Pokémon Finally Comes to Nintendo Switch With 3 New Games Announced

Pokémon is finally coming to the Nintendo Switch, but not in the way you might have expected. Sure, that core Pokémon title is still in development, but in the meantime, the Pokémon Company is rolling out two new games for the handheld console. Here’s everything you need to know about the surprise late-night announcement.

Pokémon Switch Core Title

First, the important stuff. The official Pokémon Twitter account confirmed that, yes, there’s a core Pokémon game coming to the Nintendo Switch. We still don’t know what it’s called, but it should be arriving in the second half of 2019. That probably means right in time for the holidays.

It’s possible we could get an official look at this game during E3 next month, but with so many other bits of Pokémon news (not to mention Super Smash Bros. for Switch), that doesn’t seem too likely. But still, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee

While we wait, there’s plenty to be excited about, starting with Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee. These games are basically just Pokémon GO for the Switch, which might sound either terrible or great depending on how you feel about the mobile game.

Based on the trailer, there are a few clear changes in these new Pokémon games. First of all, instead of swiping at the Pokémon to catch them, you’re using your Joy Con (or a special new Poké Ball-shaped accessory) to do it. There’s also a map to explore, and Pokémon battles against what we assume are computer-controlled enemy trainers.

There’s a multiplayer mode too. Just hand the other Joy Con to your friend and they can follow you around the game and help you catch new Pokémon. As an added bonus for any diehard Pokémon GO fans, you’ll be able to transfer all the Generation 1 Pokémon (that’s the original 151) you caught in that game into this new title.

Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee hit the Nintendo Switch on November 16.

Pokémon Quest

Finally, Pokémon Quest is a new “free-to-start” game launching right now on the Nintendo Switch. It’s also coming to Android and iOS in late June.

The first thing you’ll probably notice about this game is that it looks super-weird. The Pokémon are all cube-shaped approximations of the ones we know and love, and they’re actually called “Pokéxel” instead.

The goal of the game seems to be building a base camp that attracts Pokémon and then using three of them to battle other enemies in simple tap-based combat. It doesn’t sound like much, but considering that it’s free (with in-app purchases) you might as well give it a try, right?