Masuda Explains Why Motion Controls Are Required In Pokemon Let’s GO, How Evolutions Work

During a Game Informer interview, Game Freak director Junichi Masuda explained a few things we didn’t know about Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee.

First was the reason behind making motion controls compulsory for catching Pokemon in the game, even in Handheld Mode. Masuda says he wants everyone to try a new way of playing, so it’s there.

Next, Masuda explained how evolving Pokemon works in Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee. The director said it pretty much works the same way as the mainline Pokemon titles. If a Pokemon needs to hold an item to evolve, there will be a way to get those items in the game.

Check out more interesting points from the interview below.

Is there a fear that we will be throwing Poké Ball Pluses at TVs?

I want everyone to attach that strap as they’re playing the game. That will keep it in your hand. I’ve done a lot of testing the game during development. I haven’t thrown it out of my hands once yet. [laughs]

Which version do you think will sell more? Pikachu or Eevee?

Given how famous Pikachu is and widely recognizable he is, it’s hard to argue that it won’t sell somewhat more than the Eevee version, but we really put a lot of effort into making Eevee super cute and super appealing. Obviously, I want people to play both. I am hoping this will provide an opportunity to really get to know Eevee as a character.

How do you evolve Pokémon in Let’s Go?

In general, it’s the same as it has been in the past by leveling up. With Pokémon Go there are no levels, so it had that system unique to that.

Will some evolve based on items, just like they have in the past?

Yeah, that will be pretty much the same as you have seen in the previous main series games.

Why are motion controls required?

The primary reason is really just to provide a new experience. There are a lot of people out there, I think, that really do want to throw a Poké Ball and role-play that. And as well as a lot of people out there who maybe haven’t played the main series of Pokémon, but would find that really appealing. By making that the only way to do it, I just wanted people to try this new experience.

In Pokémon Yellow, your relationship with Pikachu  would change over the course of the game. Is that game mechanic present in Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee?

Yes, that’s present in these games.