Hajra Naz
Google is giving Pokémon fans a new reason to wear a Fitbit. The company announced a special-edition Fitbit Air on Thursday. This new device works directly with Pokémon Sleep. It combines Fitbit’s health and fitness tracking with the sleep-focused Pokémon game. This announcement comes at a fitting time. Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Pokémon Sleep originally launched back in 2023. The game turns something ordinary, like going to bed, into an actual Pokémon experience. Players earn in-game rewards for going to sleep before their set bedtime.
The amount and quality of sleep they get also drives their overall progress. Players start with a large, sleepy Snorlax. The more sleep a player gets, the more “Drowsy Power” their Snorlax builds up. That power, in turn, attracts more Pokémon for players to discover.
The new Fitbit Air adds another layer to this existing experience. The device can sync with two different platforms. That includes the Google Health app. It also includes Pokémon Sleep directly. This allows users to track several metrics throughout the day. That includes daily movement. It includes heart rate. It also includes cardio load. At night, the device switches roles. It records sleep duration and overall sleep quality.
Read More: Google’s Gemini Update Highlights Its Own Branding Problem
This isn’t the first wearable device that works with Pokémon Sleep. The app already supports several other devices. That includes Apple Watch. It includes the broader Fitbit series. Galaxy Watch is supported too. So is Google Pixel Watch. It’s also worth noting that players don’t need a wearable at all. Pokémon Sleep works perfectly fine without one.
Still, for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, this crossover feels especially clever. It turns something people already do every single night into another way to engage with the franchise. At the same time, it gives Google a playful angle.
The company can make wearable health tracking feel more fun and engaging. This isn’t Google’s first celebrity or franchise tie-in recently, either. The company also partnered with athlete Stephen Curry for a special Pixel Watch edition. That version costs $579 and features an exclusive design built specifically for workouts.
Read More: OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and 100 other Companies Call for AI Safety Action
This new special-edition Fitbit Air is available for preorder now. It’s priced at $129. Shipping is set to begin September 15. The device will be sold both online and in physical stores. That includes the Google Store and Target.
For comparison, the standard Fitbit Air costs $99. Google originally introduced this new Fitbit Air back in May. It features a slimmer overall design. It also includes improved health and fitness tracking capabilities. On top of that, it comes with an AI-powered coach. That coach provides personalized guidance based on a user’s activity, sleep, and broader wellness data.
