It looks like the most dastardly of organizations in all of the Pokémon universe's various incarnations is finally coming to real-world walkabout game, Pokémon Go. Yes, Team Rocket is blasting off again and this time it's landing in our phones, with developer Niantic teasing their introduction at a recent Pokémon Go Fest event in Dortmund, Germany. As players gathered for the customary event photo at the end of the day, a balloon could be seen hovering in the distance. When zoomed in on, it was clear that this balloon, although plain black, was emblazoned with the Team Rocket logo.
Typically, particularly in the anime, a hot air balloon is how Team Rocket got around. While that might seem like a ridiculous mode of transportation for a nefarious organization, this is Pokémon. If you were looking for logic and sense you should look elsewhere.
This is just the latest of several Team Rocket teases that Niantic has made over the past couple of months. At other recent Pokémon Go Fest events, AR mode photos have seen Team Rocket members leaning into frame or otherwise gently harassing players.
If we needed any more hints of Team Rockets upcoming introduction in the game, as Eurogamer points out, game files mention the group. There are new achievements coming down the pipe which will be rewarded to those who defeat Team Rocket members in battles.
It's not clear yet when Team Rocket will make its way into Pokémon Go, but with the Summer edging onwards, it seems likely to launch before the end of it so that players can take advantage of the good weather to go on extra walks to find those nefarious characters.
Image source: Redditor J0hnd0eur
