I used this weather app inspired by Pokémon, and now checking the weather feels like searching for entries in a Pokédex.

      This weather app inspired by Pokémon transformed my daily forecast into an adventure.

      Weather applications are often the most tedious items on our phones. You typically open one, check the temperature, perhaps see if rain is in the forecast, and then close it without a second glance. SkyDex aims to change that by making it resemble a Pokémon-style collecting game. Honestly, I understand the appeal.

      After testing the free version on an iPhone 15, I found it genuinely entertaining, even if the app still feels a bit unrefined. It functions as a weather app while incorporating a Pokémon-like experience, allowing you to complete a Kanto-style Pokédex alongside your regular weather updates.

      How SkyDex operates

      SkyDex is fundamentally still a weather app, providing typical features like current temperature, hourly forecasts, 10-day forecasts, humidity, wind speed, precipitation probabilities, and more. The twist is that fluctuating weather conditions can lead to various Pokémon encounters, which are then added to your in-app Dex.

      The app can spawn different Pokémon based on the weather, temperature changes, time of day, and location, with rarity levels ranging from common to legendary. The free version maintains the core functionalities but limits saved locations and includes advertisements.

      The enjoyable aspect is that it breathes life into an otherwise dull utility app.

      This was the highlight of my experience. SkyDex made checking the weather feel much more engaging than I expected. Instead of just looking at a forecast, I became curious about which weather conditions might reveal something new. That little Pokémon element effectively gamifies the routine task.

      A weather app isn't typically thrilling, but SkyDex creates the sensation of a small reward each time you open it.

      However, it still feels somewhat unfinished.

      The downside is that the app doesn't feel completely polished yet. The free version is definitely usable, but you're confronted with ads. While I can manage that, the UI was more concerning for me. In portrait mode, some text and images appeared cut off or poorly sized, whereas landscape orientation was more visually appealing and stable.

      This doesn't undermine the app's charm, but it does prevent it from feeling as refined as the concept warrants. SkyDex is fun, and I can understand its appeal. Nevertheless, a tidier interface is necessary before I could confidently recommend it as a go-to weather app.