This is Niche Gamer Tech. In this column, we regularly cover tech and things related to the tech industry. Please leave feedback and let us know if there’s tech or a story you want us to cover!
Alongside the reveal for Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has announced a new Pokeball peripheral for the Switch to accompany the pair of new games.
Dubbed the Poke Ball Plus, the new piece of kit can be used with both Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee as a replacement for the Switch’s Joy-Con, as well as the long-running Pokemon Go for smartphones.
Here’s some more glamor shots:
Here’s a brief rundown on the device:
The Poké Ball Plus*, a device that can be used to play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! in place of a Joy-Con or alongside Pokémon GO instead of the Pokémon GO Plus, was also unveiled, continuing the innovative ways to connect the games. The Poké Ball Plus features motion controls, lights up with a variety of colors, vibrates, and plays sounds. When catching a Pokémon in the Nintendo Switch games, players will be able to feel it moving within the device. It also does more than function as a controller—using the Poké Ball Plus, players can bring one of their Pokémon from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! with them as they explore the real world, giving Trainers the opportunity to spend time with favorite Pokémon even when they’re not playing the game. Additionally, Trainers can receive a variety of rewards once Pokémon are returned to the Nintendo Switch games.
Key Features:
- Catch Pokémon
Poké Ball Plus has motion control capability, so when a wild Pokémon appears, ready a Poké Ball and try to catch the Pokémon by moving your Poké Ball Plus like you’re throwing it. - Lights, sounds, action!
When you catch a Pokémon, your Poké Ball Plus will light up and vibrate in your hand, and you’ll hear the Pokémon let out its unique cry—you’ll think there’s really a Pokémon inside - Take your Pokémon wherever you go
Take your Pokémon for a stroll in your Poké Ball Plus out in the real world. When you’re out and about, you can gently shake your Poké Ball Plus and the Pokémon inside will make a sound* and the Poké Ball Plus will vibrate.
Just like with Pokémon GO Plus, you can use your Poké Ball Plus when playing Pokémon GO** on a compatible smartphone to help you search for Pokémon.
Search for Pokémon without looking at your smartphone
Play Pokémon GO without checking your smartphone screen. When a Pokémon appears nearby, Poké Ball Plus will light up and vibrate. A simple button press lets you throw a virtual Poké Ball, and different LED light patterns will let you know if you’ve caught the Pokémon.
As long as your Poké Ball Plus is connected to your smartphone and the Pokémon GO app, it will also count your steps so you can hatch Eggs and get Candy for your Buddy Pokémon. To see if your smart device is compatible with Pokémon GO, check out the official website.
Product Details:
| Name: | Poké Ball Plus |
| On sale: | Available November 16, 2018 |
| Package contents: | Poké Ball Plus, USB charging cable, warranty |
| Size: | 48mm diameter (not including protruding parts) |
| Weight: | Approx. 65g |
| Internal battery: | Lithium Ion 220 mAh* *Battery is not removable. If replacement is necessary, it can be replaced through the Nintendo service center (online) for a fee. |
| Battery life: | Approx. 3 hours. (can be charged using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter HAC-002) |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer, gyro sensor |
| Other functions: | Vibration, sounds |
| Sold by: | Nintendo |
The Poke Ball Plus is launching worldwide the same day as Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee, on November 16th.
