For its next big feature update, Pokémon Go will let you become best buds with your favorite pocket monster. Called simply "Buddy Pokémon," the features lets you choose which pokémon from your collection you like best, and you’ll then reap a variety of benefits from your virtual friendship, including "unique" rewards and experiences.

"Buddy pokémon will appear alongside your trainer avatar on your profile screen," explains developer Niantic, "adding helpful bonuses such as awarding candy for walking together. You’ll also have the ability to change your buddy pokémon at any time." The announcement comes not long after the developer introduced its appraisal feature, in which the in-game team leaders would tell you just how good your newly caught pokémon are.

As for the buddy system, there’s no specific release date announced yet, but expect to see the feature sometime this fall.

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