What it does
Scanémon is a utility app for Pokémon trading card collectors. Its primary function is to identify cards using a phone's camera and provide an up-to-date market value for them. Beyond scanning, it serves as a digital portfolio where users can build and manage their entire collection, browse official card sets, and look up any Pokémon to see all its printed variations.
Where it shines
Scanémon shines in its flexibility for different types of collectors. While the camera scanner (00:42) is the main feature, the app also caters to users who want to add cards without having them physically present. The 'Sets' browser (02:01) is perfect for completionists tracking their progress, and the 'Pokédex' (02:31) allows fans to look up their favorite Pokémon and see every card ever made for it. This multi-path discovery makes it more than just a scanner; it's a comprehensive collection management tool.
UX highlights
- Multiple discovery paths: Users can add cards by scanning, browsing sets, or searching the Pokédex, accommodating various collecting styles.
- Clear value display: After a successful scan, the market price is displayed prominently (01:15), delivering instant gratification.
- Contextual permissions: The app only asks for camera access at the moment the user tries to scan their first card (00:39), rather than during onboarding.
- Visual trial timeline: The paywall (00:10) uses a simple timeline to explain the trial, reminder, and billing start date, which builds trust.
- In-app rating prompt: The app cleverly asks for a rating (01:21) immediately after the first successful scan, capturing the user at a peak moment of satisfaction.
- Simple collection management: Long-pressing a card reveals a simple 'Delete' option (01:56), making the interface clean and intuitive.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is front and center in Scanémon. The app employs a hard paywall immediately after a brief value proposition (00:09). All core features, including scanning, are locked until the user subscribes. The offer is a 3-day free trial that converts into a monthly or yearly plan, with the yearly option highlighted. After subscribing, the app requires an account to be created via Apple Sign-In, ensuring that all paying users are captured in their system.
Who it’s for
This app is built for dedicated Pokémon card collectors. It targets both casual hobbyists who want to quickly check the value of a few cards and serious collectors who need a tool to digitally catalog hundreds of cards. The detailed 'Sets' and 'Pokédex' features suggest a focus on users who are deeply engaged in the collecting meta-game and want to track their progress systematically.
Notes & opportunities
The initial scanning process showed some friction, failing to identify two different cards (00:52, 01:03) before a successful scan. This could be a significant drop-off point for new users. Implementing a fallback flow, such as prompting a manual search or offering tips for better scanning after a failure, could improve the first-time user experience. Additionally, while the app shows a market price, adding a link to the source (like TCGPlayer, which is a toggle in settings) by default could increase user trust in the valuation data.