PkDex Switch

pkDex
pkDex
General
Author	Insektaure
Type	Other Apps
Version	1.5.1
License	GPL-2.0
Last Updated	2025/10/23
Links
	Download
	Website
	Source

pkDex is a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia for Nintendo Switch homebrew systems, developed by Insektaure. It enables users to browse detailed Pokémon data offline, supporting multiple generations and regions. The application provides an intuitive interface ideal for players tracking collection progress or hunting shiny Pokémon.

Features

Multi-Region Support: Browse Pokémon from different regions:
- Kanto (Gen 1 - Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee)
- Sinnoh (Gen 4 - Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl)
- Sinnoh Arceus (Legends: Arceus)
- Galar (Gen 8 - Sword & Shield + Isle of Armor & Crown Tundra DLC)
- Paldea (Gen 9 - Scarlet & Violet + The Teal Mask & The Indigo Disk DLC)
- Kalos (Legends: Z-A)
Detailed Pokémon Information:
- National and Regional Pokédex numbers
- Shiny Lock status
- Pokémon types
- Evolution information
- Game version exclusivity
- In-game locations
- Images of both standard and shiny forms
- Packaged low resolution images, with dynamic loading high resolution if available on the SD card
Pokémon Tracker:
- Track caught Pokémon by marking them as caught on the list
- Caught Pokémon are highlighted in the list
- Ability to reset caught status for all Pokémon from the settings menu
- Ability to reset caught status for specific Region from the settings menu
- Caught status is saved in a pkDex.tracker.{REGION}.ini file in the /switch/pkDex directory (1 file per region)
User-Friendly Interface:
- Organized by regions with section headers
- Efficient list navigation with recycling views
- Detailed view for each Pokémon
- Dark theme support
Settings / QoL:
- Update check on startup (to ensure you have the latest version -Enable by default-)
- Disable automatic update check on startup (for those who prefer not to check for updates)
- Download updates directly from the application (must use the included Updater to apply updates)
- If the updater application is not present, it will prompt you to download it from the settings menu when trying to launch it.
- Can hide the bottom status bar
- Download & Extract the High Resolution images pack directly from the application from the settings menu (requires an internet connection)
Cross-Platform Compatibility:
- Nintendo Switch (primary target)

How to Use

Launch the application on your device.
Navigate through the tabs to select a Pokémon region.
Browse the list of Pokémon, organized by their regional Pokédex numbers.
Select a Pokémon to view detailed information, including:
- Images (standard and shiny forms)
- National Pokédex number
- Regional Pokédex number
- Shiny Lock status
- Type information
- Evolution details
- Location information
- Version exclusivity
Press the Y button to mark a Pokémon as caught or uncaught. Caught Pokémon will be highlighted in the list.
Marking a Pokémon as caught will create a pkDex.tracker.{REGION}.ini file in the /switch/pkDex directory.

Unmarking a Pokémon will set the corresponding line in pkDex.tracker.{REGION}.ini file accordingly.

Use the settings menu to enable or disable automatic new version checks & check for available updates manually.
Use the settings menu to download updates directly from the application (requires the pkDexUpdater application to be present to use update file).
Use the included updater application (pkDexUpdater.nro) to apply the downloaded update file.
Use the settings menu to Download & Extract the High Resolution images pack directly from the application (requires an internet connection).

How to Update

To update the application, you can use the included updater application (pkDexUpdater.nro):

Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet.
Go to the settings menu and check for updates.

If an update is available, the application will prompt you to download it.

If you want to update automatically :

Click the Launch Updater button in the settings menu of the main application.
If you don't have the Updater, you will be prompted to download it directly from the application settings.
The updater will apply the downloaded update file to the main application, ensuring you have the latest features and bug fixes.

If you prefer to update manually:

Download the latest version from the releases page.

App Settings

The application includes a settings menu that allows users to:

Enable or disable automatic update checks on startup
Check for updates manually
Download updates directly from the application
Download the updater application if it is not present
Reset caught Pokémon status
Download & Extract the High Resolution images pack directly from the application (requires an internet connection)

Enabling automatic update checks will prompt the application to check for the latest version on startup, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date information.
You can download updates at any time from the settings menu (Check for updates button).

Changing the settings will generate a config.ini file in the /config/pkDex directory, which will be used to store user preferences.

Screenshots

Changelog

v1.5.1

Update Kalos (Legends: Z-A) locations & shiny lock status.

v1.5.0

Add Pokemon Legends Z-A Pokedex support.

v1.4.0

Add option to Download & Extract the High-Resolution Images Pack directly from the main application (since v1.4.0 and up).
Add an option to Download the High-Resolution Images Pack directly from the application.
Add an option to Extract the downloaded High-Resolution Images Pack directly from the application.

v1.3.2

Add Changelog menu
Can now hide the main app bottom status bar

v1.3.1

Tracker now use one file per region to save "Captured" statuses instead of a big one (faster Read / Write)
Can now select & reset per region "Captured" statuses instead of all regions without distinction (this cannot be undone -for now-)

v1.3.0

Update file can be redownloaded (prompt to force download is update file already exist)
Add Pokemon Tracker system

v1.2.0

Can download the Updater app directly from the main application if missing (since v1.2.0 and up).
Add new Updater app to update to latest version available directly from the Nintendo Switch.

v1.1.1

Added Shiny Locked flag on pokemon view.

v1.1.0

Disable automatic update check on startup (for those who prefer not to check for updates on launch)
Manually check if an update is available (network connection needed)

v1.0

First Release.

Credits

Borealis UI Framework: A hardware-accelerated UI library for Nintendo Switch homebrew, developed by natinusala and contributors. GitHub Repository
Pokémon Data: All Pokémon names, images, and data are property of Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokémon Company.
Development: pkDex is developed by Insektaure.
Datasets: Pokémon data sourced from various community resources and official game data (serebii.net / pokemondb.net / bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net).
Switchbrew for their research and libnx which makes it possible to create homebrew
ReSwitched for their research, Atmosphere, and libstratosphere which is invaluable for Switch homebrew

Disclaimer

This application is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or related to Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo. This application is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

External links

Github - https://github.com/Insektaure/pkDex
HB-App - https://hb-app.store/switch/pkDex