Pokemon GO Leak Teases New Auto-Catch In-Game Item

A recent Pokemon GO leak reveals that a new auto-catching in-game item could be added to the game soon, letting players catch Pokemon without taking out their mobile devices. Pokemon GO‘s ongoing Memories in Motion season has brought in several changes to the AR game, including Daily Discoveries and increased shiny encounters from Raids and Eggs. More events and Pokemon debuts are expected to launch during the season, leading up to the highly anticipated Pokemon GO Fest 2026. Now, Pokemon GO could add a game-changing item as the title approaches its 10th anniversary.

Since its release in 2016, Pokemon GO has released multiple items in response to players’ needs and feedback. Some of Pokemon GO‘s most useful in-game items from recent years include Remote Raid passes and Lucky Trinkets. The game has also launched real-life accessories that help players have a smoother gameplay experience, like the Pokemon GO Plus+ in 2023. The device lets fans automatically throw Poke Balls at wild monsters and spin PokeStops. It can also be paired with Pokemon Sleep. Despite its convenient features, not all fans have had the chance to obtain a Pokemon GO Plus+. However, according to a new leak, more players could have access to auto-catching sooner rather than later.

Niantic Spatial Used Pokemon GO Data to Train Delivery Bots

Niantic Spatial reveals that player data from augmented reality hit Pokemon GO has been used to help train delivery robots.

Pokemon GO Leak Reveals New Explorer Gadget that Auto-Catches Pokemon

pokemon go coronavirus lockdown — Pokemon GO PokeBall

A new leak by reliable Pokemon GO dataminers PokeMiners revealed an item called “Explorer Gadget” in the game’s code. Per the leak, the item is described in-game as “A gadget that automatically throws Pokeballs and spins PokeStops for you while exploring.” More details explain that the Explorer Gadget can auto-catch Pokemon even when the Pokemon GO app is closed. The translated code also suggests that the item can only be used once a day. Essentially, the Explorer Gadget would let players access functions similar to the ones offered by the Plus+ device, but without the need for external hardware. If the leak turns out to be true, the Explorer Gadget could become one of Pokemon GO‘s most game-changing quality-of-life improvements.

Balance the critic averages

Easy (6)Medium (8)Hard (10)

The main difference between the Plus+ accessory and the virtual Explorer Gadget is that the former can be used multiple times throughout the day. However, it is worth noting that the Pokemon GO Plus+ can lean on the pricier side, costing close to $100, so the Explorer Gadget could be a good digital alternative. On the other hand, there’s a chance that Pokemon GO will release the item as part of paid passes or exclusively in the in-game shop. Datamined leaks should also be taken with a grain of salt, as Scopely could still change the Explorer Gadget’s features or not release it at all.

Not all in-game items that the AR title has launched have been too popular among players. For example, some Pokemon GO fans complained about Gold Bottle Caps when they were released in June 2025. The item was only available through a premium limited-event pass, leaving out free-to-play players. It remains to be seen whether the rumored Explorer Gadget could be launched as a paid or limited item.

There are still plenty of exciting events coming to Pokemon GO before the Memories in Motion season wraps up on June 2. Tinkatink’s first Community Day is scheduled for April 11, which will feature her signature Charged Attack Gigaton Hammer and other bonuses. The Gen 8 Pokemon Silicobra is also making its Pokemon GO debut during the Sustainability Week event from April 14 to 20. Finally, a Hatch Day event on April 18 will let fans hatch Riolu from 2km Eggs in half the distance. As seen in the season’s trailer, Flittle and Espathra are also set to debut in the coming months, but players will have to wait for an official release date.