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There are only so many Pidgeys, Rattatas and Drowzees you can catch before you start to get a little tired of Pokémon Go .

Perhaps realising this, developer Niantic Labs has promised to bring new creatures into the game .

A statement from the company says that new Pokémon will be released on Monday, December 12. The game is widely expected to welcome in 100 new creatures from the "Generation 2" canon as well as including gender and shiny variants.

"As we race towards 2017, we wanted to take a moment and thank you for your support," Niantic said in a statement on its website .

(Image: Pokemon Go)

"We’re excited for December because we have a few new experiences and in-game events planned for you before wrapping up the year.

"While we cannot share all the details yet, keep an eye out on our social media channels on December 12th for details about the first addition of more Pokémon into Pokémon GO."

Although the current crop of available Pokémon are creatures from the first generation (totalling 150) there are another six generations each with new Pokémon that have been created over the years. That's a vast resource of beasties for Niantic to tap into.

(Image: Getty)

Smaller new features are also being added in the next update, including the ability to transfer more than one creature to the Professor at a time.

Although it hasn't been confirmed by Niantic, some players are hoping that the "legendary" Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres as well as Mewtwo are finally released into the game.

This update comes after several promotional pushes for the game that saw double experience points on offer as well as a new Pokémon in the form of Ditto .

Niantic has already confirmed it will be pushing the game hard over Christmas with double XP on offer for trainers.

It makes sense for Ninantic to provide more incentives now the weather is getting colder. People are far less likely to get the walking shoes on and stroll about searching for monsters.

The XP bonus is one way to keep the players playing and rewarding those who are clocking in every day.