The Explorer Gadget is rolling out to some Pokémon Go players now - here's how it works

The Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go is a feature that acts as a virtual Go Plus device built directly into the game.

If you're unfamiliar, Go Plus devices allow you to catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops automatically, and the Explorer Gadget appears to work largely the same way - all without having to use a physical device.

The feature - which first appeared in datamines back in April, and is still technically unannounced by Niantic - is rolling out to some players now. This guide explains what we know about the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go, and what we don't know just yet.

How to get the Explorer Gadget in Pokémon Go

The Explorer Gadget started rolling out to some, but not all, players on 10th June, 2026.

Based on posts on reddit, the selection process seems random, and doesn't appear to be based on geographic location, Trainer Level, or other factors such as whether they you have an active Go Pass. They simply opened the game and the Explorer Gadget was available.

Furthermore, the number of Pokémon it can catch and the PokéStops it can spin is different for every player. Between this, and the lack of an announcement about the feature, suggests it's still very much in testing.

What we know (and don't know) about the Explorer Gadget so far

Here's what we know so far:

• According to early impressions, it only appears to work when Pokémon Go is running in the background. This is different to the physical Go Plus, which can operate while actively playing.
• The device appears to have a limit to the number of Pokémon it can catch and the PokéStops it can spin every day (currently numbers currently differ by user, likely as it's in the testing phase). These numbers range from 35 to 80, including odd numbers like 71.
• When it comes to catching Pokémon, that it only uses Poké Balls, and you'll get a push notification saying if you have run out (thanks SDNite on reddit for revealing this).

• On the map screen interface, the Explorer Gadget appears above where the Daily Adventure Incense is.
• The Explorer Gadget appears in the item inventory alongside the likes of the Zygarde Cell and Link Holder.
• You cannot use it alongside a physical Go Plus device (which seemingly also confirms that Go Plus devices will continue to be supported by the game - thanks LowAdhesiveness4708 on reddit for testing this).

And here's what we don't know about the Explorer Gadget:

• Whether it'll be free, or have its use extended with a paid / premium option.
• Whether it has to be used in a single sitting, or can be paused and used again later in the day.
• Whether other Poké Ball types (Great Balls, Ultra Balls) can be used by the device.
• Whether it has the same behaviour, such as attempting to catch Pokémon before spinning PokéStops, and when it comes to catching, only having a single catch attempt (which if unsuccessful, the Pokémon will flee).
• When it will roll out to all players. Based on previous new features to the game, it tends to be staggered in waves until a full announcement and full rollout.

If you want to know more about how a physical Go Plus works by comparison, and why it's one of the best upgrades in Pokémon Go, the following feature delves into more:

A Go Plus remains Pokémon Go’s single best purchase

In a period of increasing monetisation, a Go Plus remains the best investment you can make in Pokémon Go.

One More CatchMatthew Reynolds

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