A catch bonus will also come into effect: the more of a certain type you catch, the easier it'll be to snag more of them. (This is key to getting the more advanced, evolved versions -- you need to capture a lot of Pikachus to evolve one into Raichu.) The developer has also decreased the evolution animation time -- which often took longer than catching the Pokémon in the first place.

Now, if the game could kindly direct me towards the nearest Charizard, I'd be very grateful.

(Updated to clarify that the update allows six Pokemon to battle in friendly battles against trainers that are in the same team as you.)