With the beta test for the upcoming augmented-reality title "Pokémon GO" coming to the U.S., is the release for the full version of the game happening soon?
According to an announcement on the official Pokémon website, the field tests will be expanded to include U.S. locations. This will greatly enhance the beta testing of the game, since the gameplay features Pokémon being captured in real-life locations. In addition, the gameplay also randomly selects the Pokémon that will spawn on-site, depending on the area that the player is in. For example, water-type Pokémon will likely appear near a water source, a fire-type Pokémon near fire-related places, etc.
Meanwhile, NeuroGadget surmises that with the beta tests being expanded, the release date for "Pokémon GO" is imminent. The industry follower believes that should Nintendo announce new details at the upcoming 2016 E3 trade show next month, fans may get surprised with a release date announcement for the game. In addition, rumor has it that if Nintendo will be providing major details on the game at the event, it is plausible that release date for "Pokémon Go" is pegged to be at the end of summer or in the fall.
As for the beta tests, the U.S. field test registration is live. However, as with previous beta test sites – the field tests opened in Japan, then expanded to include Australia and New Zealand – not all registrants will become field test participants. Nintendo and developer Niantic are closely monitoring the beta tests and the number of players to make sure that as much as possible, no leaks will come out about the upcoming game.
"Pokémon Go" is the first augmented-reality game from the franchise. However, there are still a number of anticipated games in the series. A new pair of 3DS games, "Pokémon Sun and Moon," is scheduled to appear later this year. Meanwhile, fans are still waiting for the ever-elusive "Pokémon Z" sequel.
