Pokémon GO celebrates its 10-year anniversary by transforming Times Square into an immersive real-world adventure

July 10, 2026 - 19:16

Pokemon GO, the mobile game that got millions of people walking and exploring their neighborhoods, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in a big way. The game has inspired more than 800 million players to get outside since its launch, and for this milestone, Niantic is turning New York City's Times Square into an interactive, real-world adventure.

Starting this week, the iconic crossroads of the world will become a giant Pokemon playground. Players visiting the area can expect special in-game encounters, augmented reality photo opportunities, and pop-up experiences that blend the digital game with the physical city. The event is designed to recreate the sense of discovery that made the game a global phenomenon back in 2016.

The celebration is not just about looking back. It also highlights how the game has evolved over the past decade, adding new features, community events, and ways to play. For longtime trainers, the Times Square event is a chance to reconnect with the game and see how far it has come. For newcomers, it is an invitation to join a community that has been exploring the world together for ten years. The festivities are expected to draw thousands of fans, proving that even after a decade, the urge to catch 'em all is still going strong.