they are afraid kids playing the game will accidentally turn it off and complain the game is too hard. (sarcasm, hopefully)

Granted, I still would prefer a new region and random encounters. But I'm personally interested in Let's Go.

@Anti-Matter Frankly I would agree with them if Pokemon were ONLY making games for the casual audience. I absolutely do not want the main series twisted beyond recognition and would be very angry myself if that did happen. (gotta keep the battle mechanics, capture, EVs and IVs and continue Pokemon Bank).

But that isn't what is happening. We are just getting other content in addition to the main series. Nothing wrong with that.

I never really cared for the Pokemon series at all, the only one that I actually liked some what is Pokken Tournament for the Wii U. Not really interested in this series that much. But Pokemon Lets go look like a ok game but just not worth $60 at least for me, maybe if it was $20-30 I would pick up a copy just to try it out. I would rather have a 2D Mario game instead.

People need to see things as what they are rather than see them as failures to meet their expectations.
Like Einstein once said, If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.
I'm excited for the Let's Go games and Pokemon Quest is really fun and cute, and best of all, free.

@Dom
Classic Dom, keeping things positive.
Or why is there no choice for "none" or "none at this point" like the other authors usually offer?

@Roam85 Pokémon Conquest?? That's a name I haven't heard in years...

Downloaded Quest, pretty similar to Rumble, but I’m very excited for Let’s GO! That trailer was amazing! I’ll probably get Eevee. But I cannot wait for Pokémon Switch! I hope nothing bad happens in the meantime...

No idea why so many here are upset about the new Let's Go games. Actually innovative mainline titles in a series that's nearly hitting the monotony levels of EA Sports games makes me very excited for them. Hopefully "Pokémon 2019" follows suit.

The Pokemon Go/Let's go integration feels like a gimmick. The lack of fighting pokemon on the wild mess up a winning formula... I had fun just fighting pokemon on the wild, although it was annoying at times. Grinding was also a way to level up you pokemon before important battles (even though they were way too easy)

Love the pokeball accessorie gimmick though!

I’ll have to hear more about Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee when it releases, but I’m excited for Pokémon Quest and a new mainline adventure in 2019. I love when they branch out with the Pokémon franchise and make stuff like Pokémon Conquest or Snap.

@Tulio517 That's kind of my hidden worry. They don't seem as bad as I first thought but if it sells well and provides a giant influx of people to move to mobile GO (which,as we know mobile games make stupid profit from skeevy mind tactics) it could entice Nintendo to head into the direction of making games to promote mobile games.

I mean...what if Animal Crossing Switch has special items unlocked only after playing pocket camp for 'x' hours!!

So the Let's Go games are a stripped down Yellow with Go elements?

I don't mind the lack of EV/IV natures. Only Trainer battles are a bit worrisome.

And just the original 151 monsters? I know that it's kinda for nostalgia's sake, but you're telling me that, for example, I can only get Electabuzz, yet not Elekid nor Electivire? Many first gen monsters got a pre-evolved form and an evolved form from G2 forward. I mean, Eevee, star of one of the version, will only have access to three of its eight evolutions. Yes, I get that getting these forms are complicated than just the three we originally had in the beginning, but it can very well be an option to whether evolve them or not. Or they can just appear in the wild.

And before you say: "But the Alolan forms...", I say that it's not the same as an evolution. It's not the same.

@MasterJay exactly this. They’ve presented the Go style capture mechanics front and centre but the game seems to have a traditional battle system.

I suspect that it’ll basically be a core game. With no more random battles (finally- when even Dragon Quest has dropped a sacred mechanic you know it’s time to go). The Go ‘integration’ seems very much tacked on - mystery gifts once a day like say the Pokewalker or the pokemon mini. The hints that they’ll play the story more like an anime (as in Yellow) - well that’s anyway a valid and popular direction for the series and always more likely than Pokémon BoTW for anyone who’s been paying attention for the past 15 years.

I’d also go further: The 2019 game will closely resemble this one with a new story and region. But that’s not a bad thing - Let’s Go is the game most of the audience has wanted for 20 years.

@Sharks It's really really polished! Loving the UI, sound design and music, Art style. It moves along at a pace and doesn't get bogged down. I haven't spent any money on it yet..
I will probably buy the Expedition 3 pack though...
The Auto attack and arts triggers are reminiscent off xenoblade. The combat is down to timing and location. It's fun, not too easy, and the leveling up and item management is clear, fun and easy to understand. 😎

I'm of course most excited about Let's Go Pikachu! and Let's Go Eevee! considering they haven't shown anything from Pokémon 2019.

