1. Product Overview
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! invites players on a journey through the Kanto region with Pikachu as their partner. This Nintendo Switch title allows players to become a Pokémon Trainer, battling other Trainers, Gym Leaders, and the notorious Team Rocket. The game features a unique catching mechanism using Joy-Con motion controls or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which enhances the immersive experience with lights, vibrations, and sounds. Players can also enjoy button controls in Handheld Mode. The adventure can be shared with family or friends through a second Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus (sold separately). A notable feature is the ability to connect with the Pokémon GO app on compatible smartphones to transfer Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, and the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan.
Explore the vibrant Kanto region, encountering beloved characters like Brock and Misty. The bond with your partner Pikachu strengthens as you care for it and travel together. Customize Pikachu and your Trainer with various outfits. Wild Pokémon roam visibly in the game world, allowing for direct encounters and captures using timing and well-placed Poké Balls. Engage in battles and trades with other players locally or online (Nintendo Switch Online membership required for online play). The Poké Ball Plus accessory also allows you to take your favorite Pokémon on strolls in the real world to level them up and receive in-game rewards.
2. Setup
- Insert Game Card: Ensure your Nintendo Switch console is powered off or in sleep mode. Open the game card slot cover and insert the Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! game card until it clicks into place.
- Power On Console: Power on your Nintendo Switch console. The game icon should appear on the HOME Menu.
- Initial Launch: Select the game icon to launch Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! Follow any on-screen prompts for initial setup, such as language selection and user profile association.
- Controller Setup:
- Joy-Con Controllers: Attach the Joy-Con controllers to the console for Handheld Mode, or detach them for TV Mode/Tabletop Mode. Ensure they are charged.
- Poké Ball Plus (Optional): If using a Poké Ball Plus accessory, ensure it is charged and paired with your Nintendo Switch console. Follow the accessory's instructions for pairing.
- Software Updates: The game may require a software update upon first launch. Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet to download and install any necessary updates for optimal gameplay.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Basic Movement and Interaction
- Movement: Use the left analog stick on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller to move your Trainer character.
- Interaction: Press the A button to interact with people, objects, or enter buildings.
- Menu: Press the X button to open the main menu, where you can access your Pokémon, Bag, Pokédex, Save, and other options.
3.2 Catching Pokémon
Wild Pokémon appear directly on the overworld map. Approach a wild Pokémon to initiate an encounter.
- Motion Controls (Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus):
- Hold your Joy-Con horizontally and point it at the screen.
- When the target circle around the Pokémon is at its smallest, make a throwing motion with your Joy-Con to throw a Poké Ball.
- The timing and accuracy of your throw affect the catch rate.
- Button Controls (Handheld Mode):
- Use the left analog stick to aim the Poké Ball.
- Press the A button to throw the Poké Ball.
- Using Berries: Before throwing a Poké Ball, you can use certain berries from your Bag (e.g., Razz Berry) to make the Pokémon easier to catch.
Video: Gameplay footage demonstrating Pokémon catching mechanics and initial interactions in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! This video shows the player character encountering wild Pokémon and the process of throwing a Poké Ball using motion controls.
3.3 Pokémon Battles
Trainer battles are turn-based. Select commands from the menu to have your Pokémon attack, use items, switch Pokémon, or run away.
- Fight: Choose a move for your Pokémon to use. Moves have different types, power, and accuracy.
- Pokémon: Switch your active Pokémon with another in your party.
- Bag: Use items from your Bag, such as Potions to heal your Pokémon.
- Run Away: Attempt to escape from battle (not always successful in Trainer battles).
Video: An in-depth look at the game's battle system, showing a player engaging in a Pokémon battle against another trainer. This video highlights the turn-based combat and move selection.
3.4 Co-op Play
A second player can join your adventure at any time by shaking a second Joy-Con controller. This allows for cooperative gameplay, including:
- Double Catching: Both players can throw Poké Balls simultaneously during wild Pokémon encounters, increasing the catch rate.
- Double Battles: In Trainer battles, both players can send out their Pokémon to fight together.
3.5 Connecting with Pokémon GO
You can connect your Nintendo Switch to the Pokémon GO app on a compatible smartphone to transfer Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region.
- Ensure both your Nintendo Switch and smartphone have Bluetooth enabled.
- Follow the in-game instructions in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Pokémon GO app to establish a connection.
- Once connected, you can transfer eligible Pokémon from Pokémon GO to your Nintendo Switch game.
4. Maintenance
As a digital game, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! requires minimal physical maintenance. Keep your Nintendo Switch console and game card clean and free from dust. Ensure your console's software and the game's software are regularly updated for optimal performance and access to the latest features.
5. Troubleshooting
- Game Not Loading:
- Ensure the game card is inserted correctly and fully into the slot.
- Clean the game card's contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
- Restart your Nintendo Switch console.
- Controller Issues:
- Ensure Joy-Con controllers or Poké Ball Plus are fully charged.
- Re-sync controllers with the Nintendo Switch console.
- Check for any obstructions between the controller and the console.
- Connection to Pokémon GO Failing:
- Verify Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
- Ensure both the game and the Pokémon GO app are updated to their latest versions.
- Restart both your Nintendo Switch and smartphone.
- General Performance Issues:
- Close any other running applications on your Nintendo Switch.
- Ensure your console has sufficient free storage space.
- Perform a system update for your Nintendo Switch console.
6. Specifications
| Brand | Nintendo |
| Model Number | Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Video & Mobile |
| Number of Players | Multiplayer (1-2 players) |
| Release Date | November 16, 2018 |
| Language | English |
| ESRB Rating | Everyone |
| Compatible Consoles | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch Lite |
Key Features:
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto.
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Let's Go series.
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life.
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits.
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support regarding your Nintendo Switch console or the Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! game, please refer to the official Nintendo website or contact Nintendo customer support directly. Game software is typically covered by the terms and conditions provided by Nintendo at the time of purchase. Always ensure your software is up-to-date for the best experience.
