Although the Pokémon GO craze seems to be settling down, it continues to prove to be a highly successful game, recently reaching the milestone of more than 500 million downloads on iOS and Android.
Niantic Labs, Nintendo and the Pokémon Company want to continue to make the augmented reality game relevant by releasing updates to the app with new features like Buddy Pokémon as well as launching the Pokémon GO Plus accessory.
Available on Sept. 16 in most countries, the wearable accessory serves as a way to play the game without needing to be on a smartphone. The wristband connects to the player's smartphone via Bluetooth Smart, and will light up and vibrate when the player goes by a PokéStop or a Pokémon is there to catch. The user simply has to press a button on the Pokémon GO Plus to collect items and the pocket monsters, all while their phone remains in their own pockets.
However, those with an Apple Watch or those planning to get the Series 2 wearable might just want to skip purchasing the accessory, because Pokémon GO is coming to the smartwatch.
During Apple's iPhone 7 launch event in San Francisco on Wednesday, the chief executive of Niantic Labs (Pokémon GO's developer) took the stage to announce that the augmented reality game will be available for the Apple Watch before the end of the year.
When comparing the Pokémon GO Plus accessory vs. the Apple Watch Series 2, it seems like a no-brainer as to which is the better way to play the game from your wrist. However, there are pros and cons to both.
First off is price. Of course, Nintendo's accessory is the clear winner in this category, because not everyone wants to or can shell out serious cash for the latest tech gadget, especially if it's just to play a game. The Pokémon GO Plus retails for $34.99, and will be compatible with iOS for the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6s and 6s Plus, as well as with Android devices with 2 GB of RAM or more, with Android 4.4 to 6.0.
Apple Watch Series 2 (which includes the next generation smartphone, the Apple Watch Nike +, Apple Watch Hermès and the Apple Watch Edition in Ceramic) has a starting price of $369 — quite a price tag for those who just want to bring mobile gaming to their wrist. However, chances are, those investing in the smartwatch will also use the various other features, including its smart notifications, fitness features that include swimming and built-in GPS, and the new S2 chip.
Also, while the Pokémon GO Plus allows players to get notifications from the game on their wrist without having to take out their phone, Pokémon GO for the Apple Watch allows them to really feel like they are playing the game the same way as they would on their smartphone.
Having a version of Pokémon GO come to watchOS is huge in its own right, as the app will bring with it a new feature that better tracks how far the player needs to walk before their eggs hatch in the game.
Both wrist options serve as hands-free ways to get alerts in the game and encourage gameplay and for the player to get outside and walk around and continue collecting 'em all, but the Apple Watch version can do more since it will actually track the player's distance, calories burned and time spent moving while playing the game, where each walk counts toward their fitness goals. Finally, there is a way to integrate fitness data with time spent playing Pokémon GO on a smart device.
Many people might actually want to see the Pokémon that are nearby on a screen, which is only doable on the Watch. They will be able to tap on the center button on the smartwatch to throw a Pokéball, but if the creature is not already on their Pokedex, they will need to launch the app on their smartphone.
The Pokémon GO Plus accessory and the Apple Watch Series 2 will both be available on Sept. 16, but those preordering the new smartwatches will have to wait until later in the month and even for October for certain options, like the Apple Watch Nike +. The release date for Pokémon GO for the Apple Watch is not yet confirmed.
Either option allows players to not be glued to their smartphone screens. It all comes down to price and if they really need another screen to play the game. However, for those already thinking about buying a new Apple Watch, having Pokémon GO on their wrist in this way only makes it that much cooler.
