Prototype Detector
| Prototype Detector | |
|---|---|
| |
| Number | 186 |
| Series | Explorer's Friend Series |
| Value |  × 200
|
| Weight | 35 |
| Maximum carriers | 45 Pikmin |
| Location | Hole of Beasts |
| Challenge Mode levels | None |
The Prototype Detector is a treasure in Pikmin 2. It is a toy called a "Love Tester", produced by Nintendo in the 1970s. It is found on the last sublevel of the Hole of Beasts, and is held by this cave's boss, the Empress Bulblax. When Olimar retrieves this treasure, he'll unlock the Treasure Gauge.
Treasure Gauge
The Treasure Gauge is a very reliable device that helps with tracking down every treasure in the game. There is a needle that wiggles continuously when a treasure is in the current field or cave, no matter if an enemy has it or it is buried. As the active captain approaches a treasure, the needle moves to the right and starts to flash and beep. When all the treasures in an area have been collected, or there were never any present, the device automatically turns off with an echoing beep indicating this, and the box turns gray.
If there is an Antenna Beetle in the area, the box glows purple and the needle moves around erratically, along with incessant beeps and strange noises. Olimar's notes indicate that this is because the Beetle's wings produce supersonic waves; the creature must be defeated for the gauge to function normally again.
Notes
Olimar's Journal
"Today we searched a subterranean lair swarming with carnivorous bugs. The name Hole of Beasts immediately came to mind. The convenient contraption I found there has become an invaluable treasure-seeking tool. When it approaches a piece of treasure, the gadget beeps and the needle moves to the right. When all of the treasure in an area has been collected, the device powers down. When we left Hocotate, I thought we'd never be able to pay off the company's debt. But thanks to this gadget, I'm feeling optimistic about the outcome of this daring mission."
Sales Pitch
"Is this a miracle gadget born of universal desire, or a machine manufactured by the master of Dimension X? Whatever it is, it reacts to treasure!"
The Ship's Diologue
Found
"How bizzare. This device is emitting black light. It must have been ingested by that creature."
"What an absolutely repulsive life-form. Our return to Hocotate cannot come soon enough."
Collected
"This contraption seems to react when it approached treasure. I will connect it to my radar."
"Processing...complete. The Treasure Gauge is now fully operational!"
"It will appear on your monitor. The needle will move right as you approach treasure."