Pokémon GO Lets You Catch Pokémon in the Real World

The highly anticipated Pokémon GO game is set to be released on smartphones instead of handheld consoles, and uses augmented reality at the core of its gameplay.

Using augmented reality, Pokémon GO gamers will navigate the real world in search of Pokémon creatures and fellow players. The goal of the game is to be the top Pokémon trainer by locating, catching, battling and trading Pokémon creatures.

John Hanke, founder of the game’s developer Niantic, puts it in really simple terms: “Imagine discovering a Squirtle hiding along the waterfront in San Francisco, a Bulbasaur at Shinjuku Station or a Pikachu beneath the Eiffel Tower.”

Pokémon GO Plus

Pokémon GO will be made available on iOS and Android smartphones. Accompanying the game is also the Pokémon GO Plus, a companion device that’s worn like a watch. Currently in development, the Pokémon GO Plus is supposed to deliver haptic feedback and flashing LED colors that will alert players to ongoing notifications in the game. A button on the device allows gamers to perform simple actions, such as throwing a Poké ball to catch a Pokémon.

While initial rumors hinted at a November 20^th release date, it seems more likely that Pokémon GO and Pokémon GO Plus will be launched sometime in 2016. So dust off your handheld consoles and revisit the original Pokémon games while you wait.