‘Pokémon Go’ celebrates with rare Pikachu

The first anniversary of real-world exploration game Pokémon Go brings with it the opportunity to catch a rare incarnation of de facto franchise mascot Pikachu. 

Wearing its trainer's red and white hat from the Pokémon animated series, a special rare Pikachu is available to find and catch within augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go. 

Celebrating the launch of Pokémon Go on July 6, 2016, the one-year anniversary event runs until 1pm PT on July 24. 

As a free download for iOS and Android, Pokémon Go became a huge hit upon its release. 

Players are encouraged to get out and about, using their smartphones or GPS and WiFi enabled tablets to locate fictitious Pokémon creatures in their real-world surroundings. 

Selected monuments and gathering places become objects of special interest when, in Pokémon Go, they double up as Gyms that three worldwide teams can tussle over. 

Supported by microtransactions, players can pay up in order to speed their progress and proficiency. 

As such, an Anniversary Box of digital goodies is available, including revives, ultra pokéballs, egg incubators, and a discount for extra tickets into daily multiplayer Raid events. 

Raid Battles launched on June 29 after Gyms were given an overhaul earlier the same month. — AFP Relaxnews