Pokémon Go has taken the gaming community by storm, providing players with a unique experience that blends the real world with the captivating Pokémon universe. One of the most exciting accessories designed to enhance this experience is the Poké Ball Plus. This innovative device allows trainers to catch Pokémon, store them, and even interact with them without needing to glance at their phones constantly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to seamlessly connect your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go, ensuring you can maximize your gaming experience.
Understanding the Poké Ball Plus
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand what the Poké Ball Plus is and how it works.
The Poké Ball Plus is a compact controller that acts as both a gaming accessory and a toy for Pokémon fans. It features:
- Motion Controls: You can throw Poké Balls by flicking your wrist, mimicking the actual gameplay experience.
- Vibration Feedback: The device vibrates when you successfully catch a Pokémon or have an encounter, making gameplay feel more immersive.
- Pokémon Storage: Up to 3 Pokémon can be stored within the ball, allowing you to interact with them without the need for your phone.
- Pokémon Sounds: The Poké Ball Plus produces sounds related to the Pokémon you have inside, adding to the excitement.
Now that you understand the features of the Poké Ball Plus, let’s explore the essential steps to connect it to Pokémon Go effectively.
Preparing for Connection
Before connecting your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go, ensure the following preparations are in place:
1. Ensure Your Device is Compatible
The first step is to confirm that your smartphone or tablet is compatible with Pokémon Go and the Poké Ball Plus. The Poké Ball Plus is designed to function with devices running iOS 11 or later and Android 6.0 or later. Make sure your device meets these specifications.
2. Update Your Pokémon Go App
To ensure you have the latest features and improvements, update your Pokémon Go app to the most current version. Frequent updates often include bug fixes and enhancements, which can make the connection process smoother.
3. Charge Your Poké Ball Plus
Before starting the connection process, ensure that your Poké Ball Plus is adequately charged. The device comes with a USB charging cable, allowing you to recharge it easily. A full charge means that you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.
Step-by-Step Connection Process
Now that you’ve prepared your device, it’s time to connect your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go. Follow these straightforward steps for a successful connection:
Step 1: Navigate to Bluetooth Settings
First, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. Go to your device’s settings:
- For iOS Users: Open the “Settings” app, select “Bluetooth,” and toggle it to enable broadcasting.
- For Android Users: Open the “Settings” app, select “Connected devices,” then “Connection preferences,” and enable “Bluetooth.”
Step 2: Prepare the Poké Ball Plus
If you’re initiating your Poké Ball Plus for the first time, you need to put it in pairing mode. To do this:
- Press the joystick on the Poké Ball Plus to wake it.
- Next, press and hold the button at the top for about 3 seconds until you see the light start to flash.
This flashing light indicates that the device is ready to pair with other devices.
Step 3: Open Pokémon Go
With your Bluetooth settings enabled and the Poké Ball Plus in pairing mode, open the Pokémon Go application on your smartphone.
Step 4: Navigate to Settings in Pokémon Go
Inside the app:
- Tap on the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
Step 5: Link the Poké Ball Plus
In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Poké Ball Plus” option. Tap on it, and the app should automatically search for your device. Once the Poké Ball Plus appears in the list, tap it to establish the connection.
Step 6: Confirm the Connection
If the connection is successful, you will receive a confirmation message in Pokémon Go. The Poké Ball Plus will also provide an audio alert, indicating that you are ready to go.
Using the Poké Ball Plus in Pokémon Go
After successfully connecting your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go, it’s time to make the most of its features.
1. Catching Pokémon
With the Poké Ball Plus, you can catch Pokémon without engaging with your smartphone. Simply shake or flick the device in an upward motion, and it will automatically attempt to catch any nearby Pokémon. The device will vibrate and make a sound to indicate your success or failure.
2. Spinning Poké Stops and Gyms
While walking, the Poké Ball Plus can also spin nearby Poké Stops or Gyms. When in range, you just have to shake the device, and it will automatically spin the Poké Stop or Gym, allowing you to collect items without taking out your phone.
3. Interacting with Pokémon
As mentioned earlier, you can store up to three of your favorite Pokémon in the Poké Ball Plus. When you walk with the device, it will track your steps. This not only helps hatch eggs but also allows your Pokémon to gain Candy. You’ll hear a sound when your Pokémon generates Candy.
4. Notifications
Your Poké Ball Plus can notify you of nearby Pokémon encounters, allowing you to react quickly even if your phone is stowed away.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Sometimes, despite following all the steps, you may encounter connection issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
1. Restart Your Devices
Restart both your smartphone and your Poké Ball Plus. Often, a simple reboot helps resolve minor glitches.
2. Re-pair the Device
If you are still having difficulties, you can unpair your Poké Ball Plus and try the connection process again. To do this, go to your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, find the Poké Ball Plus, and select “Forget.” Then, repeat the connection steps.
3. Update Firmware
Check if there are any firmware updates available for the Poké Ball Plus. Connecting the device to a computer might reveal updates that need to be installed.
Conclusion
Connecting your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go unlocks a whole new level of engagement with the game, allowing you to interact with Pokémon on a deeper level while enjoying a more hands-free experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be ready to catch Pokémon, accumulate items, and take full advantage of your device’s capabilities.
