A datamine discovery suggests that Pokémon Sleep might soon be about to launch, thanks to code found via Pokémon GO's recent update. Pokémon Sleep was announced in 2019, but news on its development has been quiet ever since, leading many to speculate on when the title might actually release, and even wondering if it had been canceled.
Pokémon Sleep was revealed as a smartphone app that will track users' sleep patterns and reward them accordingly. The app will support a new peripheral known as Pokémon GO Plus +, which will be worn by players as they sleep to accurately collect data on the length, and possibly quality, of their rest. As seen in the name of the device, Pokémon Sleep will be compatible with Niantic's Pokémon GO, and is presumed to further the gameplay and unlock new rewards in the classic Pokémon-catching mobile game.
Spotted by poke_miners (via ComicBook), code from the latest Pokémon GO update has reportedly revealed what the dataminer believes to be a new device type, codenamed "WAINA," which they suggest could only be the Pokémon Sleep peripheral. The user followed up their speculation by adding that a "library for Sleep was also added," named "Niantic.Holoholo.Sleep." If the dataminer's musings are correct, it's possible that the Niantic game is preparing for Sleep's integration, meaning a release date for Pokémon Sleep could be imminent.
2021 proved to be a great year for Pokémon fans as the series celebrated its 25th anniversary. In-game events were held in Pokémon GO, including the lucrative Pokémon GO Fest, while new releases including Pokémon Unite and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl also launched. 2022 is also off to a strong start thanks to the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and a Bulbasaur-focused Community Day in Pokémon GO. It's very likely that The Pokémon Company is hoping to offer another strong year for fans of the franchise, and after years in development, Pokémon Sleep could well be on the 2022 agenda.
It's possible that the Pokémon GO datamine hasn't just hinted at the release of Pokémon Sleep, but also a potential Pokémon Presents stream. With the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus later this month, many are expecting a last-minute video stream showcasing more of the game's features and world. As Pokémon Presents typically speak about different upcoming projects, such a stream might be the perfect place for a Pokémon Sleep release date announcement. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to find out more about both Arceus and Pokémon Sleep.
Source: poke_miners/Twitter (via ComicBook)