Pokemon GO has introduced a new item called the Explorer Gadget, giving players a free way to automatically catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops without needing to purchase a separate device.Since launching in 2016, Pokemon GO has continued to evolve with new features, items, events, and systems.

Developer Scopely Explore sometimes announces these additions ahead of time, while other features arrive with little warning. The Explorer Gadget falls into the latter category and has already given players something new to experiment with.

For years, players who wanted to interact with Pokemon GO without constantly having the app open could turn to external devices. The Pokemon GO Plus+ is one of the most popular official options, allowing players to automatically catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops while they are unable to actively play.

The problem is that these devices come at an additional cost. The Pokemon GO Plus+ can cost around $50 or more, while cheaper alternatives from third-party manufacturers are also available.The Explorer Gadget changes that by bringing a similar feature directly into the game.

Players who have reached at least Level 20 should now have access to the Explorer Gadget in their inventory. Like physical auto-catching devices, it can automatically catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops in the player's immediate area.

There are some limitations, however. The number of Pokemon the Explorer Gadget can catch and the number of PokeStops it can spin are tied to the player's level. For example, a Level 60 player can use the gadget to catch up to 60 Pokemon before the feature stops working for the day.

The gadget will also stop operating if the player's Pokemon storage or item inventory becomes full. Players therefore still need to keep an eye on their available storage if they want to get the most out of the feature.

Despite those restrictions, the Explorer Gadget could be a useful addition for players who have never purchased a physical auto-catcher. It provides many of the basic functions of those devices without requiring players to spend additional money.

There are still reasons to keep using a physical device, though. The Explorer Gadget can only be activated once per day and has a fixed daily limit based on the player's level. A Pokemon GO Plus+ can also stop automatically after a period of time, but it can be restarted and used multiple times throughout the day.

The physical device also offers features that the Explorer Gadget does not, including sleep tracking. As a result, the new feature is not a complete replacement for the Pokemon GO Plus+, but it does give players a useful alternative.

Auto-catching devices can also make playing Pokemon GO more convenient and potentially safer. Over the years, players have found themselves in dangerous situations while trying to catch Pokemon, including incidents involving trespassing and distracted gameplay.

Being able to automatically catch Pokemon and spin PokeStops means players do not need to keep checking their phones as frequently. Making that functionality available for free also means more players can benefit from it without having to purchase additional hardware.

That could be particularly welcome for players who would rather spend their money on other parts of the game, such as avatar items or Remote Raid passes.

The timing is also notable, as 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Pokemon GO. Over the past decade, the game has gone through countless changes, some of which have been more popular with players than others. However, its continued success shows that there is still a large and dedicated community willing to keep coming back.

The Explorer Gadget may not completely replace physical auto-catching devices, but it gives Pokemon GO players another way to engage with the game without spending extra money. For a game that has been around for ten years, finding ways to make the experience more accessible could be important for keeping that community active for another decade.