Update: It's happening - but only 50 monsters from Gen 3 will initially be available. Here's some PR:

Dozens of Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region are now available to discover, catch, and collect in Pokémon GO. Pokémon including Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip can now be discovered “in the real world,” with more Hoenn region Pokémon arriving in the coming weeks. Niantic, Inc., and The Pokémon Company International have also introduced dynamic weather gameplay in Pokémon GO, which will add unique ways for Trainers to engage with Pokémon based on real-world weather.

For the first time in an augmented reality mobile game, real-world weather will now be a factor in the gameplay experience. As Trainers are exploring the world around them in search of Pokémon, the current weather in their vicinity will be visible on the in-game map. The real-world weather around Trainers will impact the gameplay of Pokémon GO in a variety of ways that include changing Pokémon habitats and where they can be found, increasing Combat Power, and earning more Stardust after catching a Pokémon.

Ace Trainers can take advantage of their climates to level up their Pokémon GO experience. Trainers can look forward to finding Mudkip splashing when it rains, Cacnea basking in the sun, and Snorunt huddling together in the snow. Certain Pokémon will be more likely to appear in the weather that suits them the most, so Pokémon GO Trainers will be excited to learn more about their local weather patterns and ecology to find these rare Pokémon and make progress on their Pokédexes. As the seasons change, they’ll encounter different Pokémon, thereby keeping their gameplay experience fresh.

Whether they're looking for the largest Wailord at a beach, chasing Swablu blowing on the wind, battling alongside their Salamence, or making their Feebas feel beautiful, players will know that as sure as the seasons change, Hoenn Pokémon have arrived. Rainy days just got more interesting for that next outdoor excursion.


Original story: It would seem that the arrival of Gen 3 monsters in Pokémon GO is imminent.

The "smoking gun" in this case is artwork on the iOS App Store showcasing Gen 3 starters Torchic, Treecko and Mudkips.

A similar "leak" took place just before the announcement of Pokémon GO's Halloween event, which featured a handful of Gen 3 'mon. This new image would suggest that the full roster is coming very soon indeed.

Will the arrival of a new generation of beasts to capture convince you to fire up the game again, or have you been a daily player since it launched? Let us know by chucking a few Pokéballs into the comments section below.

Image thumb: gold94chica

[source eurogamer.net]