Upcoming mobile app Pokémon GO was given a lengthy Q&A session during Day 2 of Nintendo’s E3 stream. The mobile app uses augmented reality to create catchable Pokémon in the real world using your smart phone’s camera. The app will be free to play with in-app purchases.
During the presentation Shigeru Miyamoto (Mario, Zelda) actually slipped in a release window for Pokémon GO Plus – end of July. Pokémon GO Plus is the Bluetooth companion device you can use with the app. The wearable watch-like device lets you toss poké balls with the touch of a button while you’re out running – no need for the phone. Pokémon GO Plus will cost $34.99.
Obviously since the Bluetooth device requires the app, this means we’ll (hopefully) be getting the app before the end of July as well.
The developers also revealed some more details on Pokémon GO. At launch only Pokémon from the original 151 will be available. This is partially to celebrate the series 20th anniversary, but also because they’re the most popular and well-known. The app will eventually feature trading (as seen in the trailer) but that feature won’t be ready for launch. You can collect candy that lets you evolve your Pokémon. Nintendo wants to keep the core gameplay of Pokémon GO as finding and capturing Pokémon, rather than battling.
Nintendo hopes to eventually create ties to upcoming 3DS title Pokémon Sun and Moon as well. Sun and Moon arrive November 18. Pokémon GO is due sometime next month!
