Let’s Go Pikachu vs Eevee: every meaningful version difference
Compare partner abilities, exclusive wild Pokémon and the choices that do or do not change the Kanto story.
Applies to: Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! on Nintendo Switch
Quick answer
Choose Let’s Go, Pikachu! if you want Pikachu as the unevolving partner riding on your shoulder and access to its exclusive partner techniques. Choose Let’s Go, Eevee! for Eevee, its larger set of typed partner techniques and its own version-exclusive wild Pokémon. The main Kanto route, two-player support, Pokémon GO transfer features and Poké Ball Plus compatibility are otherwise shared.
Partner differences
Let’s Go, Pikachu! gives the player a partner Pikachu that rides on the trainer’s shoulder. Let’s Go, Eevee! uses a partner Eevee that rides on the trainer’s head. Neither partner can evolve or be transferred out, even though other Pikachu and Eevee caught during the adventure follow their normal rules.
The partners also learn different exclusive techniques. Pikachu’s set is built around moves such as Zippy Zap, Splishy Splash and Floaty Fall. Eevee has a broader collection of techniques associated with its possible evolutions. Those partner moves are the biggest battle-system difference.
Version-exclusive Pokémon
The Pikachu version’s wild exclusives include Oddish, Sandshrew, Growlithe, Grimer, Scyther and Mankey families. The Eevee version substitutes Bellsprout, Vulpix, Meowth, Koffing, Pinsir and Ekans families. Trading can fill the opposite version’s gaps, so these exclusives affect convenience rather than making a complete Pokédex impossible.
What stays the same
Both versions follow the same Kanto story, use the same motion and button catching systems, support a second local player and can receive compatible Kanto Pokémon from Pokémon GO. Both work with Poké Ball Plus. The main route and major locations are not separate campaigns.
Which version to buy
Pick the partner you want to see and interact with throughout the whole game, then use the exclusive list as a tiebreaker. Choose Pikachu for its fast partner techniques and Yellow-style mascot relationship; choose Eevee for its wider elemental partner toolkit. If buying Poké Ball Plus for either version, first read the Mew redemption warning.
Sources
Checked against the official Pokémon: Let’s Go and Nintendo pages on October 13, 2026. Availability and storefront details can change.
Not independently play-tested. This is not a claim that every platform or game version was tested. Source review: Oct 13, 2026.
