In 2016, Nintendo released Pokémon GO Plus — an accessory specifically designed for the popular mobile game. The device helps players interact with the game more easily, allowing them to catch the creatures and collect items without the need to constantly hold their phone.

How does Pokémon GO Plus work?

How does Pokémon GO Plus workImage: cnet.com 

It is designed in the shape of a Pokéball and looks like a stylish accessory. You can wear it as a bracelet, hang it around your neck as a pendant, or simply attach it to your clothing.

The device features one large button for control, and an LED indicator along with vibration to notify you about in-game events:

🟢 Green — A hero nearby that you have already caught.

🟡 Yellow — A new character nearby that you have not yet encountered.

🟦 Blue — You are within the range of a Pokéstop.

🌈 Multicolored Flashing — Successful capture of a creature or collection of items.

🟥 Red — The Pokémon escaped, your inventory is full, or the device lost connection with the phone.

❄️ White — Connecting to the phone.

The gadget operates in the background, allowing you to perform game actions even when the phone's screen is off. This helps save battery life and allows you to focus on walking or other activities.

Connecting to the phone

How to use pokemon go plusImage: ensigame.com

Synchronize Pokémon GO Plus with your phone via Bluetooth:

  • Launch the Pokémon GO app.
  • Open the main menu by tapping the Pokéball icon at the bottom of the screen.
  • In Settings, find the "Pokémon GO Plus" option and select it.
  • Press the button on the gadget — it will start flashing a white light and appear in the list of available devices.
  • Select it to complete the connection process.

Once the connection is successfully established, the device will vibrate and light up, indicating that it is ready to use.

How to use?

How to use pokemon go plusImage: amazon.com 

Launch the game on your smartphone, lock the screen, and place it in your pocket. The gadget will operate in the background, tracking events around you:

  • If a Pokémon is nearby, the indicator lights up green or yellow. Press the button to attempt to catch the Pokémon.
  • When you enter the range of a Pokéstop, the indicator lights up blue. Press the button to collect items, which will be added to your inventory immediately.

The device also supports automatic catching of pocket monsters and collection of items, but this function only works with regular Pokéballs. To use Great or Ultra Balls, you need to open the app on your phone.

Advantages

Pokémon GO PlusImage: pausemygame.com 

Pokémon GO Plus was created to make the game more convenient and enjoyable, offering players many useful benefits:

🔸 Time saving: with the gadget, you can catch Pokémon and collect items with just one button press, without spending time watching animations in the app.

🔸 Background operation: the device continues to work even when the phone's screen is off. This saves battery life and allows you to focus on walking or interacting with friends without missing game creatures and Pokéstops.

🔸 Ease of use: Pokémon GO Plus has only one button, and different indicator colors and vibrations clearly communicate in-game events. Even beginners can easily manage the controls.

Pokémon GO PlusImage: pcmag.com 

🔸 Fast progress in the game: with the device, you can accumulate Stardust and XP faster. Just carry it with you and press the button when signaled.

🔸 Compactness and discretion: the accessory looks stylish and compact, so others might not even realize you are playing. This is useful if you prefer not to attract extra attention.

🔸 Durability: Pokémon GO Plus withstands drops, impacts, and even accidental washing in a machine. The device takes on the primary load, reducing the risk of dropping or damaging your smartphone.

Disadvantages

Pokémon GO PlusImage: pokemongohub.net 

Despite its advantages, Pokémon GO Plus has some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing:

🔹 Catching limitations: the device only uses standard Pokéballs and makes one attempt. If it fails, the Pokémon will be missed. For the rarest and most valuable specimens, it's advisable to use the phone.

🔹 Quick consumption of Pokéballs: due to automatic catching, supplies can run out quickly. The gadget does not switch to Great or Ultra Balls, even if they are available in the inventory.

Pokémon GO PlusImage: cnet.com 

🔹 Loud vibration: the device vibrates strongly, which can be inconvenient in quiet places like libraries or workplaces. It is not possible to turn off the sound or reduce the vibration intensity.

🔹 Malfunctions: sometimes the connection with the phone is lost for no apparent reason. Reconnecting resolves the issue, but it disrupts the immersive experience.

Pokémon GO Plus makes the game easier and more convenient, especially for those who combine walking with game progress. However, due to some limitations, the device remains more of a useful accessory rather than a full replacement for the phone.

In 2023, an updated version was released — Pokémon GO Plus + — which fixed many of the original's shortcomings and added support for the Pokémon Sleep app to track sleep.

Main image: youtube.com