Since the game's enormous debut in 2016, Pokemon GO has continued to expand on its social-focused gameplay of having players venture out into the real world to capture Pokemon and battle other trainers. Special events and limited time battles have been a hallmark of the game over the last several years, as the latest in-game event sees an invasion from Team Rocket and a pair of familiar faces making their way into the game.

Niantic has announced that Team Rocket's Jessie and James will be invading Pokemon GO for a limited time event, giving players the chance to battle the infamous duo. In a blog post from Niantic, the company explained that "Team GO Rocket has assigned Shadow Pokémon to protect Jessie and James as they seek to create more Shadow Pokémon." In turn, players in Pokemon GO will have to be on the lookout for Jessie and James, who will show up in-game in a Meowth balloon and ready for battle if players tap on their balloon.

Earlier in the week, Niantic also detailed that Pokemon GO players will see increased activity from Team Rocket with additional Trainer battles. Much like Jessie and James, balloons will be found in-game that players can tap to battle with members of Team Rocket, giving players an additional opportunity to earn experience and collect items, or work toward completing their weekly challenges (which is appropriately Team Rocket-themed for this week).

No specific end date was given just yet for when Jessie and James will exit the game, but be on the lookout for them if you happen to be playing Pokemon GO. Alongside the Team Rocket duo's appearance, new Jessie and James-themed avatar items have also been added to the in-game store, allowing players to dress themselves up like the infamous pair.

In terms of other news related to the hit mobile game, in a few weeks players will be able to participate in the upcoming Pokemon GO Fest 2020. Notably, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year's event will be entirely virtual instead of holding an in-person event. However, Niantic is taking some creative approaches to make the two-day event a special celebration for players around the world, including giveaways, limited time events, online social hubs to interact with other players, and more. Pokemon GO Fest will be taking place from July 25-26, 2020, and tickets are available now through the in-game store for $14.99.

Pokemon GO is available now on iOS and Android.