Pokémon GO has now left beta and is now available in many countries around the world. People with compatible devices can download the app from the Android's Google Play store or Apple's App Store.

Launch Trailer - Pokémon GO - Get Up and Go!

Download Links

Android's Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticlabs.pokemongo
Apple's iOS App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345?mt=8

Press Release - Get Up and GO! Pokémon GO Available Soon on iPhone and Android Devices

The Pokémon Company International and Niantic, Inc. are excited to announce the launch of the long-awaited mobile game Pokémon GO, which is now available for download at no cost on the App Store and Google Play. Pokémon GO is currently available in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and will be coming soon to Canada, Europe and South America.

In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in their midst. Some wild Pokémon appear in their native environments—for example, Water-type Pokémon may appear near lakes and oceans. Once players have encountered a Pokémon, they can catch it by using their smartphone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.

Pokémon GO’s features include:

· Catch Pokémon: Pokémon GO invites players to step outside, walk around and catch wild Pokémon. As players increase in level, they’ll be able to catch more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more-powerful items. While working to complete the Pokédex, players will be able to evolve Pokémon by catching multiples of the same species and can even find Pokémon Eggs which hatch after a player walks a specific distance. Players are encouraged to keep exploring and encountering the many different Pokémon needed to complete the Pokédex!

· Join a Team and Battle: Players can join one of three teams, Mystic, Instinct or Valor and assign Pokémon they have caught to an open Pokémon Gym location or to a Gym claimed by a fellow team member. Teams must battle against the defending Pokémon in their rival teams’ Gyms to lower a Gym’s Prestige and claim the Gym for their own team. Cooperation amongst team members is important in securing as many Gyms as possible.

· Share the Fun: Activate the camera feature to take photos of Pokémon encountered in the world. With their real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for these photos, players will be able to share these memorable moments with their friends.

· Customise the Trainer Avatar: Players can choose from a range of apparel and accessories to match their in-game avatar with their personal style. The customised avatar will appear on the map as players move around, as well as on their profile page. Trainer’s avatars will also appear in Gyms under their team’s control.

· Soundtrack by Junichi Masuda: Pokémon GO will feature all-new music composed by GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda. Mr. Masuda has worked on Pokémon video games since the very first games and has composed many of the classic and memorable songs that have inspired fans for decades. In-app purchases will be available for players who would like to enhance their

Pokémon GO experience. Players can purchase PokéCoins, the in-game currency of Pokémon GO, which can then be exchanged for power-ups and extra items.

The Pokémon GO Plus device is a portable accessory that will enable Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even while they’re not looking at their smartphones. This optional device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game using an LED and vibration. In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device.

Source: http://www.pokemongo.com/

Pokémon Company International has announced that the Pokémon TV app has relaunched with new features. It is available for free for Apple iOS, Android and Kindle Fire users.

Press Release - Pokémon TV application relaunches with brand-new on-the-go features

Download functionality and notifications ensure that fans never miss their favourite movies, episodes, and special animated features Pokémon TV, available for download at no cost on iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire and Android devices, relaunches today with all-new features. The app includes up to 60 episodes of Pokémon animation available to stream, updated weekly, and regular showings of feature-length Pokémon movies. Plus, anyone using the application will now also be able to download one episode or movie to enjoy offline when network access is not available.

Content currently available includes episodes from the first season, Pokémon: Indigo League, through to the latest, Pokémon the Series: XY.

The update includes a revised range of features, including:

• My Channel: When fans start watching a video, it is automatically saved to their channel, making it easy to resume viewing. Recently completed videos will also stay in their channel, and another episode will play automatically at the conclusion of the previous one.
• Downloadable Content: Fans without network access can still enjoy their favourite Pokémon content. With the updated app, viewers can mark one episode or movie for offline viewing at their convenience. The video will be stored on their device for one week before it is automatically removed.
• Rate Videos: With this fun feature, Pokémon fans can rate each video after they’ve finished watching it. Their score will then contribute to an average rating for that video.
• Push Notifications: Viewers can now find out when new movies and episodes have been added to the Pokémon TV app with convenient push notifications.

This latest update is part of the ongoing programme of multi-channel animation screenings running throughout 2016. Right now, Pokémon the Movie 2000, featuring the iconic Legendary Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres, is currently available on Pokémon TV, with much more animation content to come throughout the year.

