50 Facts About Pokemon Go

Release and Development

Pokémon Go took the world by storm when it launched. Let's dive into its beginnings and early success.

1. Pokémon Go was released on July 6, 2016, for Android and iOS devices. Niantic, known for Ingress, developed it.
2. The game was an instant hit, with 15 million downloads in its first week, setting a new record for mobile games.

Revenue and Market Impact

Despite being free to download, Pokémon Go has generated massive revenue through in-app purchases.

3. In 2020, the game reached $1.92 billion in revenue, making it one of the top five free-to-play mobile games that year.
4. Pokémon Go broke five world records within its first month, including being the fastest smartphone game to reach $100 million in revenue.
5. As of 2023, 9 million players play Pokémon Go every day, showing its enduring popularity.

Pokémon and Gameplay

The game features almost 900 Pokémon, with new generations appearing every few years.

6. The average player has captured nearly 108 unique Pokémon.
7. Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon created, followed by Squirtle, Charmander, and Pikachu.
8. Kyarorina, a Japanese trainer, has caught over 2 million Pokémon and traveled more than 38,000 kilometers.
9. The UK's best player, CLeonardo77, has won 56 out of 69 battles, boasting an 81.16% win rate.

Global Reach and Player Demographics

Pokémon Go has a diverse player base and significant market share in various countries.

10. The United States holds 36.3% of the market for in-app purchases, followed by Japan with 31.3%.
11. In 2020, Pokémon Go users spent a record amount on in-app purchases, reaching $1 billion.
12. The game has a higher male player base, with around 57% of male players compared to 43% of female players.
13. The average Pokémon Go player is 24 years old, with ages ranging from 5 to 67 years.

Unique Features and Mechanics

Pokémon Go offers unique gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged.

14. Shadow Pokémon were first released on July 22, 2019, but were temporarily removed due to a glitch.
15. When Skyform Shaman is your buddy, small pedals and leaves appear around it when it jumps or lands.
16. There is no way to distinguish between a male and female Phoebus based on appearance.
17. Shadow Pokémon have a catch CP that ticks down to its base CP, adding an extra layer of strategy.
18. Shadow Pokémon deal 20 more damage when attacking but take 20 more damage when defending.
19. Skitty faces to the right in the Pokedex, unlike all other Pokémon that face left.

Player Engagement and Community

Pokémon Go continues to engage its community with regular updates, events, and challenges.

20. The most active player count was in 2016 at 232 million players, while the lowest was in 2017 at 65 million.
21. Question Mark Unknown was only released for two days in 2018.
22. You can see 100 IV Pokémon in your inventory by typing "4 star."
23. Shadow Alolan Marowak was only available for five days.
24. You can get better deals on items using Niantic's Web Store instead of the in-game shop.
25. The odds of getting a 100 IV Pokémon in the wild are 1 in 4096.

Special Events and Items

Special events and items add excitement and variety to the game.

26. Zarude was only released once during special research in 2021.
27. All Pokémon evolved from an evolution item cannot be caught in the wild, hatched from eggs, or be a raid boss.
28. The only way to get a golden lure module is by sending a postcard into Pokémon Scarlet or Violet for five days.
29. The odds of getting a Shiny Pokémon on Community Day are 1 in 25.
30. There is technically no way to beat Pokémon Go, as it is designed to be an ongoing experience.
31. There are currently 52 different Regional Pokémon available in the game.
32. You can now only do 5 remote raids per day.
33. Lugia was the first legendary Pokémon released in Pokémon Go.
34. Pokémon Go has banned gameplay in three-fourths of China, North Korea, Russia, and Belarus.
35. The last Premier Ball in a raid will either half shake and let the Pokémon escape or shake three times and catch the Pokémon.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your Pokémon Go experience.

36. If you tap the compass in the top right of the screen once, the game will point in the direction your device is pointing. Tap it twice, and the game will point north.
37. Shadow Articuno was the first ever Shadow legendary Pokémon.
38. You can give a Pokémon exclusive moves it could no longer learn by using an elite TM.
39. The legendary birds used to spawn at Elite raids once.
40. Shadow Pokémon can only be caught by finding, battling, and defeating decoy Giovanni grunts.
41. There are eight different evolution items in Pokémon Go, and 37 different Pokémon that require an evolution item to evolve.
42. You can earn 50 free PokéCoins per day by battling and leaving Pokémon in gyms.
43. The lowest amount of money Pokémon Go ever made was $580 million in 2017.
44. If you reached level 40 before 2021, you were rewarded an exclusive Gyarados hat.

Physical Health Benefits

Playing Pokémon Go can have positive effects on physical health.

45. Players reported 50 minutes more physical activity per week.
46. Players took 35% more steps every day.
47. 25% of total activity during a month was attributed to playing Pokémon Go.

Community Engagement

Pokémon Go continues to engage its community with regular updates, events, and challenges, ensuring its longevity and popularity.

48. Pokémon Go generated nearly $1.92 billion in revenue in 2020.
49. The most money Pokémon Go ever made in a year was in 2020 with $1.23 billion.
50. Pokémon Go has become an integral part of gaming culture, offering a unique blend of augmented reality and nostalgia.

The Enduring Appeal of Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go has become a staple in the gaming world since its 2016 release. Its blend of augmented reality and nostalgia keeps millions of players engaged daily. With nearly 900 Pokémon to catch, regular updates, and special events, the game offers endless excitement. Players benefit from increased physical activity, with many reporting more steps and movement each week. The game’s success is evident in its impressive revenue, reaching $1.92 billion in 2020 alone. Pokémon Go's community remains strong, with dedicated trainers like Kyarorina and CLeonardo77 setting records. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, there's always something new to discover. Pokémon Go's unique features, such as Shadow Pokémon and regional exclusives, add layers of strategy and fun. Its ongoing updates and events ensure it remains a beloved pastime for fans worldwide.