Real Pokemon Gym To Open In Japan; Launch Date Announced!
Sayonas Interaction will be opening a real Pokémon Gym in Osaka, Japan on Nov. 19. The Pokémon EXPO Gym is the first hands-on edutainment facility for Pokémon fans.
The purpose of the gym is to share Pokémon tips on using the abilities and for the kids to learn, have fun and interact with Pokémon, according to a translation report by Siliconera through Inside Games.
There will be many training programs offered by the facility such as "Gardevoir's Control Score" and "Charizard's Battle Colosseum" that will train the visitors in different aspects. A reward will be given with a special Pokémon for Alpha Sapphire, Omega Ruby, X and Y games. Fans and visitors can also trade and battle their Pokémon in the facility, according to GameSpot.
Usual visitors can store their training on a smartphone application to pay for Pokémon merchandise and own special membership cards. There are no confirmations yet regarding the gym granting badges that enables the Pokémon's respectful trait towards its owner, according to Eurogamer.
In addition, there are interactive areas inside the real Pokémon Gym in Japan that will cost between 400 yen (US $3.34) to 600 yen (US $5) that will last for three to 15 minutes depending on which exhibit it is, according to Kotaku.
Starting on Oct. 31, Pokémon fans can pre-order the Pokémon EXPO Gym Member's Card & Pass Case that will only be purchased at Osaka's Pokémon Center.
A smartphone app will be available to the fans early next month. The app is called "Pokémon EXPO Gym Gear" where Pokémon enthusiasts can monitor their stats, gym ranking and other features, according to Siliconera.
Another thing is a Pokémon game named "Pokémon Go" developed by Niantic Labs, a game where players can find, catch and trade Pokémon in the real world. The developers recently received a fund of $20 million for the game's development, according to Gamespot.
Japan has numerous Pokémon Centers that sell toys and a medium for downloadable items to unlock hidden areas of the games. However, hasn't been word yet whether they will also open a real Pokémon Gym outside Japan, Eurogamer reported.
