Rebecca Paredes July 26th, 2016
After all the ruckus about accidents caused by Pokémon Go players — including two men falling off a cliff in California, and a driver in Japan crashing into a line of parked cars — one thing is clear about the augmented reality game that’s sweeping the globe: it’s kind of dangerous.
But a simple wearable could make it easier to hunt for Pokémon in peace … without navigating the world through your phone.
One last look at the Pokemon Go Plus accessory #PokemonGo pic.twitter.com/61267l53cR
— Queen Kirby Pupupu (@NintendoTweet) September 10, 2015
Slated for release on July 31, Pokémon Go Plus is a device that’s designed to alert you when a Pokémon is nearby. Here’s everything we know about the wearable that wants to help you catch ‘em all.
Pokémon Go Plus Vibrates When Pokémon Are Nearby
Remember the complicated good ol’ days, when your wearable vibrated when you got a phone call, received a text message, hit a step challenge milestone, and/or weren’t moving enough?
The Pokémon Go Plus makes things simple: after you set up your device with your smartphone, you go out into the wild yonder and live your life like a winner. Whenever you’re within range of a PokéStop, your Pokémon Go Plus vibrates and lights up. When a Pokémon is nearby, the light on your device flashes.
It can be worn as a wristband, or it can function as a small clip-on device. We love the logo, which is the happy hybrid of a Poké Ball and Google Maps pin.
Pokémon GO Plus will begin to blink and vibrate whenever you're within range of a PokéStop. https://t.co/YiJyEkfZMz pic.twitter.com/RbHHZhjphG
— Pokémon Go (@PokemonGoLeak) July 26, 2016
How Does Pokémon Go Plus Work With My Smartphone?
In order for your Pokémon Go Plus to communicate with your smartphone, you’ll have to keep Bluetooth turned on — which will inevitably cause a drain on your battery life. Plan accordingly (or invest in a solar-powered phone charger).
But if you’re playing Pokémon Go throughout the day, odds are high that you’ve already dealt with battery issues, anyway. Plus, we love that this wearable will make it easier to play without having to actually look at your screen — when you want to catch a Pokémon, all you have to do is press the button on Pokemon Go Plus to throw a Poké Ball.
Pokémon Go Plus For Android And iOS
Smartphone users, rejoice: Pokémon Go Plus is compatible with Android and iOS phones.
Where Can I Buy Pokémon Go Plus?
Starting July 31, you’ll be able to order your wearable online from retailers like Gamestop and Amazon. It costs a reasonable $34.99 — or you can take your chances with the numerous listings on Ebay, which show prices upwards of $95.
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