Pokemon Go accessories extend the game beyond your phone screen — letting you catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops automatically while your phone stays in your pocket, check the IVs of your caught Pokemon, and track your gameplay stats. The right accessories save hours of manual tapping and dramatically increase the number of Pokemon you catch passively. This guide covers every major Pokemon Go accessory in 2026: the official Pokemon Go Plus+ device, third-party auto-catchers (Go-tcha Ranger, Go-tcha Evolve), IV checking apps (IV Go, Calcy IV), and Pokemon ranking tools.
For tips on earning PokeCoins to spend in the Pokemon Go shop — including during events when accessories help most — see our guide to Pokemon Go coins, shop, and how to earn PokeCoins free.
Why Use Pokemon Go Accessories?
The core benefit of Pokemon Go accessories is passive gameplay — catching Pokemon and spinning PokeStops without actively looking at your phone. This matters for several reasons:
- Walking efficiency: You can walk your Buddy Pokemon, hatch eggs, and earn distance-based progress while commuting, working out, or doing daily errands without keeping the app open
- Item farming: Auto-spinning PokeStops while walking or driving passively fills your bag with Poke Balls, Potions, and Berries — reducing the need to manually visit stops
- Candy farming: Auto-catching Pokemon earns Candy for those species passively — useful for powering up and evolving specific Pokemon
- Shiny hunting efficiency: Auto-catchers check encounters automatically — useful during events with boosted shiny rates when you want to encounter as many Pokemon as possible quickly
- Battery and screen preservation: Using an accessory means your phone screen can stay off or the app can run in the background, saving battery compared to keeping the screen on continuously
Pokemon Go Plus+ — Official Niantic Accessory
The Pokemon Go Plus+ (also written Pokemon Go Plus Plus) is Niantic’s official Pokemon Go accessory — an updated version of the original Pokemon Go Plus wearable. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and vibrates/lights up when Pokemon or PokeStops are nearby.
Pokemon Go Plus+ Features
| Feature | Details |
| Auto-catch | Automatically attempts to catch nearby Pokemon with a standard Poke Ball |
| Auto-spin | Automatically spins nearby PokeStops and Gyms |
| Pikmin Bloom sync | Also works with Niantic’s Pikmin Bloom game |
| Sleep tracking | ‘Pokemon Sleep’ integration — tracks sleep patterns |
| Wearable design | Wristband form factor; clip included |
| Battery | Rechargeable via USB-C — approximately 3 days battery life |
| Connection | Bluetooth Low Energy; pairs with one phone at a time |
| Price | $49.99 USD (official Niantic/Nintendo retail price) |
Pokemon Go Plus+ Price — Where to Buy
The Pokemon Go Plus+ retails for $49.99 USD. It is available from:
- Pokemon Center (pokemoncenter.com) — official Niantic/Nintendo store
- Amazon — often at or near retail price; check for third-party sellers
- GameStop, Best Buy, Target — retail availability varies by region
Pokemon Go Plus+ vs Original Pokemon Go Plus
| Feature | Go Plus (original) | Go Plus+ |
| Auto-catch | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-spin | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | Replaceable coin battery (~7 days) | Rechargeable USB-C (~3 days) |
| Pokemon Sleep sync | No | Yes |
| Pikmin Bloom sync | No | Yes |
| Price | Discontinued ($20-30 used) | $49.99 new |
| Verdict | Still works; cheaper used | Better features; rechargeable |
Pokemon Go Plus+ Limitations
- Only uses standard Poke Balls for auto-catch — Great Balls and Ultra Balls are not used automatically
- If the auto-catch attempt fails, the Pokemon flees — you do not get a second chance with the Plus+
- Requires Bluetooth connection — drains phone battery faster than no accessory
- One game at a time — cannot simultaneously sync Pokemon Go and Pokemon Sleep in active use
- Cannot auto-catch Legendary or Mythical raid Pokemon
Go-tcha — Third-Party Auto-Catcher
The Go-tcha (developed by Datel, sold as Datel Go-tcha) is a third-party Pokemon Go auto-catcher that provides more automation than the official Go Plus+. The Go-tcha connects via Bluetooth in the same way as the Go Plus+ and exploits the same Pokemon Go API — it is not officially approved by Niantic but operates in a gray area that Niantic has historically tolerated.
Go-tcha Ranger vs Go-tcha Evolve — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Go-tcha Ranger | Go-tcha Evolve |
| Form factor | Wristband | Wristband (slightly updated design) |
| Auto-catch | Yes — fully automatic | Yes — fully automatic |
| Auto-spin | Yes — fully automatic | Yes — fully automatic |
| Screen | Small LED screen | Small OLED screen (improved) |
| Battery | Rechargeable — ~2 days | Rechargeable — ~2 days |
| Price | ~$30-35 | ~$35-45 |
| Key advantage | Lower price; proven reliable | Better display; updated design |
Go-tcha vs Pokemon Go Plus+ — Which Is Better?
