Nintendo’s latest Pokémon smart device is a nostalgic nod to the past with modern enhancements. Thirty years ago, the first Pokémon games introduced players to electronic encyclopedias known as Pokédexes. Over time, these devices evolved, eventually transforming into smartphone applications like the Rotom Phones. Despite their advancements, many players still regard handheld versions as true Pokédexes because of their primary function. This sentiment has inspired Nintendo to release a new (fictional) pocket-sized smart device.
Instead of launching a new Rotom Phone generation, Pokopia offers an upgraded version of the original ’Dex, with thoughtful modern updates. The new clamshell design might initially seem antique, but it’s evident that Nintendo, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Omega Force, designed it with contemporary needs in mind.
Unlike recent Rotom Phones mimicking modern smartphones, the new Pokédex emphasizes identifying wild monsters and sharing interesting information about them. Aesthetically, it resembles a retro device from the Kanto days with small screens, a sturdy hinge, and physical buttons. However, its functionality is far more advanced.
One significant change is the integration of front and back-facing camera arrays for taking selfies and photos of Pokémon in Pokopia’s biomes. The object recognition feature helps identify items found during exploration. Connecting the Pokédex to a Pokémon Center’s 3D printer allows users to create physical copies of useful items, furniture, and even plants from uploaded images. Despite the excellent camera quality, users may find the limited storage, which retains only 80 images as memories and 20 for 3D prints, frustrating.
Interestingly, while this Pokédex can receive video calls from Pokémon Center PC users, it cannot send outgoing messages. Depending on perspective, this might be a flaw or a feature encouraging face-to-face interaction, but the call quality is commendable.
As Pokopia involves creating suitable environments for various Pokémon, the new Pokédex offers a Habitat Dex with detailed habitat entries for attracting specific Pokémon. Though it can be tedious to consistently refer to this Dex to set up environments perfectly, it represents an improvement over earlier Pokédexes, which provided only general monster locations. The Habitat Dex is a reminder that Pokopia’s main aim is to foster relationships with Pokémon while restoring the surrounding ruined world.
Pokopia requires some waiting for Pokémon to appear, prompting the sale of security cameras at Pokémon Centers. These cameras can connect to the Pokédex to offer live feeds, making it easy to monitor multiple areas at once. While helpful, this Ring-like surveillance may feel morally questionable, given that game Pokémon are intended as friends and neighbors rather than mere pets.
Since the new Pokédex isn’t inhabited by a Rotom, it’s not as versatile or flashy as recent smart gadgets. However, its simplicity is ideal for the slow pace of Pokopia, and its timeless design makes it a valuable addition to the franchise’s tech legacy.