I have been a Pokémon fan for my entire life. I still remember being 6 years old and going to Best Buy with my dad to buy the first Pokémon game: Pokémon Blue. I was hooked instantly. I grew up playing all the games, watching the show, and, to this day, still collect the cards. So anytime something new comes out that blends Pokémon with everyday life, I’m immediately interested. So when I saw SkyDex on Twitter, a weather app that turns your daily forecast into a Pokémon discovery experience, I had to download it. And after using it for a bit, I think you should too. Here’s why.
At the base level, SkyDex is a weather app, but with an awesome twist. It will, of course, give you all your normal weather stats based on your location, but it also introduces a gamified layer where you encounter Pokémon based on real-world weather conditions. So if it’s a rainy day, you might run into a Squirtle, or if you are somwhere cold, you could run into a Dewgong, you get the idea. Here is the thing, though, you are not catching Pokémon like in traditional games, you are discovering them and filling out your Pokédex. The goal here is to encounter all 151 original Kanto Pokémon, making each weather check feel a little more exciting.
So, every time you open the app, change locations, or experience a shift in weather, there’s a chance you’ll see a different Pokémon tied to those conditions.
The key thing to note here is that this is still a full-fledged weather app. You get all the same information and weather info that you are used to like:
But the amazing part about this is that as these temperatures, locations, and conditions change, so do your Pokémon encounters! Here is some of that info:
The developer has done a great job of blending utility with fun, especially if you check the weather multiple times a day. The more your conditions change and the more you check the app, the more Pokémon you will encounter.
To sum it up, this app adds excitement to a somewhat boring utility app that everyone already uses. After using it for a few days, it has completely replaced the Apple Weather app for me. I have a medium-sized widget on my main homescreen that displays the weather and my latest Pokémon encounter, which is awesome.
What makes SkyDex really fun is how dynamic everything is. Pokemon encounters are influenced by real world focactors like:
Then, on top of that, there is a rarity to your encounters. Pokémon are either common, uncommon, rare, or legendary. So if it’s a clear day in my area, I have a high chance of finding a Meowth, but I could also get lucky and find something rare like an Alakazam. That adds a bit of unpredictability and makes each check feel more rewarding. Then, as you start encountering these Pokémon, they get added to your Dex. Once they are added to your Dex, you can see their info, when and where you discovered them, and even get the Pokémon’s “cry” (what they sound like).
Lastly, there is a small social aspect to this. You can add friends with your special code and then see which and how many Pokémon they have encountered. Adds another small layer of competition and gamification, which I like.
SkyDex is available today on the App Store and is fully usable for free. The free version gives you the full core experience, with just a couple of limitations:
The paid version removes ads, allows unlimited locations, and offers some light customization options, like changing the app icon.
Honestly, the free version is more than enough for most people, and the upgrade feels optional rather than necessary. If you want to support the indie developer, though, it is $7.99 for the year and $24.99 for a lifetime subscription (which I think is more than fair).
SkyDex is one of those rare apps that makes something mundane feel fun. It’s a solid weather app on its own, but the Pokémon integration adds just enough personality and motivation to keep you coming back. If you’re even remotely into Pokémon, this is an easy recommendation, and even if you are not, it might still be one of the more enjoyable ways to check the weather on your iPhone.
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