Years after it was announced, Pokemon Sleep has finally started to roll out in certain parts of the world. Still in beta right now, but getting a full worldwide launch later this month, we now know a lot more about how the Pokemon-themed sleep-tracking app works. If you want an even better understanding of its mechanics, you can check out an ASMR livestream of it right now.
Yes, I did say ASMR. That's how it has been described because it features nothing more than in-game footage of Snorlax sleeping. Various other Pokemon gathered around it, and a very soothing tune playing over the top. You might not think that sounds very exciting, but there are almost 2,000 people watching right now, and a lot of them are saying good night to the big sleeping Pokemon.
Yes, it's incredibly adorable, and every time I check back, countless more people have said good night to Sleep's Snorlax in various different languages. There's naturally the odd, sometimes amusing, comment that punctures the ongoing stream of good nights too. Whether that be someone helpfully pointing out Snorlax is already asleep so he can't see your messages, or someone typing wake up in all caps.
Thankfully, Snorlax's sleep cannot be interrupted by a YouTube commenter virtually yelling at it. How long and how well Snorlax sleeps is dictated by how long and how well you sleep. The duration and quality of your sleep will determine which Pokemon gather around the Snorlax while you slumber. Those Pokemon can then be used to gather things for your Snorlax to eat the following day.
While most of us will have to wait until later this month to get our Snorlax and take Sleep for a spin, TheGamer's own Eric Switzer has had the chance to play it already. Invited to an official Pokemon sleepover, it was there that a better look at the inner workings of Pokemon Sleep and what the app actually does was revealed. That includes confirmation Pokemon has somehow managed to crowbar a battle pass and microtransactions into its cute little sleep tracker app, because of course it has. Pokemon was also eager to point out Sleep is in no way a medical app designed to help its users sleep better.
Despite 2023 being a far quieter year than usual for Pokemon, there are still a few more things for fans to look forward to after Sleep. Detective Pikachu's sequel - the game, not the movie - finally has a release date, Netflix's Pokemon Concierge hits the streaming service later this year, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's DLC will also be here before 2024.