Pokémon Go brought Pokémon creature-catching into an augmented-reality mobile game in 2016. Niantic developed the game with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, and it launched for iOS and Android in July 2016.
The game uses GPS and a phone’s camera or screen to place Pokémon encounters in real-world locations. Players walk to discover Pokémon, visit PokéStops, and battle at Gyms. Its location-based design encouraged outdoor exploration and made Pokémon a major worldwide mobile-game phenomenon.
Pokémon Go began with the original Kanto species and expanded through later updates. Its launch was staggered by country, so players in different regions did not all receive access on the same day. The game also introduced mechanics that differ from the main role-playing series, including gesture-based Poké Ball throws and real-time map movement.
Pokémon Go is distinct from Pokémon Quest, Pokémon Unite, and Pokémon Masters EX, which are separate mobile titles with different gameplay systems.