Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is a free-to-play location-based AR RPG for iOS / iPadOS and Android, originally released on July 6, 2016. Scopely Explore now operates the game after closing its acquisition of Niantic’s games business on May 29, 2025, while Apple still lists Niantic, Inc. as the iOS provider. Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition is active through July 27, 2026.

Latest update

Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition is active from July 21 at 10:00 a.m. to July 27, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. local time. The Pokémon GO team lists 8× catch XP from July 23 to July 25, followed by 10× catch XP through the event’s end, alongside rotating first partner Pokémon, costumed raid encounters and a limited GO Pass.

The Pokémon GO team’s July 17 update also schedules a global GO Fest raid event for July 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, with up to 12 free Raid Passes and Mega Mewtwo Y in Super Mega Raids.

Release date and status

The July 6, 2016 mobile release remains active as a continuously updated live service. Scopely Explore’s current site and storefront listings show ongoing events and app updates in July 2026.

Platforms and availability

Apple lists Pokémon GO for iPhone and iPad, requiring iOS 15.0 or iPadOS 15.0 or later. Google Play lists the Android edition under Scopely Explore, Inc.; no native PC or console version appears in the current official platform listings.

Gameplay overview

Players move through real-world locations to catch and evolve Pokémon, spin PokéStops, hatch Eggs, complete research, challenge Gyms, join Raid Battles and trade with other Trainers. Progression includes Trainer levels, Pokédex completion, Buddy Pokémon, teams, seasonal events, GO Pass tracks and optional in-game purchases.

Story, setting, or main mode

Pokémon GO uses the real world as its persistent map rather than a fixed campaign. The main mode is long-term collection and exploration, with social and competitive play delivered through Raids, Gyms, GO Battle League, Dynamax and Gigantamax battles, and recurring local or global events.

Trailer, screenshots, and media

The launch trailer presents Pokémon appearing in real-world locations, while the storefront screenshots highlight encounters, collection, team building, Raids, Mega Evolution and multiplayer battle systems.

Developer and publisher

Scopely says its acquisition of Niantic’s games business closed on May 29, 2025, bringing Pokémon GO and its game team into the Scopely portfolio. Google Play now lists Scopely Explore, Inc. as the developer, while Apple’s Singapore App Store still lists Niantic, Inc. as the provider.

Download and availability

Pokémon GO is free to download from Apple’s App Store for iPhone and iPad and from Google Play for Android, with optional in-game purchases. Both storefronts state that an internet connection is required.

System / Device Requirements

Scopely Explore’s support page warns that compatibility is not guaranteed for every device meeting the baseline and that older or lower-end hardware may render a reduced Map View. Beta operating systems, jailbroken iOS devices and rooted Android devices are not supported.

Ratings & Comments