The world of Pokémon Go is vast and filled with adventure, and your Poké Ball Plus is the perfect companion for your journey. Take it on walks, explore your local area, and embrace the joys of catching Pokémon like never before. Happy hunting, trainers!
How do I connect my Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go?
To connect your Poké Ball Plus to Pokémon Go, first ensure that the device is charged and turned on. Next, open the Pokémon Go app on your smartphone. If prompted, navigate to the settings menu by tapping on the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen, followed by the gear icon in the top right corner. Look for the option that says “Poké Ball Plus” and select it. Your app will begin to search for available devices.
Once the Pokémon Go app recognizes your Poké Ball Plus, a pairing request will appear. Confirm the connection by following the on-screen instructions. If the connection is successful, you will see a notification indicating that your Poké Ball Plus is ready to use. This will enable you to perform various functions, such as catching Pokémon and spinning PokéStops, directly from your device.
What can I do with my Poké Ball Plus in Pokémon Go?
The Poké Ball Plus enhances your Pokémon Go experience by allowing you to perform several actions hands-free. You can catch wild Pokémon, collect items from PokéStops, and take your Pokémon for walks. As you walk with your Poké Ball Plus, you’ll earn watts and can even unlock special features, like receiving gifts from friends automatically when you pass a PokéStop or catch Pokémon without having to look at your phone screen constantly.
Additionally, the Poké Ball Plus has a built-in speaker and vibration features that provide feedback on your actions. For instance, you’ll hear a sound when you’ve successfully caught a Pokémon or when new items are picked up. This auditory and tactile feedback makes it easier to stay engaged while playing, allowing you to enjoy the game even when your phone is out of reach.
Is the Poké Ball Plus compatible with all smartphones?
The Poké Ball Plus is designed to work with both iOS and Android devices, but compatibility may vary depending on your smartphone model and operating system version. For iOS devices, you will need to have iOS 10 or later installed. For Android devices, ensure that your phone has Bluetooth capabilities and is running Android 6.0 or later to establish a connection with the Poké Ball Plus.
Before purchasing a Poké Ball Plus, it’s wise to check your phone’s specifications and software version to ensure a smooth connection. If your device is not compatible, you won’t be able to connect or utilize the features of the Poké Ball Plus, which could impact your overall Pokémon Go experience.
What should I do if my Poké Ball Plus won’t connect?
If your Poké Ball Plus won’t connect to Pokémon Go, first try restarting both your smartphone and the Poké Ball Plus. To restart the Poké Ball, simply press the button on the device for a few seconds until you see the LED light flash. Once both devices are restarted, attempt to reconnect by navigating back to the settings in Pokémon Go and selecting the Poké Ball Plus option.
If you continue to experience issues, make sure that the Bluetooth on your smartphone is turned on and that there are no other Bluetooth devices connected simultaneously, as this can interfere with the pairing process. If problems persist, consider resetting your Poké Ball Plus by holding down the button for an extended period or checking for any firmware updates that might improve connectivity.
Can I use My Poké Ball Plus while walking?
Absolutely! One of the main features of the Poké Ball Plus is its ability to track your distance while you walk, allowing you to hatch eggs and collect candy with your Pokémon. Once your device is connected to Pokémon Go, you can place it in your pocket or bag and start walking. The Poké Ball Plus will automatically register your steps and reward you as you cover distance.
Keep in mind that the Poké Ball Plus will vibrate and emit sounds to let you know when it has detected a Pokémon nearby or when you’ve approached a PokéStop. This hands-free functionality is especially beneficial for players who enjoy walking, as it allows you to monitor gameplay without constantly checking your phone.
How does the Poké Ball Plus help with catching Pokémon?
The Poké Ball Plus simplifies the catching process considerably by allowing you to capture Pokémon with a simple flick of your wrist. Instead of tossing a Poké Ball from your smartphone screen, you can press the button on the top of the device to throw a Poké Ball once you’re in range of a wild Pokémon. The Poké Ball Plus provides haptic feedback, giving you a tactile response when you successfully catch a Pokémon.
Additionally, using the Poké Ball Plus can increase your chances of catching Pokémon since it operates with a more guided motion than manual throws on the smartphone. However, timing and strategy still play significant roles, so it’s essential to continue focusing on the best moments to throw, especially for challenging Pokémon. The combination of a connected experience and physical interaction makes it a unique tool for many Pokémon trainers.
Does the Poké Ball Plus work with other Pokémon games?
Yes, the Poké Ball Plus is not solely limited to Pokémon Go; it can also be integrated with other Pokémon titles, notably Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch. In these titles, the device allows you to play the game with ease, letting you throw Poké Balls and interact with Pokémon directly via the device.
However, the functionality may vary across different games. While Pokémon Go mainly uses the Poké Ball Plus for catching Pokémon and traveling, the Let’s Go series enables you to use the device as a controller, enhancing the overall gaming experience by merging mobile gaming with console features. It’s a versatile accessory that enhances interactions with Pokémon beyond just one platform.