Pokémon Go first launched in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States on July 6, 2016.
The mobile game was developed by Niantic in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. It uses location services, GPS, and augmented reality to place Pokémon in real-world surroundings. Players can explore their neighborhoods, visit PokéStops, and compete at Gyms.
The release was staggered by country rather than occurring worldwide on one date. Germany received the game on July 13, the United Kingdom on July 14, Japan on July 22, and France on July 24. This rollout pattern is why different sources may mention different launch dates.
Pokémon Go connected the franchise’s original collecting idea with smartphones and physical movement. Its launch also helped drive renewed interest in older Pokémon, especially the first-generation species. The July 6 date specifically identifies the first listed regional release, not the later availability date for every player worldwide.