Alongside the announcement of Pokémon: Let's Go for Nintendo Switch, the company unveiled a new controller that you can use instead of your Joy-Cons to catch 'em all. With the Poké Ball Plus, you can also use it to catch your favorite Pokémon GO characters similar to the way the wrist-worn Pokémon GO Plus works. If you're wondering how it works, how much it costs, and when you can get one, you're in the right place.
What's new with Poké Ball Plus?
June 13: 2018: Poké Ball Plus now available to preorder in the U.S.!
It looks like Amazon's preorder page for the Poké Ball Plus is finally live! Preorder it now before they run out!
If you want to get a Poké Ball Plus bundle pack with Pokémon Let's Go! Eevee, check out this great deal before it sells out!
You can pre-order the Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee! Pokeball Plus Bundle for Nintendo Switch
June 12, 2018: Exclusive Mythical Mew comes with Poké Ball Plus!
Nintendo unveiled today a special bonus item that comes with your Poké Ball Plus: Mew! That's right. Hidden inside the Nintendo Switch controller is the elusive, yet powerful Mew, which isn't otherwise available in Pokémon Let's Go at all! You'll be able to transfer your Mew to your Nintendo Switch game — Pikuchu or Eevee — and add the special little Pokémon to your collection!
The Poké Ball Plus is not just a great way to control and interact with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!—it also contains a very special bonus. Tucked away inside the Poké Ball Plus is the Mythical Pokémon Mew, and you'll be able to bring it from there into your version of the new Nintendo Switch game where it can become a member of your team!Mew cannot be obtained by any other means in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, making it a extraordinary treat for owners of the Poké Ball Plus.
The Mythical Pokémon Mew awaits you in the #PokeBallPlus! Trainers who pick up this special accessory will be able to add Mew to their #PokemonLetsGo Pikachu or #PokemonLetsGo Eevee team! https://t.co/vwaeeWxGzI #E32018 pic.twitter.com/7IxKveJPqwThe Mythical Pokémon Mew awaits you in the #PokeBallPlus! Trainers who pick up this special accessory will be able to add Mew to their #PokemonLetsGo Pikachu or #PokemonLetsGo Eevee team! https://t.co/vwaeeWxGzI #E32018 pic.twitter.com/7IxKveJPqw— Pokémon (@Pokemon) June 12, 2018June 12, 2018
June 8, 2019: Pokéball Plus preorders go live in EU and UK.
Nintendo's Pokéball shaped controller for the upcoming Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Pokémon Let's Go Eevee, as well as Pokémon GO for mobile devices, appear to be rolling out preorders right now around the world.
As first discovered by Nintendo Life, preorders have begun rolling out on Amazon in the EU and UK.
The Poké Ball Plus controller costs £49.99, which is pretty steep for a controller that only works on one game on Nintendo Switch. Considering the Pokémon GO Plus only costs $35, it's definitely a steep investment for Pokéfans.
May 29, 2018: Nintendo announces Poké Ball Plus controller
Guess what Poké fans? You'll be able to play Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu, Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee, and PokéMon GO with a real Pokéball! You can pair it with your Switch and use it in place of your Joy-Con or connect it to your mobile device and use it while your out on a Pokémon GO adventure. Nintendo just announced that it will be available alongside Pokémon: Let's Go on November 16, 2018.
How does Poké Ball Plus work with Nintendo Switch?
It works like a Joy-Con controller. In Pokémon: Let's Go, you'll be able to throw Pokéballs in the game by flicking the Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus. Catching a Pokémon in Let's Go is similar to the way you'd catch one in Pokémon GO.
The Poké Ball Plus controller has motion controls, vibration, sound, and colorful lights that will glow to show you the status of your catch.
The latch on the front of the Poké Ball Plus is used as a navigation and movement joystick so you can walk around in the RPG part of the game.
When you're ready to catch a Pokémon, you can click the button on top to initiate the process. Then, flick the Poké Ball Plus to simulate throwing a Pokéball and watch as your favorite characters get added to your Pokédex.
When you catch a Pokémon, your Poké Ball Plus will light up and vibrate in your hand, and you'll hear the Pokémon let out its unique cry—you'll think there's really a Pokémon inside!
When you're ready to battle another trainer, you can use the Poké Ball Plus to select and confirm your moves, too.
How does Poké Ball Plus work with Pokémon GO on my phone?
Poké Ball Plus works similar to the Pokémon GO Plus wrist-worn device does.
When you're out on a Poké walk, the Poké Ball Plus will light up and vibrate to let you know that a Pokémon is nearby. You can press the button on top to trigger the Pokéball throw. If you're successful, the Poké Ball Plus will light up and vibrate to let you know.
You can also use the Poké Ball Plus as a movement tracker to count your steps so you can hatch Eggs and get Candy.
Can I use it with non-Pokémon games?
Nope. Sorry. Nintendo clearly states on its Poké Ball Plus page that the controller is only compatible with Pokémon: Let's Go on Switch or Pokémon GO on mobile devices at launch (maybe things will change after its initial release?).
I heard that I can carry a Pokémon around inside of it
You heard correct. Pick a Pokémon in your game to transfer it to the Poké Ball Plus. Then, head out for a stroll. When you want to play with it, you can shake it, pet it, and listen for your Pokémon's call!
How much does it cost?
Nintendo neglected to mention the price of this little gem. If I were a guessing person, I'd wager it'll be about $50. Considering the Pokémon GO Plus costs $35 and it doesn't even work as a controller for Nintendo Switch, the Poké Ball Plus is probably not going to come cheap.
When can I get one?
It'll launch along with Pokémon: Let's Go on November 16, 2018. There currently isn't any preorder information available, but we'll be sure to update you as soon as we find out. You don't want them to sell out before you get yours!
Any more questions?
Do you have any other questions about Poké Ball Plus? Put them in the comments and I'll answer with any official information I get.