Niantic has posted a new blog post and has announced that Pokémon GO field testing will expand to Australia and New Zealand later in April 2016. Below is the press release from that blog post.

Pokémon GO field testing expands to Australia and New Zealand

April 7, 2016 - The Pokémon Company and Niantic invite users to field test Pokémon GO in Australia and New Zealand. Users can visit http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com to sign up. Please note that sign up doesn’t guarantee access to the field test. The Pokémon GO field test will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the Pokémon GO experience.

Thank you for your interest in Pokémon GO.

— The Pokémon GO Development Team

Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-au-nz/ and https://twitter.com/NianticLabs/status/718212114842841088

Niantic has posted the first official screenshots and further details for the upcoming mobile game Pokémon GO on their blog. Below is the press release from that blog post.

A first look at Pokémon GO

We’re thrilled to provide a peek into Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World Gaming” platform. This platform combines mobile location technology and augmented reality to create a unique game experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.

Players will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon. Certain wild Pokémon only appear in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans.


Zoomed out view of the Pokémon GO Game Map / Zoomed in view of player with a Squirtle that just appeared / Squirtle encounter screen

Players will walk to hatch previously-acquired eggs that might reveal new Pokémon. Eggs and other special items such as Poké Balls can be acquired at PokéStops - located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers, museums and monuments.

Yes, there will be battles. Players will be encouraged to join one of three teams in order to compete over the ownership and prestige of Gyms. They will do this by placing their captured Pokémon in a friendly Gym or by battling with an opponent’s Pokémon in another team’s Gym. Gyms - just like PokéStops - are also found at real world locations.

As previously shared with you here, an early user field test will soon begin in Japan while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design and overall appearance are not final.

We’re excited to reveal more in the days to come.

— The Pokémon GO Development Team

Source: http://nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-look/

Press Release - NEW POKÉMON GO FEATURES ANNOUNCED

Gameplay Details Unveiled for Highly Anticipated Mobile Title
The Pokémon Company and Niantic Inc. today revealed new features for their upcoming mobile release, Pokémon GO. The much-anticipated mobile game launching later this year on the App Store and Google Play will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. An early user test limited to Japan only is planned for Pokémon GO while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design, and overall appearance are not finalized.

In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in our midst. Some wild Pokémon appear only in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans. As players explore the world around them, their phones will vibrate to let them know a Pokémon is nearby. Once they have encountered a Pokémon, it can be caught by using the phone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.

As players progress through Pokémon GO, their Trainer level will increase, enabling them to capture more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more items. Some Pokémon can be evolved if the same species is caught on multiple occasions. Pokémon Eggs, which can be found at PokéStops, will hatch after players walk a certain distance. Players will be able to impress their friends by unlocking achievement medals that are earned by completing a variety of challenges.

During gameplay, Pokémon GO players will be encouraged to join one of three teams and engage in Gym battles with other teams. Once they have joined a team, players will have the ability to assign their Pokémon to empty Gyms. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world, and because only one Pokémon per player can be placed at a given Gym, team members will need to work together to build a strong defense. A Gym claimed by one team can be challenged by the other two teams.

With real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for encounters with wild Pokémon, this unique Pokémon game represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World” gaming platform, which combines mobile location technology and Augmented Reality to create a gaming experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.

The Pokémon Company in association with HEROZ have announced a new smartphone game for Android and iOS devices called Pokémon Komaster (ポケモンコマスター) which combines Pokémon and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI has been adapted from the company's smartphone app "Shogi Wars". The single player online game is Free-to-Start but includes microtransactions.


It is a strategy battle board game similar in style to Shogi where players collect Pokémon figure with different features to combine them to make decks to fight with. The purpose of the game is for players to alternatively move figures and be the first to arrive at the the opposition players goal.

Trailer

Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/03/160310_pc01.html and http://heroz.co.jp/press/20160310pokemon/160310_pokemon.pdf

Niantic has updated their site to announced that field testing for Pokémon GO will begin in late March 2016 in Japan only for now. The app is still in development but Android Version 4.3 or higher or an iPhone 5 or higher will be required. Testers that wish to apply will need a Google Account and/or Gmail address and applicants will be chosen via a lottery. The number of testers on iOS though will be greatly limited.

