New Pokémon Snap puts players behind a camera in a closed ecosystem full of talking animals, and it asks one simple question: what kind of photo will you take? The Switch remake of the original trades a handheld cartridge for a bigger screen, a better frame rate, and a new island to explore. It also adds a layer of social comparison that the original never had. The result is a charming, occasionally frustrating package that rewards patience and curiosity over speed.
Trailer, via IGN.
Scanning the New Island
Players move through a series of themed areas, photographing Pokémon as they go. Each area is a distinct habitat, from grassy plains to snowy peaks, and each supports a different cast of creatures. The goal is not just to capture a picture but to capture the best possible picture. That means waiting for a Pokémon to strike a pose, positioning yourself at the right angle, and timing your shot carefully.
The tour structure is simple. Players move through a set path, snapping photos along the way, then return to a viewing room to review their shots and plan their next pass. There is no combat, no grinding, no enemies to fight. Just observation and composition. This simplicity is the game’s strength and its weakness. It trusts players to find pleasure in looking.
Scoring and Ranking
New Pokémon Snap introduces a scoring system that rates each photo based on composition, color, and the Pokémon’s expression. Players can rescan an area to try again, and the game tracks your best scores across runs. This competitive layer adds pressure, especially if you care about seeing your name near the top of the leaderboards. It also means some players will spend far more time in a single area than they intended, chasing that perfect shot.
The ranking system is not subtle. It tells you exactly where you stand, and it encourages replay. For players who enjoy the grind, this is a feature. For players who want to see everything once and move on, it can feel like a chore. The system rewards persistence, and it punishes players who rush through an area without thinking about the shot.
The Camera and Its Tricks
The camera itself is the star of the show. It can zoom, focus, and adjust settings on the fly, and the game teaches these tools early. Players can also use lures and flash to manipulate Pokémon behavior, which changes how a scene plays out. A flash might startle a Pokémon into a new position, while a lure might bring it closer to the camera.
These tools are simple but effective. They give players control over the shot, even when the Pokémon is doing something unexpected. Learning when and how to use them becomes part of the process of getting the best picture.
The Social Layer
New Pokémon Snap includes a social element that lets players share their photos with friends and compare scores. This is where the remake diverges most from the original. The 1998 version was a solitary experience; New Pokémon Snap is built around community. Players can browse other people’s photos, leave comments, and see how their own work stacks up against others.
This is a bold addition. It turns a quiet, contemplative game into something more public and competitive. Some players will love this. Others will find it distracting. The social features are optional, but they are always present, and they shape how players approach the game’s goals.
The Pokémon Themselves
The roster of Pokémon is extensive, and each species behaves differently in its habitat. Some are docile and easy to photograph, while others are skittish and require patience. The game does not explain every behavior, which means players often have to learn through trial and error. This can be frustrating, but it also makes the world feel alive.
Pokémon talk to each other, react to sounds, and change their behavior based on nearby objects. A player who knows where to stand and what to throw can get a great shot. A player who does not know the tricks will get something decent at best. Learning these behaviors takes time, and the game does not always make that clear ahead of time.
The Viewing Room
After each scan, players return to a viewing room where they can review their photos, edit them slightly, and choose which ones to keep. This is where the scoring happens, and it is also where the game’s pacing slows down. The viewing room is a pause between the action, and it can feel tedious if you are not careful.
The editing tools are limited but functional. Players can crop, adjust brightness, and add filters. These tools help refine a good shot, but they are not powerful enough to fix a bad one. The game wants you to get it right in the field. Returning to the viewing room repeatedly, especially when chasing a high score, can eat up a significant portion of a play session.
A Schedule of Play
Below is a rough breakdown of how a typical play session might unfold. Times are approximate and will vary depending on how much time you spend in each area.
| Stage | Activity | Rough Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scan a new area | 5–10 minutes |
| 2 | Review photos in viewing room | 3–5 minutes |
| 3 | Return to scan again | 5–10 minutes |
| 4 | Share photos with friends | 2–5 minutes |
Final Score
New Pokémon Snap is a polished, enjoyable remake that carries the spirit of the original while adding new layers of depth. The scoring and sharing systems are divisive, but the core loop of exploration and photography remains strong. The game is best enjoyed at a steady pace, with plenty of time to sit back and watch the Pokémon do their thing.
It is not a revolutionary game, but it does not need to be. It is a comfortable, familiar loop that rewards attention and curiosity. The score reflects that balance: a solid, well-made experience with a few rough edges.
“A comfortable, familiar loop that rewards attention”
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
