Pokemon Go craze 2026? Here's how the latest update is making the game feel brand-new
Skip the grind and auto-catch Pokemon on the go.
A phone screen shows a Pokemon in Pokemon Go. | Image by Pokemon Go
Scopely Explore has updated the Explorer Gadget feature in the hit mobile game Pokemon Go. This feature first became available in August 2026, allowing players to auto-catch Pokemon without physical accessories. Previously, it only worked in the background, but after the update, players can activate it while playing. The update also brings some visual refreshes in gameplay.
Auto-catching was never this easy
The Explorer Gadget is a built-in feature that lets users catch Pokemon and spin Pokestops, while they're busy with other things in real life or in the game. Before the feature was introduced, the only way for players to achieve this automation was through pricey accessory devices called "auto-catchers".
The Pokemon Go Plus is essentially a hardware accessory that connects to your phone via Bluetooth to help you progress more quickly in the game. While it makes these accessories quite universal – you could pair the device with a brand-new iPhone Duo or Pixel 10 – they are still an expensive purchase. So the Explorer Gadget should level the playing field, allowing everyone to enjoy an auto-catcher without paying.
A pink Pokeball icon will now show up above wild Pokemon and Pokestops on the game map, indicating that the Explorer Gadget is at work there. Trainers can jump in to interrupt the Explorer Gadget with an override. They just have to tap the Pokemon (which the Gadget is trying to catch) and take over. After taking control back, players will find themselves in the usual capture screens.
The update also features a few UI (user interface) changes. The biggest of them is the new “Appraise” button. The Appraise button for checking Pokemon stats was previously buried inside the “Additional Options” menu. It was a bit hard to reach, but now it’ll be accessible with a single tap on a Pokemon’s summary page. Since this button is one of the most-used in the game, it’ll be big help for players looking to optimizing their teams.
The update also features a few UI (user interface) changes. The biggest of them is the new “Appraise” button. The Appraise button for checking Pokemon stats was previously buried inside the “Additional Options” menu. It was a bit hard to reach, but now it’ll be accessible with a single tap on a Pokemon’s summary page. Since this button is one of the most-used in the game, it’ll be big help for players looking to optimizing their teams.
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How do you think Scopely is handling Pokemon Go so far?
The player reaction is mixed
Players discuss the Pokemon Go update | Image by YouTube
Right out of the gate, the update has succeeded in creating buzz in the Pokemon Go community, with some genuinely enjoying the new Explorer Gadget while others finding it too buggy. Some compared the Explorer Gadget with Pokemon Go Plus, and how the hardware auto-catcher outmatches it in speed and features. Others want the Gadget to catch them more Pokemon.
The Explorer Gadget can’t replace an accessory, but it is the next best thing
Since the Explorer Gadget is an optional feature, it shouldn’t get in the way of anyone who prefers the vanilla experience. But I can see it becoming a handy tool for players who want to farm resources faster while focusing on the more fun things in the game.
The Explorer Gadget does have its limits, so it’s not a full replacement for physical accessories, at least for now. For instance, players must be at level 20 or higher to activate the Gadget. It also ignores any Pokemon that aren’t already registered in the Pokedex. Plus, it can only throw standard Pokeballs, so tougher catches will likely break free.
The Explorer Gadget does have its limits, so it’s not a full replacement for physical accessories, at least for now. For instance, players must be at level 20 or higher to activate the Gadget. It also ignores any Pokemon that aren’t already registered in the Pokedex. Plus, it can only throw standard Pokeballs, so tougher catches will likely break free.
The Explorer Gadget in action | Images by Pokemon Go
This update marks the latest entry in a long list of changes that Scopely Explore has made since buying Pokemon Go from Niantic. Taken as a whole, these tweaks seem aimed at cutting visual clutter and simplifying daily grind in Pokemon Go. These updates, in theory, should broaden the game’s appeal while keeping existing players happy.
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