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Pokémon Gofans have a new way to play the game: a $34.99 wearable device called Pokémon Go Plus that, much like the app itself, has its ups and downs.

While it might not be quite as popular as it was in the weeks following its July launch, Pokémon Gois still breaking records. Players can now stay even more connected to the game with an official plastic accessory. The Pokémon Go Plus wearable went on sale Sept. 16, and we’ve spent a week with one figuring out how it improves (and detracts) from the game.

SEE ALSO:This Poké Ball phone battery is perfect for hardcore 'Pokémon Go' players

Before you rush to purchase a Pokémon Go Plus, know that with millions of players worldwide, the devices are in short supply. The wearables are marked up to approximately $80 on Amazon, with eBay listings showing similar closing prices.

The small, plastic, red-and-white device comes mounted on a belt clip. The Pokémon Go Plus also comes with an adjustable, woven nylon wristband. To switch between the two, you’ll need a precision screwdriver, and the process takes about a minute.

Credit: mike futter

One of the biggest criticisms of Pokémon Go-- which still persists in popularity nearly three months after launch -- is the app only works with your phone unlocked and app open, severely draining your battery. The wearable fixes that issue, as steps for hatching eggs or earning candy via the newly launched Buddy feature are recorded via the Plus. But you also receive alerts while your phone is in your pocket or purse about the Pokémon Goworld around you.

A green light with short vibrations means a Pokémon is nearby. Tapping the wearable’s single button begins a capture sequence. You’ve got one chance to capture the Pokémon (signified by three white pulses followed by a rainbow effect and a long vibration), or it will escape (three staccato red pulses with a short vibration).

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A video posted by Michael Futter (@michaelsfutter) on Sep 23, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

Capturing Pokémon is the least useful feature of the Pokémon Go Plus. It only allows the use of regular Poké Balls, and you can’t choose to use Razz Berries to improve your chances. Additionally, you can only capture those monsters you’ve already successfully nabbed at least once. A yellow light, instead of the normal green indicator, hints that you’re within range of a new Pokémon, and you’ll need to take your phone out.

Capturing Pokémon is the least useful feature of the Pokémon Go Plus.

At higher levels, the chance of missing the capture and wasting the Poké Ball seems significantly higher. While battery life has certainly improved, and it’s great to not have the phone out all the time, my Poké Ball consumption has skyrocketed. If you live in an area with fewer PokéStops, you might want to be more selective about using the Go Plus for capturing.

Conversely, using the Pokémon Go Plus as a signal for nearby PokéStops is a significant quality of life improvement. If your wearable lights up because of a nearby Pokestop, you’re guaranteed to get items, unless you’re in a vehicle that’s moving too quickly. While walking through New York, I noticed a seemingly unending bounty of free consumables I might have otherwise missed.

Here's what a bunch of missed capture attempts looks like.Credit: mike futter

The device and app don’t always play nicely together, unfortunately. Connecting the wearable is quick, requiring only a tap of the game’s map screen and a push of the Pokémon Go Plus’ button. However, sometimes the two lose connection, meaning you’ll have to open the game and re-pair it. The Plus also times out after extended use to preserve battery, though a phone notification gives players the chance to renew the connection.

One odd, regular occurrence: Alerts would hit the Plus before in-game objects appeared in the app. Throughout testing, nearby Pokémon alerts lit up the device up to 30 seconds before revealing a monster on the map screen. Using both app and device in concert would be optimal usage if not for the game’s severe lag.

When the Plus glows green, a Pokémon is nearby.Credit: mike Futter

The Pokémon Go Plus is reasonably priced, though imperfect in execution. We’d love to see Niantic implement a way to use different items when capturing, possibly through a double-tap input. The already much-needed app lag improvements are accentuated by how quickly the wearable gets data by comparison.

For those that walk frequently to hatch eggs or earn Buddy candy, the device allows Pokémon Goto function as it already should without the additional battery drain. If you live in a dense PokéStop area, the Pokémon Go Plus can keep you stocked up easily. If you’re hoping to use the device for capture though, hold off for now. The wearable has potential in this area, but it certainly needs more work before we can recommend it as the best way to expand your virtual menagerie.

TopicsPokemon