How to prepare for the A-Poké-lypse
Brace yourselves, Singaporeans.
Life as we know it will soon end with the impending release of Pokémon Go in Singapore.
Since Pokémon Go was released in Hong Kong on Monday (July 25), Singapore may soon be the next island-nation to be blessed with little scuttering virtual critters.
And when all hell breaks loose, you'd better make sure you're ready to be the very best that no one ever was.
Follow these tips and you'll soon be equipped to take on the a-Poké-lypse.
1. Arm yourself with a Pokémon catching device
And no, we're not talking about Pokéballs. Those come free with the game.
We're talking about the mobile device that you need to start your journey.
While you can play Pokémon Go on most iOS and Android mobile phones, Windows phones are currently unsupported.
Also, update your compatible devices, as Pokémon Go works only for iPhones with iOS 8+, and Android phones with Android 4.4 to Android 6.0.1.
iOS9 is pre-installed with every new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. Both phones are compatible with Pokémon Go.
To check your current iOS, access the Settings app on your iPhone, select the General tab, and then the About tab, before looking for the Version number on your phone.
You cannot play the game if you are using older devices such as the iPhone 4.
2. Get your gear ready
Think of the stereotypical Pokémon trainer and you imagine a young teenage boy dressed in a comfortable jacket, wearing running shoes and turning his cap as he throws a Pokéball.
While the cap-turning may be a turn-off for some, you have to admit that comfortable shoes and jackets can go a long way as you walk tens of kilometres looking for powerful legendary Pokémon.
But if you must dress like Ash Ketchum, the world will try not to judge you for your fashion choices.
A portable charger, or maybe two, is also recommended, as the game has been known to drain your phone's battery life like a grass-type Pokémon.
3. Join a local Pokémon Go community
What's a game without friends? In anticipation of the release, Singaporeans have already set up Pokémon Go Whatsapp chats for the different regions all over Singapore.
The chats are divided between the three teams a player can pledge their allegiance to in the game - Valor, Mystic and Instinct.
The teams are in constant contest with each other for control of Pokémon gyms all over the world.
If your allegiance goes far beyond the boundaries of the game, soon-to-be trainers have also made merchandises for their teams, such as T-shirts and phone cases with the team's insignia.
To explore the local Pokémon community, join the Pokémon Go Singapore Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/PokemonGoSG/
4. Beware of your surroundings
When trainers first open the app, they will first see a warning screen.
"Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings," the warning says.
And while you may not encounter the Pokémon world's Officer Jenny in real life, you may be flagged down by a policeman if you don't look where you're going.
In places where Pokémon Go has been launched, accidents, arrests and shootings related to the game have been reported. A few days after the game was launched in Japan, Japan Today reported that the game has already resulted in minor car and bicycle accidents, and traffic offences all over the country.
If you do have a policeman approaching you, please, Pokémon trainers, listen to them.
Ready to start catching them all? Maybe you need a refresher on the 151 you can catch:
Now, trainers, it's time for your journey to begin.
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