How Pokémon Go has remained popular in 2023

Following its release in 2016, Pokémon Go took the world by storm. Featured in the news and trending on social media, the game’s augmented reality aspect was a particular hit with smartphone gamers as it bucked the trend and forced gamers to explore an outdoor environment. 

While Pokémon Go’s popularity has waned a tad, it’s still one of the most prominent smartphone games users can access now. Alongside other smash-hit downloadable releases like Among Us and popular browser games like the solid options available at a real money online casino, Niantic’s innovative release has remained popular in 2023 despite the mobile category of gaming becoming a somewhat saturated space. 

Despite many mobile games experiencing an initial surge in popularity before waning and falling off as time passes, Pokémon Go’s package continues to draw people in. But how has the game remained popular in 2023? Let’s assess some key reasons below. 

A series of impressive updates 

Although Pokémon Go’s all-round offering hasn’t changed much since the game was released in 2016, it didn’t really need to. The game’s notable success left Niantic with less work to do, although the introduction of new regional Pokémon certainly kept trainers on their toes. Additionally, the game’s bugs in the early days and the variety of other small gameplay issues were addressed quickly, with regular updates now eliminating any issues of this type. Niantic has also added new trainer cosmetics, forms, items, and loads more. 

Increased chance of catching a shiny 

One of the best catches you can possibly make on Pokémon Go is a shiny. Shiny hunting appeals to certain members of the Pokémon community, with these alternative versions of Pokémon spanning the entire Pokémon franchise. With odds of around 1 in 500, catching a shiny Pokémon isn’t impossible and enables gamers to have a more realistic chance of catching their favourite shiny creature. The addition of monthly Community Day events has added even more intrigue around the opportunity to catch a shiny Pokémon, with odds of around 1 in 25 tempting many trainers back in as they attempt to land their top shiny Pokémon. 

Pokémon Home has helped 

The introduction of Pokémon Home has resulted in more Pokémon Go gamers. The Pokémon Home application enables games to link their scarlet and violet games with HOME to house Pokémon games in one neat and tidy location. This has resulted in more exposure for the game and also left many gamers exploring Pokémon Go as it’s easier to complete your Pokedex on Pokémon than it is in other games from the franchise. 

A truly brilliant product 
Above all else, Pokémon Go continues to entertain mass gaming audiences due to the remarkable offering it boasts. There isn’t a smartphone release like it. In fact, numerous games with a similar augmented reality aspect have tried and failed, with options like Harry Potter: Wizards Unite attempting to capitalise on Pokémon Go’s success only to be shutdown at the beginning of 2022. Pokémon Go has certainly set the standard in the augmented reality category.

This is a paid guest post.