Soon you'll be able to play Pokémon GO without a cellphone

Niantic is set to release Pokémon GO Plus wrist accessory

The Pokémon GO phenomenon might be receding now in comparison to its summer peak but that in no way suggests that the game does not remain popular.

After crossing 500 million downloads yesterday, Niantic is set to release the Pokémon GO Plus wrist accessory. The bracelet-like device was first set to be launched in late July, but Niantic had delayed it to September.

It’s almost here! Pokémon GO Plus will be available in much of the world on Sept. 16: https://t.co/ZekOacenkl pic.twitter.com/vzeVQH6Ekt

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) September 8, 2016

With the Plus on your wrist, you'll get vibrations and lights when you're near a Pokéstop and you can click it to collect items without having to take out your phone.

Image showing Pokémon Go app PHOTO: REUTERS



The new Catching Pokémon activity type in Google Maps that sits at the same level as running, walking, driving and so on shows the importance of the game among regular users. However, owing to the physical effort needed to catch the characters, interest has been declining. It remains to be seen whether this addition will help revive it by making Pokémon GO more convenient.