'Pokémon GO' release date: Upcoming title to be the first in augmented reality game series?

Pokemon GoThePokemonCompany/Niantics

With the 20th anniversary date of the "Pokémon" franchise very near, fans are expecting Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to release details about upcoming titles, particularly the "Pokémon Z" and "Pokémon GO" games. However, details on the release of these two games have yet to come out.

Speculations continue to float online, with some saying that the two games might come out together as a bundle. In addition, "Pokémon GO" is thought to be just the first title in a series of augmented reality games from Nintendo.

According to Express UK, gaming industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto said that recent developments from Nintendo indicated that the company will be expanding its titles, starting with the upcoming augmented reality game "Pokémon GO."

Dr. Toto based his prediction on Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishina's recent statements about the company's plans for the future, which include expanding the Nintendo games lineup to mobile devices. The company already started with this plan, partnering with noted mobile apps and games developers like DeNA. In addition, Nintendo has also already scheduled a roadmap to publish mobile game titles.

Reportedly, the upcoming release of "Pokémon GO" will dovetail with this plan of actions by Nintendo, since the title can be considered primarily as a mobile game. "Pokémon GO," being an augmented reality title, uses mobile devices to capture Pokémon in "real-world locations." Mobile devices also serve as primary player interface for the game's features such as player-versus-player battles.

Meanwhile, although a release date has yet to be confirmed for "Pokémon GO," the game looks to be getting nearer to its expected 2016 launch period. Footage recently appeared, on Super Bowl Sunday. While it did not specifically reference "Pokémon GO," GottaBeMobile noted that the video itself seemed to refer to the augmented reality title's gameplay.