Pokémon GO Release Date and Rumors: Fans can Practice Pokémon Battles at Real-Life Gym in November

By Cheri Cheng - 22 Oct '15 14:17PM

Before fans can start playing Pokémon GO on their phones, they can first practice real-life Pokémon battles! The Pokémon Expo Gym, created by Sanoyas Interaction, will be opening in Osaka, Japan on November 19.

At the "hands-on edutainment facility," gamers will be able to battle and trade Pokémon with other trainers. Gamers will also learn tips on how to maximize their Pokémon's abilities with the help of arcade style training games. Some of these games include the "Charizard's Battle Colosseum" and "Gardevoir's Control Score."

On top of the training, gamers will be awarded for their progress in the Pokémon X, Y, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby games.

In order to visit the gym, people must pre-order a Pokémon Expo Gym Member's card and Pass Case, which will be available starting on Oct. 31. The items are only available for purchase at the Pokémon Center shop, which is located in Osaka.

There is also a Pokémon Expo Gym Gear smartphone app reportedly being developed. The app will help gamers monitor their own stats and ranking at the gym.

For pictures of the gym, visit Inside Games here.

Meanwhile, Pokémon GO is reportedly still in development. The game's developer, Niantic, recently received $30 million in funding from the Pokémon Company, Nintendo and Google. The money will not only help Niantic grow, it will also be used to made Pokémon GO even better.

Once Pokémon GO is released in 2016, people can become real-life trainers and catch Pokémon within their neighborhood. The game itself will be free for download but Nintendo's device, the Pokémon GO Plus, will have to be purchased. In-app purchases are also expected to be included.