'Pokemon Go' Free iOS & Android Download Coming in 2016 [Release Date, Trailer & Gameplay]

Christmas is already fast approaching and with that, 2016 is just around the corner. One of 2016's highly anticipated games, Niantic's, "Pokémon GO," will be released for iOS and Android devices, free for download. The game allows Pokemon trainers to catch Pokemon in real life. 

According to The Gospel Herald, the "Pokémon GO" beta site is already up and running and will be releasing all updates regarding the game. The beta site also teases details on Nintendo's portable wearable tech that will be released along with the game. This wearable tech is known as the Pokémon Go Plus.

The website teases that the wearable tech uses a bluetooth connection to let Pokemon trainers know when a Pokemon has been spotted nearby. It also connects to the Pokemon trainer's smartphone by way of a bluetooth connection. A LED light notification lights up when a Pokemon is nearby and up for an adventure. Users can also access the game's other activities and features.

"Pokemon GO" is described by avid gamers as a play on augmented reality. The "Pokemon GO" application makes use of the Pokemon trainer's geographic location to discover other Pokémon that they can battle with. This also allows them to trade and and even go on raids against Pokémon. The application makes use of genuine location data to help trainers along on the journey.

Junichi Masuda, Pokémon game director at GAME FREAK, said in a previous report with Bloomberg that the company will ensure trainers that the traditional Pokemon fun will be present in Pokemon GO without giving limitations to the new types of gameplay.

"Our challenge was to develop a great game for smartphone devices that expressed the core values of Pokémon," said president and CEO of Pokémon Tsunekazu Ishihara, "Pokémon GO is the answer to that challenge."

"Our partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo is an exciting step forward in real-world gaming and using technology to help players discover the world and people around them," added John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic.

Niantic was founded by Google Earth co-founder, John Hanke, as a start-up within Google itself. Niantic is also famous for Ingress, which has seen over 12 million downloads worldwide. Ingress is another augmented reality game that uses GPS to allow users to create a sci-fi stories based on the real world.