Star Wars App Gets a Pokemon Go Style Mini-Game for The Last Jedi Promotion

Next Friday is "Force Friday," and Disney is gearing up to promote The Last Jedi with a fantastic update to the Star Wars app. For a limited time, Star Wars fanatics are going to be able to go out and collect famous (or infamous) characters from the Star Wars universe by taking pictures with them in augmented reality, and sharing the pictures with their friends. You can take a look at the promotional video above to get an idea of how it will work.

Here's the deal: When you head out to one of some 20,000 retailers around the country starting on September 1, you'll find special stand-up posters with a unique "find the force" mark. You'll then be able to crank up your Star Wars app (assuming you have it fully updated), and when you point your camera at the poster, it will be replaced by a unique character featured in The Force Awakens.

They'll appear in real-time in the store with you through the magic of augmented reality, where you'll be able to watch them move, interact with them, and of course, take pictures with them. Yeah you're going to look like a nerd, but I'll bet you a thousand galactic credits that it won't be long until someone asks you how they can set up the app, too.

"Force Friday II puts fans right at the center of the action using augmented reality to bring our characters to life like never before. The technology theme continues in the Star Wars: The Last Jedi product line, which is our most innovative yet - we can't wait for fans to see what's in store." said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

So you won't be able to trap them inside of Poke Balls, and you won't be able to set them up to defend your local gym or rebel outpost, but this is as close to a Star Wars style Pokemon Go game as we're going to get for now! Check it out next Friday with some friends, and be sure to share some of your photos with us!