As expected by excited "Pokemon Go" fans, the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) revealed details about the upcoming game such as the Pokemon Go Plus accessory and an estimated "Pokemon Go" release date window.
Introducing the "Pokemon Go" Accessory
"Pokemon Go" Plus is the wearable accessory that lets players catch pokemon without looking at their smartphones, reports engadget. In the 2016 E3, Nintendo unveiled the "Pokemon Go" accessory which would be available by the end of July.
Using the "Pokemon Go" Plus is simple. The wearable has a light indicator to prompt players. If the "Pokemon Go" accessory is blinking blue, it can only mean one thing - a pokemon is within range. Players using the device can try to capture the pokemon by pressing a button.
The "Pokemon Go" plus has a very simple way of letting players know whether the attempt was a success or not. The accessory will display a rainbow pattern of light if a pokemon was successfully captured. On the other hand, a blinking red light means better luck next time.
But the "Pokemon Go" accessory is not so cheap. Of course, there is a price for effortlessly catching pokemons sans one's smartphone. The "Pokemon Go" Plus lets players catch those elusive monsters at the mere touch of a button for $34.99.
Casual gamers might balk at the price of the "Pokemon Go" plus, a wearable with the singular purpose of catching pokemons. But for really serious "Pokemon Go" players, is there a price tag for the joy of fulfilling a long-time childhood dream?
How "Pokemon Go" Plus Could Change the Gameplay
Perhaps the first question that comes to mind is how the new device could change or help a player's "Pokemon Go" gameplay. For this, a little imagination has to be resorted to because both the app and the "Pokemon Go" accessory is yet to be launched.
"Pokemon Go" Gameplay Scenario - Catching Pokemons W/ a Smartphone
Of course, players can always catch pokemons using the "Pokemon Go" app and a smartphone. Niantic Labs previously mentioned that pokemons can be found everywhere once the "Pokemon Go" release date arrives.
Players will get notifications to their phones when a pokemon is nearby. Players will have to aim their phones and see the pokemon on their screens. They could then launch a Poke-ball in their "Pokemon Go" app to capture the creature.
This interactive factor in the "Pokemon Go" is what got players and fans of the Pokemon TV series excited. These players can finally live their childhood dreams of becoming pokemon masters. And the best part is, "Pokemon Go" lets them catch these powerful pokemons almost like how they did it in the series.
Once "Pokemon Go" release date arrives, players can scour the malls, nearby parks and sidewalks for these cute but powerful creatures. The beauty of augmented reality games is that it does not negate the real world in the way virtual reality does. Instead, augmented reality enhances the real world making it more engaging, and this will soon be demonstrated by the "Pokemon Go" game.
"Pokemon Go" Gameplay Scenario - Catching Using the Pokemon Go Plus
Catching pokemons using the soon-to-be introduced "Pokemon Go" Plus is a way easier. The reason is that players using the "Pokemon Go" accessory no longer need to locate and aim for the wild pokemon.
In fact, players using the "Pokemon Go" Plus never have to bother taking out their phones at all. As long as they detect a wild pokemon within range, they can just click the button on the accessory to try and capture it.
The ease of use afforded by the "Pokemon Go" accessory would certainly be an advantage to more competitive players. Since they can save time by eliminating the need to take out the phone and aim, it is possible that "Pokemon Go" Plus users will always have the upper hand when a lot of "Pokemon Go" players are after the same wild pokemon.
"Pokemon Go" Release Date
Niantic Labs did not yet name a specific "Pokemon Go" release date. However, the company confirmed that the app will be launched earlier than the "Pokemon Go" Plus, according to Cinema Blend. Since the device is already slated for release by the end of July, the "Pokemon Go" release date should be around mid-July or around a month from now.