US Beta Of ‘Pokémon Go’ To Ignite Real-World Poké-Battles

The much anticipated mobile game “Pokémon Go” is set to come stateside with its U.S. Beta which will allow a certain number of participants to do battle against other Pokémon trainers via their mobile phones. The game was introduced back in 2015 and after a successful series, a funding that racked up $20 million, U.S. gamers will finally join the likes of those in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

The basic concept behind “Pokémon Go” is to allow gamers to use their smartphones and catch Pokémons in real-world settings. The device will alert the user if a Pokémon is nearby and they can catch said Pokémon using Pokéballs that can be found in set locations which the developers are calling “PokéStops.”

The maker of “Pokémon Go” is Niantic Labs which was supported by “Google,” “The Pokémon Group” and “Nintendo” during the project announcement in 2015. According to TechCrunch, Niantic Labs was actually supposed to be under “Google’s” “Alphabet” umbrella, but this did not work out. Niantic Labs CEO John Hanke previously said that this allowed them more freedom but it also increased the pressure for their game to succeed.

So-called Beta testers for the U.S. sector were recruited in early May and there are still spots available for those who want to apply, according to CNET. These Beta testers will be testing out some of the more complex features of the game, including forming teams to create gyms which will then be challenged by other teams. Wins and losses will supposedly affect the gym’s prestige and reputation.

For those who want a more interactive experience, “Pokémon Go Plus” wristbands are also available for purchase. The wristbands will light up and buzz to indicate that a Pokémon is nearby, much like what smartphones will do.

The game is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and is free to play. However, players can also buy in-game currency called “PokéCoins” which can be used to buy items in the game.