'Pokémon Go pub crawl' pairs drinking with gaming hit

Pokémon Go​ hit shops across the world, including in America and Australia last week, and is set to launch in the UK soon – although an official date has not yet been released.

Now, thousands of fans in the US have taken gaming on a step further, and organised a pub crawl via Facebook groups and events​, which players can drink and 'capture' Pokémon together.

Several of the groups in California already have more than 1,000 users claiming they are taking part in the event.

A user on one of the pages said: "Yes! I just saw that recently. I think we might be going. Lol. I haven't been drunk while hunting yet... not sure how well that will play out."​

Another posted this image:

Take to the streets

The game is available to download on iPhone and Android devices, and players travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon as a single or multiple player.

Once downloaded, players take to the streets to search for Pokémon at PokéStops via their phone which vibrates once near a Pokémon. 

They then aim on their phone's screen to throw a Poké Ball to catch the Pokémon at places including landmarks, car parks and pavements.

Fancy dress encouraged

The pub crawls are happening in Brooklyn, San Francisco, Colorado and South Dakota – with fancy dress encouraged.

Are you planning a Pokémon Go​ pub crawl when it becomes available here? Email nikkie.sutton@wrbm.com.