I am divided on the "let's go" and don't really care about the other two (one is a mobile game and the other is part of the boring the series has become lately).
On one hand I hate the gimmick of the catching Pokemon's as per Go but in the other hand after playing xenoblade chronicles 2 I have to say that is hard to go back to randomised battles and if they allow to battle trainers more than once it will be awesome as currently we need to battle wild Pokémon again and again and again for grind and wait for one in 10 times that you fight one that gives you proper xp. If the story mode has 50+ hours I will buy it but I will wait for the reviews.
P.s: having Eevee not being able to evolve is quite stupid as it is very weak in that form...

I’ve never played a Pokémon game, but am planning to get Let’s Go. With the 2 player mechanic I can play with my daughters, which is great. I’ll definitely keep an eye on the 2019 game as well, I like RPGs, but wasn’t really into handheld games by the time Pokémon was a thing.

@Sharks I think it should work out okay since it seems you battle all the trainers as per normal, thankfully, so it should probably just cut a bit of the grind with catching all the wild Pokemon I think. It could actually be a really good balance of both methods, and sorta make more sense too (simply capture wild Pokemon, battle trainer Pokemon). That's my take on it at present anyway.

@TheBigK, you summed up my feelings exactly.

I have been playing every Pokemon game since Ruby/Sapphire was released when I was 10, and invested 250+ hours in every subsequent game (with the exception of B2/W2, since that came out after my beloved DS died, but before I upgraded to a 3DS). I even clocked in at 400+ hours in OR/AS, since they were remakes of my very first (and most beloved) games, and I loved them to death.

But I stopped playing Moon just after beating the Elite 4, and did not touch it again, even though I had only played it for about 50 hours, and I did not buy Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon at all, since I was, as you put it, a bit burned out. I never got into EV/IV developing and competitive play that much, though I did spend insane amounts of time breeding and hunting for shinies, but the last games had become far too bloated for me, what with Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and all that stuff.

But after seeing the trailer for Let's Go, I am finally excited for the series again, in a way I had not been since OR/AS were announced. And though I am a bit perplexed by the new capturing mechanics, as someone who usually spams Max Repels unless I am hunting for a specific Pokemon and is a firm believer in throwing a Quick Ball right off the bat (which literally works 99% of the time, even with legendaries), I actually don't mind it that much. And I LOVE that there are no random encounters, both because it removes the annoying grinding, and because it makes the world look a lot more immersive and real. Plus, this may finally be the game that gets my boyfriend - who has only ever played Pokemon Go and never touched on a Nintendo console until we started dating - into Pokemon, as he was very keen to try out the game after I showed him the trailer.

Overall, I think that Nintendo is doing something very smart here, as they are finally experimenting with a series that has become stale even in the eyes of long-term fans like myself. This could potentially be huge, and if it is not, they are still developing a more traditional game for 2019.

Which makes me really perplexed as to why so many people in the comments sections of NL are complaining about Let's Go. It is obviously not a fleshed-out port of Pokemon Go, we still have no idea of whether all complexity has been stripped out of the game, since all we have seen is a relatively short trailer, and most importantly, Nintendo is STILL developing another "core" RPG for Gen 8. If you don't like the look of the games, you are in no way forced to buy or play them, and you are still getting the more hardcore experience next year.

I guess it's impossible to please the whole of a fanbase as large as Pokemon's, but it does make me wonder whether these people are only complaining because they have to wait for another year before the game they want comes out, while the more casual/open-minded crowd gets something which frankly looks awesome in six months' time.

Chill, guys. This could really bring a lot of new fans to the series, sell millions of Switch consoles, and make a lot of pre-existing Pokemon gamers happy - why so negative? As I said earlier, if you don't like it, you don't have to buy it - and we're all getting a new generation in 2019 anyway.

EDIT: corrected a typo

@Anti-Matter I don’t think gamers think casual gamers are wimpy. I think that’s all in your head

The graphics of let's go are good enough for mobile but unworthy of a 2018 console game. Not to mention $60. I'll skip this one.

I've never got into Pokemon (maybe if Ash looked like Joel from the Last of Us and Pikachu looked like Godzilla), and it doesn't even enter my mind, but wow it's big, and wow people are passionate about it.

pkmn GO pikachu or eevee, isn't a core PKMN game as the fighting pkmn game wasn't or the colosseums or the ranger or all the others spin off pkmn games, ITS FINE, i get it. The filosophy of nintendo though that removing the random battles out of the game so new players wont find it difficult is PURE RUBBISH, next time make a video tutorial with auto movement auto combat auto everything so the new player wont have any issues with anything, still someone will buy it.
I really hope the 2019 game that WILL BE a CORE pkmn game is sth like the XY series, NOT the text based narrative boring SUN MOON and ULTRA versions of those