The long wait is over, the all-time favorite game Pokémon GO can now be downloaded on your Apple Watch. You don't need to stare at your phone every time while you are walking outside to check if there are Pokémon to catch. You may now use your wearable gadget to finally get that pet you are rooting!
Pokémon Go Arrives On The Apple Watch
Pokémon Go arrives for the Apple Watch on Thursday. According to Variety, the new app for the smartwatch notifies users when there is a Pokemon nearby the place. It also allows users to collect Pokéballs and other items from Pokéstops directly from the wrist gadget. Apple Watch owners can also log their daily walks in Pokémon GO, which helps them to hatch eggs and receive other rewards.
As reported by CNET, the downloadable Pokémon GO is not a full version of the game. To actually catch the nearby Pokémons, you will still need your smartphone. The Apple Watch version is more of a companion app that tracks your steps (they'll even count towards your Apple Watch fitness goals), helps you stock up on Pokémon-catching items and sends notifications to your wrist when there's a Pokémon near you.
"Apple Watch is particularly well suited to Pokémon GO as it seamlessly combines gameplay and imagination with getting exercise and exploring the real world," as stated in Pokémon GO's official blog post. "You can easily interact with Pokémon GO on Apple Watch, using quick taps to discover nearby Pokémon and collect items from PokéStops. Once you encounter a Pokémon, you can catch it from your iPhone."
To recap the core features of Pokémon GO on Apple Watch, you'll be able to
- Log each play session as a workout, with gameplay counting toward personal Activity rings
- Receive notifications about nearby Pokémon
- Count distance toward hatching Pokémon Eggs and receiving Candy with your Buddy Pokémon
- Receive notifications about PokéStops nearby and collect items from them
- Receive notifications when Eggs hatch and medals are awarded
As reported by Recode, Pokémon GO creator Niantic has been counting on the Apple Watch app, as well as a series of improvements to the game, to help re-engage early fans and keep avid players involved. "Niantic CEO John Hanke acknowledged that the effort to bring Pokémon Go to the watch proved time-consuming."
Apple Watch Pricing
Of course, before anything else, you need to have the Apple Watch to feel this update. Aside from your smartphone, you have to buy your own wearable tech gadget. Both the Watch Series 1 and Watch Series 2 can but online if you want to. According to iDownload Blog, Aluminum Apple Watch Sports price ranges from $349 to $399, Stainless steel Apple Watch price ranges from $549 to $1,099, 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition price ranges from $10,000 to $17,000.
For the full list of designs and price range, you may visit the official Apple site for their watches.
