You will start the game as a Trainer on the first day of their journey. Before hitting the road and discovering all the different Pokemon in the world, you must choose which Partner Pokemon to begin your adventure with. The Partner Pokemon is based entirely on the game you decide to purchase. Buy Let’s Go Pikachu to receive Pikachu as your Partner Pokemon, or buy Let’s Go Eevee to receive Eevee as your Partner Pokemon.
The nature of the Pokemon will be random. If you wish to change the nature, save the game before leaving your house and receiving the Partner Pokemon, then close the software and restart the game. You will have to delete all saved data and restart the game if you want to change the gender of your Pokemon.
These partner Pokemon are not only the starter Pokemon, but will accompany you on your entire adventure. Even if the Partner Pokemon is removed from your party, they will remain on your shoulder while exploring Kanto. Unfortunately, the partner Pokemon cannot evolve or be traded. Other wild Pikachu and Eevee can also be captured in the games.
Pikachu
Pikachu is the electric mouse Pokemon. It’s been known as the face of the Pokemon world for decades! It specializes in speed first and foremost; followed by attack, special attack, and special defense; with Pikachu’s HP and defense being the worst.
Additionally, the partner Pikachu can learn three special attacks from a tamer in Cerulean City, Celadon City, and Fuchsia City.
| City | Move | Element | Category | Power | Accuracy | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerulean | Zippy Zip | Electric | Physical | 50 | 100 | Strikes first and always results in a critical hit. |
| Celadon | Floaty Fall | Flying | Physical | 90 | 100 | May cause the target to flinch. |
| Fuchsia | Splishy Splash | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | May cause paralysis on the target. |
Eevee
Eevee is the normal-type evolution Pokemon. It’s known as the evolution Pokemon because it normally can evolve into one of eight different other species! Its stats are pretty evenly spread out, but its special defense barely jumps ahead as Eevee’s favored stat with special attack being its weakest stat.
Additionally, the partner Eevee can learn eight different attacks from a tamer in Cerulean City (3), Celadon City (2), and Fuchsia City (3). However, only four attacks can be remembered at a time.
| City | Move | Element | Category | Power | Accuracy | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerulean | Bouncy Bubble | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | Absorbs and restores its HP by half the damage taken by the target. |
| Cerulean | Buzzy Buzz | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | Causes paralysis on the target. |
| Cerulean | Sizzly Slide | Fire | Special | 90 | 100 | Causes burn on the target. |
| Celadon | Baddy Bad | Dark | Special | 90 | 100 | Reduces damage taken by physical attacks. |
| Celadon | Glitzy Glow | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | Reduces damage taken by special attacks. |
| Fuchsia | Freezy Frost | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | Eliminates stat changes. |
| Fuchsia | Sappy Sap | Grass | Special | 90 | 100 | Plants seeds that drain the target’s HP every turn. |
| Fuchsia | Sparkly Swirl | Fairy | Special | 90 | 100 | Heals the status of your entire party. |
Customization and Interaction
Both Pikachu and Eevee can be dressed up and customized just like the Trainers. Play with and feed them by selecting “Play with Pikachu / Eevee” from the main menu.
The design on the end of Pikachu and Eevee’s tail will be slightly altered based on their gender. If they’re male, the change in colors will be a straight or slightly curved line. If they’re female, the change in colors will be in the shape of a heart. Keep an eye on their tales while adventuring to find hidden items throughout Kanto. The faster their tale wags, the closer you are to an item.
Your partner Pokemon will also interact with you throughout Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee. When a Pikachu or Eevee with a Joy-Con appears in the lower-left corner of the screen, shake your controller to instantly see their reactions. They might even have a gift for you!
Sure-hit Move
Feeding your partner Pokemon berries and playing with it will allow you to use a special technique in battle. The effect of the move depends who is in battle. If the partner Pokemon is not battling, this ability will become Pikachu or Eevee support, which boosts all six stats of the current Pokemon by one stage.
If the partner Pokemon is battling they will perform an ultra powerful attack that never misses, unless there’s an immunity type match up or if the Pokemon used Protect/Detect. Pikachu’s special attack is called Pika Papow, an electric-type special attack similar to thunder.
Eevee’s special attack is called Veevee Volley, a normal-type physical attack similar to an ultimate Tackle or Take Down.
To use a sure-hit move, look for a small Pikachu or Eevee icon playing with a Joy-con. It should be moving left and right above the attack button during a Pokemon battle. Shake the Joycon when playing in TV Mode or Tablet Mode. The option is not available while playing in Handheld mode.
The best thing about Partner Pokemon is how they can learn all new Secret Techniques. These are the replacements for the Hidden Machines Cut, Fly, Surf, Strength, and Flash, but now they won’t replace any of their four attacks in their move set, and the Pokemon doesn’t have to be one of the six in your party!