When Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! and Let's Go, Pikachu! were announced in 2018, the reaction from longtime fans was mixed.
Many players were hoping for a traditional Pokémon adventure on the Nintendo Switch. Instead, Game Freak revealed a game inspired by Pokémon Yellow that borrowed catching mechanics from Pokémon GO. For some, it felt like the series was becoming too casual.
But after spending time with it, many players realized there was more to Let's Go than first impressions suggested.
Several years later, does Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! deserve another look?
A Beautiful Return to Kanto
One of the game's biggest strengths is how it brings Kanto to life.
Every town, route, and landmark from the original games has been recreated in full 3D, making the region feel more vibrant than ever before. Whether you're walking through Viridian Forest, exploring Lavender Town, or taking on the Pokémon League, there's a sense of nostalgia mixed with modern presentation.
For players who grew up with the original games, it's a familiar adventure that feels fresh without losing its identity.
The Catching System Divided Fans
The biggest change was also the most controversial.
Wild Pokémon battles were removed for regular encounters. Instead, catching Pokémon works much like it does in Pokémon GO. You throw Poké Balls using motion controls or button controls, aim carefully, and try to build capture streaks.
At first, many longtime fans dismissed the idea.
Surprisingly, though, the system becomes enjoyable once you get used to it. Catching Pokémon is quick, satisfying, and encourages you to fill your Pokédex instead of avoiding wild encounters altogether.
It's different, but not necessarily worse.
Seeing Pokémon in the Overworld Was a Game Changer
One feature that almost everyone appreciated was the removal of random encounters.
Instead of suddenly being interrupted by wild battles every few steps, Pokémon now appear naturally throughout the world. You can decide whether to battle a trainer, catch a Pokémon, or simply walk past it.
Today, this feels completely normal because newer Pokémon games use the same approach.
Back in 2018, however, it was one of the series' biggest quality-of-life improvements.
Eevee Steals the Show
If you choose Let's Go, Eevee!, you'll quickly realize your partner isn't an ordinary Pokémon.
Eevee rides on your shoulder, reacts to your actions, wears different outfits, learns exclusive moves, and develops a personality throughout the adventure.
The bond between the player and their partner feels stronger than in many previous Pokémon games.
Small interactions like petting, feeding, and dressing up Eevee don't add much to the gameplay, but they give the adventure plenty of charm.
Perfect for New Players
One criticism often aimed at Let's Go is that it's too easy.
There's some truth to that.
Experience is shared across the entire team, your partner Pokémon is incredibly strong, and battles rarely become especially difficult.
For experienced players looking for a serious challenge, this can make the adventure feel a little too relaxed.
On the other hand, accessibility was clearly the goal. The game introduces Pokémon to younger players and newcomers without overwhelming them with complicated mechanics.
In that respect, it succeeds remarkably well.
Not Every Feature Made the Cut
Let's Go also removed several mechanics that longtime fans had grown accustomed to.
Abilities are gone, held items no longer exist, breeding isn't available, and the competitive battle system is much simpler than in other mainline entries.
While these changes make the game easier to understand, they also reduce some of the strategic depth that veteran players enjoy.
If you're looking for complex team building, you'll probably find yourself wanting more.
One of the Best Looking Pokémon Games on Switch
Even today, Let's Go remains one of the most polished Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.
The colorful art style fits the series perfectly, character animations are expressive, and Pokémon models blend naturally into the world.
Ironically, despite being released before games like Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet, many fans still consider Let's Go to be one of the best-looking Pokémon titles on the system.
Its clean visual style has aged extremely well.
So, Was It Better Than People Remember?
I think so.
Let's Go, Eevee! isn't trying to replace traditional Pokémon games. Instead, it offers a lighter, more relaxing adventure that focuses on exploration, collecting Pokémon, and revisiting one of the franchise's most iconic regions.
It may not satisfy players looking for deep competitive mechanics or difficult battles, but that's never what it set out to do.
Sometimes it's nice to simply enjoy the journey.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! was judged harshly when it launched because many fans expected something completely different.
Looking back now, it's easier to appreciate what the game actually accomplished.
It modernized Kanto with beautiful visuals, introduced seamless overworld Pokémon, made catching more engaging, and created one of the most charming partner Pokémon in the series.
It isn't the most challenging Pokémon game, nor is it the deepest. But it's polished, relaxing, and genuinely fun from beginning to end.
If you've ignored Let's Go, Eevee! because of its reputation, it might be time to give it another chance.
You may discover that it's one of the most enjoyable Pokémon adventures on the Nintendo Switch.