Nintendo might have just slipped and announced a release date for the Pokemon GO augmented reality game that everyone has been waiting for that can be played through their Android or iOS devices.
The upcoming Pokemon GO video game is Nintendo's first foray into the smartphone mobile game business. They have teamed up with Niantic, who developed the popular AR game Ingress.
In a sense, the new game does work similar to how Ingress relies on real time world location. Players will need to actively travel in their neighborhoods or perhaps even outside their city if they want to catch more Pokemon.
Nintendo's own Shigeru Miyamoto dropped the bomb by saying the Pokemon GO Plus device will be available by the end of July for $34.99, TechCrunch has learned. Of course, most people would assume that the game itself will also be out by then if they are going to be releasing the hardware companion soon.
The device acts as a sensor and an alarm for the player if the smartphone is not presently available. If it detects a nearby Pokemon, a player or even a Pokemon Gym, it will notify the user.
Another revelation that was made by Nintendo was that Pokemon GO will be able to interact with their two new 3DS games, the Wall Street Journal reported. The announcement was made during their E3 2016 conference in Los Angeles.
Niantic's expertise in AR will be evident in the new game. All of the points of interest found in Ingress will be converted to Pokemon Gyms, Pokemon centers and more.
Players will be able to battle other players with their Pokemon. There are no details yet regarding if there would be any appearance from Team Rocket, Team Magma and the other antagonizing forces in the series.
One Niantic spokesperson said that they do not have a final launch date yet despite Miyamoto's announcement. They are currently testing the game in various continents which could mean that they are already close to finishing development.
Pokemon GO is expected to be released by the end of July same as when the Pokemon GO Plus companion device will be rolled out. It will be available for both the Android and iOS platform.