Google Begins April Fools' Day With Pokemon Prank

Google is never one to disappoint on April Fool's Day, and this year is no exception.

One of the Web giant's pranks went live as the clock struck 12 in Australia and Japan, so we got a sneak peek here in the states. Want to earn a job at Google and the title of ultimate Pokémon Master? Read on.

'Dozens of wild Pokémon have taken up residence on streets, amidst forests and atop mountains throughout Google Maps,' Software Engineer and 'Advanced Pokémon Trainer' Tatsuo Nomura wrote in a blog post Monday. It's your job to find and catch them all.

In a splashy YouTube video (below), Google said it's seeking the world's best Pokémon Master to officially join the company, and has prepared 'the most rigorous test known to man' to find the right person. To earn the (not so real) job, you'll need to explore all types of terrain on your phone with Google Maps to find all the wild Pokémon hiding around the world in the sky, in cities, fields, and even underwater.

Though the job opportunity might not be legit, Google has launched a real mini-game inside of its Maps apps to help you hone your inner Pokémon Master. If you're ready for the challenge, grab the latest version of Google Maps for iPhone or Android, then tap the search bar and 'Press Start' to begin your quest. The app features 150 hidden Pokémon and you have until April 2 to find them all.

'Leave no stone unturned or city unzoomed as you seek out wild Charizards and Pikachus to add to your Pokédex,' Nomura wrote. 'Be vigilant - you never know if a wild Steelix will appear in Tokyo, Japan or New York City, USA.'

For more about Google's Pokémon Master challenge, check out the video below. Also check out our roundup of The Best April Fools' Day 2013 Tech Pranks.

Watch out tomorrow, because we have a feeling this isn't the only gag Google has up its sleeve.