New Pokémon Snap is a photography‑based adventure video game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It serves as a sequel to the 1999 Game Boy Color title Pokémon Snap and was released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on April 30 2021.
Overview
The game places players in the role of a Pokémon photographer who explores a series of themed environments known as "phototrials." Players control the vehicle the NEO-ONE to traverse predetermined paths while capturing images of wild Pokémon in their natural habitats. Photographs are scored based on criteria such as composition, size, pose, and the use of special in‑game abilities. High‑scoring shots unlock new areas, items, and upgrades.
Development
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios (formerly Bandai Namco Entertainment) in collaboration with Nintendo's EPD division.
- Producer: Shigeru Miyamoto (executive producer) and Tsunekazu Ishihara (executive producer, The Pokémon Company).
- Director: Hiroyuki Takahashi.
- Development began shortly after the announcement of the Pokémon franchise's 25th anniversary, with the intention of modernizing the original's mechanics while retaining its core focus on photography.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Camera System: Players can zoom, switch lenses, and activate special "boosts" that affect Pokémon behavior (e.g., using the "Fruit" boost to attract Pokémon that eat berries).
- Scoring: Each photograph receives a score ranging from 0 to 10,000 points, calculated from four categories: Size (distance to Pokémon), Pose (unique actions), Composition (use of framing and environmental elements), and Boost (application of special abilities).
- Progression: Accumulating high scores fills a "photo album" which unlocks additional phototrials, new camera upgrades, and optional side quests such as the "Sandwich Mode," where players assemble custom sandwiches to influence Pokémon behavior.
- Multiplayer: The game includes a cooperative mode that allows up to four players to explore phototrials together, each contributing to a shared album.
Release and Platforms
- Release Date: April 30 2021 (global).
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch (physical cartridge and digital download via Nintendo eShop).
- The game was marketed as a launch title for the Switch in several regions and was included in promotional bundles with the console.
Reception
- Critical Response: New Pokémon Snap received generally favorable reviews, with aggregate scores of 80 / 100 on Metacritic. Reviewers praised the vibrant graphics, expanded roster of Pokémon (including over 70 species from multiple generations), and the refined photography mechanics. Some criticism centered on the linear nature of the phototrials and limited replayability compared to open‑world exploration games.
- Commercial Performance: According to Nintendo’s fiscal reports, the title sold approximately 3.2 million copies worldwide within its first year, making it one of the higher‑selling Switch titles for the 2021 fiscal year.
Post‑Release Support
- Updates: Nintendo released several free updates adding new phototrials, seasonal events (e.g., “Winter Wonder” with snow‑covered environments), and additional Pokémon such as Mew and Celebi.
- DLC: A paid downloadable content pack titled “Pokémon Snap: Deluxe Edition” was announced in 2022, offering cosmetic accessories for the NEO‑ONE and extra photo filters, though it was later delayed and eventually integrated into a free update.
Legacy
New Pokémon Snap is recognized for reviving interest in the photography sub‑genre within the Pokémon series and for influencing subsequent titles that incorporate photo‑capture mechanics, such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus's in‑game journal feature. It also contributed to the broader trend of nature‑focused, low‑stress gaming experiences on the Nintendo Switch platform.
References
- Nintendo Co., Ltd. “New Pokémon Snap – Official Site.” Nintendo.com, 2021.
- The Pokémon Company International. Pokémon Snap Press Release, March 2021.
- Metacritic. “New Pokémon Snap Reviews.” Metacritic.com, 2021.
- Nintendo Financial Results FY2021. “Consolidated Sales Data.” Nintendo.co.jp, 2022.