If you are wondering what Pokémon GO Plus is, the short answer is that it is a small Bluetooth device that catches Pokémon and spins PokéStops for you automatically, so you can play Pokémon GO without staring at your phone. The confusing part is that “Pokémon GO Plus” is really an umbrella name for three different devices released over the years: the original Pokémon GO Plus, the Poké Ball Plus, and the current Pokémon GO Plus +. This guide explains what each one does, how the auto-catching actually works, which balls it throws, and which auto-catcher is worth buying in 2026 now that two of the three are hard to find.
Key Takeaways
- What it is: Pokémon GO Plus is a Bluetooth accessory that auto-catches Pokémon and auto-spins PokéStops in the background while your phone is in your pocket.
- Three devices, one name: the original Pokémon GO Plus (2016), the Poké Ball Plus (2018), and the Pokémon GO Plus + (2023) all do the job, with different extras.
- Which balls: auto-throws use regular Poké Balls only. The Plus + can use Great and Ultra Balls, but only with a manual button press.
- Availability: the original GO Plus and Poké Ball Plus are discontinued and pricey secondhand. The Pokémon GO Plus + (about $54) is the current official option.
- Best value in 2026: third-party auto-catchers like the MEGACOM DuoMon 3 and Go-tcha Evolve often do more for the same money or less.
What Is Pokémon GO Plus?
Pokémon GO Plus is a Bluetooth accessory that connects to your phone and plays parts of Pokémon GO for you. When a wild Pokémon or a PokéStop comes into range, the device catches the Pokémon or spins the stop automatically, with the app running in the background and your screen off. A small light and a vibration tell you what happened.
The reason the name is confusing is that it has been used for a whole line of hardware. People searching “Pokémon GO Plus” could mean the 2016 original, the 2018 Poké Ball Plus, or the 2023 Pokémon GO Plus +, and the differences matter when you are deciding what to buy.
The Pokémon GO Plus Device Family
| Device | Released | What It Does | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon GO Plus (original) | 2016 | Catches and spins, but needs a button press for every action. Poké Balls only. | Discontinued; ~$40–90 secondhand |
| Poké Ball Plus | 2018 | Works as a GO Plus and as a Nintendo Switch controller. Carries a Pokémon, counts steps, hatches eggs. | Discontinued; limited stock |
| Pokémon GO Plus + | 2023 | True auto-catch of previously caught species, auto-spin, and Pokémon Sleep tracking. | Current official option (~$54) |
The original Pokémon GO Plus launched alongside the game and was so scarce that units sold for over $100. It only throws regular Poké Balls and stops to catch rather than prioritizing PokéStops. The Poké Ball Plus added Nintendo Switch support and the ability to carry a Pokémon, hatch eggs, and collect Buddy Candy. The Pokémon GO Plus +, released July 14, 2023, is the modern one: it auto-catches without a button press for species you have caught before, and it doubles as a Pokémon Sleep tracker.
How Pokémon GO Plus Works
Every device in the family connects over Bluetooth Low Energy. With Pokémon GO running in the background and Bluetooth on, the device sends a catch or spin signal to the app whenever something enters range. Your phone can be locked and in your pocket the whole time.
The catch itself is basic. Each auto-throw uses a single regular Poké Ball with no berry, no curveball, and no Nice, Great, or Excellent bonus. If the Pokémon breaks free, it flees, so common Pokémon land roughly 50 to 70 percent of the time while rare or high-level spawns often drop below 10 percent. There is also a hard limit everyone should know about: every auto-catcher, the official Plus + included, disconnects after about an hour because of a server-side rule from Niantic. You reconnect by tapping the GO Plus icon in the app, unless your device handles reconnection on its own.
Does It Throw Great and Ultra Balls?
This is the most common point of confusion. The automatic throw always uses a regular Poké Ball. The Pokémon GO Plus + can be configured to use Great Balls or Ultra Balls, but those higher-tier throws require a manual button press each time, so they are not part of the hands-off experience. The original GO Plus and Poké Ball Plus only ever throw regular Poké Balls.
⚡ Quick tip: Modified Plus + units sold on eBay and Etsy for $80–120 claim to auto-throw Ultra Balls, but they void your warranty and are not officially supported. For a hands-off setup, plan around regular Poké Balls.
Is Pokémon GO Plus Still Worth It in 2026?
It depends which one you mean. The original Pokémon GO Plus is discontinued, costs $40 to $90 secondhand, and still needs a button press for every catch, so it is hard to recommend. The Poké Ball Plus is also out of production and only worth tracking down if you want the Nintendo Switch features too.
The Pokémon GO Plus + is the one still worth buying, and it is the only device with zero risk to your account because Niantic officially supports it. The Pokémon Sleep tracking is a real bonus if you use that app. For the full rundown on battery life and whether the sleep features earn their keep, see our Pokémon GO Plus + review. That said, third-party auto-catchers now match or beat it on features, which is where most buyers should look next.
The Best Auto-Catchers to Buy Now
If your goal is hands-off catching rather than the official badge, these three cover the main use cases. Prices are as of June 2026. Our overall best seller, and the device we recommend for most players, is the MEGACOM DuoMon 3.
Pokémon GO Plus +
The only device with zero ban risk, plus built-in Pokémon Sleep tracking.
MEGACOM DuoMon 3
Auto-reconnects every hour, supports two accounts, and is IPX7 waterproof.
Go-tcha Evolve
A watch-style band with an OLED screen that auto-catches every Pokémon.
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For the full field tested and ranked, including dual-account and budget picks, see our guide to the best Pokémon GO auto-catchers. And if you are coming back to the game, our returning player guide covers everything else that changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pokémon GO Plus?
Pokémon GO Plus is a small Bluetooth device that automatically catches Pokémon and spins PokéStops in Pokémon GO while your phone stays in your pocket. The name covers three devices: the original 2016 GO Plus, the 2018 Poké Ball Plus, and the 2023 Pokémon GO Plus +.
How does Pokémon GO Plus work?
It connects over Bluetooth Low Energy and sends a catch or spin signal to the app whenever a Pokémon or PokéStop enters range, with the game running in the background. Each automatic throw uses one regular Poké Ball, and every device disconnects after about an hour due to a Niantic server limit.
Does Pokémon GO Plus throw Great or Ultra Balls?
The automatic throw always uses a regular Poké Ball. The Pokémon GO Plus + can use Great or Ultra Balls, but only with a manual button press, so it is not part of the hands-off catching. The older devices use Poké Balls only.
Is the original Pokémon GO Plus discontinued?
Yes. The original 2016 Pokémon GO Plus and the 2018 Poké Ball Plus are both out of production. The Pokémon GO Plus + from 2023 is the current official device, priced around $54.
Is Pokémon GO Plus worth it in 2026?
The Pokémon GO Plus + is worth it if you want the only device with zero account risk and Pokémon Sleep tracking. Many players get more for their money from third-party auto-catchers like the MEGACOM DuoMon 3, which adds auto-reconnect, dual-account support, and waterproofing.
The Bottom Line
Pokémon GO Plus is the catch-all name for Nintendo’s auto-catching hardware, and in 2026 only the Pokémon GO Plus + is still officially sold. It auto-catches with regular Poké Balls, saves Great and Ultra Balls for manual presses, and adds Pokémon Sleep tracking. If you want the safest, official route, that is the device. If you want the most automation for your money, a third-party auto-catcher is usually the smarter buy, and our tested auto-catcher rankings show exactly which one fits your needs.