Looking to up your Pokémon Go game? Sure, you have your phone out with your Pokémon Go app pulled up anytime you’re out walking around and remember to start up the app, but could you be doing more? YES! For those looking to make the most of their Pokémon Go gaming experience, there are now a variety of add-on devices that can enhance gameplay and help you level up quicker.

The devices we are going to look at today are the Pokémon Go Plus, the Pokéball Plus and the Go-tcha for Pokémon Go.

Let’s start by going over the basics of each device:

Pokémon Go Plus

-This was the original device created as an add-on for the game

-Worn as a bracelet with a big plastic pokéball on it

-Costs around $35

-Uses a single CR2032 battery that must be replaced when the battery dies.

-How it works: The device will vibrate whenever a pokémon or pokéstop is nearby. If it is a pokémon, a light on the device will indicate whether it is one you have caught before or if it is a new one. Pushing the button on the device will wither spin the pokéstop or make a single throw using a regular pokéball. If the pokéball fails, then the pokémon escapes.

Pokéball Plus

-Small device shaped like an actual pokéball.

-Can be used for Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go, Evee.

-Costs around $50

-Comes with a 220mAh rechargeable battery that will need to be recharged every few days

-How it works: Vibrates and lights up when a pokémon is nearby. Pushing the button will make a single throw using a regular pokéball.

Go-tcha for Pokémon Go

-Has the look and feel of a fitness tracker wristband.

-Can also be taken off the wristband and attached to a keyring or just carried around in a pocket.

-Costs around $35

-Rechargeable battery that can last about a week

-Made by a third party, Datel. While not officially supported, the app recognizes the device the same way it would a Pokémon Go Plus and has worked for thousands of users.

-How it works: Rather than having to push a button to spin a pokéstop or catch a pokémon, this device will do it automatically.  You can set the device to vibrate when a pokéstop or pokémon appear or you can have the vibrations turned off. Regardless, the spinning and throwing will still happen automatically.

Overall thoughts:

All three devices only ever throw regular pokéballs and only throw once.

The Pokémon Go Plus and Pokéball Plus both offer a more interactive experience requiring users to push buttons to accomplish tasks. Some users like that, preferring to have more control. Other users will like being able to reap benefits of the game while being able to focus on things besides the game, and they would be happier with the Go-tcha.

The Go-tcha is much more discreet. It looks like a fitness tracker and you can even buy simple black or white wristbands to keep it professional looking and stealthy. Other players prefer something that can identify them as a player of Pokémon Go. This helps them find other Pokémon Go players out and about in the real world, which can be helpful for making friends, trading pokémon and taking on raids.

If role-playing is your thing, the Pokéball Plus offers the most realistic feel of all the devices, since it is shaped like an actual pokéball while the others are just glorified bracelets.

As you can see, there is no one, true best option. The device that is best for you will depend on what your needs and wants are, so take the time to look over these stats on each one, and decide which is best for you. Happy hunting! ed

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