Everything you need to know about the Poké Ball Plus

One of the big surprises from yesterday’s Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference was the Poké Ball Plus. If you’re one of those players who’s been waiting to make a childhood dream a reality, the wait is over.

 

 
The Pokémon Company has unveiled the Poké Ball Plus, a Poké Ball shaped controller that can be used with the recently revealed Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, as well as Pokémon GO. Let’s take a look at how the device functions in each game.

Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee

The Poké Ball Plus will give players the ability to play through the entire campaign of Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee using a control stick that’s built into the button on the front of the Poké Ball. The ball also has an accelerometer that allows players to make a throwing motion to catch Pokémon they encounter in the game.

Like the Pokéwalker before it, Poké Ball Plus also gives players the ability to transfer a Pokémon from the games inside the device where you can carry it with you. A built-in speaker and LED also allows you to interact with your buddy Pokémon. Shaking the Poké Ball produces the cry of the Pokémon that’s inside and vibrating motors make it feel like a creature is actually lurking within.

Pokémon GO

Functioning like the Pokémon GO Plus accessory, the Poké Ball Plus will shake and light up when you encounter a Pokémon. With the press of a button, you’ll be informed with specific LED light patterns if you successfully catch the wild Pokémon. Just like the GO Plus, the Poké Ball Plus will track steps and hatch eggs in Pokémon GO.

 

Specifications

Websites detailing the functions of the Poké Ball Plus also go into the specs and a break down what comes packaged with the device. With a battery life of three hours, the device comes with its own USB Type C cable, and it’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. That said, you can easily charge it on the go if you’ll be using this for Pokémon GO, which will be handy if you take a battery pack with you. On the off chance that the battery malfunctions, Nintendo has included it in its repair program. You’ll have to pay a fee for it to be serviced — Nintendo hasn’t elaborated on prices for that at this time.

When it comes to the price point, that’s one detail Nintendo is holding back with for North America. On the Japanese Nintendo site for Poké Ball Plus, the product is priced at 4,980 yen (which is about $45.87). Based on this, expect a $50 price tag when it launches in November.

You can pick up your very own Poké Ball Plus on November 16th, along with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! for Switch.

 

Leave a Comment