Today is an exciting day for Pokemon fans, as both Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are now available worldwide. Players who are interested in picking up the game, but are still undecided on which version to get can check out our guide that highlights the key differences in each version. Moreover, the Poke Ball Plus, which is purchased separately, or as a bundle with a copy of the game, is also available today.

Poke Ball Plus Basics

The Poke Ball Plus serves as an additional controller that is compatible with the Pokemon Let’s Go games. Its primary function is to provide players an alternative device to navigate around, and most importantly, to catch creatures in-game by “throwing” the device (don’t forget to attach the included wrist strap!) towards the screen. Players who decide to purchase the bundle will be getting a copy of the game, the Poke Ball controller itself, and a USB cable to charge the device.

The controller is quite small, which is about the size of a standard golf ball. It is surprisingly heavy, as the device contains motion-control mechanisms inside and sports two buttons. While it may seem lacking at first, it is enough to navigate and control the simplified version of the game. The Poke Ball’s center doubles as a joystick that makes navigation easy, and can also be pressed to function as a standard A button to select attacks and items from the player’s bag.

On the other hand, the hidden red button on top will allow players to cancel selections and exit menu screens. As a mystery gift, every Poke Ball Plus contains a Mew inside, which is currently the only known way of acquiring the mythical creature. Of course, given that the game has just been released, it is still possible that there will be another way to catch Mew, even without a Poke Ball Plus.

How the Poke Ball Plus Works

The biggest feature of the Poke Ball Plus is that it allows players to “throw” the device when attempting to catch a Pokemon. Once the player successfully tosses a Poke Ball, the joystick will light up with a yellow indicator at first when the Pokemon is still struggling to free itself, and then a green indicator once the creature is successfully caught, or a red light if it manages to escape the Poke Ball.

While it seems like a minor feature since players are more likely to be looking at the screen rather than the device, it is still a welcome addition that adds a sense of authenticity. Also, when the player goes out for a stroll with their Pokemon, the device will light up depending on the type of creature inside (Yellow for Electric, Red for Fire, etc). The Poke Ball plus also rumbles in certain situations, has an eight-hour battery life, and players can even hear the captured Pokemon inside.

Given the availability of two-player co-op in Pokemon Let’s Go, one player can use a single Joy-Con to navigate around the game, while the other can use the Poke Ball Plus to aid the first player by being responsible for catching the Pokemon. Of course, a Poke Ball Plus is not required to play co-op; the other player can just use the second Joy-Con instead. Moreover, the device also doubles as a fully functioning Pokemon GO Plus that players can connect with their smartphone.

While Pokemon Let’s Go is not for everyone given its simplified mechanics, it is still a fun game to play and the Poke Ball Plus adds an exciting experience to how players would usually play a Pokemon game. It also brings out the inner kid to adult players who may wish that the Poke Ball Plus existed during their childhood. The device was initially revealed six months ago together with the announcement of both Pokemon Let’s Go games.

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are now available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.