14 DAY TRIAL // Pokemon Go is this year’s gaming sensation, but just as it happened in some other cases, Windows Phone users are left behind after Niantic’s decision to release it exclusively on Android and iOS devices.
More recently, however, there was evidence that a HoloLens version of Pokemon Go could debut in the coming future, and although this would clearly not be as broadly available as a Windows Phone version, it would be Niantic’s first step towards Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Pokemon Go for HoloLens
CEO Satya Nadella, who’s been in charge of Microsoft after the departure of Steve Ballmer, said in a recent interview with CNBC that a HoloLens version of Pokemon Go would really be an exciting project, especially because the concept behind the game perfectly matches Redmond’s device.
“It’s fantastic to see these augmented reality applications getting built. This Pokemon interest will hopefully translate into a lot of interest in HoloLens. Because if you think about it, the game physics of that app [Pokemon Go] are built for HoloLens,” Satya explained.
“Of course, the phone is great because after all the install base of the phone is enormous. Think about now what that game on HoloLens would mean - you aren’t trying to use a phone, when you can actually just use your eyes to look through and have that augmented reality experience.”
For the moment, however, there’s still no confirmation from Niantic that they’re thinking of expanding Pokemon Go beyond Android and iOS. The next big step is to release the game globally, as Pokemon Go can be officially played only by those in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, although we all know that there are methods of playing it pretty much everywhere.
Windows Phone users have already launched a petition to convince Niantic to bring Pokemon Go on their devices, and thousands of people have already signed it, which is the clearest sign that there’s a huge demand for the game on Microsoft’s mobile platform.