Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee Bring Back Mega Evolutions

Alolan forms won't be the only Pokemon variants available in Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee. The latest issue of CoroCoro magazine (via Pokemon fansite Serebii) has revealed the upcoming Nintendo Switch games will also feature Mega Evolutions, the powerful transformations introduced in Pokemon X and Y. [Update: The Pokemon Company has shared a new English trailer for the Let's Go games, showcasing Mega Evolutions in action.]

Details are scant at the moment, but it appears Mega Evolutions will function much the same as they do in X and Y and their follow-ups, Pokemon Sun and Moon. In those titles, players need to equip a Mega Stone to a corresponding Pokemon, which will allow it to Mega Evolve once per battle. Along with taking on a new appearance, Mega Evolving often changes a Pokemon's type and gives it a significant power boost.

CoroCoro reveals that the original three starter Pokemon--Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise--will be able to Mega Evolve in the Let's Go games. This will presumably also extend to other Gen 1 Pokemon capable of Mega Evolving, such as Pidgeot, Alakazam, and Gengar, although those have yet to be confirmed. It also remains to be seen if the Let's Go games will introduce any new Mega Evolutions to the series.

Additionally, the new issue of CoroCoro shared the first images of Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City. Just as in the anime, he can be seen battling alongside Raichu. The magazine also provides another look at the returning Jessie and James of Team Rocket. This time, it appears the duo challenge players to a double battle.

Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee launch for Nintendo Switch on November 16. The games will release alongside a Poke Ball-shaped controller called the Poke Ball Plus, which comes with the Mythical Pokemon Mew. You can read more about the upcoming titles in our roundup of everything we know about Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee.