Pokémon Go Release Date and Update: Niantic Set to Announce Something 'Big' on GDC 2016

By Mark Aserit
Pokemon at the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl 50 Pokemon Ad.  Pokemon site.

Nintendo recently revealed Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, but some Pokémon fans are waiting for the launching of augmented-reality game Pokémon Go. Here's all you need to know about Pokémon GO and Pokémon GO Plus, including the release date rumors, price and gameplay details.

It is expected that Pokémon GO will be available on the App Store and Google Play in 2016 as a free download, according to GameSpot.  Now, the excitement is running high as game developer Niantic announced it will give updates on Pokémon Go at Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2016. Niantic's GDC talk is scheduled to happen on March 14.

In Pokemon Go, players can locate, catch and battle Pokemons in real world. Players can also connect with other trainers nearby to fight and trade pocket monsters.

Check the Pokémon GO video trailer below to make things clearer.

The game has a companion device that is either clipped on or strapped to the wrist of the players. The device, called as Pokémon GO Plus, will definitely help players enjoy the augmented reality game. The device is being developed by Nintendo, and as of yet there is no firm release date or price information from the company.

Pokémon GO Plus lets gamers play Pokémon GO without looking at their devices by delivering haptic feedback  via LED lights to advice the owners. The device encourages players to look not only at their phones and Pokémon GO, but to experience what's going on around them in the real world.

The Pokémon Go companion device connects to user's phone over Bluetooth. It notifies players about events within the game, such as a nearby Charmander.

As for Pokémon Go's beta tests, the official Pokémon site said fans should wait for further announcements and check Pokemon.co.uk/GO for more information. 

Meanwhile, Niantic reportedly raised $20 million from big tech companies that includes The Pokemon Company, Google, and Nintendo. The companies have said they will add $10 million more "upon achieving certain milestones." According to rumors, the money will be used to boost the developments of Pokémon Go.

Furthermore, Express reported that the game developer received $5 million investment from a new range of top companies.

"We've always followed our own path as we have worked to integrate real world exploration, social interaction and gameplay in our quest to improve the world through our products," Niantic president John Hanke said.

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