Pokémon TCG Mobile App
We partnered with the Pokémon SlabDEX team to build an MVP iOS app for Pokémon TCG collectors, a platform that combines card scanning, live market data, and AI-powered insights into one seamless experience. Our team designed and developed the app from concept to launch, focusing on speed, scalability, and reliability. Within just one month, SlabDEX went from idea to a fully functional MVP, capable of scanning cards in seconds, tracking global market prices, managing collections, and delivering real-time alerts and premium AI insights for collectors worldwide.
1 month
Project Duration
6
Team members
10+
Number of technologies used
About Pokemon
SlabDEX is a mobile app built for Pokémon TCG collectors to easily manage their card collections, track real-time market prices, and access AI-powered insights. Designed for speed, scalability, and smooth performance, the app lets users scan cards within seconds, view accurate market values, organize their collections, and receive instant price alerts, all within an intuitive iOS experience.
Main technologies used
The Challenge
The client needed an app that could handle serious technical complexity while still feeling effortless for users. Here’s what made SlabDEX a tough nut to crack.
- Ultra-fast, accurate card scanning: (1-5 seconds latency)
- Multi-source pricing aggregation: from global marketplaces like TCGPlayer, eBay, and Cardmarket.
- A scalable backend: that could support collectors worldwide.
- Seamless UX: across iOS devices
- Real-time alerts, AI insights, and premium subscription flows
The Process
1. Discovery & Design
Worked closely with the client to define the MVP, UX/UI, and technical architecture.
2. Choosing the Right Tech
React Native for rapid iOS development, Go for backend microservices, PostgreSQL for solid data integrity.
3. Agile Development
Bi-weekly sprints with clear communication and client feedback loops.
4. Iterative Delivery
Focused on delivering functional features fast, starting with card scanning, pricing, and collection management.
The Solution
We built SlabDEX with one goal, to make Pokémon card collecting smarter, faster, and seamless. From AI-powered scanning to real-time pricing and alerts, every feature was designed for speed, accuracy, and scalability. The result is a high-performing app that turns complex data into an effortless collector experience.
Card Scanning & ML Pipeline
We integrated CoreML for instant on-device scanning with server-side ML backup for precision. Cards are recognized and valued in just 1–5 seconds, combining speed and accuracy for a smooth user experience.
Pricing Engine
The pricing engine pulls live data from TCGPlayer, eBay, and Cardmarket, then filters and scores it for accuracy. Collectors see reliable, real-time market values for every card in their collection.
Backend Microservices
Built on AWS ECS Fargate, the modular backend handles pricing, AI insights, and user data with PostgreSQL and Redis caching, ensuring fast performance and easy scalability.
Real-Time Alerts
Through Redis pub/sub and WebSockets, users get instant updates on price changes and market trends, with customizable alerts for what matters most to them.
Premium EX Features
Premium users unlock AI insights, grading suggestions, and secure Apple in-app purchases, offering advanced tools for deeper collection analysis and engagement.
Analytics & Monitoring
We added Firebase, GA4, CloudWatch, Sentry, and Grafana to track performance, user behavior, and errors, keeping the app reliable, optimized, and ready to grow.
Key Takeaways
SlabDEX launched with a powerful, scalable foundation that transforms Pokémon card collecting into a fast, data-driven experience. The app’s ultra-quick card scanning and accurate multi-source pricing deliver instant value to users, while its premium EX tier introduces AI-powered insights and monetization opportunities. Inspirovate’s agile, milestone-based process ensured rapid delivery without sacrificing quality, combining strategic planning with technical precision. With a robust backend architecture, real-time systems, and advanced monitoring, SlabDEX is built to grow effortlessly as its user base expands globally. The collaboration demonstrates how strong architecture and smart design translate complex ideas into smooth, high-performing apps. By uniting strategy, scalability, and user-focused design, SlabDEX stands as a model of how vision turns into execution and innovation into lasting impact.