After numerous delays and server issues, Japan can finally join the rest of us and catch ’em all. We originally reported that the game would be delayed another two weeks with Niantic aiming to get the game out before the end of July, but in stroke of good luck TechCrunch reports that the game launched less than a week after the announcement.
What makes this launch different than the other launches is that Niantic has partnered with McDonald’s Japan to create the game’s first sponsored location. According to TechCrunch, the deal would turn all McDonald’s locations into gyms. This will undoubtedly send would be trainers to the restaurants in droves making it a lucrative deal for all involved.
While the game did launch earlier than anticipated TechCrunch said that it wasn’t without one final delay. The game was ready for launch for a while before today. In fact, the game was slated to come out on the 19th but a leaked email put the kibosh to that. Sources close to TechCrunch said that the game’s launch was postponed, then canceled after an email from McDonald’s Japan about the game’s launch was leaked to Japan’s version of Reddit, 2ch, as well as other internet forums.
Both the Pokémon Company, McDonald’s Japan, and Niantic decided to cancel the launch because they were worried that the influx of users would crash the game. Whether or not their fears were justified remains to be seen, the game seems to be running as well as it did before the launch.
If you’re itching for more Pokémon GO news you can check out our one-stop-shop for all things Pokémon GO related. Nintendo also released a trailer for Pokémon Sun and Moon showing off five new Pokémon.