Can you use the Poké Ball Plus with Nintendo Switch Lite?

Nintendo Switch Lite with Poke Ball Plus
Nintendo Switch Lite with Poke Ball Plus (Image credit: iMore)

Can you use the Poké Ball Plus with Nintendo Switch Lite?

Best answer: Yes, the dedicated handheld Switch does work with the Poké Ball Plus controller. It's great to use with the Pokemon: Let's Go games; however, most other Switch games are not compatible or won't be as easy to play using the Poké Ball Plus.I choose you: Poké Ball Plus ($46 at Amazon)Electric: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! ($60 at Best Buy)Fluffy: Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! ($50 at Best Buy)Handheld hero: Nintendo Switch Lite ($200 at Best Buy)

Can you use Poké Ball Plus with Switch Lite?

It's an exclusive Nintendo Switch controller shaped to look like a Poké Ball from the Pokémon series. It was originally designed to be used with Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Due to its fun shape and functionality, this accessory is a great one to have whether you're playing these games on your Nintendo Switch or the Switch Lite.

The motion controls allow you to mimic the action of throwing Poké Balls at Pokémon to capture them while playing the Let's Go games. A second player can also control their own Poké Ball Plus controller and play alongside player one in local co-op to help them catch Pokémon.

Outside of the Switch games, the Poké Ball Plus also works with the mobile phone app, Pokémon Go. Once synced with your phone, this unique controller alerts mobile gamers when a Pokémon appears nearby by lighting up and vibrating. You don't even have to be looking at your phone to know something showed up. Once notified, you only need to press a button to throw a virtual ball at your target. The LED on the controller will change color to let you know if you successfully caught anything. Additionally, this accessory counts your steps, allowing you to hatch incubating Eggs or earn Candy for your Buddy Pokémon.

Can you use Poké Ball Plus with Switch Lite? What about other Switch games?

Poke Ball Plus with Mew toy

Poke Ball Plus with Mew toy (Image credit: iMore)

This special device doesn't include as many buttons as you'd find on Nintendo Switch controllers or on the Switch Lite itself. Without all of the necessary controls, certain games will be incredibly frustrating to play, and others won't let you use the Poké Ball Plus at all.

For this reason, it's best to only use this accessory with the Let's Go and Pokémon GO games. Additionally, the Poké Ball Plus doesn't work with Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.