is a reporter focusing on film, TV, and pop culture. Before The Verge, he wrote about comic books, labor, race, and more at io9 and Gizmodo for almost five years.
Though the Pokémon games’ Rotom Phones haven’t really changed all that much design-wise over the past few years, each generation has introduced new functionalities that made upgrading a no-brainer. Sword / Shield’s Rotom Phone — the very first one — came with a bare-bones camera that made it easy to snap wide-angle (screen)shots out in the Galar region’s Wild Area. The second-generation Rotom Phone’s camera in Scarlet / Violet was a significant improvement, but the device’s real standout feature was its ability to keep you from plummeting to your death if you fell from a great height.
While neither of the early Rotom Phones were as visually interesting as Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Arc Phone, they both spoke to how the Pokémon universe’s consumer tech has become increasingly streamlined and robust. That trend continues in Pokémon Legends: Z-A with a new Rotom Phone that feels like it was designed for urban exploration.
Like its predecessors, the third-gen Rotom Phone’s conservative design is a reminder of how Pokémon’s gadgets have lost some of their personality in the time since Pokédexes went from being physical objects to downloadable applications. But what the new phone lacks in aesthetic flair, it makes up for with improved hardware and a couple of fresh tricks — including one that makes leaping across rooftops a snap — that make it a must-have for anyone visiting present-day Lumiose City.
8 Verge Score Rotom Phone 3 $ 0 $ 0 The Good Hands-free usability is more robust
More functional camera array with zoom
Roto-Glide is a game-changer
Excellent call quality and battery life The Bad Physical design is getting a little long in the tooth
No accessories
Might not work outside of the Kalos region
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