Release Date
NA/AU/NZ July 6, 2016 Europe July 13, 2025 Japan July 22, 2016 More Details
Genre
Augmented Reality (AR), Location-Based Game
Platforms	Price (MSRP)
	Free-to-Play
Developer	Publisher
Niantic	Niantic
Number of Players	Age Rating
1-4 (Party Play)	PEGI 7
Time to Finish	Cross Platform Play
Endless	Yes
Official Website	Official Website for Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO Latest News

　⚫︎　Get a grip on the new year with Gigantamax Kingler! (Pokémon GO)

　⚫︎　Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Pokémon GO’s 2025 Lunar New Year event! (Pokémon GO)

　⚫︎　Pokemon Go Unova Tour Features Black and White Kyurem (Game8)

　⚫︎　Pokemon GO Community Day Classic for January 2025 Announced (Game8)

　⚫︎　Pokemon GO Fest 2025: What, Where and When (Game8)

　⚫︎　Pokemon GO Tour: Unova Coming Feb 2025 (Game8)

Pokémon GO Overview

Pokémon GO is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game developed by Niantic in partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for iOS and Android devices. It is a spin-off title within the Pokémon franchise, distinct from the core series of handheld console role-playing games.

The game overlays a virtual game world onto the player's real-world surroundings by utilizing their device's GPS location. Progression within the game is tied to real-world exploration: players collect these Pokémon, visit PokéStops situated at real-world points of interest to gather helpful items, and engage in battles at Gyms, which are also anchored to physical locations, often landmarks or public spaces.

Its core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, collection, and battling. The AR feature overlays Pokémon onto the player’s camera view, creating the illusion of them being present in the real world. Players catch Pokémon by throwing virtual Poké Balls using the touch screen. Unlike other Pokémon spin-offs, Pokémon GO relies heavily on real-world movement and location data to progress. The game also incorporates features like Pokémon Eggs that hatch after the player walks a certain distance, and special events that introduce limited-time Pokémon or gameplay mechanics.

App Store			Google Play
Price		Free-to-Play

Pokémon GO Gameplay

Pokémon GO’s core gameplay revolves around exploring the real world to interact with a virtual game environment. Players navigate their physical surroundings using their mobile devices, and the game’s map reflects their real-world location. As players move, they encounter virtual Pokémon at various locations, which they can then attempt to capture using Poké Balls. These Pokémon appear on the device’s screen using augmented reality technology, overlaying the virtual creature onto the real-world view from the device’s camera.

In addition to catching Pokémon, players can visit PokéStops, which are real-world landmarks represented in the game. Here, players can acquire items such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs. Like the main titles, these eggs can be incubated by walking specific distances, after which they hatch into Pokémon.

The game also has Gym Battles, where players join one of three teams and battle other players for control of virtual Gyms located at real-world locations. These battles involve using captured Pokémon to defeat opposing Pokémon, with the goal of claiming the Gym for the team.

Pokémon GO Reviews

Average Reviews, Above-Average Walking

Pokémon GO’s critical reception has been generally lukewarm, with an average Metacritic score of 69 out of 100. Upon its 2016 launch, various publications offered similar assessments. IGN rated it 7/10, acknowledging its social elements but noting a lack of polish and depth. GameSpot echoed this score, praising the game’s potential for the Pokémon franchise while highlighting the challenges faced by players in rural locations. The Guardian was less enthusiastic, awarding it 2/5 stars. While acknowledging it didn’t match the quality of core Pokémon titles, they did concede that its social features were a significant redeeming factor.

Player reviews on Metacritic reflect a similar sentiment, averaging 5.5. Many users praise the enjoyable gameplay, particularly the social interactions, but frequently criticize the high cost of in-app purchases. Some negative feedback also focuses on the game’s inclusion of certain progressive themes.

Pokémon GO Announcement Trailer

Pokémon GO Trailer

Similar Games

	Pokémon TCG Pocket Card Game, Multiplayer
	Pokémon Legends Z-A Adventure, Monster-Catching
	Super Mario Party Jamboree Action, Simulation, Party
	Princess Peach: Showtime! Action, Adventure

L A R Opalec

Lloyd grew up bonding with his big brother over video games. While RPGs like Disco Elysium and Final Fantasy IX hold a special place in his heart, he's always up to try new genres.