If you haven't heard of Nintendo's sensational new app yet, then you've been living under a rock. "Pokémon Go" is the hottest new mobile phone game, drowning '90s kids in a heaping wave of nostalgia. This free app uses GPS radar to build a virtual world around the player, guiding them through their very own neighborhoods as they try to locate and capture Pokémon that spawn on their maps.
The app has taken the gaming industry by storm and is overwhelmingly popular across the globe -- you're likely to spot a few players on your commute to work. Although the gameplay itself is pretty cut and dry, recent headlines have exposed a couple of secrets about the app's success and development. Here are a couple of great facts you might not know about "Pokémon Go!"
1. The app is not stealing personal information from your Google account.
A recent panic shook "Pokémon Go" users when players noticed that the app had "granted full access" to the Google accounts they'd used to sign up for the game. Fear not, both Google and Niantic Labs have clarified that players' personal information and records are not accessible to the app developers. The issue was simply result of a poor choice of words. Rejoice and play on!
2. There's a battery saving mode to prevent your phone from dying all the time.
I've lost many precious steps and potential Pokémon encounters due to phone death. Don't let it happen to you! Open up your main menu and tap the "Settings" button. Make sure your "Battery Saver" mode is active and you're good to go! It's that easy. (Rumor has it that holding your phone upside-down will also preserve battery life... Is it true?)
3. A "Pokémon Go" peripheral bracelet is in the works.
Yep, you read that right. The "Pokémon Go" Plus is a device that'll vibrate when you're near a PokeStop, items, eggs and Pokémon, letting you know when to whip out your phone and take action. There's likely to be even more fancy features as developers finish working on the product. Start saving now as the estimated price is $34.99.
4. There are thousands of Facebook events created just for the sake of playing "Pokémon Go."
"Pokémon Go" fanatics everywhere are arranging public events specifically meant for meeting other players, catching Pokémon together and taking local gyms. The turnouts are crazy -- this weekend, my hometown will be hosting a meet-up that is expected to attract over 2,000 players. Go, Team Instinct!
5. Nintendo stocks have skyrocketed.
Although Nintendo doesn't expect to directly profit from the app too much, its stock value has nearly doubled in the past month alone. The revival of Pokémon hype has sparked a buying frenzy of merchandise items and paraphernalia. Those Pikachu plushes are flying off the shelves!
6. Battling with friends could be a feature added in the near future.
Dying you crush your friends in a battle? It might be happening sooner than you think. The demand for this feature is at the top of the list (in addition to fixing the server crashes and constant glitches). I've heard through the grapevine that battling and trading Pokémon with friends might be added in a future update. Nintendo will comply; it's just a matter of time.
Now that I've rejuvenated the Ash Ketchum inside of you, close this article and go catch 'em all!
