Pokémon GO Plus Review: All That Was Promised, And I Still Don't Want To Use It

Pokémon GO Plus is now officially in the wild, and after some extensive playtesting, it's clear that while the device works, you may be better off just playing the game like you always have. - From Forbes

In its native state, Pokémon GO Plus has a clip that allows you to attach it to your pocket or your belt, and weirdly, it takes a small screwdriver to actually allow you to attach it to the ‘90s-style cloth bracelet so you can wear it on your wrist. The Plus buzzes in a more prolonged fashion when Pokémon appear, and pressing the button then will cue the 1…2…3 shake players are familiar with from the base game, and then the device will flash red or green depend on if you caught the Pokémon, or it fled. Yes, it saves battery life, and I can imagine some instances where this would be useful where you can’t have your phone out (oddly, driving seems like one of the best possible uses for the Plus, which I’m sure Niantic isn’t encouraging), but if you like the game, it seems like you’re better off actually playing it than mashing this button whenever it buzzes. Again, I know there are specific instances where this would prove useful and having your phone out is unwise or dangerous or you have just zero battery life and want to keep playing, but I feel like that would be pretty situational. Examples: - The kind of Pokémon that are most likely to flee with the “one chance” system are generally ones that avid collectors will not want to miss.

How to get your own Pokémon Go Plus without the hassle - From International Business Times

Your best bet before you get going is to simply make a few phone calls to stores in your area. Each of those links will take you to the respective retailer’s store finder. If you happen to live in New York City, Polygon is reporting the Nintendo World Store has Pokémon Go Plus units in stock, but there is a long line and only one is being sold per customer. If you are truly Poké-crazed, you can buy one off of Amazon. Are you interested in getting a Pokémon Go Plus of your own?

- From http://www.pokemongo.com/en-us/news/pokemon-go-plus-is-here/

The Pokémon GO Plus is a small device that lets you enjoy Pokémon GO while you're on the move and not looking at your smartphone. Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo. and the trade dress in the product design is a trademark of Google Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc.

A new accessory for Pokemon Go aims in part to solve the problem of players constantly staring at their phones while walking through public spaces. - From CBC News

CBC News Posted: Sep 15, 2016 5:00 AM ET Last Updated: Sep 15, 2016 5:00 AM ET Pokemon Go Plus is a small device that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. When the app recognizes that Pokemon are around, a button on the centre will flash. Press it, and the game will try to catch the Pokemon — without you having to use your smartphone. The Buddy system will allow you, then, to slowly power up your Pokemon even if there aren't similar types in your vicinity. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments.

The Pokemon Go wearable device is out now, and you can get one for yourself as long as stock is available. - From GameSpot

The wearable device costs $35, and you should be able to pick one up for yourself as long as stock suffices at places like Amazon and GameStop, which only carries the device in its online store. Before you buy a Plus, there are some things you need to know. It alerts you of Pokemon and PokeStops, but there are some things it can't do. For example, you can only catch Pokemon you've already added to your Pokedex with it. You can find out everything you need to know about the Pokemon Go Plus with our handy guide.

The Pokémon GO Plus accessory can be used with any compatible smart phone that has the Pokémon GO application installed. After the Pokémon GO Plus is paired via Bluetooth LE and a brief setup process is completed, players can encounter and catch Pokémon like never before. When the smart phone with Pokémon Go and the paired Pokémon GO Plus accessory are within range of each other, both will begin to vibrate when a Pokémon is close by. With the convenience of not having to look at your smart phone, simply press the button on the Pokémon GO Plus to attempt to catch a Pokémon while you are out and about. - From GameStop

Why should you buy a $35 peripheral for a free-to-play game? - From Polygon

That's because the Pokémon Go Plus is a standalone peripheral that lets you play without having to look at your phone's screen the entire time. Press the button on the center of the Plus to collect the goods; it will flash a spectrum of colors to confirm that you've gathered the items. The Pokémon Go Plus allows you to catch Pokémon without taking out your phone. If the Pokémon encounter worked out, the Plus will vibrate three times, then flash several colors to celebrate your achievement. Check out our FAQ for the basics, then branch out to the specifics on how to catch a Pokémon, how to find a PokéStop and how to decide which team you belong to.

Niantic Labs - Pokémon GO - From http://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemon-go-plus/

Pokémon GO Plus is a companion device that connects to your phone over Bluetooth® Smart (the Bluetooth low energy connection designed for health and fitness applications), allowing you to keep your phone in your pocket and go about your day-to-day activities while still being able to collect valuable resources and capture even the most elusive Pokémon. We’ve been testing it here at Niantic and we love the way it allows you to blend Pokémon GO even more seamlessly into family and fitness activities. Now you’ll be able to play and enjoy your walk, run, hike, park trips or visits to the library without having to look at your screen all the time. As you pass by a PokéStop, Pokémon GO Plus will vibrate and light up and alert you to the location. If there’s nearby Pokémon hiding in your area you’ll be alerted with lights and vibrations; catch the Pokémon with a button on Pokémon GO Plus and then continue on your way (later, you can check your Journal to see which Pokémon you’ve just caught).

Pokémon GO Plus Pokémon GO Travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon with Pokémon GO for iPhone and Android devices. With - From Nintendo

As you move around, your smartphone will vibrate to let you know you’re near a Pokémon. Your customised character will appear as you move around on the map, as well as on your profile page. In Pokémon GO, you will gain levels as a Trainer, and at higher levels you will be able to catch more powerful Pokémon to complete your Pokédex. If a Gym is already claimed by another team, you can challenge that Gym using your own Pokémon. As the Gym gets to a higher level, your team has the ability to assign more Pokémon to defend it.

The new Pokémon Go Plus accessory is designed to work in tandem with the app, taking care of the game's more basic functions for you. - From Business Insider

On Reddit, however, some people who have the device already are saying that they have been able to catch Pokémon that they hadn't yet encountered. We'll update this post when we know more. Reddit user Brichs uploaded the above image, showing that several Pokémon in a row fled from capture — probably because the Pokémon Go Plus can only throw normal Pokéballs. You can keep checking Amazon and GameStop's website to see when it's back in stock. With 30-day mandatory, paid vacations, a Utah company is helping bring an unusual corporate perk to the startup world