How the Pokemon Go Plus Actually Works

For those of you who’ve been immersed in Pokémon Go since its release, the Pokémon Go Plus accessory can’t get here fast enough – but what is it, exactly?

Low Impact Poké-Hunting

The biggest drawback of Pokémon Go is that it kind of forces active players to walk through the world with their noses pressed against a smartphone screen. The Pokémon Go Plus, a a simple bluetooth accessory attached to an old-school braided wrist band, aims to save players from walking headlong into an open manhole while also slaking their lust for new and better Pokémon.

Players simply strap on the Pokémon Go Plus, which connects to smartphones via Bluetooth low energy, and go about their normal daily tasks. As they approach PokéStops or Pokémon, the Pokémon Go Plus leaps into action.

Catching ‘Em

When they’re in range of new Pokémon, the light on the top of the wristband will blink. Players can then press a button on the Pokémon Go Plus to throw a Poké Ball.

The catch, here, is two-fold. First, you can only use the Pokémon Go Plus to catch Pokémon if you’ve already got one of that breed in your stable. If it’s a new species, you’re going to need to pull out your phone.

Second, there’s no guarantee that pressing the button will catch the Pokémon. If you are successful, the Pokémon Go Plus will flash and vibrate; if you weren’t, press again and wish for the best.

Hitting PokéStops and Gyms

When you run across a PokéStop, the Pokémon Go Plus will blink and vibrate. Hitting the button on top of the wristband will yield the normal rewards (Poké Balls, Eggs, etc.). They can be collected by swiping or tapping the Pokémon Go Plus.

At the moment theres no explicit mention of how the device will handle Pokémon Gos Gyms, but the logical assumption is that it simply won’t. Gyms are best experienced with your phone in your hand, anyway.

The Solid Long Term Bet

If youre a Pokémon Go player who’s in it for the long haul, then the Pokémon Go Plus will be a good buy when another round of the product comes out in September for $35. Not only will it help you save your phone’s battery (thus extending your game time), but Pokemon Go Plus will help players actually enjoy the environments they’re being nudged to explore.

The Pokémon Go Plus won’t completely remove the need to pull out your smartphone from time to time, but it will be a pretty invaluable day-to-day accessory for hunters on the go.