Entry #3 Pokemon is Evolving, but in the Real World This Time

Technology has headed a long way in the last 20 years, but with the advancement of technology, games are progressing. The classic hit rpg Pokemon is evolving, and not into a Charizard, but into something entirely new.

If you haven't heard about Nintendo's newest augmented reality project, you're going to learn. While Nintendo has done the augmented reality field before with the not very well known Pokedex 3D Pro, the announcement of Pokemon Go could change the way mobile games are done. Watch yourself, and take the time to watch a quick four minute discussion on the technology and news behind it. 

The Pokemon Go Trailer

An analysis of the info gathered

Many now adults have positive memories of carrying bricks (the Nintendo Gameboy) in their hands, watching the 90's anime on 4kids, or the Pokemon trading card game. While some people moved on from the Pokemon franchise, the Pokemon franchise continued to evolve for its fans. It moved on to a color format with Pokemon Gold and Silver for the Gameboy Color, full art and pixels on the Gameboy Advance, a dual screen with optimized pixel graphics for the Nintendo DS, fully animated sprites, partial 3D, effects, and voice acting for the Nintendo DS in the early 2010's, and finally a full 3D Pokemon game for the Pokemon 3ds. In between the time of Pokemon XY, the fully 3D (and beautiful looking) Pokemon game, and Black 2 and White 2 (the only sequels in any Pokemon game and the only games with voice acting) Pokemon's first shot at augmented reality, Pokedex 3D Pro came out. Using the 3DS camera, players could track and catch pokemon and also view them in 3D. Now it seems as if that concept is evolving. 

What is augmented reality though? I keep talking about it, but surely, it's not a common phrase. Google defines augmented reality as "a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view". What this means is to have a digital image or video available in the real world. Here are some examples of what this looks like. Keep in mind these images are from before the franchise transitioned into full 3D and was for a system that didn't use 3D. 

wild Pidgey on the loose

You've had a legendary encounter!

A giant Ninetails invading local shrines

Now that there is a visual understanding of augmented reality, I want to talk more about the new technology being introduced. The second video goes over the specifics, but I want to talk about the change that this could bring for fans old and new to Pokemon. People will be able to unite together, battle in real life, and the technology behind Pokemon Go could inspire many to travel, get exercise in ways that would be new to mobile gaming. Imagining going on a hike only to see a wild thorny Maractus in the desert or the elegant Sawbuck in a forest. This could inspire a new generation of kids to play outside again, something lost for America's most recent generations. Imagine being on campus and connecting with trainers, battling in real time and having a crowd watch. This is what kids have dreamed about since the first Pokemon game, and this technology can make that dream come true for many. 

The Bluetooth watch that will be available for this game will allow users to catch pokemon like they would in real life, with a swing of an arm. Video games need to come to life, and what better than to bring one of the most traditional rpgs to a whole new form. After using the original attempt pokemon made at augmented reality, the Pokedex 3D pro, words cannot contain how excited I am for the evolution of the series. I've been a fan from the Gameboy days to the most recent incarnations. 

What do you expect from Pokemon's mobile game? Do you have high hopes for a real life Pokemon game? What are you impressions? Please share your opinions below.