Niantic is set to release the much-awaited Gen 2 this coming weekend, accompanied by new evolutions, encounters, berries, and many more. The "Pokemon Go" franchise's staying power will be tested as continuous updates will try to keep players hooked to the game.

The Pokemon to be released will come from the Gold and Silver franchises, with starters Cyndaquil, Chikorita, and Totodile. However, baby Pokemon and Legendary are still unavailable for catch. Also, gender-specific variations will be rolled out as well, according to Niantic Labs.

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The surge in interest in "Pokemon Go" is slowly wearing out as many have expressed their disappointment with the slow updates for the mobile game. Although it became an instant hit by the time of its release, the staying power of the game has been questioned. This probably pushed Niantic to accelerate the roll-out of Gen 2. Originally, the next roll-out is expected to be by Spring.

Aside from the Gen 2 roll-out as well as new items and evolutions, the next update will fix some bugs in the game. It will also rework on the encounter/capture system and customization for player's avatars. It is yet to be confirmed if the microtransaction system will receive a major update. Recently, "Pokemon Go" launched its holiday event for Valentine's Day.

Sadly, there is still no indication that Legendary Pokemon will be launched soon. These rarest of rare Pokemon will need a special event to be rolled-out, and Niantic seems to have not planned when this event would take place. Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's all went by without a Legendary Pokemon in sight. Still, with Pokemon's endless new generations at their disposal, "Pokemon Go" can stay as long as players keep participating. The release of Gen 2 is expected to take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, Forbes reported.