Pokémon has, since its inception, featured the Pokédex. A little handheld device capable of identifying the little ball-based monsters, it has appeared in the anime series and Nintendo’s never-ending games. Now? It’s a real thing, and it works just the way it does in fiction.
The non-fiction version of the Pokédex is, sadly, a custom-built item. You’re unlikely to encounter one at retail unless Nintendo likes the concept and grabs the plans from YouTuber Mr. Volt. Honestly? The company probably should. It would make a hell of a Switch 2 bundle edition.
Pokédexter’s lab
Toy versions of the Pokémon identification tool have existed in the past. This custom-created version is significantly more advanced, incorporating a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, five different displays, including a main OLED, speakers, and an integrated camera. The AI-supported camera can identify all sorts of Pokémon, whether you’re pointing it at an image or a stuffed toy of some sort.
From there, players can swap through information screens, ask the Pokédex questions (there’s a microphone and an internal chatbot), and generally live out the fantasy of being an oversized Ash Ketchum.
There is a skill gap when it comes to creating one, though. Besides acquiring the hardware, players will have to create (or beg Mr. Volt for) the software to power the thing. There’s also the small matter of a 3D printer to build the housing. This version’s rear panel is also milled from aluminium, which is why it’s so very premium-looking. Come on, Nintendo. Surely you have the capacity to make these at scale?
