PhotoFast 247 Catcher Review: The Ultimate Pokémon GO Auto-Catcher Accessory for Hardcore Players
Entry information
Published on: November 21, 2022
Description
When Pokémon GO launched in 2016, the officially licensed Pokémon GO Plus wristband quickly became an essential companion for on-the-go trainers.
Designed by Nintendo, this compact device allowed players to interact with Pokémon GO without needing to keep their smartphones in hand, offering notifications via LED lights and enabling quick spins at Pokéstops or attempts to catch Pokémon with a simple button press.
Later, Nintendo introduced the Poké Ball Plus—compatible with both Pokémon GO and Pokémon: Let's Go titles for the Nintendo Switch—offering new ways for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon collecting.
In the years since, Nintendo has not released further first-party Pokémon GO accessory innovations, paving the way for third-party manufacturers to step in and meet demand for enhanced features.
Among the most common requests has been full automation—enabling devices to catch Pokémon and spin Pokéstops entirely hands-free.
Most auto-catchers, both official and third-party, accomplish this with one significant limitation: Bluetooth connections to the Pokémon GO app are automatically severed every hour, likely as a measure to conserve phone battery life.
This consistent disconnect means even the most dedicated players must regularly reconnect, potentially missing out on valuable gameplay moments.
PhotoFast, known among gamers for hardware like the 4K Gamer Pro upscaler, has responded with the 247 Catcher.
This innovative, circular device stands out by maintaining a persistent Bluetooth connection with Pokémon GO for several hours—well beyond the conventional one-hour cut-off.
To achieve this, 247 Catcher employs a clever, if unconventional, solution: it ships with an auto-tapping cable that physically interacts with your smartphone's screen.
Using suction pads and static electricity, the device taps the Pokémon GO Plus icon on the app, automatically re-establishing the connection whenever it drops.
PhotoFast representatives state that this method allows for extended, uninterrupted auto-catching sessions.
However, this design choice also introduces trade-offs.
The phone’s screen must remain active throughout the session, causing increased battery drain, and the device can be cumbersome—especially if you attempt to carry your phone or stow it in a pocket while the auto-tapping cable is attached.
The device is most practical when the phone is left on a flat surface, such as a table, for stationary play.
An additional standout feature is the 247 Catcher’s robust battery capacity, which PhotoFast claims can last up to 120 hours of continuous use per charge and up to 15 days on standby.
This endurance is unmatched among Pokémon GO auto-catchers, addressing the high-usage demands of hardcore trainers.
In summary, the PhotoFast 247 Catcher delivers on its promise of extending auto-catching and auto-spinning capabilities for Pokémon GO beyond what is currently offered by official accessories like Pokémon GO Plus or Poké Ball Plus.
However, its utility is best realized by the most dedicated players willing to leave their phone accessible and plugged in for long stretches.
For casual enthusiasts, the required setup and the device’s premium price tag—listed at $90—may outweigh the benefits.
As the market for Pokémon GO hardware accessories continues to evolve, the 247 Catcher's unique approach sets a new benchmark in auto-catcher functionality, tailored for those who never want to miss a catch or Pokéstop spin.
