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Pokémon GO

Pokémon GOポケモンGOPokémonNianticScopely ExploreARAugmented RealityLocation-basedMobileGPSGymsRaidsMax BattlesDynamaxGigantamaxBuddy Adventure
Trainer BattlesTeam GO RocketPokéStopsLure ModulesCommunity DayShiny PokémonMewtwoPikachuCharizardEeveeLegendary PokémonResearch TasksField ResearchSpecial ResearchGO Battle League
By ·Published Jul 8, 2026·Updated Aug 23, 2026·Last checked Aug 23, 2026·Official sources verified

Pokémon GO is a free-to-play augmented reality adventure game developed by Niantic, Inc. and published by Niantic, Inc., The Pokémon Company, and Nintendo. Players explore real-world locations using their mobile device's GPS to discover, catch, and collect Pokémon that appear overlaid on their surroundings. Progression focuses on leveling up the Trainer, completing the Pokédex, powering up Pokémon, and participating in cooperative raid battles and competitive gym battles. Its defining gameplay centers on location-based augmented reality exploration that turns everyday walks into Pokémon-catching adventures.

Game summary

Global release
Jul 6, 2016
Developer
Niantic
Genres
Augmented RealityLocation-BasedAdventureRPG
Official site

On this page

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Latest update

The 10th Anniversary Celebration runs from August 12 to September 6, 2026. During this event, Trainers can encounter a special Mewtwo and earn anniversary-themed bonuses. The current raid rotation includes Kyurem, the lake guardians Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, Groudon, Lunala, and the Regi trio, with Mega Evolutions cycling weekly. August Max Battles feature Feebas, Magmar, Beldum, Magikarp, Hitmontop, and Eevee.

Release date and status

Pokémon GO launched globally on July 6, 2016. It remains actively supported with regular seasonal events, new Pokémon releases, and major feature expansions including the recent addition of Max Battles and Dynamax mechanics.

Global releaseJul 6, 2016
Platforms
Global statusReleased
Pricing modelFree-to-play·In-app purchases
AvailabilityApp StoreGoogle Play

Platforms and availability

The game is available on Android and iOS / iPadOS smartphones. It requires GPS, location services, and a strong internet connection. The game is optimized for phones and not guaranteed to run on tablets, nor on devices without GPS or cellular data capability. It is not supported on rooted Android devices or jailbroken iOS devices.

Gameplay and setting

Pokémon GO uses augmented reality and real-world GPS data to place Pokémon into the player's physical environment. Trainers walk through their neighborhoods, parks, and cities to find wild Pokémon, spin PokéStops for items, and battle at Gyms controlled by one of three teams: Instinct, Mystic, or Valor.

The core loop involves catching Pokémon with Poké Balls, collecting resources, and building a strong roster. Raids let groups of Trainers defeat powerful bosses for capture chances, while Max Battles introduce cooperative fights against giant Dynamax Pokémon. The GO Battle League provides ranked PvP, Buddy Adventure lets a chosen Pokémon walk alongside the Trainer, and Team GO Rocket encounters add shadow Pokémon to rescue and purify.

Trailer, screenshots, and media

The selected media includes the official Adventure Together trailer and a gallery of screenshots showing AR catching, raid battles, map exploration, Max Battles with Dynamax Pokémon, and trainer avatar customization.

Official Adventure Together TrailerWatch on YouTube
Screenshots
A holiday-costumed Spheal appears in the AR catching interface with a snowy backgroundA trainer's Jolteon battles Alakazam in a gym raid with the battle timer visibleThree-panel view showing the world map, nearby Pokémon radar, and AR catching of SquirtleGiant Dynamax Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur tower over smaller Pokémon in a Max BattleA Dynamax Charmeleon fills the Max Battle arena with red clouds and a glowing Max MeterPikachu appears in AR Plus mode on a smartphone screen held over real grass with a bridge in the backgroundAvatar customization interface showing hair style and color options for a trainer

Developer and publisher

Pokémon GO was developed by Niantic, Inc. and is published by Niantic, Inc. in partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. The game is built on Niantic's real-world AR platform and continues to receive live-service updates from the development team.

DeveloperNiantic
PublishersNianticThe Pokémon CompanyNintendo
Official websitePokémon GO

Download and availability

The game is free to download from the App Store for iOS devices and from Google Play for Android devices. Optional in-game purchases are available through each platform's native payment system.

System / Device Requirements

Pokémon GO has official minimum requirements for both mobile platforms. The game requires active GPS and a persistent internet connection.

Android requirements
Android specificationMinimum
OSAndroid 9.0
RAM2 GB
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels preferred
StorageVaries by device; approximately 500 MB base install
OtherGPS and Location Services required; not optimized for tablets; rooted devices not supported
OSAndroid 9.0
RAM2 GB
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels preferred
StorageVaries by device; approximately 500 MB base install
OtherGPS and Location Services required; not optimized for tablets; rooted devices not supported
iOS / iPadOS requirements
iOS / iPadOS specificationMinimum
OSiOS 14
DeviceiPhone 6s or later; iPad with compatible chipset
StorageVaries by device; approximately 500 MB base install
OtherGPS and Location Services required; jailbroken devices not supported
OSiOS 14
DeviceiPhone 6s or later; iPad with compatible chipset
StorageVaries by device; approximately 500 MB base install
OtherGPS and Location Services required; jailbroken devices not supported

FAQ

Is Pokémon GO free to play?
Yes, the game is free to download and play. Optional in-game purchases include PokéCoins, Premium Raid Passes, storage upgrades, cosmetic items, and event tickets.
What platforms support Pokémon GO?
The game is available on Android and iOS / iPadOS mobile devices. It requires a compatible smartphone with GPS and location services.
Does Pokémon GO require an internet connection?
Yes, a strong internet connection via Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or 5G is required to play, along with enabled GPS and location services for map and spawn functionality.
What are the minimum device requirements?
Android devices need Android 9.0 or later with at least 2 GB of RAM. iOS devices need iOS 14 or later. The game is optimized for smartphones and not guaranteed to run on tablets or rooted/jailbroken devices.
Can I play Pokémon GO without moving?
Basic gameplay requires physical movement to encounter Pokémon and interact with PokéStops. Some features like GO Battle League and certain research tasks can be completed without walking.
What is the current major in-game event?
The 10th Anniversary Celebration runs from August 12 to September 6, 2026, featuring a special Mewtwo encounter and other anniversary bonuses.
How do Max Battles work?
Max Battles are cooperative encounters where Trainers team up to battle Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon using their own Dynamax-capable Pokémon, introduced as part of the game's ongoing content updates.
Does the game support cross-platform play?
Yes, Android and iOS players can interact seamlessly in all shared features including gyms, raids, trading, and GO Battle League.
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