Pokémon Let’s Go More Than Just A Distraction say Nintendo of Canada

As we already know, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee have been huge hits already across the world, with over a million people diving into the experience to walk through the Kanto region once again, some for the first time and some for the second, third, and perhaps even longer. But many argued that Pokémon Let’s Go was merely Nintendo’s way to ‘buy more time’ ahead of the more anticipated release of Generation 8 on Nintendo Switch. According to Nintendo of Canada, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In conversation with Andrew Collins, Communications Manager for Nintendo of Canada, Pokémon Let’s Go is doing one important thing prior to the launch of the more traditional Pokémon experience in 2019. With over 800 million download on mobile, Collins noted that there are millions upon millions of people across the world who have never played a traditional Pokémon game, but have played Pokemon Let’s Go.

“That’s why having the Pokémon Go catching experience is so important” said Collins, referencing the process you catch Pokémon in this release, which differs from the wild Pokémon battles that are more traditional for this franchise. For Collins, this release wasn’t about making a quick buck on nostalgia, or buying time until Nintendo could perfect their next Pokemon adventure. Instead, he argues that this allows both Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company International the opportunity to introduce the core Pokémon experience in a much more accessible way.

As Andrew and I talked about our kids, and the opportunity to introduce them to a world we remember so fondly, it became apparent that Nintendo made the right decision all along with this release. As we look forward to the next instalment in the franchise in 2019, it’s great to have this experience for right now. And Andrew’s argument for bringing in more players is 100% true in my circle of friends. Many who have never played a traditional Pokémon experience are doing so now, and many are getting Switches for the first time.

Good job Nintendo. You played this right, despite what so many are saying.