Get your Pokeballs ready, travelers. The virtual reality game that’s exciting gamers and 90s kids alike, Pokemon Go, will soon be released globally.
The free app launched last week in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand to create a craze that’s already surpassed the amount of users on the dating app Tinder, and is on track to top Twitter’s daily active users. The object of the game is to “catch” the cartoon characters when you find them in real-life locations through the app’s virtual-reality camera.
Soon, players can continue capturing Pokemon creatures nonstop even when visiting far-off destinations. According to The Wall Street Journal, the game will be available in Japan, the United Kingdom, and parts of continental Europe “within a few days.” Think of it as a new way to explore an unknown place—a walking tour led by those famous pocket monsters, from Squirtle and Jigglypuff to Rattata and Meowth.
Prepare for trouble… and make it double! #PokemonGo pic.twitter.com/9uUi4KCqYY
— #PokemonGo (@PokemonGoNews2) July 12, 2016
Canadian and South American releases are reportedly “coming soon,” but no time frame has been floated yet.
While Pokemon Go is not officially available yet outside the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, some Android users in cities like London and Toronto have reported being able to download the game through websites that host Pokemon Go outside of Google Play.
The game has raised some concerns about injury and crime, since users look at the world through their phone screen to play the game and could easily become unaware of their surroundings. With that in mind, don’t become oblivious to traffic or pickpockets if you do use the game on your travels.
More from SmarterTravel:
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- Thrilling Real-Life Horror Movie Locations
Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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