MegaShot Launches Pickl+ Smart Paddle for Virtual Pickleball
The sensor-embedded paddle brings authentic pickleball gameplay to living rooms, leveraging previous success in smart sports equipment.
By Letizia Giugliano
2 min readHuman-Edited, AI-Assisted
MegaShot has introduced the Pickl+ smart paddle, an invention designed to transform televisions into virtual pickleball courts. This device allows players to experience the sport at home, mimicking real swings and providing haptic feedback, without needing a physical court or console, building on the company's prior success with smart sports technology.
Bringing Pickleball Home with Motion Tracking
The MegaShot Pickl+ smart paddle is designed to replicate the experience of playing pickleball using a television or monitor. It connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth 5.2, then transmits the game to a TV using an included MHL cable [Yanko Design]. This setup allows users to play pickleball digitally, with the paddle's internal sensors translating physical movements into on-screen actions. The system also supports split-screen multiplayer, making it suitable for family entertainment [Yanko Design].
Advanced Sensor Technology and Features
At the core of the Pickl+ is a 9-axis sensor that precisely tracks the angle, speed, and arc of each swing. This motion tracking aims to provide an authentic gameplay experience. The paddle also incorporates haptic feedback, which delivers distinct vibrations for different types of hits, enhancing the tactile connection between the player's arm movements and the virtual game [Yanko Design]. The device weighs approximately 300 grams, features a 2000 mAh battery offering up to five hours of continuous play, and charges via USB-C [Yanko Design].
A Platform for Racket Sports
MegaShot intends for Pickl+ to be more than just a pickleball gadget. The underlying smart paddle hardware is designed to support other racket sports, with plans to include tennis, badminton, table tennis, and squash in the future. This roadmap positions Pickl+ as a versatile platform for multiple virtual racket-sport experiences. The company previously developed a smart bat for cricket, selling over 100,000 units worldwide and receiving positive reviews, demonstrating a proven track record in smart sports technology [Yanko Design].
Availability and Pricing
The Pickl+ smart paddle is currently available through a Kickstarter campaign. The Starter Edition, which includes one smart paddle and an MHL cable, is priced at $175, a reduction from its planned retail price of $249. Other options include Duo packs starting at $275, and a premium Signature Edition at $349. Worldwide shipping is anticipated to begin in early 2027, covering regions such as the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and India [Yanko Design].
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