Pokemon Go Gets New Patch, Datamine Reveals Future Features

In this story from 2016, our writer details a new Pokemon Go update and a datamine revealing future features for the game.


Published: December 8, 2016 9:30 AM /

By:


Blastoise on the beach in Pokemon Go

What we have here for you today is a double whammy of Pokemon Go news!

The first order of business is the new patch, which was released a few days ago. This patch updates the Android version to 0.49.1 and the iOS version to 1.19.1, and here are the things it adds:

  • Trainers will be able to transfer multiple Pokemon at a time to Professor Willow. To use this function, press and hold on a Pokemon.
  • Pokemon type icons have been added to the Gym battle approach and Gym battle screen.
  • The total Candy count for your Buddy Pokemon has been added to the buddy information screen.
  • The total kilometers a buddy has walked has been added to the information screen of each Pokemon that has ever been your buddy.
  • Minor text fixes.

Seems like a decent batch of changes to Niantic's AR game surrounding everyone's favorite cartoon monsters. It's mostly quality of life stuff, really.

Haxorus standing behind a woman in a Pokemon Go trailer

The next thing is way more interesting. A datamine undertaken by the people on Pokemon Go fansite The Silph Road reveals some upcoming features hidden away in the game's code. Like the article on The Silph Road's page says, not everything mentioned will make its way into the game.

First off, The Silph Road found sound files for the next 100 Pokemon. We all knew this was coming (hell, a press release by Niantic has confirmed that more Pokemon are on the way).

The 'cries' for each Pokemon are stored in the game's client. In the previous version (v0.47) the audio files for species 1-151 were included. In v0.49, the audio files for species 1-251 (the next 100 species) have been included! This is a major indicator that Gen II may be just around the corner, travelers.

Another thing that was found is that Pokemon Go might get gendered Pokemon at some point. If this is in the works, one could reasonably assume that breeding might make it to the popular mobile game.

While there is no code for displaying gender in the game's current UI, the article notes that it's entirely possible that genders already influence the game behind the scenes.

A Tyranitar roaring at the camera with a PokeStop in the background in Pokemon Go

If you've played any of the main Pokemon games you're probably aware of shiny Pokemon. These Pokemon are recolored variants are very rare in the main games and are seen by many players as collector items. Code found within the game suggests that Niantic has already laid the groundwork for their introduction into Pokemon GO.

The datamine also reveals new customization options for your player character. New hairstyles are mentioned as well as a range of new clothing options players can either unlock by doing specific things in the game or by spending real money in the in-game store.

According to The Silph Road, the data also contains references to Pokemon costumes. The inclusion of the 'holiday' tag in the code implies that there will be different types of outfits that are themed after specific real-world events.

There is some mention of a 'baby' type buddy Pokemon. What this means is anybody's guess at this point, but it'll probably play into the breeding feature if and when that gets added to the game.

The last 2 things found in the game's code are new sponsor placeholders for sponsored promotions in the game, as well as tweaks to the Nearby Tracking system that should load PokeStops without freezing your device.

Lastly, Niantic announced a partnership with mobile carrier Sprint:

We are thrilled to announce that we are working with Sprint to create a special Pokémon GO experience at over 10,500 Sprint locations around the United States. As part of this collaboration, Sprint, Boost Mobile and Sprint at Radioshack stores will become PokéStops and Gyms, giving you even more places to stock up on Poké Balls and Razz Berries and to battle your friends. Sprint locations will also feature in-store charging stations to keep your Pokémon GO sessions going even longer. Sprint also brings a great network and an unlimited data plan to support your search for Pokémon no matter where they are hiding.

While the Sprint partnership has been confirmed, a recent leak also heavily implies that another big partnership with coffee company Starbucks will be revealed today. More info on that here.

What do you think of the datamine and the Sprint partnership? Let us know in the comment section below!

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


Chris Anderson
| Staff Writer

I've been playing games since I was just barely able to walk so I might as well write about them.

More Info About This Game
Learn more about Pokemon Go
Game Page Pokemon Go
Developer
Niantic
Publisher
Niantic
Platforms
Android, IOS
Release Date
July 6, 2016 (Calendar)
Purchase (Some links may be affiliated)