Nintendo is going to release a wearable device that could improve the safety of the most popular mobile game, Pokemon Go. On Thursday, Pokemon Co. and game developer Niantic said a wearable device for playing Pokemon Go will be released next week. The device will be distributed by Nintendo.
Making Pokemon Go safer for players
Earlier, the gaming company and developers planned to release the wearable device by July. The device, called the Pokemon Go Plus, is priced at $35 and has vibration notifications that could improve the security of the game, notes The Wall Street Journal. Recently, there were reports of players getting injured in traffic accidents while their eyes were fixated on their smartphone’s screen.
“As you pass by a PokéStop, Pokémon GO Plus will vibrate and light up and alert you to the location. You’ll even be able to collect new items just by clicking the Pokémon GO Plus. If there’s nearby Pokémon hiding in your area you’ll be alerted with lights and vibrations; catch the Pokémon with a button on Pokémon GO Plus and then continue on your way (later, you can check your Journal to see which Pokémon you’ve just caught),” a Niantic spokesperson said.
Apple getting serious about gaming
The announcement of the Pokémon GO wearable device came after Apple’s new iPhone event on Wednesday. During the event, Google spinoff Niantic said it would provide an Apple Watch version of the famous game. John Hanke, chief executive of Niantic, showed just how the popular mobile game will work on Apple’s wearable device. The game is very popular with over 500 million global downloads.
Niantic disclosed that the Pokemon Go app for the Apple Watch will show users how far they will have to walk or run to hatch an egg. Also the app will show players how many experience points they need to reach the next level. Further, the app will give more information about their fitness levels, and players will be able to see when a Pokestop or Pokemon is near them without having to check the mobile device.
At the event, Apple also announced that SuperMario Run will be exclusive to iOS. The new game will be sold for a set fee. The announcement, however, did not mention if in-game purchases would be available or whether the game will be free to download. The game will be launched in time for the holiday season. The fact that SuperMario can only be played on an iPhone could give a big boost to iOS over Android. Both announcements reflect just how serious the Silicon Valley giant is about gaming.
