If you’ve ever wanted to catch Pokémon while your phone stays in your pocket — or wished bedtime came with a little Pikachu lullaby — there’s a small Japanese gadget that does both. Meet the Pokémon GO Plus +, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s pint-sized accessory that’s become a must-have for Pokémon GO players and Pokémon Sleep fans alike. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what it does, how it differs from its predecessors, and how you can get an authentic one shipped straight from Japan.
- New to Pokémon? A 60-Second Primer
- What Is Pokémon GO Plus +? (And How Is It Different From the Original Pokémon GO Plus and Poké Ball Plus?)
- Key Features: What Pokémon GO Plus + Actually Does
- What’s in the Box & Specs
- What You Need Before You Buy
- Who Is Pokémon GO Plus + Best For?
- How to Order Pokémon GO Plus + From Japan via Discovery Japan Mall
- More Than Just Pokémon GO Plus +: Discovery Japan Mall’s Pokémon Collection
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What does Pokémon GO Plus + actually do?
- Do I need Pokémon GO or Pokémon Sleep installed to use it?
- What’s the difference between Pokémon GO Plus + and the original Pokémon GO Plus?
- Can Pokémon GO Plus + be used with a Nintendo Switch?
- How long does the battery last and how do I charge it?
- Can I buy Pokémon GO Plus + from outside Japan?
- What is the Snorlax Special Research reward about?
- Final Thoughts: Bring Home an Authentic Pokémon GO Plus + From Japan
New to Pokémon? A 60-Second Primer
Pokémon started as a video game in Japan and has grown into one of the world’s most beloved franchises, featuring hundreds of collectible creatures (“Pokémon”) that trainers catch, train, and battle with. Pokémon GO is the mobile game that brought this world into real life: using your phone’s camera and GPS, you walk around your neighborhood to find and catch Pokémon, spin nearby PokéStops for items, and toss Poké Balls to capture creatures you encounter.
It’s a game built around walking and exploring — which is exactly why accessories like the Pokémon GO Plus + exist. They let you keep playing without staring at your screen the entire time, which is a huge part of the appeal for busy commuters, parents, and casual players.
What Is Pokémon GO Plus +? (And How Is It Different From the Original Pokémon GO Plus and Poké Ball Plus?)
The Pokémon GO Plus + is a small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) accessory that connects to your smartphone and automates parts of Pokémon GO — plus, it doubles as a sleep-tracking companion for the Pokémon Sleep app. Clip it to your bag, wear it on your wrist, or just keep it in your pocket, and it quietly does its job in the background.
It isn’t the first device of its kind, though. Here’s how it fits into the family:
- Pokémon GO Plus (2016) — the original wristband/clip device. It auto-spun PokéStops and auto-caught Pokémon, but only with regular Poké Balls, and had no sleep tracking.
- Poké Ball Plus (2018) — shaped like an actual Poké Ball, it also worked as a Nintendo Switch controller accessory for Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee and Pokémon Home, alongside basic Pokémon GO functions.
- Pokémon GO Plus + (2023) — the current, most capable model. It adds Great Ball and Ultra Ball throwing, full Pokémon Sleep integration, and does not work with Nintendo Switch.
| Device | Auto-catch Poké Balls | Sleep Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon GO Plus (2016) | Regular only | No |
| Poké Ball Plus (2018) | Regular only | No |
| Pokémon GO Plus + (2023) | Regular, Great, Ultra | Yes |
In short, the Pokémon GO Plus + is the modern upgrade — the one to get if you want both hands-free Pokémon GO play and sleep tracking in a single device.
Key Features: What Pokémon GO Plus + Actually Does
The Pokémon GO Plus + really does two jobs, and it switches between them depending on which app you connect it to.
For hands-free Pokémon catching: once paired with the Pokémon GO app, the device automatically spins nearby PokéStops for you and throws Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls at Pokémon you encounter — all without pulling your phone out. It even works while it’s tucked away in a bag or pocket, so you can go for a walk, run errands, or commute while still racking up progress in the game.
For sleep tracking with Pokémon Sleep: switch the same device over to the Pokémon Sleep official website app, and it becomes a bedside companion. A simple press-and-hold starts sleep measurement, and the device syncs your sleep data with the app afterward. Pikachu voice cues chime in to mark bedtime and wake-up, adding a bit of charm to an otherwise routine part of your day. Connecting the device to Pokémon GO also unlocks Special Research that leads to encountering a Snorlax wearing a nightcap — a nice little bonus for completionists.
All of this runs over Bluetooth Low Energy, which keeps battery use light on both the device and your phone.
