‘Pokemon GO’ 2017 Update: The Pokemon Company to Develop New Companion Device With Better Safety Features Than ‘Pokemon GO Plus’

• comments
• 
• 

The Pokemon Company is reportedly developing a new tracking device following the successful launch of Pokemon GO Plus last September 2016. The new device will have the same functions as that of the Pokemon GO Plus, but will have improved safety features to protect its players. 

In an interview with Nikkei, Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokemon Company, reveals that they are on the planning stages for developing a new 'Pokemon GO' companion device. According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, The Pokemon Company, together with Nintendo, aims to deliver a new device that "can be played more safely."

Gamespot reports that a number of "Pokemon GO" related deaths have been reported in Japan. In one case, according to the report, a driver of a motor vehicle hit a woman riding her bicycle. Apparently, the driver was trying to charge his mobile phone and did not see the woman.  

According to reports, the safety of "Pokemon GO" players remains a concern since the game developed by Niantic Labs is meant to be played outdoors. Hence, the companion device called Pokemon GO Plus was launched with the safety of its players in the forefront of its design.

The Pokemon GO Plus is a device which functions as a tracking and alerting device that notifies players whenever a Pokemon or a Pokestop is nearby.The Pokemon GO Plus has in its design a function that minimizes the amount of time a "Pokemon GO" player spends looking down at their smartphones.

While the Pokemon GO Plus is provided with the aforementioned safety features, the new device to be developed by The Pokemon Company and Nintendo aims to improve on them. With the popularity of "Pokemon GO" still rising, the demand for companion devices, such as the Pokemon GO Plus and the soon-to-be-developed new companion device, are only going to increase. It only seems fitting that "Pokemon GO" players receive more protection so as to prevent game-related accidents.