This Is How 'Pokémon Go' Will Work on Your Smartphone

It was previously reported that Niantic was teaming up with The Pokémon Company to bring us a smartphone-based game where you could “catch” Pokémon creatures in real life. Aside from knowing that it’s named Pokémon Go, there hasn’t been a lot of information about the platform until now.

According to its site, as you walk around with your smartphone it will occasionally vibrate to indicate that a Pokémon is nearby. You can then tap your screen and throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls can be picked up at PokéStops, which will be based in “interesting places” including museums, monuments and various areas which encourage exploration. Some of the Pokémon will be limited to their own areas, so water-based Pokémon will probably be near a river.

Evolution is also possible if you catch a Pokémon multiple times. You can also pick up eggs at PokéStops which will hatch after a certain amount of steps.

Currently, it’s unclear how the battling system will work but Niantic is testing a location-based competition system. According to the site, you can pick from one of three different teams and then assign a Pokémon to a gym. If the gym is empty, it will be yours; if not, you can use the Pokémon you’ve caught to engage in battle with a player that’s already claimed that gym.

If you don’t want to check your phone all day, Nintendo will be selling a Pokémon Go Plus. This is essentially a bracelet with a device that connects to your phone through Bluetooth and will notify you of Pokémon sightings with vibrations and an LED light.

With Pokémon Sun and Moon coming out later this year, fans definitely have a ton to look forward to.