Pokémon GO has two gadgets, the GO Plus and the Pokéball Plus, that help you catch monsters. We will tell you whether it is still worth buying one in 2021.
These are the gadgets: The GO Plus and the Pokéball Plus are licensed gadgets for Pokémon GO. Each has a button that you can press to catch Pokémon.
With the gadgets, you can keep your phone in your pocket and spin PokéStops and catch monsters at the push of a button. When catching, a Pokéball is thrown. If the monster breaks free, it flees.
However, the GO Plus and the Pokéball Plus are not cheap. We show you whether you should still play with the gadgets in 2021 or if it’s even worth buying.
GO Plus and Pokéball Plus – What can the gadgets do?
What can the Pokémon GO Plus do? This device is quite small and fits in any pocket. It has exactly one button on the device. This button lights up in different colors, depending on whether a PokéStop, Pokémon or new Pokémon is targeted.
You can then press the button, and the action will be executed. Either the PokéStop or the Gym will be spun, or a Pokéball will be thrown at the monster.
The GO Plus has no further functions. You cannot control any additional features in the app through the device.
What can the Pokéball Plus do? In general, the ball works just like the GO Plus. It lights up, and with the button on top of the gadget, you can spin a PokéStop or a Gym or catch a Pokémon.
However, there are small differences: with the Pokéball Plus, PokéStops can be automatically spun if you program that in the settings. Then you won’t have to press a button for it. Pokémon, on the other hand, can only be caught at the push of a button.
Additionally, the ball is larger than the GO Plus. It does not fit in every pocket.
Furthermore, the Pokéball Plus also works as a joystick for the Switch game “Let’s GO! Eevee/Pikachu”. With the white circle in the middle of the ball, you can control your character on the Switch.
Autocatch with the Pokémon GO Plus – Is that possible? Autocatch, meaning that the device catches Pokémon without pressing a button, is not officially possible. However, with a little technical understanding, there is a way to modify the GO Plus so that it catches automatically. Niantic does not endorse this, so we do not recommend this step.
Pokémon GO Plus does not connect: The biggest problem with the GO Plus, but also the Pokéball Plus, is the connection to Pokémon GO. On numerous phones, there are frequent connection problems, and the devices can hardly be paired or not at all. Other phones, however, have no connection problems.
If you encounter these connection problems, a reset is advisable. For this, you need to press the small button on the back of the GO Plus or the Pokéball Plus. You can find detailed instructions on the Niantic website.
What do GO Plus and Pokéball Plus cost? The availability of the two gadgets is very limited. The GO Plus can be found on Amazon only from third-party sellers and no longer from the giant retailer itself.
The Pokéball Plus, on the other hand, is available on Amazon starting March 9, 2021, and costs around 60 Euros. We will link both offers here:
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nintendo Pokéball Plus kompatible mit Nintendo Switch* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Currently, many other shops also offer both gadgets. However, these are often fakes that are not officially licensed. So keep an eye out for the right devices.
Are there alternatives to GO Plus and Pokéball Plus? Officially, no. However, there is, for example, the Gotcha. This is a similar gadget, which is not sold by Nintendo or Niantic. Pokémon GO does not officially support it, but the connection works.
However, there is often a rumor that Niantic will ban trainers who use such devices. So far, however, we have no reports from MeinMMO of a trainer being banned due to a Gotcha. You should decide for yourself whether you want to take that risk.
GO Plus and Pokéball Plus – Are the gadgets worth it?
These are the advantages: The main advantage is obvious: You can catch Pokémon without having your phone in your hand. This is especially useful if you do not want to walk around the city holding your phone openly. Keep your hands in your pocket and catch Pokémon with the device.
Additionally, you can save your balls with the GO Plus or Pokéball Plus. The device throws exactly one ball at a time – you cannot throw a ball past it or spend forever with one Pokémon.
If you have a PokéStop or Gym right at home, you can also benefit from the device. You just let it run while you sit at home working or relaxing on the couch. The device spins the PokéStop for you and you get items without doing anything.
These are the disadvantages: If you always play with your phone in your hand, you won’t really benefit from the GO Plus or the Pokéball Plus. You cannot simultaneously catch with your hand and use the device to catch another Pokémon. The gadgets always need some time to realize that you are no longer actively playing.
Additionally, the numerous connection problems are critical. It may happen that you purchase the device and end up only dealing with connection errors. Even if you are connected, the connection lasts at most an hour. You cannot let the devices run overnight.
Another point of criticism is the development of capture chances in Pokémon GO. Almost every Pokémon from Generation 6 is difficult to catch. This includes well-known monsters such as Murkrow, Sengo, Pantimos, or Karadonis. They are rarely caught in a normal Pokéball. You should expect that many Pokémon will flee, and you will use a Pokéball each time.
Should you use the gadgets? It depends on the situation. If you are already out and actively playing Pokémon GO, then the GO Plus or Pokéball Plus is not really worth it. You are much more active if you catch Pokémon manually. With the catch trick, you can even be faster.
However, if you often find yourself in situations where you have your phone beside you but cannot constantly look at it, then such a gadget is worth considering. A quick press of the button and you could catch a Pokémon that you otherwise probably would not have seen.
But you should definitely try to see if such a gadget connects well with your phone. If there are major issues there, we recommend against purchasing it.
Want more information about Pokémon GO? Check out the best attackers in the game here:
Pokémon GO: These are the best attackers by type – as of 2020
