Pokémon go to introduce auto-catching 'explorer gadget' – will players pay to avoid playing?

Pokémon Go is poised to shake up its gameplay with the introduction of an in-game item, dubbed the Explorer Gadget, that promises to automatically catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops. The news, unearthed through game code by data miners PokeMiners, suggests a potential shift in how players interact with the augmented reality phenomenon.

Explorer gadget could offer hands-free gameplay

The Explorer Gadget, described as a device that automatically throws Pokéballs and spins PokéStops, has been available previously through paid physical accessories like the Go Plus. However, the potential for an in-game version raises questions about accessibility and monetization.

The implications are significant. While the Go Plus and its variations have been criticized for their cost and the need for constant charging and reconnection, the Explorer Gadget offers a potentially cheaper alternative. Players on the Pokémon Go subreddit, TheSilphRoad, are already speculating about the gadget's pricing structure. Comparisons have been drawn to other premium items in the game, such as the Infinite Incubator and stat-boosting Bottle Caps, which are often distributed sparingly through event passes costing upwards of $15. One user, _martin_, suggested a tiered pricing model, ranging from $5 for basic Pokéball throws to a potential $10 for