UPDATED 7.37AM A game craze is sweeping the nation and sending people out in droves with their phones, searching for Pokemon.

The fictional animated creatures are superimposed on the real world through the game app, Pokemon Go.

The app has had a limited release so far, which includes Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go craze sweeps New Zealand

Newstalk ZB Online Editor Alex Braae said it uses the phone's camera and location - allowing Pokemon to be found on the street, at work, or even in your own home.

He said when you come across a Pokemon in the game's map, it will flick onto camera mode and superimpose the creature onto what the lens can see around you.

But he said it's also bringing people together at meet ups around the country - more than 3000 people are down to attend one at the Auckland Domain this Saturday.

"If say a particularly rare Pokemon turned up at one of these locations, multiple people could catch it so that makes it something that you can actually do with other people."

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Interactive Games and Entertainment Association CEO Ron Curry told Rachel Smalley there's been a direct effect from the game on the sharemarket.

"If you look at Nintendo shares over the last couple of days, they've jumped about 20 percent since this game was released."

Over 3000 people have RSVP'd to a Hagley Park event on Saturday to catch Pokemon.

Those participating are being encouraged to dress in the colours of their chosen team.

The Police are reminding people not to blithely step out in front of traffic or into hazards while on a search for the virtual creatures.