The key difference between Go-tcha and Pokemon Go Plus+ is automation level:
- Go Plus+ requires a button press to confirm each catch and PokeStop spin — it vibrates/lights up and you press the button. This semi-automatic approach means you still interact with the device
- Go-tcha catches Pokemon and spins PokeStops fully automatically without any button press — once set up, it runs completely hands-free
For most players who want true passive play, the Go-tcha’s full automation makes it more convenient than the Go Plus+. The Go Plus+ has the advantage of being the official Niantic product with Pokemon Sleep integration. If Pokemon Sleep is not important to you and you want hands-free Pokemon catching, the Go-tcha is the better value choice at $30-45 versus the Go Plus+’s $49.99.
Is Using Go-tcha Against Pokemon Go Rules?
Niantic’s Terms of Service prohibit the use of unauthorized third-party software and devices that automate gameplay. However, Go-tcha operates through the same Bluetooth API as the official Go Plus and Go Plus+ — it connects as a legitimate accessory, not as modified game code. Niantic has not taken action against Go-tcha users historically, and the devices remain widely sold and used. That said, using any third-party auto-catcher technically sits outside Niantic’s officially sanctioned accessory list. Use at your own discretion.
IV Go and Calcy IV — Pokemon IV Checker Apps
IV (Individual Values) are hidden stats that determine a Pokemon’s potential strength in Pokemon Go. Each Pokemon has three IVs — Attack, Defense, and HP — each ranging from 0 to 15. Perfect IVs (15/15/15) mean a Pokemon has the highest possible stats for its species. IV checking apps reveal these hidden values without going through Pokemon Go’s official (and limited) appraisal system.
What Is IV Go?
IV Go (also written as ivgo or iv go pokemon go in searches) refers to apps and tools that check Pokemon IVs in Pokemon Go. The most widely used IV checking app is Calcy IV (Android) and PokeGenie (iOS). These apps:
- Read your Pokemon’s CP, HP, and level to calculate its exact IVs
- Show you each Pokemon’s IV percentage (e.g., 96% = one stat at 14, rest at 15)
- Let you filter your Pokemon storage to find the best IVs for raiding or PvP
- Calculate which Pokemon are worth powering up based on IVs and your play style
Calcy IV — Android IV Checker
Calcy IV is the most popular IV checking app for Android Pokemon Go players. It runs as an overlay on top of Pokemon Go — tap a Pokemon and Calcy IV instantly displays its IVs, CP potential, league rankings (Great League, Ultra League, Master League), and whether it is worth keeping. Key features:
- Real-time overlay: No need to switch apps — Calcy IV displays results as a floating widget over Pokemon Go
- PvP rankings: Shows how each Pokemon ranks in GO Battle League PvP formats
- Bulk appraisal: Scan multiple Pokemon quickly without manually checking each one
- Export data: Export your Pokemon data to Pokegenie or other tools for deeper analysis
PokeGenie — iOS IV Checker
PokeGenie is the primary IV checking app for iOS (iPhone) Pokemon Go players. Because iOS restricts the kind of screen overlay access that Calcy IV uses on Android, PokeGenie works by analyzing screenshots. Take a screenshot of a Pokemon’s stats page, open PokeGenie, and it reads the screenshot to calculate IVs. The result is slightly less immediate than Calcy IV’s overlay but fully functional. PokeGenie also includes:
- Remote raid management: PokeGenie has a built-in remote raid lobby system for coordinating raids with other players
- Raid counter suggestions: Shows optimal counter Pokemon for the current raid boss
- Team builder: Helps build optimal PvP teams based on your available Pokemon
Pokemon Ranker — Tier Lists and Ranking Tools
Pokemon ranker tools help you understand which Pokemon are strongest for specific content — raids, PvP battles, or gym defense. Key ranking resources:
Gamepress Pokemon Go
Gamepress (gamepress.gg/pokemongo) is one of the longest-running and most comprehensive Pokemon Go community databases. It provides:
- Pokemon tier lists: Rankings for the best raid attackers by type, overall raid DPS rankings, and PvP meta rankings
- Raid guides: Specific raid boss counter teams with damage calculations
- Event coverage: Analysis of event rewards and which Pokemon are worth grinding
- Move databases: Detailed damage per second (DPS) calculations for every move
Pokebattler — Raid Counter Calculator
Pokebattler (pokebattler.com) is the definitive tool for raid counter optimization. It calculates the exact best Pokemon team to use against any raid boss based on your specific Pokemon’s IVs and moves. Unlike general tier lists, Pokebattler accounts for your actual Pokemon’s stats — not theoretical perfect IV Pokemon — giving you personalized raid team recommendations.
PvPoke — PvP Team Builder
PvPoke (pvpoke.com) is the leading tool for Pokemon Go PvP (GO Battle League) analysis. It ranks Pokemon by their effectiveness in Great League (1,500 CP limit), Ultra League (2,500 CP limit), and Master League (no CP limit), and simulates battles to show win rates against the current meta. For players interested in competitive GO Battle League play, PvPoke is an essential resource.
