In an extensive Gamer GNN interview we’ve translated a week ago, Game Freak director Junichi Masuda said that motion controls are necessary to catch Pokemon in Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee.

This applies all the time whether you’re playing in TV Mode, Handheld Mode, or Tabletop Mode. Here’s how it works.

As to how catching Pokemon works in Handheld Mode where the Joy-Con are attached to the Nintendo Switch, Masuda said players will have to aim using the Joy-Con’s gyro sensors, and then press a button to throw the Poke Ball. At one point, Game Freak experimented with touch screen controls, but as the Switch couldn’t be held well with one hand, they scrapped the idea.

Eurogamer also heard the same from The Pokemon Company on this matter.

In handheld mode with both Joy-Con attached – you are still required to move around to aim, but you press a button to throw the Pokéball.

It is not touch screen like on a smartphone because the Switch is quite a bit heavier than your smart phone.

What do you think about this?