What was the first Pokémon mobile game to use real-world GPS locations?

Pokémon Go was the first major Pokémon mobile game to use real-world GPS locations as a core feature.

Developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Go was released for Android and iOS in 2016. It uses a phone’s location data to place Pokémon, PokéStops, and Gyms in the real world, encouraging players to explore physical places while playing.

The game launched with Pokémon from Generation I, meaning the original Kanto roster formed its initial collection. Players could catch Pokémon, visit mapped locations for items, and battle at Gyms. The game later added Pokémon from additional generations and introduced features such as raids, trading, and player-versus-player battles.

Pokémon Go is often grouped with the main franchise but is a spin-off rather than a traditional handheld role-playing game. Its augmented-reality presentation overlays Pokémon on camera views, although players can also play without using the camera.