A new Pokemon Go update means Team Leaders help check your Pokemon's stats

Okay, so still no Pokemon Go tracker update but the latest patch does add one interesting new Pokemon Go feature: the ability for Team Leaders to check your creature's stats. As revealed by Niantic's John Hanke back at Comic Con, it means Blanche, Candela and Spark are going to start being useful.

Here's what the new patch notes say: 

Pokémon GO is in the process of being updated to version 0.35.0 for Android and 1.5.0 for iOS devices. Below are some release notes and comments from our development team.

  • Implemented Pokémon Appraisal: Trainers will now be able to learn about a Pokémon’s attack and defense capabilities from their Team Leader (Candela, Blanche or Spark) to determine which of their Pokémon have the most potential for battle.
  • We are still working hard on several new and exciting features to come in the future of Pokémon GO.
  • Minor bot fixes

The actual appraisals themselves aren't actually that detailed as you can see below, so don't expect a stat heavy breakdown of each creature, more a cheery pep talk

'Pokemon Appraisal' isn't exactly a game changer but it will help when you've got a herd of near identical Eevees and need to make that all important choice - who to keep and who to send to the professor's blender. 

Still no word on anything else like player battles or that tracker (which 93% of you voted was essential to the experience). That wording about "several new and exciting features" does sounds like fresh stuff is on the way though. 

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Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.