Upcoming Pokémon Switch Games Feature Local Co-op Play

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Nintendo offers new information on Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go Eevee! that provides new details on co-op play and exclusive Pokémon.

New details for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! give us a better idea of what to expect from the upcoming games' local co-op features. The new games, which will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in November, takes players back to the Kanto region that was previously explored in the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow.

The two games are the first role-playing Pokémon titles for the Nintendo Switch. The duo are the next core titles for the series, which is a departure from the franchise in a big way, as it's the first time a main Pokémon installment has launched on a major console instead of a handheld system. Another important change is Nintendo's decision to revisit the Kanto region and the first generation of Pokémon. Similar to the gameplay in Yellow, the games will focus on the player's relationship with one of two possible characters, Pikachu or Eevee.

The Pokemon Company International and Nintendo have released new details regarding the new games. Though we already knew from the reveal trailer that Let's Go! includes local co-op capabilities, we now know more about what that entails. Two players can adventure through Kanto together as well as participate in tag-team battles in order to take down challenging opponents. The co-op play is enabled simply by shaking a second Joy-Con controller. Players can battle and trade with each other both locally and online. It's already been stated that the games' online play will require the Nintendo Online subscription.

In addition to the co-op details, we also know more about which Pokémon will be exclusive to each game. Traditionally, dual releases of core Pokemon titles feature slightly different rosters of Pokémon to offer some variety and to keep them from being too identical. This time around, Pikachu will include Oddish, Sandshrew, and Growlithe, while Eevee includes Bellsprout, Meowth, and Vulpix.

As seen in the new teaser trailer for the Let's Go games, they'll allow players to customize Pikachu or Eevee's hairstyle, clothing, and other accessories. Developing your friendship with one of the two Pokémon is one of the key aspects of the game. Misty and Brock are also back, which makes Let's Go! look even more like a remake of the original games, which is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the series.