The Pokedex is a mainstay of thePokemongames, and each generation brings a new iteration toaid trainers in its completion—butPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s rendition comes with the most significant aesthetic update yet.

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Lush against a handsome wood-floor background, each Pokemon’s file is aligned vertically as if on a shelf. They are like physical volumes that showcase each Pokemon in its natural habitat, complete withlinks to Paldean map locations(even if only “seen”) and details with some of the usual fair: height; weight; typing; number, and the ever-changing written description—usually two concise sentences, straight to the chase, sometimes even a pleasant revelation.

How to Open Scarlet and Violet’s Pokedex

If trainers want to open the Pokedex, they mustpress the — button. Numbers “Caught” and “Battled” are shown prominently next to a card designating Paldea: the enchanting Spanish-themed region of thePokemon Scarlet and Violetgames.

Press A on that card to see each Pokemon bracingly organized in the aforementioned volumes with their Paldean numbers at the base, the names, and a cute thumbnail.

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But in the previous menu screen, the card descends farther down into two more categories:Recently Caught and Recently Battled. Each of these shows the five most recent Pokemon encountered, along with a shot of it living its day-to-day, but sometimes those in “Recently Battled” will show only a thumbnail against a gray backdrop—a signification it hasn’t been caught.

At least this Rotomdex will also show where anyPokemon not yet caught can surely be found. Press + to go to thePokemon’s Habitatscreen, which shows the map of Paldea and the approximate habitat location—appreciatively chunky, highlighted squares on a colorful grid- a cute simplification.

Rotomdex’s Recent Notes

Recent Notes, right below Recently Battled, shows the newest notes, pasted-on bits of paper. This is where it gets interesting. Each note displays scant information, sometimes tantalizing clues such as “lives in mountainous areas” orweather queueslike “dislikes rain.” Trainers may also be able to see the habitat location as well, or they may only get a large question mark—“Habitat Unknown.”

Pressing X on the main Pokedex menu brings up links directly to the map or to thetrainer’s profile, which usefully displays all the relevant Adventure Records: Badges Collected; Pokemon Caught and Seen; Recipes Collected; Total Playtime; and even the number of Shiny Pokemon Battled. Trainers can also change their profile image or icon,PokeDollar and LP (League Point)totals—and the current earned Gym Badges effects.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available for the Nintendo Switch.