Rio has been plagued by plenty of pre-Olympics woes, like bacteria-infested water, unfinished facilities, and fears of the zika virus. But— at least according to some athletes — the biggest problem of all is that no one can play Pokémon Go.
The hit smartphone game is now available in 30 countries, but not in Brazil, where the Olympics begin this Friday. And although the game's most recent update has ticked off many loyal users, it seems some Olympians are still eager to play, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Team USA diver Abby Johnston offered this statement on her experience in the Olympic village thus far:
Want to know the worst thing about the Olympic village? No @PokemonGoApp. Otherwise, it's incredible.
— Abby Johnston (@AbbyLJohnston) July 26, 2016A British kayaker even took a screenshot of Rio's barren, Pokémon-free landscape:
No Pokemon in Deodoro Olympic venue! Or in Brazil!?? 💔😩📍 @NianticLabs@PokemonGoApp@Pokemon#PokemonGO#Rio2016pic.twitter.com/xiRMcqhXfV
— Joe Clarke (@joeclarkek1) July 26, 2016And you don't need to understand French to understand this canoe slalom athlete's anguish:
Désolé les gars pas de #pokemon dans le village Olympique #Rio2016😭😭😭 #PokemonGOpic.twitter.com/Pqk6AN1Zf1
— Matthieu PECHE (@MatthieuPECHE) July 25, 2016Niantic Labs, the creators of the Pokémon Go, gave EW no comment on whether or not the game will be available in the Brazilian capital once the Olympics actually begin.
Guess the athletes will have to focus catching some medals instead.
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