While players can't use the Pokeball Plus controller to play Pokemon Sword and Shield like they could in Pokemon Let's Go, it is still possible to use the controller to take their Pokemon on walks and earn some rewards.

Transferring a Pokemon to a Pokeball Plus using Pokemon Sword and Shield only requires a few things. Making sure that the Pokeball Plus controller is fully charged is a good first step. The game never explicitly tells players how to transfer Pokemon into a Pokeball Plus, and that may make it a bit confusing. However, it isn't terribly complicated, and it's just one of the many hidden mechanics in the game.

RELATED: Where to Get the Pokemon Sword and Shield Shiny Charm

Put a Pokemon into a Pokeball Plus

pokeball-plus (1)

While playing Pokemon Sword and Shield, access the menu and navigate to the Mystery Gift option. Selecting that option presents a menu with the option "Take a Stroll with Pokeball Plus." Selecting that option and then pressing the control stick or top button on the Pokeball Plus will attempt the pair the controller with the Nintendo Switch. If successful, the game will ask which Pokemon the player wants to take on a stroll. Select a Pokemon. The Pokeball Plus will emit the sound of that Pokemon's cry to signify that the Pokemon was successfully transferred.

What Pokemon Can Do in a Pokeball Plus

As soon as a Pokemon is in a Pokeball Plus, stats such as "walked together," "played," "called out," and more will start to be tracked. Simply moving around with the Pokeball Plus controller will track distance traveled and increase the "walked together" stat. Not to be confused with running around the game's large, open Wild Area, players actually are meant to move around in real life as the controller acts as a "step counter." To play with a Pokemon, press and hold the control stick until a light glows in the middle of the controller. The light means that the Pokemon has "woken up" and is ready to play. Once awoken, players can rotate the control stick slowly or shake the ball. If done correctly, the Pokemon will emit a cry. To make the Pokemon go back to sleep, just press the top button.

Put a Pokemon Back into Sword and Shield

Reversing the process to put a Pokemon into a Pokeball Plus will put them back into Pokemon Sword and Shield. Make sure that the Pokeball Plus controller is near the Nintendo Switch and navigate back to the Mystery Gift option in the Menu. Select "Take a Stroll with Pokeball Plus" and the game will ask the player to end the stroll. Ending the stroll will reveal stat totals and give players rewards. Hopefully, future DLC for the game will allow for a larger selection of Pokemon to use with this feature in Sword in Shield.

Pokemon Sword and Shield is out now for the Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Pokemon Sword and Shield: How to Farm Shiny Raid Pokemon