Gotta catch 'em all: Google's 2014 April Fools pranks begin with the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge

By Derek Kessler
last updated

And so it begins.

Google's always loved April Fools' Day and has used the opportunity for more than a few well-produced jokes. And, just like Black Friday deals and CES announcements, the new April Fools' Day is the day before April Fools' Day. And so Google's kicking things off with the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge. Says the YouTube description announcing the Pokémon challenge:

To catch 'em all, grab your Poké Ball and the newest version of Google Maps for iPhone or Android. Then tap the search bar, "press start," and begin your quest. And, follow Google Maps on Google+, Facebook or Twitter for hints and tips for the most dedicated trainers.

Clearly we're getting an early start on April Fools' Day this year, and if Google's past pranking behavior is anything to show, we've got plenty more coming today and tomorrow.

Source: Google Maps (YouTube)

Derek Kessler
Derek Kessler

Derek Kessler is Special Projects Manager for Mobile Nations. He's been writing about tech since 2009, has far more phones than is considered humane, still carries a torch for Palm (the old one), and got a Tesla because it was the biggest gadget he could find. You can follow him on Twitter at @derekakessler.

69 Comments
  • Damn, I wish Pokemon would come to android... Posted via the Android Central App on my Nexus 5
  • Its there.
    Emulators n Roms bro. Posted via Android Central App from my Moto X
  • This! Posted via my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "Blessed" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Asus ROG"
  • Google isn't far behind in playing pranks. You can see pranks over every Google service out there, see itcse .com/2014/04/all-of-google-jokes-for-april-fools-day-2014/ for complete Google prank list.
  • Nintendo would never give up their ace, it would seriously hamper their DS sales. Luckily there are DS Emulators out there for Android.
  • This is hilarious and awesome.
    Especially because I'm actually on my 3DS playing Y version as I found this. Posted via Android Central App from my Moto X
  • +1 Posted via my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "Blessed" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Asus ROG"
  • Is that the Nexus 6?
  • Is this an April Fool's question? Posted via my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "Blessed" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Asus ROG"
  • No -_-
  • Yes, & I hear it is certified to work on the Verizon network.
  • And it cures AIDS, ends world hunger, oh and has a 4000 mah battery.
  • onl;y 4000? deal breaker right there
  • I know right. I could live without the curing of AIDS and ending world hunger. But the 4000 mah battery just isn't enough.
  • everyone has a breaking point... we gotta do what we gotta do
  • Meh, it needs a built-in lightsaber.
  • Android battery life has always sucked!
  • trolololo
  • It's the Google play edition Pokédex. Posted via Android Central App
  • I know it's not, but I choose to believe this is real. *I do believe in fairy-types! I do, I do!* Posted via Android Central App
  • I wish Pac-Man would come to Android.
  • found 28 so far
  • 30 for me. Posted via Android Central App
  • I've got a Droid 2. Google maps is updated, but I don't see the pokeball when I hit search. D: Is my phone too old?
  • Up to 32
  • Last year's Google Nose™ was great :D
  • Damn. Is it bad that I really wish this was real? Posted via my amazing LG G3 in the world's worst dummy case
  • What if your opponents Pokémon accidentally kills you during a match? Posted via Android Central App
  • Duh. I'll wake up at the Pokemon Center healed and ready to go. Posted via my amazing LG G3 in the world's worst dummy case
  • But half of the money in your bank account will be missing. Posted via Android Central App
  • I really wish this was real as well, so don't feel too bad.
  • The interaction with Google Maps is real. Just go into the app tap the search bar and the start button appears under it. Posted via Android Central App
  • Looks like I'm accomplishing Absol-lutly nothing today but becoming the very best.
  • Like no one ever was?
  • To catch them is my real test
  • To train them is my cause
  • I see what you did there. Posted via Android Central App
  • That's a pretty epic pun. Almost LEGENDARY. Posted via Android Central App from my Moto X
  • This is awesome! I will find you Dragonite! njo¡!
  • he was the first one that popped up on mine.
  • What do you mean April Fools? This is real!!!
  • It's not as real as what's shown in the video. Basically the real thing is just scrolling around Google Maps and clicking on Pokemon (which is still cool). Posted via my amazing LG G3 in the world's worst dummy case
  • " (which is still cool) " youre damn right it is :)
  • thats not a joke.... ive already catched 10 pokemons so far :D
  • SO. MUCH. AWESOMENESS. :D
  • I wish this was really real!!!!
  • I love this so much. Makes me wanna fire up the old Game Boy Color Posted from my Moto X
  • So the Pokemon are only by Google in California....and I'm running around on Long Island (NY) looking for Pokemon. Darn Posted via Android Central App
  • Not true, I found several up in Washington.
  • Good to know. I've hit a roadblock at 71 wandering around Cali
  • There's a bunch near CERN in Geneva.
  • Not true, found some here in Phoenix Posted via Android Central App
  • Where in phoenix?
  • Sky Harbor, downtown lol Posted via Android Central App
  • Has anyone found lambtron or shoe? Posted via Android Central App
  • I've only found 22 so far out of 150 total. The hard part is figuring out how zoomed in you have to be to see one. Posted via Android Central App
  • It's about the same amount to see the roads, maybe tiny bit more.. I'm on 35 so far.. There's a crap load in Mountain view Posted via Android Central App
  • Tokyo and the Galapagos Islands are FULL of them! Posted via Android Central App
  • +1 Thanks!
  • I know this is supposed to be a prank, but MAN! would this make for a GREAT game! Pokémon meets Ingress...
  • LOL Exactly what I was thinking.
  • Sydney and Tokyo have a bunch
  • I found three at Area 51
  • I found some in tokyo
  • Is that Pokéman Master hunt app for real? Lol.
  • Gold find on the Canary island of La Gomera ?
    http://lagomera1.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/exclusive-gold-find-on-la-gomer...
  • POST YOUR BEST FINDS! lol
    from what i can tell theres one in almost every country's capitol.
    lisbon, madrid, london, etc etc
  • I got all 150 Pokémon Master at your service Posted via Android Central App
  • I have all 151! Gotta catch mew to be a Pokemon master