There's a free new Pokémon game out for iPhone and Android

Surprise! The Pokémon Company has launched a free new pocket monster-themed smartphone game for iPhone and Android: Pokémon Duel.

While augmented reality smash hit Pokémon Go had players hunting for creatures in the real world, Pokémon Dual is a bit more of a conventional smartphone game. The game takes some of the franchise's hallmarks - collecting new creatures, teams of six, turn-based battles - and twists them into a board game.

In order to win a round, you'll have to move your team of six monsters around a board and land one on your opponent's goal, while your opponent tries to do the same. Players can block each other's Pokémon, which in turn results in a battle.

While the board game aspect of Pokémon Dual requires wits, team composition is just as important. Just like in the classic Game Boy games, different Pokémon have different attributes; some can move further, some have stronger attacks, for example. Individual Pokémon can also be levelled up as you play.

A round of Pokémon Dual is just a few minutes long. You're able to play online against other players, but there's also a single-player quest mode. Due to the game's online component, you'll need an active internet connection whenever you play.

While Pokémon Duel is free-to-play, it's supported by in-app purchases. You can spend real world money on gems that let you buy extra boosters, but you're also able earn these just by playing (although at a slower rate).

Pokémon Duel is available as a free download for both iOS and Android.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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