Comparison

MasterDex vs Retro Achievements

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MasterDex

This app serves as a comprehensive guide for fans and trainers, offering detailed information on creatures, team building, and the trading card game. It features offline access, advanced search, and tracking for favorite creatures and shinies, updated for the latest generation.

Highlights
  • Updated creature information
  • Team builder tool
  • Trading Card Game details
  • Offline functionality
  • Shiny creature tracker
  • Advanced search filters
Features
Read full description

Embark on an epic journey with MasterDex, the ultimate companion for all the fans and trainers. Key Features: ▶ Updated to Scarlet and Violet: Stay up-to-date with the latest generation of creatures, including their unique forms, evolutions, and abilities. ▶ Team Builder: Strategize and assemble your dream team using MasterDex's intuitive team-building feature. Plan your battles and unleash the power of synergy. ▶ TCG Info Included: Dive into the Trading Card Game world with comprehensive TCG information, including card details, prices, and rarity. ▶ No Login Required: Get instant access to a wealth of creature knowledge without the hassle of creating an account or remembering credentials. ▶ Works Offline: MasterDex is designed to be your reliable companion, even when you're offline. Access crucial information on the go, no matter where your adventures take you. ▶ Special Evolutions and Alternative Forms: Uncover the secrets of special evolutions and explore the diverse range of alternative forms within this captivating universe. ▶ Create a List of Your Favorite Creatures: Keep track of your most cherished companions. ▶ Keep Track of Your Shinies: Stay organized and track your shiny creatures with ease. MasterDex helps you monitor and celebrate your rare and unique discoveries. ▶ Detailed Information: Access to comprehensive details on creatures, moves, abilities, natures, items locations, and types. ▶ Advanced Search Filters: Find the creatures you're looking for effortlessly using advanced search filters. Narrow down your search based on various criteria. Embark on an extraordinary journey with MasterDex, your go-to companion. Please note that MasterDex is an unofficial, fan-made, and free-to-use app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators of the captivating world. Start your adventure today and become a true master!"

About

Retro Achievements

Features
Read full description

Application for managing achievements from retroachievements.org, which includes features such as: Custom Achievement Management Special Achievement Tracking Missable Achievement Detection Achievement and Progress Visualization Customizable View Achievement of the Week Achievement of the Month Achievement Trading Event History Player Following Statistics Comparison - Versus Mode Recent Activity Comment Reading Console Search New Releases Leaderboards Favorites Management Hash Information Patch Downloads FAQ System Optimized Interface Sharing System Detailed View Available in 46 different languages LEGAL Privacy Policy: https://akissame.com.co/retroachievements#privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ SUBSCRIPTION TERMS - 3-day free trial for new users - Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal - Payment charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Manage subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal in Account Settings - Any unused portion of free trial forfeited when purchasing subscription Cancel anytime through your device Settings > Subscriptions.

Screenshots

MasterDex4 screens
Retro Achievements4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Retro Achievements at none against MasterDex's shown. Retro Achievements also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MasterDex sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Retro Achievements sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MasterDex ships an update every 3 weeks, Retro Achievements every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MasterDex versus Retro Achievements: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMasterDexRetro Achievements
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (1.8K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews86.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.8K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size196 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLorenzo GrecoJohan Steven Oliveros Rodriguez

Bugs and requests

MasterDex

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Shiny toggle not working in team builder
  • Pokémon 3D models and artwork not displaying
  • Johto region locations missing
  • Crashes when adding Pokémon to teams
  • Incorrect information for some Pokémon (e.g., Necrozma's ability, Pikachu's classification)

Requested features

9 requests
  • Add Pokémon location filters
  • Implement ability to mark Pokémon as caught/seen
  • Add damage calculator
  • Allow reorganizing of teams
  • Include Pokémon cries and Dynamax/Gigantamax forms
Show 4 more
  • Add Pokémon trainer and villain information
  • Provide option to change default sprite view
  • Implement Tera Type information
  • Add item location and TM/HM information

Retro Achievements

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

MasterDex

One-time2
  • Masteredex - Sale$1.99
  • Masterdex PRO$2.99
3 purchases

Retro Achievements

Subscriptions3
  • Ad-Free Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Ad-Free 6 Months$5.496 Months
  • Ad-Free Annual$9.991 Year

Questions

Is MasterDex free?
MasterDex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Retro Achievements free?
Retro Achievements is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MasterDex or Retro Achievements have ads?
MasterDex shows ads; Retro Achievements does not.
Which is updated more often, MasterDex or Retro Achievements?
MasterDex ships an update every 3 weeks, and Retro Achievements every 2 weeks. Most recently, MasterDex was updated on October 27, 2026 and Retro Achievements on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons