eShop Review: Pokédex 3D - A Beautiful Way to Catch 'Em All

It's hard to find a free application more jam-packed with content and potential than Pokédex 3D.  The Pokédex application, available as a download through the Nintendo eShop, offers a unique 3D experience featuring the Pokémon introduced in Black and White Versions.

The Pokémon, traditionally seen as pixel art, come to life in beautiful 3D.  Each creature looks stunning, and this title quite literally gives new depth to the previously flat Pokémon.

Pokédex 3D starts you off with sixteen Pokémon, with an additional three arriving each day via SpotPass.  It's exciting to wake up every morning and discover the three new Pokémon that have arrivedd on your 3DS, and Pokédex 3D makes more use of SpotPass than any other title to date.  Pokémon can also be obtained by scanning special AR markers with the 3DS camera, and from friends over local wireless.

In true Pokémon fashion, you'll have to connect with a few friends to fill your Pokédex entirely.  This isn't exactly a negative, but the lack of online support means that some Pokédex 3D owners will never have the chance to complete their Pokédex.

In addition to a the top screen's 3D viewing experience, the touch screen provides detailed information concerning the Pokémon's stats, evolution line, and other important information.  This is a particularly useful tool for owners of Pokémon Black and White Versions, but will mean nothing to those who download the title just to see the pretty 3D models.

Pokédex 3D also features a surprisingly robust augmented reality function that is weighed down quite a bit by the 3DS' lackluster camera.  Still, the technology works great and adds a lot of value to this already-strong title.

Pokédex 3D is a brilliant, must-have title for 3DS owners and Pokémon fans alike.  Sure, being familiar with the series will enhance your experience, but Pokédex 3D provides a good deal of entertainment for anyone.  And while only fifth-generation Pokémon are currently available, there is a strong chance we'll be seeing some of our favorite older Pokémon in the near future.  With beautiful graphics that bring Pokémon to life, a useful reference tool, and an experience that emphasizes the Nintendo 3DS' core features, Pokédex 3D is a free download that I'd gladly fork over a few dollars for.  It gets four stars out of four.