Nintendo has finally released the first iteration of its augmented reality Pokémon title, Pokémon Go. The smartphone title lets you wander the world and find Pokémon all over. If you happen to be near one, your phone will vibrate and if you aim your camera in the right direction, you'll see the mixed reality monster on your screen. From there you can capture, train and battle with them, even teaming up with friends and family to become part of a local Gym and battle for control of it.
The game is available on both Apple's App Store and the Android backed Google Play Store, though not in every part of the world just yet. Earliest reports had it as available in Australia, New Zealand and Japan first thing this morning, but already some users in the UK and U.S. are reporting being able to play too.
Not everyone seems to have access just yet though, so make sure to check your relevant application store front if you want to play, as it may well be available already, even if your region isn't quite yet officially supported.
Although this is Nintendo's first real mobile push with a new game (though not a new IP) the way in which it succeeded with the likes of the Miitomo app and how popular Pokémon easter eggs were on Google Maps, suggests that Pokémon Go has the potential to be an enormous title and as long as Nintendo hasn't gone over the top with micro-transactions, a big earner too.
There's a $35 wrist-strap accessory for the game coming soon as well, which lets you perform some functions without reaching for your phone every time.
How do you feel about the new mixed reality game? It looks like it has a lot of potential, but I do wonder about gameplay longevity.
