Pokémon has always been hugely popular, from the original games and TV show back in the 90s to the ultra-modern Pokémon Sun and Moon games for Nintendo 3DS that are available to buy and play now. However, it’s Pokémon Go that caused the most hype last summer. Pokémon Go is an app that allows fans to explore the real world in order to find and catch Pokémon to battle in Gyms around the globe.
The game has seen several updates with new and improved features in the months since its launch, but the latest update is set to be the most exciting we’ve seen with the introduction of new berries and, better yet, a whole new set of Pokémon as seen back in the 90s in the Gold and Silver games for GameBoy.
Read on for everything you need to know about Pokémon Go, Pokémon Go for Apple Watch and Pokémon Go’s latest updates.
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Pokémon Go guide: Latest update
If you’re here because you’re an avid Pokémon Go player and are excited about the next update, we’re about to fill you in. If you’re completely new to the game we’d recommend skipping ahead by clicking here to start from the very beginning.
Back in December, Niantic first hinted that it would be adding Generation 2 Pokémon to the app, and began doing so by adding new baby Pokémon to eggs. Those included Pikachu’s predecessor Pichu, as well as Cleffa, Igglypuff, Togepi, Magby, Smoochum and Elekid.
Now, though, Niantic has introduced the full set of 80 Pokémon from Gold and Silver’s Johto region to the app for you to add to your Pokedex. The update also brings new Evolutions to some of the Pokémon you already have, and you may need to collect items from Pokestops in order to evolve them. Two new berries have been introduced too: Nanab Berries and Pinap Berries to slow monsters or double your candy when you catch it. Plus, there are new options in your wardrobe to customise your avatar, new item carousels and some small gameplay tweaks too.
We expect Pokemon’s GO new update will encourage some players who’ve stopped playing after the initial hype last year to pick up the game again, so expect to see more Trainers out and about in the coming weeks.
Pokémon GO guide: What is Pokémon GO?
Pokémon Go is a game that requires players to head out into the physical world to catch Pokémon and, obviously, be the very best like no one ever was.
The game uses your smartphone GPS to pinpoint your location, encouraging users to explore more than they usually would. Niantic, the creators of the game, are pretty smart too, placing grass Pokémon near parks and open land, water Pokémon near rivers and beaches etc.
Pokémon Go uses landmarks, shops and more as ‘Pokestops’ which provide players with random supplies, from much-needed Pokeballs to eggs that need to be incubated. Big landmarks like train stations, police stations and tourist attractions act as Pokémon Gyms, but players must be level 5 before heading into one.
When you do eventually spot a Pokémon you want to catch, you can change to Augmented Reality (AR) mode which uses your smartphone camera to view the Pokémon standing in front of you, in your physical environment. It’s a pretty cool feature, although you do look like you’re trying to take photos of strangers when really, you’re trying to catch a Zubat.
Read next: Best wireless headphones for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Pokémon GO guide: Pokémon GO for Apple Watch
In September, Apple held an event to announce plenty of new developments including the iPhone 7 and Pokémon. But one surprise was delivered by Niantic Labs CEO John Hanke at the event, who took to the stage to announce that Pokémon Go would be coming to Apple Watch and Apple Watch 2.
You’ll be prompted when launching the iPhone app for the first time to allow Pokémon Go to write data to Apple Health, and you’ll need to do this in order for it to work properly. Be sure to open the app on your iPhone before launching the mini app on your Watch as this will help with the initial pairing.
Once set up, you’ll be able to use the Apple Watch app to log sessions as workouts and your activity whilst playing counts towards your daily Activity rings. You’ll also be able to choose a compilation for your watchface to show how close your egg is to hatching.
But what’s really handy is that you’ll get notifications about nearby Pokémon right there on your wrist, as well as nearby Pokestops (which you can spin without opening the app on your iPhone in order to collect items from them), hatching eggs, medals or candy. Plus, distance walked will count towards hatching eggs and candy for your Buddy Pokémon (which you can choose by going to Trailer Profile > Menu > Buddy).
The Pokémon GO for Apple Watch app offers similarities to the Pokémon GO Plus band, which you can find out more about here.
For a full, in-depth list of tips and tricks, we’d highly recommend checking out the guide over on our sister title PC Advisor. There you’ll find tips for both Android and iOS players covering everything from transferring Pokémon to Evolving, Powering Up, using Lures and where to find the best Pokemon.