You love playing Pokémon, but during the holidays you tend to be less combative? Then the photo safari “New Pokémon Snap” on the Nintendo Switch could be your game.
Sure, catching and training Pokémon is cool, but do you know what’s even cooler? Photographing Pokémon! At least that was our opinion back in elementary school in the early 2000s when we kept visiting our friend who had a Nintendo 64 to play the first Pokémon Snap.
What is Pokémon Snap? In Pokémon Snap, you used to drive in first-person perspective using a self-driving buggy through different biomes populated by Pokémon in the wild. Whether on a tropical island or in the depths of a fiery volcano, the goal was always to take ideal photos of the monsters. Besides the camera, you could throw apples or use other items to lure Pokémon out of their hiding spots and then immortalize them in various poses.
Even back then, it was something special to see the monsters, which you only knew as small pixels on the Gameboy, in full size and vividly animated on the screen. And exactly this liveliness has also been transferred to the sequel of the classic, which was released for Nintendo Switch in 2021.
Pokémon in large and lively – This is how much fun the photo safari is
This is what makes New Pokémon Snap special: The name of the game may not be creatively chosen, but it is extremely fitting: the new Pokémon Snap really feels like the old one. Just with new, or rather more Pokémon and noticeably prettier graphics.
Once again you are traveling in an autonomous vehicle, cruising through the Poké world. In the so-called “Lentil” region, you explore an archipelago of various islands that confront you with diverse environments.
Sometimes you travel through a park, then through a jungle, you dive into the sea or glide over the eternal ice. You always have your camera, food, and music to attract Pokémon at hand. There is also the new “Lumina” feature – it revolves around special, glowing Pokémon that you can also examine.
What makes New Pokémon Snap strong? It really feels like a photo safari – only that you don’t shout: “Oh look, a lion!” but rather: “Oh look, a Machoke”. The game thrives on its iconic monsters, but also on their lively presentation.
The levels are full of Pokémon that hide, play tricks, fight each other, dance – whatever. These Pokémon don’t just stand around; they fill the game with their personality. Watching that is a lot of fun.
For example, you encounter Bidoof, struggling to build a dam. You can lure Magikarp to a waterfall so that it swims up it and evolves into Gyarados, or you look for the coolest Eevee evolutions. And if you do it right, you also discover the legendary Lugia, hidden in a cave in the depths of the sea.
Here are a few examples:
There are simply no shortage of subjects, as many monsters and photo variants can only be found when you use the right items or perform actions to trigger them. This is not very easy and constantly provides surprises.
Also, the explored biomes change periodically during the game, so you can return to them and explore them again from a different perspective. The difference between day and night is also noticeable in the game.
In short: If you want to let your curious spirit of discovery run free, this is the place for you. If you want to prove your Poké expertise now, check here in the Pokédex quiz.
How to play it in two?
According to the available modes in the game, not at all. There is only the solo mode. However, this doesn’t detract from the game in a larger group.
The most fun I had with the game was when I played with my brother and my girlfriend. It’s true that only one person can control the game, but the leisurely cruising doesn’t require much controller skills anyway.
Rather, you need to keep a keen eye and try to interpret the right clues or discover hidden Pokémon in the area. And this can be wonderfully done in a group. Additionally, it’s much easier to brainstorm together how to get that damn Tangela to jump out of the bush instead of hiding. Pokédex knowledge really pays off here.
Moreover, the photo safaris only last a few minutes. Once a round is completed, the photos are evaluated, and then you can hand over the controller and take turns. Just like in the old days!
Are you looking for more games to play together? Here you will find great multiplayer titles for the Nintendo Switch.
