Pokemon: Let's Go dev discusses why the game was on the shorter side

When compared to previous Pokemon games, Pokemon: Let's Go isn't all that long. Turns out that was a development decision, and not a random occurrence. Director Junichi Masuda talks about this decision in a Pokemon: Let's Go strategy guide released in Japan.

“When you consider how people live in this day and age, I think it’s safe to say everyone’s pretty busy. The way we spend our team is different now from how it was 20 years ago. Thanks to smartphones, you’re constantly bombarded with new information, and it’s natural that you end up thinking you want to play some other games, too. So I felt like perhaps the time you spend on your adventures in these games didn’t need to dominate all your free time. We sped up the walking speed for the player and kept the playtime needed to reach the Hall of Fame on the shorter side. For the people who want to play more, I’d like them to enjoy cuddling their partner Pikachu or Eevee and giving them Berries, having fun with outfits, and building up their bonds with their partner. And after they reach the Hall of Fame, I hope they might also enjoy battling the Master Trainers, who can give you special titles to boast about.”