Pokémon GO Plus +: New Nintendo Accessory Bridges Pokémon Sleep and GO on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has once again captured the spotlight with the official unveiling of the Pokémon GO Plus +, following its debut during the latest Pokémon Presents showcase.

This accessory, designed in collaboration with Niantic, aims to bridge the experience between the forthcoming Pokémon Sleep app and the extremely popular mobile game, Pokémon GO, reaffirming Nintendo’s commitment to innovative gameplay hardware for the Nintendo Switch ecosystem and beyond. First introduced during a Pokémon Presents broadcast, the Pokémon GO Plus + (“Plus Plus”) instantly drew attention for its unconventional name and multifunctionality.

In line with Nintendo’s tradition of quirky device names—such as the Wii U, New 3DS XL, and Switch Lite—the Pokémon GO Plus + stands out not only for its branding but also its pioneering features. At its core, the Pokémon GO Plus + serves as a dedicated companion for the soon-to-be-released Pokémon Sleep app.

This mobile application is designed to track users’ sleep patterns, measuring and storing rest quality data.

The device works by recording the times when users first go to sleep and when they wake up, allowing the app to accurately assess nightly sleep performance.

This function is activated manually, requiring users to press a button on the device both when they go to sleep and when they wake—an action reminiscent of similar interactions on smartphones, yet streamlined into a pocket-friendly format. Beyond its sleep-tracking capabilities, the Pokémon GO Plus + carries appeal for dedicated Pokémon fans through its unique built-in features.

The device houses a virtual Pikachu, programmed to play soothing lullabies using familiar “Pika” phrases to lull users to sleep.

According to Nintendo, this digital companion becomes friendlier the more it is used alongside the player, rewarding longer or more consistent sleep sessions with added interactions. Furthermore, the accessory lives up to its Pokémon GO roots as an autocatcher device.

As with previous GO Plus models, users can catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops without needing to use their smartphone directly.

The Pokémon GO Plus + adds expanded functionality, allowing players to select between Great Balls and Ultra Balls for catching, further integrating it into the gameplay loop of Pokémon GO.

Nintendo has stated that there are future plans to allow shared data connectivity between Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon GO, although specific details are yet to be released. While an exact launch date for the Pokémon GO Plus + has not been announced, it is expected to become available in conjunction with the launch of the Pokémon Sleep app, projected for summer.

The device will be compatible across popular hardware platforms supported by Nintendo and Niantic, including Nintendo Switch and smartphones, and will be available for purchase through channels like the Nintendo eShop and select retailers. With its blend of classic Nintendo whimsy and practical integration for Pokémon fans, the Pokémon GO Plus + is poised to become a standout accessory in the expanding world of health-oriented and lifestyle gaming.

Nintendo and Niantic continue to push boundaries, reaffirming their joint position at the forefront of interactive entertainment.

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