Difference Between Lets Go Pikachu And Eevee

Hey there, Pokémon pals! So, you're eyeing up the Kanto region for a brand new adventure, but you're staring at the game shop screen like it's a particularly tricky Sudoku puzzle: "Let's Go, Pikachu!" or "Let's Go, Eevee!"? Don't sweat it! It's not as complicated as figuring out why Magikarp is considered a Pokémon at all (seriously, still baffled). Think of it like choosing between vanilla and chocolate – both are awesome, just a little different, and will bring you tons of joy.
Basically, these two games are super similar. Like, ridiculously so. They’re both remakes of the OG Pokémon Yellow, which means you’re getting that classic Kanto story with all your favorite Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and that pesky Team Rocket trio trying to steal your Pikachu's electricity (or Eevee's fluff, I guess?). The core gameplay, the catching mechanics (which are way more like Pokémon GO now, by the way – no more random wild battles, just point and flick!), the story progression, the Pokémon you can encounter and train – it’s all pretty much identical. So, if you're just looking for a nostalgia trip with a shiny new coat of paint, either one will hit the spot. But if you’re a discerning Trainer like yourself, you’ll want to know the real differences, right?
The Main Squabbles: Pikachu vs. Eevee
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The biggest, most obvious, "duh, it's in the title" difference is your starter Pokémon. In "Let's Go, Pikachu!", you get a sprightly little Pikachu, and in "Let's Go, Eevee!", you get a cuddly, fluffy Eevee. Now, before you start thinking "Oh, it's just about who I like better!", hold your horses (or your Ponyta, as the case may be). This isn't just about a cute face to follow you around. Your starter Pokémon in these games is special. They’re like the VIPs of your team.
Your Pikachu or Eevee is permanent. You can't box them up and forget about them. They’ll be with you through thick and thin, right there on the overworld map, running behind you, jumping for joy, or probably complaining when you make them walk through a dark cave (understandable). And they’re not just for show! They’re also incredibly powerful, and more importantly, they get access to some exclusive moves that you can’t get anywhere else.
Pikachu's Electric Attitude
So, for the "Let's Go, Pikachu!" crew, your buddy is, well, Pikachu. And this Pikachu is no ordinary Pikachu. This one has been working out! It’s basically a super-powered, custom-trained Pikachu that can learn some seriously awesome moves. Think things like Pika-Punch (which is exactly what it sounds like and is hilarious to watch), Splishy Splash (a water-type attack, because why not?), and Belch (yes, you read that right. Belch. Pokémon logic, folks!). These moves are exclusive to Pikachu and can really turn the tide in battle. Plus, seeing Pikachu in its little hats and costumes throughout the game is just… chef’s kiss!
Eevee's Evolutionary Potential (and Cuteness Overload)
Now, onto the "Let's Go, Eevee!" side. Your starter is Eevee, and Eevee is a Pokémon of many talents, or rather, many potential talents. Unlike Pikachu, who is just a super-powered Pikachu, Eevee is a Pokémon that can evolve into a bunch of different things. In these games, your starter Eevee is also special and can learn exclusive moves. These aren't just random attacks; they're themed around its potential evolutions! You've got moves like Cool Bully (which is, again, hilarious and sounds like Eevee is about to drop some sick burns), Snooze Shake (sleep-inducing goodness), and Freezy Frost (ice-powered attacks). And the best part? Your starter Eevee can actually evolve! So, you can choose if you want to keep it as a fluffy Eevee, or evolve it into one of its awesome forms: Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon. Each of these have their own strengths and unique move sets, giving you a bit more strategic flexibility depending on your team.

Think of it this way: Pikachu is like getting a pre-made, super-deluxe sports car. It's fast, it's powerful, it looks amazing, and it comes with all the bells and whistles. Eevee, on the other hand, is like getting a customizable, high-performance chassis. You can turn it into a sleek sports car, a rugged off-roader, or a powerful truck, depending on your preferences and what you want to achieve. It’s a bit more of a commitment to get it to its final form, but the journey and the potential payoff can be incredibly rewarding.
The Pokémon Encounter Shuffle
This is another big one, and it’s where the choice can really sway you. While the majority of Pokémon you can catch in the wild are the same across both games (hello, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur – the original trio are all available in both!), there are some exclusive Pokémon that you can only find in one version or the other. This is a classic Pokémon move, designed to encourage trading and, let's be honest, make you debate with your friends about who got the better version.
In "Let's Go, Pikachu!", you'll find Pokémon like Sandshrew and Oddish more frequently. These are great early-game Pokémon that can fill out your team nicely. You'll also have a higher chance of encountering Growlithe, the adorable fire-type puppy that evolves into Arcanine. Who doesn't love an Arcanine? It's the definition of majestic.

