Prior to the launch of Pokemon Sleep, the Pokemon GO Plus+ accessory was primarily known for two things: its connectivity to Pokemon GO, and its patently ridiculous name. Since the Pokemon GO Plus device already existed, Nintendo figured the wisest course of action to separate this hardware refresh was to double down on the word. Classically Nintendo.
We've got the scoop on how the Pokemon GO Plus+ can be used to link up with Pokemon Sleep. How does it do that? Why does it do that? And why should you care? There's actually some pretty fun tech here, and we'll go over it all.
Pairing The Pokemon GO Plus+
Linking the Pokemon GO Plus+ device to your smartphone is fairly easy. It's more about the prerequisites than the pairing process itself. First, you'll need to have already downloaded Pokemon Sleep to your smartphone. (We'll shorthand everything to phones in this guide, though you can certainly check out Pokemon Sleep on similar gadgets like iPads.)
You'll need to keep the Pokemon GO Plus+ reasonably close to your smartphone when pairing, as well as when it's in use during your sleep cycle.
If you've not yet done so, create an account on the Pokemon Sleep app. You can use your Pokemon GO account, too - makes sense, given the Pokemon GO Plus+'s multi-app functionality. With the account out of the way, wade through any starter tutorial fare, wave hi to the new professor, and wait it out until you can access the main menu.
Here's where the magic happens. Or more specifically, it happens once you've clicked 'Settings and More', then down to the Pokemon GO Plus+ section. Now, simply click 'Pair a device'. The pairing procedure will now commence!
You can verify it all went smoothly by checking the bottom of the screen where the sleep symbol used to be. It ought to have been replaced with a symbol for the Pokemon GO Plus+ when you linked up.
How To Use The Pokemon GO Plus+
Hooking stuff up is all well and good, but what's the point? The prime advantages to relying upon the Pokemon GO Plus+ to track your sleep, rather than your smart device, are both tied to the Pokemon Sleep app's requirement that smart devices remain on overnight, and situated beside you in bed.
It's pretty uncommon for phones and tablets to be negatively affected by being kept on for long periods of time. After all, that would be a problem for games like Pokemon GO, too! But there's something to be said for the slight uptick in cause for concern when your phone has to remain plugged in next to you. What if it slips beneath your pillow and overheats? Heck, what if your bed just isn't perfectly flat enough, and your phone falls off overnight?
Courtesy of its Bluetooth technology, you don't need to keep your smartphone beside you if you have the Pokemon GO Plus+ device; instead, you can place the Pokemon GO Plus+ beside you, and it'll communicate seamlessly with your smartphone. Think of it as a conduit between the Pokemon Sleep app's digital location on your phone or tablet and your sleeping self all the way over on your bed.
When you're ready for sleep, press the central button on the Pokemon GO Plus+. Hold it until the light turns blue. Now, settle in for some snoozing, and when you wake up, press the button again to let Pokemon Sleep know you're done with the whole being unconscious thing.
The Perks Of GOing Plus+
We've gone over the practical purpose of Pokemon GO Plus+, but this is Pokemon we're talking about. It's a franchise filled with fun. That's like its whole point. So, are there any gameplay-related bonuses? Certainly. There's an exclusive Pikachu with a nightcap. This Pikachu variation can't be found elsewhere, and it'll act as an additional helper for your Snorlax-raising good times in Pokemon Sleep.
Seeing as Pikachu is supposed to be this whole cuteness mascot, though, you can bet there's more to it than that. The Pikachu within the Pokemon GO Plus+ can sing lullabies, and as you use the device more, it grows 'friendlier' over time, adding further noises to its arsenal of adorability.