Uncle Pokemon Taiwan 64 Smartphones? Truth

No, the viral story about an “Uncle Pokemon” in Taiwan playing Pokémon GO with 64 smartphones is not true. The claim originated from a doctored image and a satirical Facebook post, and it has been repeatedly debunked by Taiwanese fact-checking organizations. What actually happened is that a man was photographed playing with a small rig of multiple phones, and the number was wildly exaggerated in the retelling.

Where the 64-Phone Story Started

The story began in August 2016, shortly after Pokémon GO launched in Taiwan. A photo circulated on social media showing a middle-aged man sitting on a scooter with a wooden board strapped to the handlebars, holding several smartphones—all with the Pokémon GO app open. The image was shared with captions claiming he was using “64 smartphones” to play the game simultaneously.

However, Taiwanese fact-checking site MyGoPen investigated the claim and found that the original photo actually showed about 6 to 8 phones, not 64. The number “64” appears to have been added as a joke or a misinterpretation of the image resolution. The man in the photo was later identified as a local resident who enjoyed playing the game with a modest multi-phone setup, not a professional or a hardcore gamer with a massive rig.

Why Would Anyone Use Multiple Phones for Pokémon GO?

Using multiple phones for Pokémon GO is a known practice among some players, though it is not officially supported by Niantic, the game’s developer. The main reasons players do this include:

• Multiple accounts: Each phone can run a different account, allowing the player to catch more Pokémon, spin more PokéStops, or participate in raids multiple times.
• Shiny hunting: Some players use multiple devices to increase their chances of encountering a shiny Pokémon, especially during community days or special events.
• Battling: In gym battles or raids, having multiple accounts can help a player defeat a powerful raid boss solo or with fewer real-life friends.
• Tracking: Some players use one phone to view a map or tracker while playing on another, though this often violates the game’s terms of service.

However, Niantic’s Terms of Service prohibit using multiple accounts or automated tools. While using multiple phones with separate accounts is not explicitly banned, it is against the spirit of the game and can lead to a ban if the accounts are used to manipulate gameplay (e.g., holding multiple gyms at once).

How Multi-Phone Pokémon GO Actually Works

Setting up a multi-phone Pokémon GO station involves several practical steps:

1. Acquire the phones: You need multiple devices, each with its own SIM card or Wi-Fi connection. Many players use older or cheaper Android phones for this purpose.
2. Install the game: Each phone must have Pokémon GO installed and be logged into a separate account. You cannot log into the same account on two phones simultaneously—the game will log you out of the first device.
3. Power and connectivity: A portable power bank is essential to keep all phones charged. Each phone also needs a stable internet connection, either via mobile data or a shared Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Physical setup: Players often build a rig—a wooden board, a plastic tray, or a custom 3D-printed frame—to hold the phones in a row so they can see all screens at once.
5. Play: The player taps each screen to catch Pokémon, spin stops, or join raids. This is labor-intensive and requires constant attention.

In practice, most players use only 2–4 phones because managing more becomes overwhelming. The “64-phone” claim is unrealistic not only because of the physical setup but also because of the cost and the sheer amount of attention required.

The Cost and Practicality of a 64-Phone Setup

Even if someone wanted to use 64 phones, the cost would be prohibitive. In 2016, a budget smartphone cost around $100–$200 USD. Sixty-four such phones would cost $6,400–$12,800, not including data plans. Each phone would need its own SIM card and data plan, which could easily add $30–$50 per month per line—totaling over $2,000 per month. That’s not a realistic expense for a casual player, and even a dedicated streamer or bot operator would likely use software instead of physical devices.

Moreover, the human hand can only tap so many screens at once. A 64-phone setup would require multiple people or automated tapping tools, which are against the game’s rules and could lead to a permanent ban. The viral image was likely a joke or a misunderstanding of how many phones were actually in the photo.

Common Misconceptions About Multi-Phone Play

One common misconception is that using multiple phones is the same as using a bot or a GPS spoofing tool. That’s not true—bots and spoofers automate gameplay or fake location, which are strictly prohibited. Using multiple phones manually is a gray area: Niantic has not publicly stated that it is a ban-worthy offense, but it can be if the accounts are used to break other rules (like holding too many gyms).

Another misconception is that the “Uncle Pokemon” was a paid player or a professional. There is no evidence of that. The man in the photo was simply a local enthusiast who enjoyed the game. The story became a meme, and the number “64” stuck in people’s minds, but it was never accurate.

Alternatives to Multi-Phone Play

If you want to gain an advantage in Pokémon GO without using multiple phones, there are legitimate alternatives:

• Use a Pokémon GO Plus or Poké Ball Plus: These wearable devices let you catch Pokémon and spin stops with a button press, without looking at your phone.
• Join a local community: Playing with friends in person is more fun and helps with raids and trading.
• Optimize your play: Learn about catch rates, curveballs, and excellent throws to get more XP and better Pokémon.
• Use official events: Niantic hosts Community Days and other events that boost spawns and shiny rates, so you don’t need multiple accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to use multiple phones for Pokémon GO?

It’s not illegal, but it may violate Niantic’s Terms of Service. The ToS prohibit “cheating” including using automated software or multiple accounts to gain an unfair advantage. Using multiple phones manually is not explicitly listed, but if you use them to break other rules (like holding multiple gyms), you risk a ban.

How many phones can you use at once on Pokémon GO?

There is no official limit, but in practice, you can use as many as you can physically manage. Most players use 2–4 phones. Using more than that becomes impractical due to attention and battery constraints.

Can you use the same account on two phones?

No. Pokémon GO only allows one device per account at a time. If you log in on a second phone, the first phone will be logged out.

Did Niantic ever comment on the “Uncle Pokemon” photo?

Niantic did not publicly comment on the specific photo. The story was debunked by independent fact-checkers, but Niantic has not issued an official statement about multi-phone play in general.

Is it worth buying multiple phones for Pokémon GO?

For most players, no. The cost of additional phones and data plans outweighs the benefits. The game is designed to be played on one device, and using multiple accounts can lead to a ban. If you’re serious about the game, focus on improving your skills and participating in community events.

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