Nintendo finally explained why it's delaying the release of the Pokémon GO Plus accessory, and it's not about production issues as initially thought.
The gadget went up for preorder a while back and was supposed to launch in late July, but Nintendo announced a few days ago that it has pushed back the release. Instead of the promised July launch, the company delayed the Pokémon GO Plus release to September.
The news sparked speculation that Nintendo had to delay the release in order to ensure it has enough supply to keep up with demand. Nintendo cleared the air, however, and the official explanation has nothing to do with supply.
The Pokémon GO Plus launch was pushed back so that Nintendo could focus on the Pokémon GO app update and offer the best experience. This may seem a bit ironic now, considering that the update sparked outrage amid the Pokémon GO community, but that's Nintendo's explanation.
"The delay is due to the preparations for the Pokémon GO application update in order to optimize Pokémon GO Plus," Nintendo told Polygon. "In order for us to offer new experiences to play Pokémon GO with Pokémon GO Plus with a quality level high enough to satisfy as many people as possible, we decided that it is necessary to take enough time for the completion. We ask for your understanding."
As a reminder, the Pokémon GO Plus is a nifty little wearable you can pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth LE. With the gadget, you will be able to catch Pokémon or acquire items without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket. It's easy and more convenient, while also helping you preserve your phone's battery life.
However, it's worth pointing out that while the Pokémon GO Plus accessory will vibrate when a Pokémon is nearby, you can catch Pokémon directly from the wearable only if you've caught that type before. Otherwise, you'd still have to use your smartphone to catch new Pokémon and add them to the Pokédex.
The Pokémon GO Plus accessory will launch sometime in September, sporting a price tag of $34.99. The gadget will work with Bluetooth-enabled Android and iOS devices.
Nintendo has yet to announce a specific release date for the Pokémon GO Plus, so all we have for now is that vague September time frame. More details should become available shortly, however, and we'll keep you up to date.
In the meantime, drop by our comment section below and tell us what you think of this delay. Will you still buy the gadget, or is the September release too late?
