The best Pokémon GO Plus + alternative in 2026 is a rechargeable auto-catcher that delivers the same hands-free auto-catch and auto-spin for less money. If you love the idea of the official Pokémon GO Plus + but not the $54.99 price tag — or you keep finding it out of stock — the Pokémon GO Plus Advance does the same core job for $34.99 with free worldwide shipping. Here's an honest, side-by-side look so you can decide.
Quick answer: Pokémon GO Plus + vs the Pokémon GO Plus Advance
| Official Pokémon GO Plus + | Pokémon GO Plus Advance | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.99 | $34.99 (save $20) |
| Auto-catch Pokémon | Yes* | Yes |
| Auto-spin PokéStops | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Yes — USB-C |
| Auto / Manual switch | No physical switch | Yes |
| Shipping | Varies by retailer | Free worldwide |
| Official? | Yes (Nintendo) | No — independent, unofficial |
*The GO Plus + auto-throws standard Poké Balls at species you've already caught. New species, and Great/Ultra Balls, still need a manual button press.
What is the Pokémon GO Plus +?
The Pokémon GO Plus + (often searched as "Pokémon GO Plus Plus") is Nintendo's official wearable accessory, released in July 2023 at a $54.99 MSRP. It connects to your phone over Bluetooth and can play in the background while your phone stays in your pocket. Compared with the original 2016 Pokémon GO Plus, it added three big upgrades:
- A built-in rechargeable battery — no more swapping CR2032 coin batteries.
- Auto-catch and auto-spin — it can throw Poké Balls and collect from PokéStops on its own.
- Pokémon Sleep tracking — lay it flat at night and it logs your sleep.
It's a genuinely good device. But there's a catch (pun intended): it auto-throws Poké Balls only at Pokémon you've already caught. New species flash and wait for you to press the button, and choosing a Great or Ultra Ball also needs a press. So it's "mostly hands-free," not fully automatic.
Why trainers look for a Pokémon GO Plus + alternative
Search Reddit or Amazon and the same handful of frustrations come up again and again:
- The price. At $54.99 it's the most expensive first-party Pokémon GO accessory ever, and it rarely goes on sale.
- Stock. It frequently sells out and resells for more than retail.
- You can't turn off the lights and buzz. Every catch flashes and vibrates — the device's "silent mode" only mutes the sleep sounds, not the catch alerts. Not ideal at night or in the car.
- It's not fully automatic. New species and higher-tier balls still need a button press.
If those trade-offs bug you, a third-party auto-catcher can give you the convenience for less. That's exactly where the Pokémon GO Plus Advance comes in.
Meet the Pokémon GO Plus Advance
The Pokémon GO Plus Advance is a compact, rechargeable auto-catcher that's compatible with Pokémon GO. Flip the switch to Auto and it catches wild Pokémon and spins PokéStops for you, completely hands-free, while you walk, work, or commute. It's built to fix the exact things trainers complain about:
- $34.99, not $54.99 — the same core auto-catch + auto-spin convenience for $20 less.
- USB-C rechargeable — charge it with any USB-C cable you already own. No proprietary plug, no disposable coin batteries.
- A real Auto / Manual switch — flip to Auto for full hands-free play, or Manual when you want to control every throw.
- Fully automatic catching and spinning — set it and forget it.
- Free worldwide shipping and a 30-day return guarantee.
In the box you get the device, a comfortable silicone wristband, and the USB-C charging cable — everything you need to start playing hands-free.
Pokémon GO Plus + vs Pokémon GO Plus Advance: which should you buy?
Buy the official Pokémon GO Plus + if you specifically want Pokémon Sleep tracking, or you only ever buy first-party hardware and don't mind paying $54.99.
Buy the Pokémon GO Plus Advance if your priority is simple, affordable, fully automatic catching and spinning — and you'd rather keep $20 in your pocket, charge over USB-C, and ship free anywhere in the world.
How does it compare to Go-tcha and Brook auto-catchers?
The Pokémon GO Plus + isn't the only rival. The two best-known third-party brands are Datel's Go-tcha and Brook's Pocket Auto Catch line. Both work well, but each has trade-offs the Advance avoids:
- Go-tcha Evolve (~$45) charges through a small plastic USB plug hidden under the strap, which reviewers widely call fragile — and durability complaints are common. The Advance uses a normal USB-C port instead.
- Brook's flagship models run from about $65 up to $79.99 and use a proprietary charging cable. The Advance gives you auto-catch and auto-spin at $34.99 and charges off any USB-C cable.
For a full breakdown of every device, see our auto-catcher comparison.
Is a Pokémon GO Plus + alternative worth it?
For most everyday trainers, yes. If you mainly want to rack up PokéStop spins, hatch eggs, earn Buddy candy, and catch common spawns without staring at your phone, an auto-catcher pays for itself in convenience fast — and the Pokémon GO Plus Advance delivers that for the lowest price of any rechargeable, fully-automatic option we've covered.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pokémon GO Plus Advance the same as the Pokémon GO Plus +?
No. The Pokémon GO Plus + is Nintendo's official device. The Pokémon GO Plus Advance is an independent, unofficial accessory that is compatible with Pokémon GO and offers similar hands-free auto-catch and auto-spin at a lower price.
Does the Pokémon GO Plus Advance need to be charged?
Yes — it has a built-in rechargeable battery and charges over USB-C with the included cable. There are no disposable coin batteries to buy, unlike the original 2016 Pokémon GO Plus.
Does it auto-catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops automatically?
Yes. Switch it to Auto mode and it catches wild Pokémon and spins PokéStops hands-free. Prefer to stay in control? Flip the switch to Manual and tap to act.
Is it compatible with Pokémon GO?
Yes, it's designed to work with the Pokémon GO app over Bluetooth. It is an unofficial accessory and is not affiliated with Nintendo, Niantic, or The Pokémon Company.
How much does it cost and is shipping free?
The Pokémon GO Plus Advance is $34.99 (compare-at $69.99) with free worldwide shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Check current availability here.
Ready to play hands-free for less? Get the Pokémon GO Plus Advance for $34.99 →
Pokémon GO Plus Advance is a 100% unofficial product and is NOT sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Nintendo, Niantic, or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon and Pokémon GO are trademarks of their respective owners. This accessory is compatible with the Pokémon GO™ app. Prices and third-party product details are accurate as of publication and may change.