The highly anticipated Pokémon Go mobile game for smartphones and tablets has begun to roll out at last. The game is now available in North America, Australia and New Zealand with other countries to follow.

The Pokémon Go creators announced that the official release would be in July and it appears they're right on time. A beta release was already available but this is the first time the final game has become download-ready.

While the game is initially only in certain regions expect it to appear internationally shortly.

The Pokémon Go mobile game can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices where gamers will be able to play in augmented reality. The game will feature microtransactions and there is an optional $35 accessory that can be worn which vibrates when Pokémon are near. A button press and gamers can capture the Pokémon as if they were really there.

The game encourages players to move around, keeping active in the real world in order to find, capture and fight Pokémon. The smartphone with the game installed becomes a real Pokédex for storing the Pokémon while the app works to track walking, running and travelling to reward the movements with goodies of the Poké variety. For example an egg won't hatch until you've walked a certain distance.

Expect the game to appear in the UK and Europe very soon.

- By Luke Edwards@eelukee