E3 2016 News: Pokemon Go Coming Next Month; Features, Release Date, Price, Everything You Need to Know
The "Pokemon" game is coming to smartphones by next month along with a hardware that allows users to play the game even without looking at their phone screens.
Scheduled to be released for iOS and Android by the end of July, the augmented-reality game dubbed "Pokemon Go" is the latest offering from game developer Nintendo. This is great news for fans of the game franchise since they can already play "Pokemon" using only their smartphones.
"We would work hard to let fans enjoy the game by the next month," Pokemon Company chief executive Tsunekazu Ishihara mentioned in the same report. He explained that gamers will be able to explore real-world roads, parks and other locations to find the so-called virtual monsters. Pikachu will just be around the corner waiting to be found.
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New 'Pokemon Go' Feature to be Released
One additional feature expected to be part of the game is the ability to trade monsters, but Nintendo said this will not be introduced during the launch. It was also explained that players can also train their monsters in Gyms dedicated for these creatures in the upcoming game offering. A number of items will also be made available in locations like monuments and museums.
Apart from this, the more Pokemon a trainer catches, the more power they gain. This will enable them to create a more unique and stronger Pokemon. Candies and rewards included in the game can be saved to help a Pokemon evolve and take another form.
Playing Without a Phone Screen
The development of Pokemon Go began late last year. Now, Nintendo has reportedly started testing it in various countries like Japan, New Zealand, the U.S. and Australia. Nintendo said it will be made available for free as the company hopes to earn money through purchases made using the game application.
Nintendo added that this smartphone game will be interconnected with other available Pokemon games. There will also be a hardware available for players to use instead of the phone screens.
The so-called Pokemon Go Plus is a wearable device they can use on their wrist or attach to their clothing. It will make catching Pokemon easier because users do not have to look at their smartphones while playing. The add-on will also not be available immediately during the launch but Nintendo said it can be purchased for $34.99.
