Pokemon GO update: Gen 2 UK release date, Christmas event NEWS, Starbucks crossover

Pokemon Go fans can expect the Gen 2 release date to fall sometime this week.

A leaked Starbucks memo suggests that new Pokemon will launch as part of a partnership between the app and coffee shop on December 8.

While the launch of 100 Gen 2 Pokemon hasn't been officially confirmed by Niantic and Starbucks, the memo does specifically mention new Pokemon.


Considering Gen 2 Pokemon were rumoured to launch in December, it makes sense that these new Pokemon are of the Gold and Silver variety.

"The world of Pokemon Go is about to expand with new Pokémon and a new Starbucks beverage!" reads the Starbucks memo.

There's also no word on a UK release date for the Gen 2 Pokemon Go update. Niantic tends to roll out new features pretty quickly, so a UK release isn't likely to be far behind.

The Pokemon Go Starbucks partnership will also transform Starbucks outlets into PokeStops and Gyms.

According to the Pokemon Go Starbucks memo, "the majority of company-operated stores across the United States will be turned into a PokeStop or Gym".

Once players locate their closest store within the Pokemon Go app, they'll receive an alert for a Pokemon Go-themed Frappuccino loaded with raspberry syrup.

Starbucks has told staff to expect an increase in transactions after the promotion launches.

However, stores have been told not to advertise their status as a PokeStop or Gym and to use their best judgement when dealing with players who don't purchase drinks.

There's no word on whether the Starbucks Pokemon Go promotion is coming to the UK.

Pokemon Go fans can also expect a Christmas event, which will increase the spawn rates of certain Pokemon for the duration.

Fans can reportedly expect to find more Staryu, Starme, Clefairy, Clefable, Seel, Dewgong and Snorlax varities of Pokemon.

Hopefully plenty of Gen 2 Pokemon will also be included in the Christmas event, which will make it easier for fans to capture those new Pokemon.

Niantic will also reportedly reduce the amount of steps players have to travel to hatch eggs and gain Buddy bonuses.

There's even speculation that the first Legendary Pokemon will be released into the wild, perhaps as a Christmas gift to fans.

Niantic is also working on a variety of bug fixes as part of a future update.