It swept the country in a matter of hours.

The Internet erupted with memes, jokes, and hashtags proclaiming teams. This video game and Internet sensation was the best thing that could have ever happened to America.

Finally Americans are getting off their butts, and they can keep their eyes glued to their screens while they do it.

This is why I am ecstatic.

Normally a new video game would mean that all the gamers of the world would be camped out for a week inside their dimly lit basements, chugging Mountain Dew or some other caffeinated energy drink that will later cause health problems and eating Doritos or whatever snack they prefer to eat while they stare blankly at their TVs.

Not this one. Pokemon Go gets users out into the real world. It is run by Niantic’s GPS software and requires users to leave the comfort of their couch in order to stock up on Pokeballs, battle gyms, hatch Pokemon from eggs, and catch new Pokemon. Despite the obesity problem and lazy characteristic that America has been plagued with, old fans and new members of the Pokemon community took off running with Pokemon Go. They successfully got most of America off their butts with the touch of a button.

Score one for Nintendo.

Another thing I love about the game is the competitive nature it brings to the table for the world. Upon reaching level five you are prompted to give your loyalty to one of three teams. Team Instinct, Team Mystic and Team Valor. These divisions have created jokes and friendly rivalries between friends and acquaintances alike. The competition portion is drawn from the game’s main focus, capture and rule the gyms. Claiming a gym for your team is a big accomplishment and will gain you popularity among your teammates.

Score Two For Nintendo.

My third and final favorite part about this game is that it has been known, in its short existence, to create amazing friendships. Because of the fact that users have to go outside, they are meeting one another at Pokestops and finding common ground with each other. Unions are being formed, Facebook pages have been created, and friendships are being made all because of a smartphone app and a little bit of nostalgia.

Score Three For Nintendo.

So, why exactly is this exciting to me? Well, as a future Phys Ed teacher, three of my main focuses are exactly what this game promotes.

Physical Fitness: Using this app as a platform to get kids moving, we could see a decline in childhood obesity, a spike in physical activity outside the classroom, which could potentially feed a positive correlation to participation inside the classroom. New gym class games could be made from this game which will also push the motivation for participation in the classroom.

Competition: Friendly competition is a big part of the phys ed experience. If children never learn to be competitive, they will learn to settle. It also creates a sense of urgency in the class, an enjoyable and fun time learning, and always leaves them wanting more and eager to come back to class.

Friendship: Believe it or not, the job of a physical educator is not complete if friendships are not made over the course of a year. For some kids, that is a hard task to accomplish. This game is opening doors for more common ground to be found among those who may not have had it before.

Overall, I am very satisfied with Nintendo’s latest creation, and am excited to see how they will upgrade it for the trainers of the world!