Pokémon Go became the first major Pokémon mobile game to use augmented reality for catching Pokémon.
Developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Go launched in 2016 for iOS and Android devices. It uses a phone's location services and camera to place Pokémon in the player's real-world surroundings, creating the impression that creatures are present in parks, streets, and other locations.
The game builds on Niantic's earlier location-based title Ingress, while adding Pokémon's collecting and battling systems. Players can visit PokéStops, challenge Gyms, hatch Eggs, and catch Pokémon by throwing virtual Poké Balls. The first release included the original Kanto species, with additional generations added over time.
Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Quest, and Pokémon Unite are also mobile Pokémon games, but they use different formats. Pokémon Go is the title specifically associated with location-based augmented-reality catching.