
Arms tired from holding your smartphone in front of you all day? We’ll show you how to make this ingenious “Poké-Han“ mobile gaming accessory!
Following the recent video message from the creators of Pokémon Go to stay safe and keep our heads up while playing the game, our Pokémon-loving Japanese writing team decided to come up with an ingenious new device to help increase safety and game-playing stamina at the same time. Proving that simple designs are often the most effective, the new invention uses just two everyday items, a clothes hanger and some rubber bands, to improve posture and relieve the annoying effects of painful “gamer’s arm” that results from holding your smartphone out in search of Pokémon all day.
Dubbed the “Poké-Han” (short for “Pokémon Hanger“), the new invention rests smartphones at a comfortable level so players can keep their backs straight and heads up, increasing their field of vision and awareness of their surroundings while playing the game. It also saves your arm and hand from unnecessary strain caused by holding the device in one hand.
The new invention was passed around the office and, despite looking a little ridiculous, it got the thumbs-up from everyone, including passionate mobile gamer Mr Sato.
To see just how easy it is to make the Poké-Han, check out the short DIY video below. Not only is it simple to construct, each piece will set you back just 100 yen (US$0.94)!
To truly put the invention to the test, the team sent three gamers from the office out into the field to see how the Poké-Han fared in the real world of gameplay.
According to the trio, once they started playing the game, any embarrassment they felt about wearing the strange-looking contraptions quickly disappeared. It actually made gaming much easier than usual, increasing their excitement for playing the game.
▼ There were no problems at all with swiping and catching Pokémon.
▼ And it really did help with increasing their field of vision, making them more aware of the scenery around them.
Our gaming trio loved the handmade gadget. Not only was it cheap and easy to make, it made them feel like they could expertly navigate their way through crowded streets and explore the city for hours without succumbing to any bodily aches and pains. The only hurdle was the fact that it’s not the most fashionable of accessories, attracting looks from passers-by, which makes this a bit of a challenge to wear when out on your own. There’s a lot less embarrassment when out with a group of like-minded friends, of course!
What do you think about the Poké-Han? Do you think it might catch on and become a worldwide phenomenon? Let us know in the comments section below!
Photos © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Follow Oona on Twitter for more information about Pokémon news from Japan.







DIY Pokémon Go lifehack from Japan: Hands free “Poké-Han” device gets a rainy day edition
Pokéball Aimer 3-D printed iPhone case makes news among Pokémon Go Trainers in Japan
Here’s how the awesome new Pokémon GO mobile game will look on your smartphone
Pokémon Go players can now keep phones charged with hand-made Poké Ball portable battery charger
Pokémon Go players discover unusual gym locations around Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
6 things people in Japan should watch out for when Pokémon Go lands in the country
Pokémon GO players in Japan discover strange new hybrid species of monsters in the game
Before Pokémon Go, there was Ingress, and its first “XM-Profiler Illumination Portal” is in Japan
Pokémon Go Trainers in Japan take over parks in huge crowds on first weekend of game’s release
We catch a rare Glasses Farfetch’d in Japan with world’s first Pokémon Go master, Nick Johnson
Pokémon GO now doctor-approved thanks to Tokyo University study
Pokémon Go released in Japan? We spot a rare “Glasses Pikachu” at Tokyo’s Nintendo headquarters
China creates its own version of Pokémon Go called “City Spirits Go”
Giant Pokémon Go video display at Shinjuku Station brings our reporter to tears
Pikachu cosplayer delights Pokémon Go gamers in Japan
We catch up with world’s first Pokémon Go master, Nick Johnson, in Tokyo
Creators of Pokémon Go apologise for game’s late arrival in video address to players in Japan
6 reasons why Pokémon GO might make a comeback, according to P.K. Sanjun
Is Pokémon Go helping prevent deaths at one of Japan’s most notorious suicide spots?
We asked a Niantic insider 30 questions about Pokémon Go, learned a lot of useful information