POKEMON Go is now officially available in Swindon and Wiltshire. 

The augmented reality game that has been sweeping the world can now legitimately be downloaded on IOS and Android devices. 

Already bigger than Whatsapp, Instagram and Snapchat, the app, in which individuals hunt 'pocket monsters' overlaid on reality via their phone, had already attracted thousands of British users who used workarounds to get the game before its official release.

READ MORE: The data sharing and privacy issues of augmented reality game Pokemon Go explained

A statement from the Pokemon Go app Twitter account read: "UK Trainers, the wait is over. Pokémon GO is now officially available to be installed from Google Play or iTunes.

"Follow our official Pokémon GO Google+ page to receive future notifications of updates and announcements."

Pokémon Go can be downloaded from the Google Play store or in Apple's App Store.

Though the app is free to download there are in-app purchases such as 'lures' which attract Pokémon to you.

Demand for the game has proven so huge it crashed servers responsible for the app, causing a delay to release rollout.

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Shares in Nintendo have surged by 50 per cent following the game's overwhelming popularity. 

What’s it all about?

Pokémon Go players are tasked with physically exploring neighbourhoods and towns to find all the collectible critters such as Bulbasaur, Charmeleon and Pikachu.

An on-screen map shows roughly where they are situated, but they can also show up randomly as people move around.

Players get an alert when a Pokemon is near and then use their phone camera to hunt and capture it. Augmented reality software is used to overlay the creatures on to the real-world surroundings.

There are also Pokéstops found at meeting places, tourist attractions or landmarks where items can be picked up for using in the game and there are gyms too where Pokémon can be trained up to fight.

Why all the headlines?

Pokémon Go was released in the USA on July 7 and quickly had some adverse publicity.

There have been reports of armed robbers using the game to lure players into isolated locations, as well as a warning that paedophiles could potentially summon children to quiet places.

And there have been stories of people absent-mindedly wandering into traffic while fixated on their phone screens, while a teenager in America found a dead body as she played.

At the same time, Pokémon Go has won praise already for encouraging people to go outside and get exercise. Adults and children alike have all been joining in.

So there are pros and cons but one thing’s for certain – Pokémon Go is already incredibly popular.

  • Creators Niantic warn that Pokémon may not always be in a safe location.