Google pulled off an elaborate Pokémon April Fool’s Day prank on Monday using their Google Maps app.

Google's Pokémon Prank

When anyone went to use their Google Maps app on their iPhone or Android device on April Fool’s Day, upon clicking the search bar, they’d come across a small blue icon. Once clicked, the app took them to Google HQ in Mountain View, Calif. Wedged between a couple of buildings was the Pokémon lab, where instructions for a mission were delivered.

“Dozens of wild Pokémon have taken up residence on streets, amidst forests and atop mountains throughout Google Maps,” read the challenge description in YouTube promo. “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.”

If a player required assistance in the task, they could get hints from Google+, Facebook or Twitter by following Google Maps. Essentially, Google managed to pull off not just a prank, but unique promotional activity.

For anyone who managed to capture all 150 running wild Pokémon, plus the extra one, a job would allegedly be waiting for them at Google. Therein lies the biggest joke.

– Chelsea Regan

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