As the release date draws closer, Nintendo has been steadily revealing more information about Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Pokemon Let's Go Eevee. In addition to a brand new gameplay trailer that highlights the connectivity with Pokemon GO, several previews have also been published. However, fans may not be so happy with the info that they contain.

According to a recent report, Pokemon Let's Go will not feature held items or abilities. The publication explains, "There are no held items in the game and no option to make a Pokemon hold an item" and that "abilities also aren't in the game."

Pokemon fans are disappointed with the reveal for several reasons. The first is that this removes much of the tactical element out of Pokemon battles. Certain held items, such as Choice Band, which boosts a Pokemon's attack by 50%, can be a total game changer for both the wearer and their opponent. Meanwhile, held Berries can give a Pokemon a health boost at a crucial moment. While it's true that there is no need for held items like Exp. Share due to the changes to the XP system, many are still upset to see the mechanic removed.

Pokemon Let's Go how to catch shiny Pokemon

Pokemon Let's Go goes for the removal of abilities. Certain Pokemon have different abilities that are triggered when the battle begins. For example, Battle Armor gives the Pokemon armor that prevents it from taking a critical hit. There's also Arena Trap which will prevent a Pokemon from fleeing–something which could have potentially been very useful when trying to catch shiny Pokemon in the game.

Held items and abilities have only been around since Generation 2 (held items) and Generation 3 (abilities). As Pokemon Let's Go is based on a Generation 1 game (Pokemon Yellow) some may argue that it's fair for the development team to leave these gameplay features out. However, it should be noted that mechanics such as Mega Evolutions are also present in the game, despite the fact that Mega Evolutions were not added until Generation 6.

Fans are also upset, because this isn't the only major change that Pokemon Let's Go will include. It was previously confirmed that there will be requirements for Gym battles, something that is also seen as removing the tactical element from the series. It's likely that these changes have been made in order to make the franchise more approachable for casual players and series newcomers, but evidently, it's going down poorly with hardcore followers.

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee release on November 16 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.

Source: Serebii