'Pokemon Go' Gen 2 latest news, release date: New Gen 2 Pokemon revealed

Niantic is set to expand its current roster of 150 Pokemon as the former Google startup dropped hints at the possible introduction of second-generation creatures in "Pokemon Go." This action is reportedly intended to reverse the augmented reality game's downward trend among casual and even hardcore players.

To ensure the AR game's relevance amid its waning popularity, Niantic has taken steps to ensure it will remain one of the most popular and profitable mobile games to date. The game proves to be a cash cow as it pumps millions of dollars into the developer's coffers mostly through in-app purchases.

As players patiently wait for "Pokemon Go" Gen 2, the next-generation virtual creatures will reportedly include the evolved forms of pocket monsters like Eevee, Slowbro, Onix and Zubat. In Gen 1, Eevee's evolved forms include Flareon, Jolteon and Vaporeon. In the AR game's Gen 2, Eevee will transform into daytime psychic-type creature called Espeon and night time dark-type creature called Umbreon. Other notable evolutions include Slowbro to Slowking, Onix to Steelix, and Golbat to Crobat.

Other expected Gen 2 Pokemon appearances include loveable creature Totodile which can transform to Togechi armed with Psychic attack that becomes practically useful during Gym battles. Togepi can be acquired mostly by chance but per Game & Guide report, the Pokemon can be unlocked via 10 KM eggs.

Meanwhile, a recently published report showed that that the world's most popular app-based AR game is losing its steam caused by the apparent decline in its active daily usage per recent market data from Sensor Tower, SurveyMonkey, and Apptopia. As a result, social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and shouldn't feel extremely worried as "Pokemon Go" battles with social media apps in mindshare and active engagement.

"The declining trends should assuage investor concerns about the impact of Pokémon Go on time spent on the above-named companies," said Axiom Capital Management senior analyst Victor Anthony per Bloomberg report.