'Pokémon GO' release date nearing as game enters closed beta?

Pokemon GoThePokemonCompany/Niantics

One of the most awaited titles is "Pokémon GO," as it will be the first ever augmented reality game in the hugely popular and bestselling franchise. However, Nintendo has yet to come out with a specific release date for the upcoming game.

If recent rumors seem to be an indication, "Pokémon GO" is nearing completion and release, as the title reportedly enters a closed beta phase.

According to Movie Pilot, earlier rumors of an "early 2016" release date (with some saying that it will be next month, to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise) for "Pokémon GO" remain unsupported. Moreover, the industry follower said it is more likely that the title is still in a beta phase since it will be a combination of augmented reality and "Pokémon" gameplay mechanics, which would be a first for Nintendo and its developer, Niantic.

Meanwhile, Latin Post also disagreed with rumors, adding that the launch date would mean a very short amount of time between announcement, development, and release of the final version of the game. In addition, since it's already the middle of January, Nintendo should've already come out with details about the title if the February release date is true.

"Pokémon GO" is a highly anticipated title from Nintendo and Niantic, as earlier descriptions of the title combined augmented reality with tried-and-tested "Pokémon" gameplay mechanics. Instead of players controlling character trainers on-screen, they themselves will be the trainers, capturing wild Pokémon in real-world locations, and each area supposedly having a Pokémon-type compatible to it, such as water Pokémon near rivers, lakes and beaches, or Fire-type ones to be discovered near volcanoes.