Third Time's The Charm As Pokémon Go Celebrates Third Anniversary

Pokémon Go is preparing to celebrate its third anniversary and Niantic is pulling out all the stops for this one. Indeed, despite the bumps, the game has come a long way since its initial release. What's in store for this year's celebration?

For starters, beginning June 28 at 3:00 p.m. EDT, players can experience these two new features:

• Shiny Alolan Pokémon
  • You’ll have a chance of encountering the following Shiny Alolan Pokémon: Rattata, Sandshrew, Vulpix, Diglett, Meowth, Geodude, Grimer, and Exeggutor.
• Team leader avatar items
  • Avatar items featuring the team leaders’ personal styles will be available in the Style Shop.

That's not all. Starting June 28 at 3:00 p.m. EDT and all the way to July 6 at 3:00 p.m. EDT, players get the chance to encounter Pikachu once per day. This time around, our furry little friend wears a party hat when players take a GO Snapshot photo. Pichu wearing a party hat is also available to hatch from 7 km eggs.

Also beginning June 28 at 3:00 p.m. EDT and up to September 2 at 3:00 p.m. EDT, players can expect these features:

• Jump-Start Research
  • Looking to get up to speed with your research? Do you have a friend who wants to play but feels they’ve missed out on too much in Pokémon Go? Don’t worry! Trainers can complete new Special Research for helpful rewards that will jump-start their new or continuing adventures.
  • This Special Research is only available this summer for players at level 10 or higher, so be sure to let your friends know about this opportunity to join in and get special rewards.
• Raid bonuses
  • Take down Raid Bosses faster and earn extra bonus Premier Balls to catch them when you raid with friends.
• Decreased Stardust costs for trading
  • Trading Pokémon will cost a quarter less Stardust.

Developed by Niantic, Pokémon Go was officially released on July 6, 2016. It was hailed as one of the most used apps of 2016, reaching at least 500 million downloads by the end of that year. Despite the negative effects attributed to the game, it was credited with popularizing AR and location-based technology along with helping local businesses grow and promoting physical activity.