Trusted dataminers PokeMiners have uncovered a brand-new item hidden inside the game's latest update code called the "Explorer Gadget." The in-game description found in the code reads clearly: "A gadget that automatically throws Poké Balls and spins PokéStops for you while exploring. Automatically throw Poké Balls and spin PokéStops when Pokémon GO is closed. You can use it once daily."
If it releases as discovered, it could be the single biggest quality-of-life improvement in the game's nearly 10-year history. For years, auto-catching in "Pokémon GO" has been locked behind physical devices and the official Pokémon GO Plus+, which retails for close to $100 USD. But this "Explorer Gadget" would bring these same core functions entirely inside the app.
This removes the need for Bluetooth pairing, charging a separate device, or spending money on external hardware just to play the game more efficiently. This item was surfaced by PokeMiners, who are one of the most well-established and reliable Pokémon GO datamining groups in the community and regularly dig into the game's code ahead of official announcements.
Pokémon GO is currently in its Memories in Motion season and is heading toward "Pokémon GO Fest 2026," which marks the game's 10th anniversary. Introducing a feature like the "Explorer Gadget" in that milestone would align well with the celebratory momentum Scopely appears to be building. So, the timing of this leak is also notable.
If it releases as discovered, it could be the single biggest quality-of-life improvement in the game's nearly 10-year history. For years, auto-catching in "Pokémon GO" has been locked behind physical devices and the official Pokémon GO Plus+, which retails for close to $100 USD. But this "Explorer Gadget" would bring these same core functions entirely inside the app.
This removes the need for Bluetooth pairing, charging a separate device, or spending money on external hardware just to play the game more efficiently. This item was surfaced by PokeMiners, who are one of the most well-established and reliable Pokémon GO datamining groups in the community and regularly dig into the game's code ahead of official announcements.
Pokémon GO is currently in its Memories in Motion season and is heading toward "Pokémon GO Fest 2026," which marks the game's 10th anniversary. Introducing a feature like the "Explorer Gadget" in that milestone would align well with the celebratory momentum Scopely appears to be building. So, the timing of this leak is also notable.
The leaked code also confirms that the Explorer Gadget can function while Pokémon GO is running in the background or closed entirely, which is a capability that even many physical accessories struggle with without active Bluetooth pairing. However, It is important to note that Scopely has not officially confirmed the Explorer Gadget, and as with all datamined content, features found in code do not always make it to final release.
The item's specifications could change, its pricing model remains completely unknown, and in rare cases, Scopely could choose not to release it at all. There is currently no confirmed release date for the Explorer Gadget. Scopely has not acknowledged the leak, and no official announcement has been made as of late March 2026.
Community speculation on Reddit and social media suggests the item may arrive as part of a GO Pass subscription, a limited-event premium pass, or as a purchasable consumable from the in-game shop. There's still a widespread concern that the Explorer Gadget will not be freely available to all players.
Questions players are asking: "Is this the same as existing auto-catch features?" The answer is, yes and no. The Explorer Gadget is clearly inspired by, and functionally similar to, devices like the GO Plus and GO Plus+. But there are some differences that make a direct comparison.
In June 2025, Scopely introduced "Gold Bottle Caps," which are useful competitive items, exclusively through a premium limited-event pass, effectively locking free-to-play trainers out entirely. If the Explorer Gadget follows a similar model, the backlash could be significant. The feature that promises to democratize auto-catching could ironically end up being even more expensive than just buying the GO Plus+ outright.
Alternatively, Scopely could also price it as a one-time in-app purchase, which is a cleaner model that the community would likely respond to much more positively. The Explorer Gadget could be one of the first major feature additions developed under Scopely's ownership.
Anyways, what are your thoughts on this latest feature of Pokémon GO? Do you think that this feature might come for free? Let me know all your answers in the comments, where you can also provide the latest news so I can make a breakdown of it.
While we are on the Gaming topic, dis you know that,
Anyways, what are your thoughts on this latest feature of Pokémon GO? Do you think that this feature might come for free? Let me know all your answers in the comments, where you can also provide the latest news so I can make a breakdown of it.
While we are on the Gaming topic, dis you know that,
PUBG: Blindspot shut down on March 30, 2026, just 54 days after its Steam Early Access? Check out for the reasons in my previous article.