Trainers, a new in-game item that could fundamentally change we Trainers play Pokémon GO has been spotted in the game’s code. According to a recent datamine by the ever-watching PokeMiners, Scopely is working on an item called the Explorer Gadget, which appears to replicate the functionality of physical auto-catching devices like the GO Plus and Gotcha.
You read it right – there is a good chance we are getting a virtual GO Plus that anyone can use! Here’s everything we know.
Datamining warning
The Explorer Gadget has been discovered via datamining and has not been officially announced by Scopely. Details may change at any time, or the feature may not be released.
What is the Explorer Gadget?
The Explorer Gadget is described in the code as:
“A gadget that automatically throws Poké Balls and spins PokéStops for you while exploring. Automatically throw Poké Balls and spin PokéStops when Pokémon GO is closed. You can use it once daily.”
In short, this would allow Trainers to automatically catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops without needing an external device. Interestingly, there are a few pieces of translation text that reference the daily usage, and it looks like you will be able to activate it just once per day, unlike the physical devices.
These features already exist in Pokémon GO through official accessories like the Pokémon GO Plus+, but this would mark the first time they are available directly in-game. At present, Trainers must purchase devices like the GO Plus or GO Plus+ to access auto-catching features. These accessories can cost upwards of $100, and require charging, pairing, and regular reconnection. The Explorer Gadget could remove all of that friction by offering a fully digital alternative, potentially making auto-catching far more accessible.
Of course, it’s likely that this functionality will come at a cost. Scopely could introduce it as part of a monthly pass, or tie it to consumable in-game energy used to power the Explorer Gadget. If the price is right, well, we might buy it ourselves.
How Will It Be Monetized?
While Scopely has not even officially announced the Explorer Gadget, nor acknowledged it’s leakage, the community is already speculating on how it might be released and priced. Not everyone is this enthusiastic about the news, as Reddit has offered a slew of differing opinions. Here are a few ideas that sprout up in this reddit thread:
- Premium item in the in-game shop
- Part of event tickets or bundles
- Limited-use item (like the Infinite Incubator model)
- Subscription-based feature
Trainer sentiment is predictably sour, and we tend to agree with that:
- “We won’t know until they release more info on it. I can’t imagine it will be a permanent item. It feels like it’ll either be a GO Pass item for a month or a separate subscription thing entirely.” – aznknight613
- “Incoming monthly subscription item 🫥” – Widowmaker55
- “Guaranteed you’ll have to pay for this. There’s no way a feature like this would be free” – nintendude1229
Final Thoughts
The Explorer Gadget has not been officially announced yet, and all information is based on datamined content that may change or never be released. However, if implemented, it could become one of the most impactful quality-of-life additions in Pokémon GO’s history. Whether it ends up being a fair upgrade or another premium feature will depend entirely on how Niantic chooses to roll it out.
