Elderly Taiwanese ‘Pokémon Go’ Fan Plays With 9 Smartphones Strapped to His Bike

A Taiwanese grandfather is gaining online fame for his dedication to the augmented reality mobile game “Pokémon Go” by game developer Niantic Labs.

Chen San-yuan, who is a Feng Shui expert, began his journey to become a Pokémon master when the game first came out in 2016 after his son taught him how to play the AR phone app, the Daily Mail reported.

The game helps Chen prevent Alzheimer’s disease by keeping him active. It also helps him connect with people from other age groups.

The 70-year-old grandpa was first put into the spotlight after one “Pokémon Go” player took a picture of him riding his bike with six phones strapped to it. This Reddit post eventually skyrocketed him to fame, receiving the nickname “Uncle Pokémon” from the community.

Chen’s playtime usually depends on his schedule for the following day, he told EXP.GG TW in an interview.

“If I can rest tomorrow I will play a little longer. If I have a customer, I will return early,” he said.

Chen usually goes to his favorite spot at a park about five to six times a week. He also spends around $1,500 on “Pokémon Go” and all of his gear every month.

He buys in-app items as well as the equipment for his bicycle ride that can carry nine smartphones powered up by large power banks.

While speaking with the Taiwanese gaming website, Chen revealed that he has a few phones left to mount on his bike, but he says the accounts on those devices are still at a low trainer level.