Pokemon Let’s Go has become playable on PC through a Nintendo Switch emulator called Yuzu1567. A YouTube video shows Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu running on the Canary build of the Yuzu emulator, which is the version with all of the latest bug fixes. However, this build, like the Yuzu emulator in general, still contains technical issues that make this far from a perfect, native-Switch-quality experience.
For example, the audio in the video below sounds completely bizarre. Not only does it sound sped up but it is out of sync with the gameplay as well. It also sounds like it’s buzzing; a bit like listening to a song without having plugged the headphones in correctly.
That’s not the only issue either, as the text is displayed in black blocks and therefore cannot be read. For those who like to whizz through the Pokemon games, ignoring the lore and all narrative context this won’t be a problem. Walkthroughs on how to overcome obstacles and complete objectives in the game can also be found online. Experienced players will also recognize Pokemon and know their names without having to read the on-screen text. But even so, it’s a jarring experience.
Overall though, most will agree that the game runs quite smoothly. The game’s graphics all seem to have been preserved in the emulator and the Pokemon catching system seems to work fine as well. Pokemon fans on PC are hopeful that a playable build will be released within the next few months or so.
The Nintendo Switch has sold millions of units around the world already. The release of the Pokemon Let’s Go games and the recent Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that discounted the Switch will increase those even more. As such, the emulated PC version of Pokemon Let’s Go is unlikely to bother Nintendo’s bottom line very much. However, Nintendo is notoriously strict when it comes to enforcing its copyright, including YouTube takedown requests and filing lawsuits against emulator sites. As such, it’s unclear what will happen with this one.
Pokemon Let’s Go is available exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
Source: Unreal - YouTube (via Kotaku)
