Pokemon GO field test coming stateside, get yourself registered now

Pokemon Go, the smartphone game that will let you capture pokemon in real-world locations, is coming stateside. It's not quite ready for a full launch yet though, so if you want to get in on the augmented reality monster-hunting ASAP, you'll need to register to be part of Niantic Labs and The Pokemon Company's field test.

"Because the game involves numerous people playing in multiple countries at the same time, we have a lot to test before we publicly launch. This is why we are asking for your help," the development team writes on the Pokemon GO website. "We would love for you to - if selected - download the field test version and play it. Your regular gameplay and feedback will help us iterate, polish and make the game launch-ready."

To be eligible, you'll have to have an Android device with software version 4.3 or later, or an iPhone 5 with iOS 8 or above. You'll also have to agree to a privacy policy that means even if you get in, you won't share the test with friends or social media. Still, these are small prices to pay for the chance to be the very best, like no one ever was, first.

If you're up for the test, go get registered, and prepare to wade into some tall grass. Just be sure you wear long pants because the ticks are real bad this time of year. Can't believe the professor never told us that. 

Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.