Pokémon GO Plus + Guide: Features, Setup & Sleep
The Pokémon GO Plus + is the latest official accessory designed to bridge the gap between your real-life daily routine and your favorite mobile monster-collecting game. Whether you want to rack up XP and stardust while commuting without staring at your screen, or you are looking to earn rewards in Pokémon Sleep, this puck-shaped device introduces a robust feature set for dedicated players.
What is the Pokémon GO Plus +?
The Pokémon GO Plus + is an upgraded iteration of the original wearable accessories released by Niantic and The Pokémon Company. Unlike older wristbands that required you to press a button for every single action, this flat, disk-shaped device offers enhanced automation, vibration feedback, built-in rechargeable batteries, and a direct connection to the mobile spin-off app, Pokémon Sleep.
The device comes packaged with a strap, a USB-C charging cable (a welcome upgrade from coin-cell batteries), and a special bonus: an encounter with a Snorlax wearing a nightcap in Pokémon GO, who can eventually learn the move Yawn.
Key Features and Functionality
Understanding what the accessory can do will help you decide how to configure your settings inside the mobile game. The device supports two main operational modes depending on which Poké Balls you have stocked in your bag.
Auto-Catching and PokéStop Spinning
One of the biggest selling points is the ability to interact with the game world passively. By default, the device will alert you to nearby Pokémon and PokéStops with flashing lights and vibrations. However, through the in-game settings, you can toggle specific behaviors:
- Standard Poké Balls: Throw regular Poké Balls automatically at encountered wild Pokémon without pressing a button.
- Great and Ultra Balls: For the first time on an official accessory, you can configure the device to throw Great Balls and Ultra Balls, though this requires manual button presses when prompted.
- Auto-Spinning: Automatically collect items from nearby PokéStops and Gym photo discs as you walk, drive, or ride public transit.
Sleep Tracking Integration
The Plus + isn't just for daytime adventures; it is deeply integrated with Pokémon Sleep. By holding down the center button until it glows blue and playing a lullaby, you can place the device on your mattress to track your rest.
Inside the device is a friendly Pikachu with a nightcap that sings to you when you go to bed and wake up. As you log sleep data day after day, you level up your slumber, unlocking special bonus sounds and rewarding you with Stardust and XP in Pokémon GO, alongside rare berries and sleep styles in the sleep-tracking app.
How to Pair Your Device
Getting your new hardware connected to your smartphone is straightforward, but it requires following a specific sequence to avoid Bluetooth pairing errors.
- Charge your device fully using the provided USB-C cable.
- Open Pokémon GO on your iOS or Android device and ensure Bluetooth is enabled in your phone settings.
- Tap the main Poké Ball menu in the game and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Connected Devices and Services and tap Accessories.
- Press the main button on your Pokémon GO Plus + so the device registers with the game.
- When the device appears on your phone screen, tap it to complete the pairing process.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
To get the most out of your investment, keep these practical tips in mind while out in the field:
- Manage Your Item Bag: Auto-spinning PokéStops fills your inventory quickly. Make sure to regularly clean out excess Potions and Pinap Berries so you don't miss out on items.
- Stock Up on Poké Balls: The auto-catch feature exclusively uses regular Red Poké Balls. If you run out, the device will still vibrate for Pokémon spawns, but it won't attempt to catch them until you restock.
- Battery Maintenance: While the internal lithium-ion battery lasts for multiple days of heavy play, remember to charge it weekly to avoid it dying during a Community Day event.
Final Verdict
The Pokémon GO Plus + is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for active trainers and completionists alike. While it carries a higher price tag than simple auto-catchers or third-party alternatives, the official support, rechargeable battery, inclusion of Great and Ultra Ball throwing, and Pokémon Sleep connectivity make it an essential tool for serious players.
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