Pokémon Go Release Date and Update: Beta Test Goes to the United States; Get the Details How To Sign Up

May 17, 2016 12:59 PM EDT

The long wait is over. Game Developer Niantic Labs has expanded the field test of Pokemon GO to the United States. The developer also invited gamers to sign up for the game's beta program.  The field test was initially opened to Japanese players, now American players have a chance to experience the augmented-reality game.

Here's the latest roundup of about Pokemon GO release date, features and rumors on the web.

Interested players can sign up for Pokémon GO field test in the United States at the game's website.  Players just have to enter their Gmail or Google account email address to register. Visit this link for more information.

Take note that registering does not guarantee instant access. For players who are accepted into the program, they must have an Android or iOS device to access the field test. Also, they are required to keep the game's contents confidential.

GameSpot has reported participants' progress in the beta program will be deleted before the full game becomes available later this year. In fact, Niantic will wipe out every player's  progress multiple times during the field test.

Furthermore, the game is still under development, so it can only offer limited features for participants. Niantic has not yet revealed the launching of the full game, but it is expected it will be released sometime this year.

In a leaked footage of Pokemon GO, it shows what gamers should expect in the game, including how it will start. Getting a Pokémon in the game looks very simple. Players just have to throw a virtual Poké Ball and wait until the word "Gotcha" appears.

We previously reported the Pokemon GO would introduce 151 Pokemons from the original generation. Also, all of the monsters are divided into three categories: normal, legendary, and mythic. At the start of the game, players have no Pokemon, so they have to search in the wild to get one.

Pokemon GO encourages players to explore the real outdoors to catch a variety of Pokémon. They can get Pokemons in cities, parks, mountains, rivers and more. This mobile game for iPhone and Android smartphones will definitely bring a whole-new gaming experience to Pokemon fans.

With that being said, let's wait for more update about the game's release date and other features.