The latest addition to the popular Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Sleep, was launched last week. Developed by Niantic and Select Button, this app takes a different approach than its predecessor Pokémon Go, as it focuses on tracking users' sleep to turn it into a form of entertainment.

In Pokémon Sleep, players become researchers who team up with a sleepy Pokémon, Snorlax, to explore the world of Pokémon sleep. The app assigns users a sleep score, with higher scores resulting in the opportunity to capture rarer Pokémon. Sleep points earned through the sleep score can be redeemed for in-game items.

According to The Pokémon Company's product manager, Yuri Horie, Pokémon Sleep offers a unique way for players to interact with Pokémon and look forward to waking up in the morning while ensuring they get enough sleep.

This is not the first time The Pokémon Company has delved into health and wellness. Pokémon Go, released in 2016, encouraged players to walk, promoting physical activity. In 2020, Pokémon Smile was introduced, helping players maintain better oral hygiene.

Pokémon Sleep accommodates various sleep schedules, allowing players to boost their scores even if they cannot consistently sleep for the maximum time of eight and a half hours. However, unlike Pokémon Go, the app cannot be connected to Pokémon Home, preventing any unfair advantages in the mainline titles or competitive play.

The innovative gameplay of Pokémon Sleep has attracted media attention, and it remains to be seen if it can replicate the massive success achieved by Pokémon Go. As fans explore this new venture in the Pokémon world, the game's originality will be put to the test.

Source: Lewis Rees, Staff Writer at PocketGamer