Pokémon GO Field Testing Will Begin in Japan

The Pokémon Company and Niantic will be inviting users to field test Pokémon GO in Japan later this month. The Pokémon GO field test program will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the Pokémon GO experience. Please stay tuned for information about expansion of the field test to other markets.

Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/ and http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/

On Tuesday, February 27, 1996, video game fans were asked to choose between Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. This would be the beginning of a global phenomenon that has continued for two decades, through different regions, on multiple platforms, and countless memorable moments. Exactly twenty years later, on Pokémon Day, Saturday, February 27, the adventure continues as Pokémon celebrates its 20th year.

The fun begins with the Pokémon Photo Booth app that is now available for download at no charge from the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/pokemon-photo-booth/id1084024173. Fans can show their Pokémon 20th spirit by customizing their portraits and adding captions in the style of classic Pokémon games. The photos cans then be shared or used to create Pokémon-themed profile photos. The app is also coming soon to Google Play.

The official Pokémon Shuffle Mobile website for South Korea has launched and has revealed that the game will be available on January 14th, 2016 for compatible Apple iOS and Google Android devices.


Source: http://www.pokemonshuffle.co.kr/

Pokémon Shuffle Mobile has added a new Limited Shop (限定ショップ) which allows players from December 22nd, 2015 until January 12th, 2016 to purchase new items.


1. No Hearts Needed (ライフ消費なし): 2 Jewels - Removes the hearts requirement for 1 hour.
2. Superior Super Catch Time (ゲットチャンス倍): 2 Jewels - Increases catch rate for 1 hour.
3. 1 Heart Recovered / 15 min & Heart +6 (ライフ回復15分＆ライフ+6): 2 Jewels - Heart recovery time reduced to 15 minutes.

Source: http://www.poketoru.jp/news/post.php/84/#

The Pokémon EXPO Gym (ポケモンEXPOジム) is the first Pokémon themed interactive edutainment facility in Japan. The 'Communication with Pokémon' (ポケモンとのコミュニケーション) is based on the world of Pokémon and is focused on developing the communication skills of children while still having fun. The biggest feature of the Pokémon EXPO Gym is that the visitors, Pokémon Trainers, can be training while talking to Pokémon in a realistic manner. You can learn techniques or get advice on Pokémon problems.

There are seven program, each with their own individual theme that is focused on growing as a Pokémon Trainers. The Pokémon EXPO Gym Gear (ポケモンEXPOジムギア) app can be downloaded and players can register to check their skills as a trainer and to receive messages during training.


To talk with Pokémon in the Pokémon EXPO Gym requires the Pokémon Fluency Translator （ポケモンペラペラ翻訳機） or Poképera (ポケペラ) for short. It is a Apple iOS and Google Android app which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app can check records of the player and has other options and it will be available in early November 2015. It intergrates with the Membership Card (メンバーズカード) via IC which is required to particpate at the Pokémon EXPO Gym. The card costs 500 yen including tax and pre-sales will begin starting October 31st, 2015 at the Osaka Pokémon Center.

Pokémon EXPO Gym Information

Location: Suita, Osaka Prefecture Senri Banpaku-Koen 2-1 (Yubinbango 565-0826)
Access: EXPOCITY via the Osaka Monorail. 2 minute walk from the Expo Memorial Park Station
Date of opening: Thursday, November 19th, 2015
Hours: 11:00 to 18:00 (Normal day)
Official shop and drinks stand open until 21:00 (Busy Day 9:30 to 21:00)
Company: Sanoyas Interaction Ltd.
Planning Supervisor: Pokémon Company Communications

Event Pokémon Distribution for XY and ORAS

Those that play Lizardon's Battle Coliseum, Doble's Promo Studio, Kairiky's Aid Center and Zoroark's Slightly Evil Dojo can receive an event Pokémon as a present. Each program will present a serial code for the associated Pokémon from that program which can be used in Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

Event Pokémon that will be Distributed:
Lizardon's Battle Coliseum: Lizardon
Doble's Promo Studio: Doble
Kairiki's Aid Center: Kairiky
Zoroark's Slightly Evil Dojo: Zoroark

Sources: http://www.pokemon-expo-gym.jp/ and http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201510214790-2/