Recent datamine hints at a future virtual item that works almost similarly to the Pokémon GO Plus +, a physical accessory that lets you capture Pokémon without actually playing the game.
According to newly mined information from PokéMiners, Pokémon GO is about to release an item labeled as the Explorer Gadget, bearing a text description resembling the functionality of an auto-catcher.
Although the item already exists in the game’s files, features uncovered through datamining are always subject to change and could be altered or removed at any time.
Still, the potential addition of an auto-catcher-like item has drawn mixed reactions from players on Reddit, with some speculating that it could end up as another paywalled feature.
Here are all the things you need to know about the Explorer Gadget, according to the latest datamine, as well as its possible implications in the game.
How does the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon GO work?
The Explorer Gadget is an item that can “automatically throw Poké Balls and spin PokéStops while Pokémon GO is closed.” Datamined text also suggests that it can only be used once per day, functioning similarly to the Daily Adventure Incense, which deactivates after a set duration.
No additional details have been revealed about the Explorer Gadget yet, including how it can be obtained, which Poké Balls it can automatically throw, or whether it will work when Pokémon GO is closed and the player is not traveling.
What the Explorer Gadget means
Regardless if it is going to be a free feature or not, the Explorer Gadget may provide some layer of efficiency for players who want to grind XP or maximize their chances of stumbling upon a wild Shiny or a Pokémon with 100% IVs.
Additionally, the consumable nature of this item could make it a potential reward in event-exclusive paid timed research, premium passes, or event tickets. This makes it a compelling option, especially for players who don’t want to spend over a hundred dollars on a Pokémon GO Plus+.
On the flip side, many players could be disappointed if the Explorer Gadget ends up being available only through a subscription. For serious Pokémon GO players, purchasing the accessory outright might then become the more appealing choice.
The Explorer Gadget could also cause an uproar among auto-catcher owners, especially those who just bought one. Imagine spending money, only for the game to make the same feature obtainable simply by playing.
All about auto-catchers in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO has come a long way indeed, celebrating its 10th anniversary throughout 2026. With its unique gameplay mechanic that encourages players to literally “go” outside and explore the real world for wild Pokémon, the game naturally promotes physical activity while keeping your attention split between your surroundings and the virtual world on your phone.
However, since players cannot always stay active while traveling, The Pokémon Company introduced the Pokémon GO Plus in 2016, a physical auto-catcher that connects to a Pokémon GO account and automates tasks like catching Pokémon and spinning PokéStops.
Fast forward to 2023, Pokémon GO released the upgraded version of Pokémon GO Plus, the Pokémon GO Plus +. It offered better features like the option of choosing the desired Poké Ball for auto-catching, a rechargeable battery, and it can also work as a tracker feature to another app, Pokémon Sleep.
Third-party auto-catchers soon followed, with some of the most popular being Go-tcha and Duomon 3. While much cheaper than their official counterparts, these devices can quickly become useless if Scopely decides to block them from the game’s system.