This is the best Pokémon game on the Switch, bar none. It is engaging and substantial (in spite of its middling performance), introduces you to a large, interesting, and varied cast of both humans and Pokémon alike in a story that even puts the likes of Black and White to shame, iterates on the social aspect of the series with a pleasant new MMO-lite feature, and adds a battle gimmick that provides an unprecedented increase in nuance & depth.

They hit the ball out of the park with this one, but it's regrettable that it wasn't left in the oven for a bit longer. Despite the flaws, make no mistake; the developers have outdone themselves and this game is an absolute treat.