Pokemon Go Release Date and Update: Beta Test Launched in New Zealand and Australia

By Mark Aserit 21 Apr, 2016 15:00 EDT

Pokemon at the Super Bowl — The Super Bowl 50 Pokemon Ad. Pokemon site.

Niantic recently opened Pokemon Go's online beta testing in New Zealand and Australia. They also revealed new details about the game. Trainers can now enter gyms to train with random Pokemons and players. Now, here's the latest round-up of update about Pokemon Go release date and update.

As the mobile game company conducted their first beta test for Pokemon Go in Japan, Niantic expands its testing field to New Zealand and Australia. In a Game Rant report, these two countries will be the 1^st western locations to experience an in-depth development version of the upcoming Pokemon game.

Furthermore, the expansion of beta testing is the reason why there are new details about the gameplay. Several tech websites reported that Gyms are now available to the new update. According to NeuroGadget, trainers can now set one Pokemon to train at a Gym that belongs to the team, while six Pokemons can be sent to battle in enemy's Gyms. A trainer can also see the avatars of the Pokemon trainers in a Gym, as well as their Pokemons. The level of a Gym can be known by the number of the Pokemons it can have at one time.

As of capturing wild Pokemons, it was reported that it became harder. However, it won't lessen the fun of the game. There will be a "shrinking circle" that will represent the chance if the Pokemon will be caught. If the circle's color is red, it means that there will be a slight chance in capturing, while there will be a greater chance if its color is green. Berries can also be used as a bait during hunting to increase the chances. Like other Pokemon versions in Nintendo consoles, better quality of Poke Balls means higher chances of capturing.

Meanwhile, Pokemon Go was revealed with a companion device called Pokemon Go Plus. However, it is not required to play with the game, but it gives some benefits. According to The BitBag, the small device has a single button that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth. The Pokemon Company said the device will notify a player if there is an appearance of Pokemon nearby through LED and vibration. Players can also catch Pokemon and perform other actions by pressing the device's button.

The price of Pokemon Go's companion device is not yet confirmed. However, it may cost $30 to $50 as it is just a device with a few features. Pokemon Go is expected to be released this year.

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Pokemon Go Release Date and Update: Beta Test Launched in New Zealand and Australia

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.