Pokémon GO is wrapping up its field tests.
In an email, those who signed up to participate were told that Pokémon GO field tests will end on June 30. All gameplay data will be deleted after and the app will no longer be playable as the development team prepares for the mobile game's official launch.
"We've had an incredible time field testing Pokémon GO with all of you. Your battles were epic, your wild Pokémon encounters were fun, and your feedback helped lay the groundwork for a very unique game," said the Pokémon GO development team.
Aside from thanking them, Pokémon GO trainers were also invited to stay tuned to the development team's social media channels for more information.
Available for iOS and Android devices, Pokémon GO will use real locations around the world to encourage players to discover and catch over a hundred Pokémon. In the past, Pokémon games have used real-world locations like Japan's Kanto and Hokkaido regions but now the real world will be the game's actual setting!
Pokémon GO will be free to download and play but certain features and items may be accessed through in-app purchases. Real money can be spent for PokéCoins, the game's currency, which can be exchanged for extra items, power-ups and other enhancements.
Pokémon GO will also allow trainers to customize their appearance, level up to catch more powerful Pokémon, join others to form one of three teams and take over Pokémon Gyms. To make catching Pokémon easier, players can take advantage of the Pokémon GO Plus, a portable device that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth and alerts players about events in the game, like a nearby Pokémon.
During its Treehouse Live Q&A panel at E3 2016, Nintendo revealed that the Pokémon GO Plus will be available at the end of July and will retail for $34.99. Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto also demoed the device during the event, showing that it flashes green and vibrates when a Pokémon is nearby and will display a rainbow pattern if the Pokémon is caught and red if not.
There is no official release date yet for Pokémon GO, but given when the Pokémon GO Plus will be available, it can be assumed that the game may come out sooner or later than July 31. And with field tests ending on June 30, an end-of-July release date is truly feasible.
According to Nintendo, Pokémon GO will have some tie-in to Pokémon Sun and Moon, upcoming Pokémon games for the 3DS handheld.
