Can You Play Pokemon Go on PC?

Pokemon Go’s release in 2016 led to a transformation of how the general population saw Pokemon. Old fans came back to it and those who already loved Pokemon found a new way to enjoy their favorite monsters.

To date, Pokemon Go’s most profitable year was 2020, when it made over 915 million dollars. With this game’s big success, many people wonder if Pokemon Go on PC will soon become a reality. Turning the mobile app into a computer game might make it more accessible, but it may also take away the primary purpose of the app.

What Is Pokemon Go?

Pokemon Go relies on augmented reality (AR) technology. AR allows users to see virtual things in the real world using their smartphone cameras. AR is used in everything from games to product shopping, where you can envision an item in your space. Pokemon Go simply takes this concept and places monsters from the popular Pokemon series in it.

This app makes you want to adventure and go outside. The aim of it is to walk around and discover Pokemon to add to your Pokedex. While you catch them all, you can also hatch eggs by how much you walk in the real world, and you can receive items by visiting landmarks. The game encourages you to be active and walk above all else, which can improve your health over time.

People who play Pokemon Go are often friendlier, more active people because of the time they spend in the app. The game encourages cooperation with others, especially those on the same team, so it’s easy to make friends while out and about. It’s a phenomenal game, but most of its draws are related to going outside, so Pokemon Go on PC might not be the best idea.

Is Pokemon Go on PC Yet?

The answer to this question is a complicated one. Pokemon Go on PC detracts from the whole purpose of the app, which is going out into the world and discovering new things in your area.

Having the option to play the game from the comfort of their house could allow them to not miss out on all the fun.

You can have Pokemon Go on PC, but it isn’t an official version — you would need to play with an emulator. Niantic doesn’t allow or endorse the use of emulators for their games, meaning that if your account is found to be using one, you will likely get banned.

The Best Way to Play Pokemon Go

Pokemon is no stranger to innovative ideas. With spinoffs from the main games like New Pokemon Snap, where you can become a Pokemon photographer, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which allows you to explore the past, it’s no surprise that an app encouraging you to catch them all went viral and still retains its popularity.

At its peak, people tended to play Pokemon Go for nearly two hours each day, which means that they got in two hours of outdoor activity. Getting regular exercise and Vitamin D can help you lead a healthier, longer life. Even better, you get to stay active with all your favorite characters from the Pokemon series.

If people can’t leave their homes, their best option — unless they want to risk being banned by Niantic — would be to play Pokemon Go from their homes when they can and rely on other Pokemon games to satisfy their craving for the series.

You can use items to draw Pokemon to you in the Pokemon Go app, so if you’re only playing once in a while, it’s great to rely on items to help you get the ones you want.

Otherwise, the main line of Pokemon games might be a better option for you. You might even try out the spinoffs, including the ones that allow you to photograph wild Pokemon or become a pinball champion.

There are even Pokemon games where you play as a Pokemon yourself instead of a Pokemon Trainer. While Pokemon Go on PC might not be a reality anytime soon, there are plenty of Pokemon games to keep you occupied at home.

Why Pokemon Go on PC Won’t Work

While there are ways to play Pokemon Go on PC, it involves using non-legitimate sources and an emulator. You can access your account via PC, but you might lose all of your progress. It’s much safer to play Pokemon Go on mobile and satisfy your Pokemon fix at home with other games in the series. Either way, you’ll be able to have more time with your favorite Pocket Monsters.