What was the first release date for Pokémon Go, the location-based mobile game?

Pokémon Go first released on July 6, 2016, in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Developed by Niantic, Pokémon Go combines location-based gameplay with augmented reality. Players use a smartphone’s GPS to find Pokémon in the real world, then attempt to catch them with Poké Balls. The game also includes PokéStops and Gyms placed at real-world locations, encouraging players to explore their surroundings.

The release was staggered rather than worldwide on one day. Japan received the game on July 22, 2016, while many European countries received it during the following weeks. This rollout helped Niantic manage demand and technical pressure after the game attracted an exceptionally large audience.

Pokémon Go uses creatures from the original Kanto Pokédex at launch, although later updates added Pokémon from additional regions. Its enormous popularity created a major second wave of public interest in Pokémon during the franchise’s twentieth-anniversary year.