Meanwhile, over in "Let's Go, Eevee!", you'll have better luck catching Pokémon like Mankey and Bellsprout. Mankey evolves into Primeape, a powerful fighting-type Pokémon. And Bellsprout evolves into Victreebel, a rather menacing-looking plant-type that can pack a punch. You'll also have a higher chance of finding Vulpix, the elegant fire-type that evolves into Ninetales. Ninetales is just… chef's kiss.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you're a completionist and want to catch 'em all without trading, you'll need to consider which version gives you access to the Pokémon you want most. Or, more realistically, you’ll need a friend who has the other game. The trading system in "Let's Go" is super easy to use, so teaming up with a friend is really the way to go. It’s like a Pokémon potluck – everyone brings something different to the table!
The Little Quirks and Character Interactions
Beyond the starters and the exclusive Pokémon, there are some other fun little differences that add to the charm of each game. Remember how your starter follows you around? Well, how they interact with you is a little different.
Your Pikachu will be… well, very Pikachu-like. It'll shock things, do electric dances, and generally be a ball of energetic, electrifying happiness. You can interact with it, pet it, feed it berries, and it’ll react in ways that are true to its iconic personality. Think of it as having your own personal electrifying sidekick.

Your Eevee, on the other hand, is a bit more… versatile in its interactions. Because Eevee can evolve, its animations and reactions can reflect its potential. It might do some cute little spins, wag its tail enthusiastically, and generally have a more… fluffy demeanor. It's like having a very affectionate, very flexible furry friend. Plus, if you do evolve your Eevee, its companion animations will change to match its new form! Imagine your Vaporeon splashing playfully or your Jolteon zipping around with lightning speed.
There are also some minor visual differences. For example, in "Let's Go, Pikachu!", you might see Pikachu-themed decorations or characters referencing Pikachu. Similarly, "Let's Go, Eevee!" will have a bit more Eevee-centric flair. These are subtle, but they add to the overall feel of each game and make your chosen starter feel even more special.
The "Which One Should I Get?" Dilemma
Okay, so you've absorbed all this vital Pokémon intel. Now the big question looms: "Which one do I pick?" Let's break it down:

Pick "Let's Go, Pikachu!" if:
- You're a die-hard Pikachu fan and want to experience the Kanto journey with the iconic electric mouse by your side.
- You love Pikachu's exclusive moves and its energetic personality.
- You want to catch Pokémon like Sandshrew, Oddish, and Growlithe more easily.
- You appreciate the classic Pokémon formula with a focus on the most recognizable mascot.
Pick "Let's Go, Eevee!" if:
- You're drawn to Eevee's adorable, fluffy nature and its potential for evolution.
- You’re intrigued by Eevee's unique exclusive moves and the ability to evolve your starter into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon.
- You prefer encountering Pokémon like Mankey, Bellsprout, and Vulpix more often.
- You enjoy the idea of a more customizable starter experience.
Honestly, though, and this is my professional Pokémon opinion (which I've earned through countless hours of battling and collecting), you really can't go wrong with either. The core experience is so strong, so fun, and so full of charm that the minor differences become less about "better" and more about "different flavors of awesome."
Think about your favorite ice cream flavor. If you love strawberry, you’ll probably enjoy vanilla. They’re both ice cream, and they’re both delicious. It’s just a matter of what tickles your taste buds the most at that particular moment. And hey, if you have a friend who gets the other version, you can just swap Pokémon! It’s the perfect excuse to connect and share the Pokémon love.
The Grand Conclusion: Adventure Awaits!
No matter which version you choose, you're embarking on a journey through a beloved region filled with nostalgia, wonder, and of course, tons of Pokémon to discover and befriend. You’ll rediscover the magic of catching your first Pokémon, the thrill of challenging Gym Leaders, and the satisfaction of building a team that you truly love. It’s a chance to relive childhood memories or create brand new ones.
So, take a deep breath, pick the one that speaks to your inner trainer the most, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Whether it's the electrifying charisma of Pikachu or the cuddly versatility of Eevee leading the charge, your journey through Kanto is going to be filled with laughter, excitement, and the pure joy of being a Pokémon Master. Go forth, train hard, and remember: every Pokémon journey is a masterpiece!
