Pokémon GO Plus + Review: Strong Features, Mixed Sleep Tracking
Digging into community feedback, the Pokémon GO Plus + has earned a reputation as both a quality-of-life upgrade for Pokémon GO players and a handy sleep tracker for Pokémon Sleep users. Across platforms, its overall verdict trends toward 8.5/10, with strong praise for convenience, auto-catch efficiency, and battery life — but recurring criticism over loud vibrations, limited auto-catch ball options, and occasional connectivity quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Highly recommended for daily Pokémon GO grinders and dual-game players, but less compelling for sleep tracking alone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent battery life (4+ days per charge) | Loud, non-disableable vibration and lights |
| Auto-catch and auto-spin for hands-free play | Auto-catch only uses regular Poké Balls |
| Allows use of Great and Ultra Balls manually | Connectivity can drop if app is in background |
| Compact, ergonomic design with strap | Sleep tracking can be inaccurate or interrupted |
| Integrates with Pokémon Sleep for rewards | Price higher than third-party alternatives |
| Exclusive Nightcap Snorlax research | Tedious 35-day sleep tracking requirement for quest |
Claims vs Reality
Official marketing emphasizes seamless integration with Pokémon GO and Pokémon Sleep, promising "automatic Poké Ball throws" including Great and Ultra Balls, reliable sleep tracking, and a friendly Pikachu voice companion. While these claims hold true in specific contexts, user experiences reveal key nuances.
For example, while Nintendo states Great and Ultra Balls can be used, Reddit user loroku clarified: "This device is not throwing 'great!' throws or curve throws: it's throwing normal throws. You can manually outplay it easily." On Twitter, Pokémon GO Hub confirmed that auto-catch works only with regular Poké Balls after a patch removed a glitch that briefly allowed Great/Ultra Ball auto-catch.
Sleep tracking is marketed as simple — "press and hold the central button and place it by your pillow" — yet multiple users struggled with interruptions. A Best Buy reviewer warned, "You can definitely accidentally turn it off mid sleep… it’s giving me less features than if I were to just sleep with the phone app by itself." This gap between promise and execution is significant for Pokémon Sleep-focused buyers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The hands-free gameplay is the star. Players who walk, commute, or work in environments near PokéStops find immense value. A verified Best Buy buyer exclaimed, "If you frequent parks or other places with multiple PokéStops, you will never run out of resources with this item constantly spinning them for you!" Rural players also benefit; one Twitter user noted, "Driving around town it’s pretty good at spinning stops… helps me refill Poké Balls in half an hour."
Battery life consistently impresses. Pokémon GO Hub’s testing found 4 days of heavy use before needing a charge, with LED indicators for battery status. This is a boon for travelers and event participants who can’t recharge frequently.
The ergonomic design earns praise from both Pokémon GO and Pokémon Sleep users. Compared to the original GO Plus, the Plus + is easier to hold and carry. A Reddit user shared, "It’s like a pro controller for the game… in the long run it will also save your phone’s battery."
Common Complaints
The inability to disable vibrations and lights is the most cited frustration. Pokémon GO Hub described it as "a disco in your pocket," while Best Buy buyers called it "loud and obnoxious" and unsuitable for quiet settings.
Another consistent drawback is the limitation of auto-catch to regular Poké Balls. Manual throws for higher-tier balls slow down gameplay for advanced trainers. Amazon reviewers also noted occasional delays in spinning stops or catching when both functions are enabled — the device prioritizes Pokémon over PokéStops, sometimes leading to missed spins when low on balls.
Connectivity issues arise when the app is minimized or the phone’s Bluetooth settings disrupt the link. Reddit user loroku reported, "It still works when the game is minimized… some of the time. This is not consistent."
Sleep tracking accuracy is divisive. Some users find it matches their perceived rest, while others experience unexplained session terminations. One Trustpilot reviewer cautioned, "You have to start it at least half an hour before bed or it will say you took 2 hours to fall asleep."
Divisive Features
Pikachu’s voice prompts charm some and annoy others. The option to silence them exists, but vibrations remain. The exclusive Nightcap Snorlax quest is similarly split — collectors appreciate the rarity, but the 35-day requirement frustrates casual players. Pokémon GO Hub described the tasks as "extremely tedious."
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit suggest most buyers receive functional devices, but there are rare "lemon" cases. One Twitter user suspected a faulty unit after persistent spinning/catching failures, contrasting with others who reported flawless performance for months.
Durability stories are reassuring. A Redditor noted, "Got it 6 months ago… best 6 months of playing for me." Best Buy reviewers highlight the sturdy build and rechargeable battery as long-term positives, with some modding their units to remove vibration motors for quieter play.
Alternatives
The most mentioned competitor is the Gotcha series. Gotcha devices offer auto-catch for all ball types and faster detection but may suffer from shorter battery life and less stable connections. Some Reddit users prefer GO Plus + for manual control over catches during shiny hunts, while others stick with Gotcha for automation.
Price & Value
eBay listings show new units ranging from $45 to $99, with rare editions higher. Launch prices around $55 USD are considered steep but acceptable for official Nintendo hardware. Resale value remains strong due to demand from both Pokémon GO and Pokémon Sleep players.
Community buying tips include waiting for sales or bundles, and checking compatibility lists before purchase to avoid device pairing issues. Some modders sell upgraded units with quiet motors and auto Great/Ultra Ball throw capability at higher prices.
FAQ
Q: Does Pokémon GO Plus + auto-catch with Great or Ultra Balls?
A: No, auto-catch works only with regular Poké Balls. Great and Ultra Balls require manual button presses.
Q: Can I disable vibrations and lights?
A: Pikachu sounds can be muted for Pokémon Sleep, but vibrations and LED effects cannot be turned off via official settings.
Q: How accurate is sleep tracking compared to a smartwatch?
A: Accuracy varies. Some users find it matches their perceived rest; others report session interruptions or incorrect start times.
Q: Will it work if the Pokémon GO app is minimized?
A: Sometimes, but not consistently. Stable connectivity usually requires the app to be active in the foreground.
Q: Is it worth buying for Pokémon Sleep alone?
A: Most users say no — it’s best purchased for combined Pokémon GO and Sleep use.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a long-term Pokémon GO player who values passive catching/spinning and wants occasional Pokémon Sleep integration. Avoid if you need precise sleep tracking or quiet operation in public. Pro tip from Reddit: "Use the bed sheet corner trick so it doesn’t fall off your bed" for better sleep tracking.
