A mobile app created by Niantic, Inc. and the Pokémon Company. Players take their smartphones with them, walk around, and catch Pokémon, just like in the main series. Initially, the game only included Pokémon from Generation I, but Pokémon from later generations were gradually added over time.
The game is often set as an example of a "flavor of the month" fad. Its online popularity dropped drastically a few months after its release; many blame this on the lack of updates and content on launch, Niantic, Inc.'s poor management and playerbase communication, and its freemium pay-to-win system prevalent in many other mobile games. However, despite the decrease in internet activity, it's still a popular game, and some cite the game and the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon as the causes of a resurgence in franchise popularity overall. More features being added over the years have also drawn back some of the initial fans that dropped off for the above reasons.
On March 12, 2025, Niantic sold Pokémon GO to Scopely, the makers of Monopoly Go!.
