A Pokemon Go Plus Alternative
The Pokémon Go Go-tcha Wristband is a Pokemon Go Plus alternative, which comes with a number of unique features which set it apart from its official counterpart.
Update [Jan 24, 2019]: I’ve recently posted a review on a similar product, called the Pocket Egg. You can read it here.
At a Glance…
Pros:
- “Auto-catch” mode allows to to play the game without pressing any buttons
- Works just like the official product
- Removable strap to customize your look
- It has a rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Unofficial hardware; not licensed by Nintendo
- The screen is very hard to read during the daytime
- More expensive than the Plus
Every since it’s release, I’ve been a loyal user of the Pokemon Go Plus. As mentioned in a previous post, I have been very satisfied with the results. However, one of the concerns with the Plus was its seemingly low number of stock, making it one of those devices that was sold out quickly at launch. Not to mention having to continuously press the button every time it buzzed.
It’s been many months now, and I’ve been looking out for alternatives, and I found one that seems to do the same job, and looks promising. And it’s conveniently located right on Amazon.
What is the Pokémon GO Go-tcha?
The Pokémon Go Go-tcha is a peripheral device just like the Pokémon Go Plus, in that it connects through Bluetooth to your phone, and allows you to play Pokemon Go without being glued to your screen.
In other words, it is an automated Pokémon Go Plus.
The device was developed by a company called Codejunkies, and one look at their site would tell you that they specialize in Action Replay devices, which most know as cheat cartridges (remember GameShark and Game Genie?)
How does the device work?
Much like the Pokemon Go Plus, it works very much the same way; you tap on the screen’s button cycle through the various settings. You can toggle the auto-catch feature on and off if you wish, and you can even configure the device to only catch Pokemon you don’t already have.
The screen will flash with a specific image to indicate what will be done when you tap the screen. There is a screen for PokeStops, Pokemon, etc.
All in all, the device works more or less just like the official one, except that it looks a little bit better, and can also be recharged. The ability to recharge the device without going through so many coin batteries is a godsend in itself.
The device comes with a USB cable that connects the Go-tcha to a computer or charger.
Is this a cheat device?
It’s a grey area, at best. In my opinion, I don’t feel that it is in the same boat as GPS spoofing.
In the words of one Amazon buyer, “I feel like I’m cheating! =D”
Despite the look and feel, the device talks to your phone the exact same way the Pokemon Go Plus does, and even shows up on your phone as a Bluetooth device.
As far as the game is concerned… well, it looks as if it sees another Pokemon Go Plus. Because this product is not officially licensed by Niantic or Nintendo, there is the chance that this device may run the risk of being locked out if the developers build some means of detecting third party hardware.
This risk may only be valid if the Pokemon Go Plus ends up getting some sort of firmware update, which I doubt will happen at this time.
Is it worth buying?
If you already have the Pokemon Go Plus, then you may not need this one; while the cost for the Go-tcha is more, it does offer more features that let you play the game you want. With dozens of purchases on Amazon, its safe to say that folks like it just as much as the official one.
I hope you have enjoyed this review. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below!