Pokémon Go was the first Pokémon mobile game to become a worldwide augmented-reality phenomenon.
Developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Go uses a smartphone’s location data, camera, and internet connection to place Pokémon encounters in the real world. Players can explore physical locations, catch Pokémon, visit PokéStops, and battle at Gyms.
The game first launched on July 6, 2016, in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Its release expanded across many regions, including Japan on July 22, 2016. The staggered rollout created intense international attention during the summer of 2016.
Pokémon Go was not the franchise’s first mobile title, but its use of augmented reality and location-based exploration made it a cultural milestone. It also introduced Pokémon to many people who had never played the main series games.