Catch Pokémon in the Wild With New App

Maura · Sep 10, 2015

The Pokémon Company, Niantic and Nintendo have today announced a new free-to-play app, due for release in 2016, where fans will be encouraged to search real-world locations to find Pokémon.

Called Pokémon GO, the new app will use location information to enable Pokémon fans to catch, trade and battle in the real world. Taking the gameplay experience beyond what appears on the screen, players will be able to explore their neighbourhoods, communities and the world in which they live to discover Pokémon with their friends and fellow players.

Pokémon video game series game director Junichi Masuda will be involved in the project, ensuring that it stays true to the spirit of the Pokémon games, at the same time as developing new types of gameplay.

“Our challenge was to develop a great game for smart phone devices that expressed the core values of Pokémon,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. “Pokémon GO is the answer to that challenge.”

“Pokémon GO is a wonderful combination of Niantic’s real world gaming platform and one of the most beloved franchises in popular culture,” said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, Inc. “Our partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo is an exciting step forward in real-world gaming and using technology to help players discover the world and people around them.”

An optional accessory, Pokémon GO Plus, will also be available. When you press a button on the Pokémon GO Plus you will be able to perform basic in-game actions such as catching Pokémon. The accessory, which will connect to your phone via Bluetooth, will flash and vibrate to notify you when a Pokémon is nearby.

Source: Pokémon, Niantic, and Nintendo