As an long time Pokemon Go player, I was excited when I read the announcement of a new official accessory from Pokemon Presents event back in February. Pokemon Go Plus+ is a new accessory device for Pokemon Go app, and a new game called Pokemon Sleep.

In a similar function as Pokemon Go Plus device, Pokemon Go Plus+ can be paired to a Pokemon Go app and let players to capture pokemon without looking at screen. I know they have terrible naming sense, but this functionality is quite handy for serious players. I can do some walking exercise in the park or around the block while catching pokemons without getting distracted with screen activities. The device will light up and vibrate every time I am near a pokemon or pokestop. With the old Pokemon Go Plus, I have to press that middle button to attempt to catch the pokemon, or to spin the pokestop. With this new Pokemon Go Plus+, I can set it to automatically catch and spin, assuming my bag has capacity.

Being a newer version, Pokemon Go Plus+ offers some new functionalities not previously available, such us the ability to choose which poke balls to use (normal poke ball, great ball or ultra ball). Unfortunately, the auto throw and auto spin function only uses normal poke balls. Still better than having to press a button every single time.

Quick reconnect mode allows me to connect my app (after initial pairing is completed) to Pokemon Go Plus+ without pressing anything on the accessory. So I can just put it inside my bag and not to worry about it during a trip, and it will continue to do some work for me. If I stay in the same location for a while, this accessory will stop working after a while though. I think it automatically switch off after not seeing a new pokemon or pokestop for some time.

Pokemon Go Plus+ also has function as a sleep tracker. We put the tracker next to our pillow and it will detect movements throughout the night. Pairing this accessory with Pokemon Sleep game will allow us to see the sleep pattern and some analysis. The game itself is about sleep research, with us (the player) is helping in some sort of research of pokemon sleeping habit, plus some bizarre main goal to fatten up one Snorlax per week. The same sleeping data will get us some bonuses next time we connect to Pokemon Go app.

The biggest surprise I was not expecting when I got the same device for my son is that Pokemon Go Plus+ comes with alarm function and tons of Pikachu voice effects. Pressing the tracker before sleep will trigger Pikachu singing lullaby, and sometimes it will fall asleep while singing. Depending on how we set it, Pikachu will remind a child to sleep at certain time. The alarm sound in the morning is also Pikachu’s voice. Pressing the tracker in the morning to end sleep tracking will also trigger some sound effect. The device has a few possibilities of Pikachu recording for each function and will use one randomly. It quickly becomes my son’s main alarm now.

Another good thing from this device is that it is now rechargeable using USB-C. I do not need to replace CR2032 battery anymore, like what I used to do with the old Pokemon Go Plus.

Love this new toy!