poketop

As you might expect, Google is up to its usual pranks in honor of April Fools’ Day, but this time, they’ve created something that’s actually playable that allows any Google Maps user to be the very best, like no one ever was.

The Google Maps Pokemon Challenge was announced in the form of an awesome YouTube video, with specific details on how to gain the coveted title of any 90s kid: Pokémon Master. Brian McClendon, Vice President of Google Maps, explains, “Now using the technology created by the Google Maps team, we’ve prepared the most rigorous test known to man to find the world’s best Pokémon Master.”

But this year, Google has one extra trick up their sleeve, allowing anyone to actually catch Pokémon on Google Maps.

Here’s the video that started it all:

Awesome, right? But the fun doesn’t stop there. Jump on your Android and iOS device (sorry, the Pokémon Challenge doesn’t work on your computer), go to Google Maps, and start searching for actual Pokémon!

Here we’ve zoomed in on the Google headquarters, which reveals a pixelated version of Google Building 2000 and a few little Pokémon. To get started, click on the Pokémon you want to catch and press the “Catch” button on the lower righthand corner.

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▼ Nice job! You’ve caught a Bulbasaur.IMG_1351

▼ After he’s been caught, Bulbasaur turns into a Pokéball on the map. As you can see, we’ve already caught another Pokémon.IMG_1352

▼ You can even view your Pokédex to see how many of the 150 Pokémon you’ve found.IMG_1353

So what are you waiting for?! Go out and catch ’em all! Just be sure to zoom in when searching for those little critters…they’re a bit sneaky and can’t be seen from far away.

References: YouTube (Google Maps), Android Police