Other Useful Pokemon Go Accessories and Tools
Portable Battery Bank
Pokemon Go drains phone battery quickly — particularly when using GPS, Bluetooth (for auto-catchers), and keeping the screen on. A portable battery bank (power bank) is arguably the most practical Pokemon Go accessory for serious players. For Community Day events where you play for 3+ hours continuously, a 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank keeps your phone charged throughout. Look for power banks with fast charging support and enough capacity for 2-3 full phone charges.
Phone Mount for Cycling or Walking
Players who cover a lot of distance to hatch eggs and earn buddy candy often use phone mounts for bicycles, strollers, or walking rigs. These keep your phone accessible while keeping your hands free. Look for mounts with vibration dampening if using on a bicycle — excessive vibration can be detected by some phone sensors and flagged by app tracking systems.
Pokemon Go Plus UK — Availability Note
Players in the UK searching for ‘Pokemon Go Plus UK’ should note that the Pokemon Go Plus+ is officially available through UK retailers including Argos, Game, and Amazon UK. Pricing in GBP reflects the $49.99 USD retail price converted to approximately £39.99-£44.99 depending on retailer and exchange rate. Third-party sellers on Amazon UK also sell Go-tcha devices — the same models available in the US.
For the Pokemon Go events calendar including Community Day dates when accessories help most, see our complete guide to Pokemon Go Community Day, events, and lucky Pokemon — 2026 guide.
To buy the official Pokemon Go Plus+ accessory, see the Pokemon Go Plus+ at Pokemon Center — official Niantic accessory. For the Go-tcha Ranger and Evolve auto-catchers, search for Go-tcha Pokemon Go auto-catcher on Amazon.
One accessory combination that many experienced Pokemon Go players settle on is the Go-tcha Ranger paired with a high-capacity battery bank. The Go-tcha handles all Pokemon catching and PokeStop spinning automatically while the battery bank keeps the phone charged — together they enable fully passive Pokemon Go sessions during commutes, workouts, or daily walks that require zero active phone interaction. Some players report collecting 200-400 Pokemon encounters per day using this setup on a standard commute route, compared to 20-50 with manual play. The Calcy IV or PokeGenie app then quickly identifies which of those passively caught Pokemon are worth keeping based on IVs, and the rest are transferred to Professor Willow for Candy. This workflow — passive catching via auto-catcher, quick IV scanning, bulk transfer — is the most time-efficient way to build a strong Pokemon Go collection without spending hours actively playing.
Bottom Line
| Best official accessory | Pokemon Go Plus+ ($49.99) — USB-C rechargeable; Pokemon Sleep sync |
| Best auto-catcher | Go-tcha Ranger (~$30-35) — fully automatic; no button press needed |
| Go Plus+ vs Go-tcha | Go Plus+ = semi-auto (button press); Go-tcha = fully automatic |
| Best IV checker (Android) | Calcy IV — real-time overlay; instant IVs |
| Best IV checker (iOS) | PokeGenie — screenshot-based; includes remote raid tools |
| Best raid counter tool | Pokebattler.com — personalized to your specific Pokemon |
| Best PvP tool | PvPoke.com — Great/Ultra/Master League rankings |
| Most practical accessory | Portable battery bank — keeps phone charged during long sessions |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Pokemon Go accessory?
The best Pokemon Go accessory depends on your priority. For official support and Pokemon Sleep integration, the Pokemon Go Plus+ ($49.99) is the top choice. For hands-free automatic catching and spinning without pressing buttons, the Go-tcha Ranger (~$30-35) is the better value option. For IV checking on Android, Calcy IV is the best free app. For raid planning, Pokebattler.com is the essential tool. Most serious players use an auto-catcher plus a battery bank as their core accessory setup.
What is the Pokemon Go Plus+ price?
The Pokemon Go Plus+ retails for $49.99 USD. It is available from the official Pokemon Center (pokemoncenter.com), Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. In the UK, it is approximately £39.99-£44.99 from retailers including Argos, Game, and Amazon UK. Prices may vary by retailer and region.
What is the Go-tcha and is it safe to use?
The Go-tcha (by Datel) is a third-party Pokemon Go auto-catcher that connects via Bluetooth and automatically catches Pokemon and spins PokeStops without any button press. It connects through the same API as the official Go Plus+. Niantic’s Terms of Service technically prohibit unauthorized third-party devices, but Niantic has not historically taken action against Go-tcha users. Use at your own discretion — the risk is low but not zero.
What is IV Go in Pokemon Go?
‘IV Go’ refers to IV checking tools for Pokemon Go — apps that reveal the hidden IV stats (0-15 in Attack, Defense, and HP) of your caught Pokemon. The top IV checking apps are Calcy IV (Android) — which shows IVs as a real-time overlay — and PokeGenie (iOS) — which analyzes screenshots of your Pokemon. Both apps are free and help you identify which Pokemon are worth powering up for raids and PvP.
What is Gamepress Pokemon Go?
Gamepress (gamepress.gg/pokemongo) is a comprehensive community database for Pokemon Go providing tier lists, raid guides, move analysis, and event coverage. It is one of the best resources for understanding which Pokemon are strongest for specific content. For raid counter teams specifically, Pokebattler.com is more accurate as it personalizes recommendations to your actual Pokemon’s IVs rather than theoretical maximums.
