"Pokémon GO" has been released. The highly-anticipated augmented reality game is now available on Android and iOS for the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.
Nintendo News reported that players in Australia and Japan can currently download the launch version of "Pokémon GO" for Android and iOS. It requires about 60 MB of space for Android users and 100 MB for iOS.
The Google Play Store stated that the "Pokémon GO" app requires Android version 4.4. Apple's App Store noted that iOS 8.0 or later is needed for the game.
"Pokémon GO" is free to download but offers in-game purchases ranging from $0.99 to $99.99 per item. As of launch, only the first generation of 151 Pokémon is available. The Pokémon Company did admit to plans of releasing additional generations in the future.
Kotaku confirmed that "Pokémon GO" has been released in Australia. The publication posted screenshots of the game. Players will need to create a character first then choose which of the three original starting Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle) they want to catch.
A new feature that was added in the augmented reality game was the battery saver option. This was not found in the beta test of the game.
According to 9to5 Google, the "Pokémon GO" release may initially be available only in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The game comes with a tutorial that gives users the run through on the basic mechanics.
Meanwhile, players can now pre-order the "Pokémon GO" Plus. Gotta Be Mobile noted that the Bluetooth device can be pre-ordered on Amazon and GameStop.
It is priced at $34.99. Niantic and The Pokémon Company have revealed that the device is optional.
To use "Pokémon GO" Plus, players will need a phone with Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS technology. Niantic has said that the game is not guaranteed to work on all Android devices.
The device is shaped like a Pokeball. It is equipped with a battery and a single button that players can use for specific actions.