What’s in the Box & Specs
Each Pokémon GO Plus + ships with everything you need to get started:
- Pokémon GO Plus + main unit
- Strap with special clip
- USB Type-C charging cable
- Start guide
Quick specs:
- Diameter: approx. 64.5mm (excluding buttons)
- Thickness: approx. 18.3mm (excluding buttons)
- Weight: approx. 50g
- Built-in lithium-ion battery, charges via USB Type-C in about 3 hours 30 minutes
- Feedback via sound and vibration
What You Need Before You Buy
The Pokémon GO Plus + is an accessory, not a standalone device — it can’t do anything by itself. You’ll need a compatible Android or iOS smartphone with the Pokémon GO and/or Pokémon Sleep app installed, since the device relies on your phone for the actual gameplay and data syncing. Compatibility can vary slightly by phone model or OS version, and connection hiccups occasionally pop up after app or OS updates, so it’s worth checking the Pokémon GO Plus + support and FAQs page if you run into trouble.
One more thing worth noting: unlike the older Poké Ball Plus, the Pokémon GO Plus + does not work with Nintendo Switch family systems. It’s designed purely for the Pokémon GO and Pokémon Sleep mobile apps.
Who Is Pokémon GO Plus + Best For?
This little device tends to earn its keep with a few types of people in particular:
- Casual walkers and commuters who want to keep progressing in Pokémon GO without staring at their phone the whole time
- Parents introducing kids to Pokémon GO in a simpler, more hands-off way
- Pokémon Sleep fans who want an easy, low-effort way to track their sleep
- Gift shoppers looking for a fun, genuinely useful present for a Pokémon fan
- Collectors who like having authentic Japanese Pokémon merchandise in their collection
How to Order Pokémon GO Plus + From Japan via Discovery Japan Mall
Because the Pokémon GO Plus + is a Japanese release, sourcing it directly from Japan is one of the most reliable ways to get a fully authentic unit. Discovery Japan Mall ships genuine Japanese products worldwide, including this device, with tracking and shipping insurance available so you can order with confidence no matter where you’re located.
Availability and current pricing are always best checked directly on the product page, since stock and pricing can shift over time. When you’re ready, you can browse the listing and place your order below.
Buy Pokémon GO Plus + on Discovery Japan Mall →
More Than Just Pokémon GO Plus +: Discovery Japan Mall’s Pokémon Collection
The Pokémon GO Plus + is just one piece of a much bigger selection. Discovery Japan Mall carries a wide range of authentic Japanese Pokémon merchandise, from trading card game booster boxes to plush collections and other Pokémon accessories, all shipped directly from Japan. If you’re already exploring the world of Pokémon GO Plus buy Japan options, it’s well worth browsing the full Pokémon storefront while you’re there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Pokémon GO Plus + actually do?
Pokémon GO Plus + is a Bluetooth accessory that automates Pokémon GO play and tracks sleep for Pokémon Sleep. It auto-spins PokéStops and throws Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls hands-free, and separately measures sleep with Pikachu wake-up and bedtime sounds. Learn more on the product page.
Do I need Pokémon GO or Pokémon Sleep installed to use it?
Yes, Pokémon GO Plus + cannot function on its own. It requires an Android or iOS smartphone with the Pokémon GO app, the Pokémon Sleep app, or both installed, since the device relies entirely on these apps for gameplay and sleep data.
What’s the difference between Pokémon GO Plus + and the original Pokémon GO Plus?
The difference comes down to features: the original 2016 Pokémon GO Plus only auto-caught with regular Poké Balls and had no sleep tracking. Pokémon GO Plus + adds Great Ball and Ultra Ball throwing plus full Pokémon Sleep integration.
Can Pokémon GO Plus + be used with a Nintendo Switch?
No, Pokémon GO Plus + cannot be used with Nintendo Switch family systems. That functionality belonged to the older Poké Ball Plus, which doubled as a Switch controller accessory; the newer Plus + is built solely for the mobile apps.
How long does the battery last and how do I charge it?
Pokémon GO Plus + uses a built-in lithium-ion battery that charges via USB Type-C in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Actual battery life between charges depends on usage, such as how often it’s spinning PokéStops or tracking sleep.
Can I buy Pokémon GO Plus + from outside Japan?
Yes, international buyers can purchase Pokémon GO Plus + through cross-border retailers like Discovery Japan Mall, which ships authentic Japanese Pokémon merchandise worldwide with tracking and insurance options available at checkout.
What is the Snorlax Special Research reward about?
Connecting Pokémon GO Plus + to the Pokémon GO official website app unlocks Special Research tasks that reward players with an encounter featuring a Snorlax wearing a nightcap, a small themed bonus tied to the device’s sleep-tracking connection.
Final Thoughts: Bring Home an Authentic Pokémon GO Plus + From Japan
Whether you’re after hands-free Pokémon catching on your daily commute, a gentler way to introduce a Pikachu-loving kid to the game, or a fun new way to track your sleep, the Pokémon GO Plus + packs a lot of convenience into a genuinely small package. And since it’s a Japanese release, ordering an authentic unit shipped directly from Japan — complete with tracking and insurance — is one of the most trustworthy ways to get one. While you’re at it, take a look around Discovery Japan Mall’s broader range of authentic Japanese Pokémon goods, from trading cards to plush toys.
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