The Explorer Gadget, a new feature which acts as a virtual Go Plus device built into Pokémon Go, has once again appeared in datamines, this time showing what the feature will look like in-game.
According to pokeminers on Threads, various icons - taking the appearance of a Go Plus-like device, complete with a clip and a flat Poké Ball shape - will represent the three states of the feature: Error, Off, and On. You can see the assets through the link:
The Explorer Gadget's mention in a previous datamine (via The Silph Road subreddit) suggested it'll emulate two common Go Plus features, describing it as "a gadget that automatically throws Poké Balls and spins PokéStops for you while exploring".
Beyond that, there's no indication of when it will appear in Pokémon Go (features, Pokémon and items which appear in datamines can take weeks or months to arrive, if at all) or how it will be rolled out, whether by subscription or as a limited-time item in a event or monthly Go Pass, similar to a Lucky Trinket or Timed Incubator.
Either way, assuming it'll work similar to a Go Plus, the Explorer Gadget will be a powerful tool that takes away much of Pokémon Go's busywork, as explained in our recent piece on how a Go Plus remains the game's single best purchase. Let's just hope the Explorer Gadget is just that, and not a reoccurring one.
Matthew Reynolds
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