Pokemon Retro Themes Chrome Extension

Bring old-school Pokemon vibes to your browser

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Inspiration

I looked at some new tab page extensions and got inspired to have a Pokemon themed one too.

What it does

Gives a bunch of small but useful utilities for your new tab page and a very cozy user interface with customization support.

Full List of Features

Core Features:

  • 12 Animated Themes: Each theme includes an animated pixel-art wallpaper and comes with a matching browser frame (Chrome Theme) for a fully immersive look.
  • Floating Pomodoro Timer: A productivity timer that can be popped out into a Picture-in-Picture window, staying on top of all other applications for maximum visibility.
  • Themed Search Bar: A Pokedex-style search bar supporting standard text, voice, and image search (Google Lens or Bing) with the option to set a custom search engine.
  • Unlimited User Shortcuts: Add as many website shortcuts as you need. A scrollbar appears to manage a large number of links without clutter.
  • Integrated Music Player: Listen to a built-in playlist of over 10 retro game OSTs. The music player can sync its soundtrack automatically with your chosen theme.
  • Quick App Launcher: Provides one-click access to pre-configured sets of Google or Microsoft applications.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Use hotkeys to control the new tab page (e.g., / to focus search, s for settings, spacebar to toggle music).

Customization:

  • Full UI Control: Right-click any tool (timer, music player, etc.) to open a quick-access menu or hide it completely for a minimalist layout.
  • Custom Quotes & Links: Write your own list of motivational quotes to be displayed and set a custom URL for the email button.
  • Custom Fonts: Choose from 4 different retro-style fonts to personalize the look of your dashboard.
  • Matching Browser Frames: Download full browser themes from the Chrome Web Store for a completely immersive experience. The extension provides direct links.

How I built it

First I had built it using Vanilla JS, CSS, and HTML and well... you already know how much it sucked... then I went on and learned React and made it using React for its 2nd version.

Challenges I ran into

I didn't know much about Chrome extension APIs and React so the main challenge was just learning them and making a consistent UI.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

  • It has the Chrome Web Store's "Featured Badge".
  • I as a developer also got a "Published Developer Badge" because of it.
  • It has 2450+ active weekly users as of 14-Sep-2025.

What I learned

  • NEVER make a big project in vanilla HTML, CSS, JS.
  • If something seems too hard, there will always be a more optimized way to make it easier.

What's next for Pokemon Retro Themes Chrome Extension

  • I most probably won't be adding any big features.
  • I will add small suggestions based on community feedback.
  • You can suggest features or send feedback here.

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