Pokémon GO Players Propose Infinite Ball Training Mode to Fix Ball Curve Issues
On August 29, Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, confirmed receipt of a formal player petition signed by over 120,000 users demanding the addition of a “throw training mode” to the mobile game. The proposed feature—dubbed “Infinite Poké Ball Training” by players—would allow users to practice catching mechanics without consuming limited in-game resources, a longstanding frustration in the competitive Pokémon GO community.
The petition, coordinated by Taiwanese gaming forum Gamer.com.tw and shared widely via social media, specifically targets the game’s curveball mechanic, a high-difficulty catching method that requires precise timing and trajectory control. Players argue that the current lack of a dedicated training mode forces them to either waste rare Ultra Balls or risk losing progress due to imperfect throws. “We’re not asking for an exploit,” one petition organizer told GANK magazine. “We’re asking for a basic quality-of-life improvement that would make the game more accessible and less punishing for new players.”
Niantic’s official response, posted to its community support forum on September 1, acknowledged the feedback but did not commit to implementing the feature. “We appreciate the detailed suggestions from our players and will continue to evaluate how we can improve training tools in future updates,” a Niantic spokesperson stated. The statement stopped short of addressing whether the request would be prioritized, leaving players to interpret the lack of concrete timelines as a non-committal stance.
Behind the petition lies a broader tension within the Pokémon GO player base over resource management and accessibility. Since the game’s 2016 launch, players have repeatedly called for adjustments to mechanics perceived as overly restrictive, including the removal of the “stardust” economy cap in 2020 and the introduction of “Go Fests” as low-pressure catching events. The throw training mode proposal, however, marks the first instance where players have framed their demands around a core gameplay loop rather than peripheral systems.
Industry analysts note that Niantic’s hesitation may stem from concerns over balancing competitive integrity. Curveball catches, which award bonus experience points, are a deliberate design choice to incentivize mastery of the game’s mechanics. A training mode could, in theory, reduce the perceived challenge of high-level catching, potentially diminishing the appeal of events like Pokémon GO Fest, where curveballs are a staple. “The real question isn’t whether Niantic can add this feature, but whether they’re willing to risk altering the skill ceiling that keeps players engaged,” said NPD Group analyst Matt Casamassina, who tracks mobile gaming trends.
Meanwhile, the petition’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. A follow-up campaign on Reddit’s r/TheSilphRoad forum, which focuses on competitive Pokémon GO strategies, has garnered over 45,000 upvotes as of September 3. Players are now urging Niantic to at least provide a “sandbox mode” for testing throws without penalties, a compromise that could satisfy both casual and hardcore audiences. The company has not responded to requests for further comment beyond its initial forum post.
The debate underscores a recurring dynamic in Niantic’s development cycle: player demands often outpace the company’s willingness to overhaul core mechanics, even when those mechanics are widely criticized. With Pokémon GO’s player base exceeding 100 million globally, the pressure to address frustrations like throw training is unlikely to dissipate. Whether Niantic will yield to the petition’s calls—or double down on preserving the game’s existing challenges—remains an open question.