Pokopia Pokédex: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic

Thirty years ago, Nintendo hit the jackpot with the launch of the original Pokémon games, introducing kids worldwide to a plethora of enchanting creatures they could befriend and learn about through advanced electronic encyclopedias known as Pokédexes. The early Pokédexes showcased how the Pokémon universe was influenced by cutting-edge technology. As each new generation rolled out, Pokédexes evolved; by 2019, they transitioned from standalone devices to applications on phones powered by mysterious entities. While Rotom Phones offered a range of new features, many players still regard these handhelds primarily as Pokédexes, a sentiment rooted in nostalgia that has influenced Nintendo’s latest (fictional) pocket-sized smart device.

Instead of launching a new generation of Rotom Phone, Pokopia presents an upgraded version of the classic ’Dex, packed with thoughtful enhancements. At first glance, the new clamshell design may seem like a relic, but once you start using it, it’s clear that Nintendo and its partners have crafted this device with modern functionality in mind.

Unlike recent Rotom Phones that drew inspiration from contemporary smartphones, the new Pokédex returns to its roots, emphasizing the identification of wild Pokémon and providing intriguing insights about them. Its design is a nostalgic nod to the Kanto era, featuring small screens, a sturdy hinge, and a variety of physical buttons. However, powering on this Pokédex reveals a wealth of features that far surpass the original.

One significant upgrade is the inclusion of front- and back-facing camera arrays, allowing you to snap selfies and capture photos of Pokémon you encounter in Pokopia’s diverse environments. The camera not only alerts you to photo opportunities nearby but also boasts object recognition capabilities to identify items you discover while exploring. Plus, if you connect your Pokédex to a Pokémon Center’s 3D printer, you can upload images to create physical versions of useful tools, furniture, and even plants. While the camera quality is impressive, the limited internal storage can be a drawback, allowing you to save only 80 images as “memories” and an additional 20 for the 3D printer.

Interestingly, this Pokédex can receive video calls from Pokémon Center PC users, but it lacks the ability to send outgoing messages. Depending on your perspective, this could be seen as an annoying limitation or a feature that encourages face-to-face interactions. Regardless, the call quality is commendable.

Since Pokopia requires you to create suitable environments for various Pokémon, the new Pokédex includes a comprehensive index of habitats, detailing what you need to attract specific creatures. While it can be a bit tedious to constantly check the Habitat Dex to ensure you’ve set everything up correctly, this feature significantly enhances the fun compared to previous Pokédexes, which only provided general location hints. The Habitat Dex serves as a reminder that your primary goal in Pokopia is to foster relationships with Pokémon while revitalizing the world around you. It’s a charming twist on a classic Pokémon element, but the Pokédex takes a surprising turn with its most unexpected app.

Pokopia often has you waiting for Pokémon to appear, which is likely why you can buy security cameras from Pokémon Centers. Once placed, these cameras can connect to your Pokédex, giving you a live feed of the surrounding area.

This setup allows you to check if a Pokémon has shown up in one spot while you’re busy elsewhere. However, the ability to remotely control the cameras introduces a somewhat unsettling surveillance aspect to Pokopia, raising ethical questions since the game’s Pokémon are meant to be your friends and neighbors, not mere pets.

Without a Rotom possessing it, the new Pokédex may not be as versatile or flashy as the smart devices Nintendo has been known for lately. Yet, this simplicity is perfectly suited for a laid-back life simulation like Pokopia. Its timeless design makes it a worthy addition to the legacy of Pokémon technology.