A guide to Pokemon

A rundown on Pokemon Go, the phenomenon sweeping the nation.

POKEMON GO: HOW IT WORKS

WHAT IS POKEMON GO?

An app game which allows players to "catch" Pokemon characters in real life using their mobile phones. Nintendo has relaunched its Pokemon franchise with Google Maps, which allows players to hunt down the 150 different Pokemon types on real streets. The app has become so popular that it's already threatening to overtake Twitter in terms of the number of daily active users on Android phones.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The Google Maps integration has turned Pokemon Go into a bit of a city tour guide. Parks, memorials, shopping centres, churches and even street art have been turned into a PokeStop, where players can pick up more Pokeballs and other game incentives. Pokemon can appear at any location and when they do they tend to stick around for a while - which is why we're seeing crowds of people congregate around a particular spot - they might have spotted a rare Pokemon.

Players also have the choice to pop a 'lure' on a location, which will attract more Pokemon to an area for 30 minutes. These lures are visible to everyone playing in the vicinity, which is why you'll see people drift over to a certain spot and hang around. Lots of cafes and pubs are benefiting.

WHY ALL THE WALKING?

A lot of gamers are getting off the couch and going for runs. You've got to get out of the house to hunt Pokemon, and to hatch eggs into Pokemon you need to walk at least 2km.

WHAT'S THE FEEDBACK SO FAR?

Largely positive. A bit of wholesome fun. People are getting out and about in their communities. The game warns people to stay aware of their surroundings when playing but that hasn't stopped people walking into poles. Privacy concerns have also been raised.

SO WHAT ARE WE CATCHING?

Don't bother with Zubats (bats), Rattata (rats) and Pygies (pigeons) - they're common fodder, generally of little value.

Rare Pokemon: Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Zapdos - any Pokemon that's "evolved" to its highest level.