Is the Poké Ball Plus Waterproof? Your Definitive Guide
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The short answer? No, the Poké Ball Plus is not waterproof. While some reports suggest it can withstand minor splashes, it’s best to keep it away from significant amounts of water. The instruction manual indicates that it is water-resistant, but provides no specific Ingress Protection (IP) rating. Therefore, you should avoid submerging it in water or exposing it to heavy rain.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t take your smartphone swimming without a waterproof case, and you should treat your Poké Ball Plus with similar caution. The risk of water damage is real, and it’s far better to err on the side of safety to protect your investment and Pokémon-catching adventures. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this accessory tick and how to keep it in top condition.
Understanding the Poké Ball Plus
The Poké Ball Plus is a unique accessory designed for both Pokémon GO and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! for the Nintendo Switch. It enhances your gameplay experience by allowing you to catch Pokémon with a simple button press and carry them with you wherever you go. Its versatility and fun factor have made it a popular choice for Pokémon enthusiasts.
However, this functionality comes with certain limitations, and one of the most important is its susceptibility to water damage. Its internal components, including the battery and circuit board, are vulnerable to moisture.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish between water resistance and waterproofing. Water-resistant devices can withstand splashes and light rain, but are not designed to be submerged. Waterproof devices, on the other hand, are built to be completely impervious to water, even when submerged to a certain depth for a specified period.
The Poké Ball Plus falls into the water-resistant category, meaning it can likely survive a quick encounter with a few raindrops. But a full-on downpour or an accidental dip in a puddle could be fatal. Always remember to keep your Poké Ball Plus protected from excessive moisture to prevent any potential damage.
Caring for Your Poké Ball Plus
Protecting your Poké Ball Plus from water damage is crucial for its longevity. Here are some helpful tips to ensure its safety:
- Avoid Exposure to Water: This may seem obvious, but actively avoid using your Poké Ball Plus in wet conditions.
- Use a Protective Case: Consider investing in a protective case or pouch to shield it from splashes and rain.
- Dry Immediately: If your Poké Ball Plus does get wet, dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth as soon as possible.
- Store Properly: When not in use, store your Poké Ball Plus in a dry place away from humidity.
By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and keep your Poké Ball Plus in excellent working condition.
The Benefits of Using a Poké Ball Plus
Despite its vulnerability to water, the Poké Ball Plus offers several advantages that make it a worthwhile accessory for Pokémon fans:
- Simplified Gameplay: Catching Pokémon in Pokémon GO becomes incredibly easy with a single button press.
- Step Tracking: It tracks your steps, helping you hatch Eggs and earn Candy for your Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
- Rewards in Sword and Shield: You can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and even receive rewards like Rare Candy and Ultra Balls in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- Exclusive Content: Using it with Pokémon Sleep unlocks a special Pikachu wearing a sleeping cap.
- Immersive Experience: The lights, sounds, and vibrations enhance the overall Pokémon experience, making it more engaging and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the Poké Ball Plus and its features:
1. How long does the Poké Ball Plus battery last?
If you connect your Pokémon GO Plus + (the successor to the Poké Ball Plus) to Pokémon GO for two to three hours a day, the battery is estimated to last about a week. Battery life may vary depending on usage.
2. How do I charge my Poké Ball Plus?
Use the included USB Type-C charging cable and a USB power adapter (sold separately) to connect your Pokémon GO Plus + to a power outlet for charging. Alternatively, lift the connector cover at the base of the wrist strap and connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. HAC-002) directly to the Poké Ball Plus and then to a wall outlet. The lightning bolt and battery icon will be displayed below the oval-shaped controller while charging.
3. Can I use the Poké Ball Plus with Pokémon Sleep?
Yes! Using the Pokemon Go Plus Plus to play Pokemon Sleep unlocks a special Pikachu wearing a sleeping cap. This Pikachu helps you raise your Snorlax and even sings you to sleep. Connecting your Pokemon Go Plus Plus to Pokemon Sleep allows you to use it as a controller.
4. Why is my Pokémon GO Plus blinking red?
When the Pokémon GO Plus flashes red and vibrates several times, it indicates that the connection with your smartphone has been lost. This can happen if you are too far away from your smartphone. To reconnect, go into the app and locate the darkened Pokémon GO Plus icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
5. What is the point of the Poké Ball Plus?
The Poké Ball Plus connects to your smartphone and provides an easy way to search for and catch Pokémon with the press of a button. It also works as a pedometer, tracking your steps to hatch eggs and earn candy.
6. What does the yellow light on the Poké Ball Plus mean?
If the Pokémon is a species you haven’t caught before, your Pokémon GO Plus will vibrate, and its light will flash yellow.
7. Why does my Poké Ball Plus keep vibrating?
If you have moved too far from the PokéStop before you pushed the Main Button, the device will vibrate and the indicator light will flash red.
8. Can I turn off vibration on the Poké Ball Plus?
While using Poké Ball Plus with the Pokémon GO mobile app, you can deactivate the accessory vibration within the app settings (same as with Pokémon GO Plus +).
9. Does the Pokémon GO Plus only use red Poké Balls?
The Pokémon GO Plus will only use standard Poké Balls, not Great or Ultra Balls. Thankfully this is the most common type from Stops. However, with the newer Pokémon GO Plus +, you can now use Great Balls and Ultra Balls too!
10. How do I put the GO Plus in sleep mode?
Before you go to sleep, start a sleep session by holding down the Main Button on the Pokémon GO Plus + until the indicator light flashes blue and you hear a lullaby play. Note that the Pokémon GO Plus + must be paired with Pokémon GO but not actively connected for play with Pokémon GO to initiate a sleep session.
11. Why is my Pokémon GO Plus not vibrating?
If your Pokémon GO Plus + device isn’t making any sounds, check whether the device is in silent mode. Hold the top button and then press the main button for at least one second. The Pokémon GO Plus + will vibrate twice briefly and enter silent mode.
12. Is there a maximum amount of PokéStops you can spin in a day?
The spin limit is 1200 per 24 hours. A trainer can spin more than 7000 stops in a week if they haven’t spun 1200 or less in the past 24 hours.
13. What is the best auto catcher for Pokémon GO?
Popular options include the Brook Gaming Watchic Plus and the original Nintendo Pokémon GO Plus +. The Poké Ball Plus was originally designed for the Let’s Go games.
14. Does the Pokémon GO Plus use Ultra Balls?
No, the original Pokémon GO Plus only uses standard Poké Balls. However, the Pokémon GO Plus + allows you to use Great Balls and Ultra Balls.
15. Is the Poké Ball Plus worth getting?
The Poké Ball Plus is worth the price if two things are true: you play a lot of Pokémon GO, and you want a Mew in Sword and Shield. The Pokémon will pick up rewards like Rare Candy and Ultra Balls over time, which you can use in Sword and Shield.
Final Thoughts
While the Poké Ball Plus isn’t waterproof, its benefits and features make it a valuable accessory for Pokémon enthusiasts. By taking proper care and avoiding exposure to water, you can ensure that your Poké Ball Plus remains a reliable companion on your Pokémon adventures. Understanding the difference between water resistance and waterproofing, and following the simple care tips provided, will significantly extend the life of your device. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring endless hours of Pokémon fun!
For more insights into gaming and its educational potential, explore the resources at the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable research and perspectives on how games can be used to enhance learning and development.