The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →No—the acquisition alone is not evidence that Pokémon GO is ending. Scopely completed its purchase of Niantic’s games business in 2025, and Pokémon GO’s team later said it remained the same under the Scopely Explore name. Those dated statements show continuity at the time, not a guarantee that the game will never change or that it will last indefinitely.
Who owns Pokémon GO now?
Scopely announced an agreement to acquire Niantic’s games business on March 12, 2025, and reported that the transaction closed on May 29, 2025. The portfolio included Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now, Campfire, and Wayfarer. Scopely stated the deal was valued at $3.5 billion; that figure describes the transaction, not Pokémon GO’s standalone value or future earnings. Scopely’s announcement and closing update document the sale.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $144.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $124.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokemon Go Plus + | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Silicone Case for Poke Go Plus + (2023), Go Plus Plus Cover Case with Strap, Soft Protective Case... | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Pokemon Go Plus + (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon |
What did the Pokémon GO team say about the change?
At the time of the announcement, Ed Wu, then Pokémon GO team lead at Niantic, said the team would stay together and described Scopely as supporting its long-term development. Wu also cautioned against interpreting continuity as a promise that the game would remain unchanged: “I won’t say that Pokémon GO will remain the same, because it has always been a work in progress.” Read his statement in the official March 12, 2025 announcement.
On July 6, 2026, Pokémon GO announced that the Niantic games team was updating its name to Scopely Explore. The post said, “The Pokémon GO team remains the same, as does our commitment to creating the best gameplay experiences for Trainers everywhere.” This is a statement about the team and its commitment at that date—not a guarantee about future staffing, updates, or business decisions. The Scopely Explore announcement provides that update.
#1 Best Overall
- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
Does the sale prove Pokémon GO is shutting down?
No. The transaction establishes a change in ownership, while the game team’s statements establish that it described itself as continuing together at the announcement and again in July 2026. Neither fact proves a shutdown is coming; neither can establish that the game will operate indefinitely. Claims that the sale itself spells the end go beyond what those sources show.
For a player weighing whether to keep spending time or money in the game, the practical distinction is between current evidence and forecasts: the sale closed, and the team publicly described continuity; the game’s long-term commercial performance and future product decisions are not settled by those statements.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Do you need to buy an accessory to keep playing?
No. Pokémon GO Plus + is an optional physical accessory. When paired with the game, it can automatically throw Poké Balls and spin PokéStops, according to the official Pokémon GO Plus + announcement. Pokémon GO’s 2026 Explorer Gadget announcement describes a built-in alternative for eligible Trainers that can automatically catch and spin PokéStops. The feature is rolling out in phases, so availability may vary, and it cannot be used at the same time as a paired physical accessory such as Pokémon GO Plus +. See the Explorer Gadget announcement.
These features are convenience options, not requirements for playing. The game’s Help Center says Trainers can earn up to 50 PokéCoins per day or purchase them through the relevant app store; U.S. gift-card terms specify that PokéCoins are for use in Pokémon GO. The Help Center explains in-game purchases, and the U.S. gift-card terms apply to that region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
- Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
