Since the release of Pokémon GO about a week ago, the immense hype has taken off. All of a sudden, people were out on a hunt to catch Pokémon everywhere. I overheard people at my internship talk about the hysteria and saw screenshots of the app my friends send in group chats. I came home only to find out that my brother too had fallen for its spell. While he was avidly talking about all the Pokémon he caught that day during dinner, I realized that I had to experience for myself what the fuss was all about. I had my brother install the game on my phone and explain everything to me step by step. My initial intention was to low-key play it from time to time just to see what it was like. Boy, was I wrong. Because I found myself wanting to catch 'em all. The game, however, comes with it's own share of struggles. Here are 13 things all Pokémon GO players understand:
1. This screen:
2. No GPS connection.
An open letter to my phone:
Dear phone,
You can take advantage of all my internet data, but you can't have my GPS work properly?
Sincerely, me.
3. Pretending to text while actually looking for Pokémon.
I know you're out and about looking for new Pokémon just like me, but let's both pretend we're actually texting.
4. Knowing there is a rare Pokémon around but you can't find it.
You've been walking around like crazy and trying to just get it to pop up on your screen. You've seen the leaves a billion times, but Mewtwo refuses to leave its hiding spot.
5. Knowing there is a rare Pokémon around but you can't go and look for it.
You're at your job and don't want the entire office to know you play Pokémon, so you just sit at your desk and stare at this screen.
6. Ratatas. Ratatas everywhere.
Do you remember the excitement when it was the first Pokémon you caught? Just think of that happy feeling while capturing number 1000.
7. You actually have to leave your house.
What do you mean I can't play in the safety of my own home? You actually have to go into the real scary world to play? Mom, help.
8. Pokémons escaping.
Landing a hit with 11 throws doesn't prevent a Jigglypuff from running and feasting on your tears.
9. Every time you ask your friend their level you pray it's way lower.
You know that deep down in your heart it's only a matter of time before you drop real cash to catch up to your friend that's level 27.
10. The Abra outside your house at 2:00 a.m. takes priority over your health.
Have. To. Catch. 'Em. All.
11. Your battery life goes down the drain.
Just like your life and data.
12. Your initial 150 pokéballs drop to about seven after one day.
No explanation necessary.
13. In your heart you know that one day if you blow off enough responsibilities, your dreams will come true and you'll catch a Mewtwo.
14. Newfound appreciation for historic landmarks.
Oh, you can get Pokéballs here too? What a coincidence!
15. You've already used all your incense.
I was a mere mortal when you handed those to me.
16. Sitting on a bench with 10 other kids near a gym.
Such a good texting spot.
Happy hunting.
