'Pokémon GO' release date still set for 2016; in-game purchases likely

(Nintendo / The Pokemon Company)

When "Pokémon GO" was announced, fans went crazy. Interacting with "real-life" Pokémon just seems like a dream come true. Now fans keep asking, "When is the game finally coming out?" Not too soon, it seems. 

"Pokémon GO" has apparently been in the works since 2013 but has only been recently revealed by The Pokémon Company's Tsunekazu Ishihara. In his speech last month, Ishihara revealed the game to be intended for mobile devices running on iOS and Android and is a virtual game that will allow gamers to become "real" Pokémon trainers. 

The response from fans have been positive, with many demanding for the game to be released as soon as possible. Alas, the game won't see the light of day until 2016. Just when next year exactly, Nintendo has yet to reveal. 

"Pokémon GO" will be free for download but will work best with the Nintendo-developed Pokémon GO Plus, which is a tiny wearable device that will give players all the functionalities of a Pokémon trainer. The Bluetooth-enabled device will blink and vibrate whenever a Pokémon is near. The button on the device will allow one to catch the nearby Pokémon. 

During the announcement of the game on Sept. 10, John Hanke, founder of Niantic that helps develop the game, told PC Advisor, "For the first time, Pokémon will roam free in the real world. Pokémon GO will allow players to capture Pokémon who inhabit parks, shopping areas, sidewalks and the countryside all around the world. Imagine discovering a Squirtle hiding along the waterfront in San Francisco, a Bulbasaur at Shinjuku Station or a Pikachu beneath the Eiffel Tower." 

Not much has been said about the game, just that there will be paid in-app purchases as well. Whether these will be required to move forward in the game remains to be told.

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