New Pokemon Snap

 Switch
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 651 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 427 out of 651
  2. Mixed: 68 out of 651
  3. Negative: 156 out of 651
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Federx
    May 2, 2021
    10
    It's better than the original in every possible way. It has more routes, more paths, day night cycle, more pokemon etc.
    The underwater level is absolutely gorgeous
  2. JOKINHA
    May 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This looks like what swsh should look like, and it even better than the original when it comes to gameplay، although not for everyone this game perfectly satysfies its target audience, as any game should… Expand
  3. Zekroxin
    May 8, 2021
    0
    I would play but i fall Asleep everytime so i just play other Games its not Worth maybe for 10€ yes otherwise man theres really much better Games out there.
  4. greninjaX
    May 11, 2021
    10
    with the addition of branching paths, day/night cycles, expedition points, and tons of new levels filled with new pokemon, New pokemon snap easily surpasses it's predecessor. this is the new best pokemon spin off.
  5. Ramza92
    May 11, 2021
    10
    Almost the perfect sequel of the old one! The music is a bit boring but everything else is really good. A really chill game.
  6. Sergiox
    May 3, 2021
    7
    Divertido a la altura de cualquier exclusivo de Nintendo, buena jugabilidad.
  7. Gmlgml
    May 11, 2021
    9
    After around 50-60 hours in new Pokémon Snap, I have yet to find everything this game hides. Yeah sure it can be repetitive sometimes but there are always interactions to have with the Pokémon. The whole idea of a photodex is pretty cool to me, and filling a page will make you feel pretty good. The main problem can be the rating system but that is minor. The online is surprisingly good forAfter around 50-60 hours in new Pokémon Snap, I have yet to find everything this game hides. Yeah sure it can be repetitive sometimes but there are always interactions to have with the Pokémon. The whole idea of a photodex is pretty cool to me, and filling a page will make you feel pretty good. The main problem can be the rating system but that is minor. The online is surprisingly good for this type of game and the courses are great. But this game is not for everyone so It is understandable if you don’t buy it… Expand
  8. Gaymergrill
    May 11, 2021
    10
    Pokémon snap is a blast! The dialogue is a bit dull but the world is beautiful. There are fun discoveries and lots of secret paths. Fun game!
  9. PolygonPal
    May 1, 2021
    9
    After 20 years, we finally get a sequel that fans from gen 1 have been begging for.

    The Good: Arcade like rail "shooting" goodness. Beautiful and vibrant locations filled with fun interactions between Pokemon. Easy to pick up and play. The Star system encourages finding all the interesting quirks of Pokemon. The Bad: Why is there grind here? This ain't an RPG. Areas feel    After 20 years, we finally get a sequel that fans from gen 1 have been begging for.

    The Good:
    Arcade like rail "shooting" goodness.
    Beautiful and vibrant locations filled with fun interactions between Pokemon.
    Easy to pick up and play.
    The Star system encourages finding all the interesting quirks of Pokemon.

    The Bad:
    Why is there grind here? This ain't an RPG.
    Areas feel cluttered and cramped compared to the original N64 title, making it hard to grab pics of every mon in one go.
    Ironically, adding a story feels like a downgrade to the original having none at all.
    Still being able to only submit one photo per Pokemon is aggravating with the new Star system.

    Details:
    New Pokemon Snap is literally what it says on the case. It's an attempt to bring back the one and done deal of the original spinoff title that many fans have been begging get made for 20 years. With hundreds more Pokemon available(as of the time of this writing, a documented total of, funnily enough, 151 more to be exact over the original) the courses are jam packed with as many wild Pokemon as possible, especially when it comes to having multiple of the same type in one area(like Buffolant, which would naturally move in herds, what with being afro wearing buffalo and all). The controls are a bit simpler than many may remember. Unlike the original version, you do not have to use the "aim" button to snap photos, you can simply take them at any time, with that function now being swapped to a "zoom" function to get a better shot. Apples return as "fluffruit" and function identically, making most Pokemon come closer and better face the camera. The two new major functions are "Illumina orbs" and "Scanning". The Illumina orb replaces the Pester Ball and can cause certain reactions from Pokemon while Scanning has various uses depending on the context of where it was used(like uncovering hidden Pokemon or getting a hint). That said, some new issues have arrived from the 20 years of waiting. Unlike Oak, who just wanted some pictures of the local wildlife, Professor Mirror has a much more detailed reason for being here and needing your help. Unfortunately, it's not terribly interesting and rather feels like it's in the way, which leads to my next complaint. Grinding. You must play levels multiple times over, trying to increase your exploration level to unlock alternate versions of each of the levels, and on all routes. Raising the level changes the positions of certain Pokemon and adds in others, which increases the effective number of stages by quite a lot. But at the core this unfortunately means taking the same shots over and over a few times just to unlock a variant of the stage you were just playing. A new system that works better is the Star system. Pokemon will perform a variety of behaviors that are all given a rank of 1-4 stars. This system makes finding all the unique behaviors much more rewarding as originally you simply wanted the action that gave the most points, any other shot was worthless. Now the game encourages you to snap pictures of Pokemon you have already seen because they might be a ranking you haven't gotten yet.

    Verdict:
    Gameplay: B+
    Graphics: B
    Charm: A
    Replayability: A
    Good Vibes: A+
    Professor Mirror: Sadly not as good as Oak.

    Recommended towards those that utterly love Pokemon and need something they can play in small bursts.    … Expand
  10. Andmyaxe90
    May 1, 2021
    8
    The game is fun, looks beautiful. It's a shame the evolution mechanics are gone, though.
  11. CDizzness
    May 1, 2021
    9
    I bought this game so I could watch other people play it primarily, but it's freaking amazing. The animations are top notch, the environments are gorgeous. This game pushes the Switch pretty hard, yet maintains a constant locked frame rate. (Unlike original Snap) All of the upgrades, new Pokemon, animations and overall visuals give this game major appeal. Even if you are just watching fromI bought this game so I could watch other people play it primarily, but it's freaking amazing. The animations are top notch, the environments are gorgeous. This game pushes the Switch pretty hard, yet maintains a constant locked frame rate. (Unlike original Snap) All of the upgrades, new Pokemon, animations and overall visuals give this game major appeal. Even if you are just watching from the sidelines.… Expand
  12. MaddoxWhite
    May 1, 2021
    9
    A really enjoyable high score type game. A decent amount of replay value, with all of the charm of the original.
  13. Jimmy1010
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Beautiful scenic views and pokemon characters full of life. A relaxing game that is best played for fun and with the aspect that you've gotta catch em all.
  14. JonnyTompkins
    May 1, 2021
    10
    We've been waiting diligently, and that wait has paid off with a quality game that shows what Pokemon truly could be if the right developers took liberties with the franchise.

    Illumina Pokemon? A much more interesting gimmick than Dynamax, AND it has an explanation to what it actually is and does (unlike GameFreak's "I don't know" when asked what is really happening when a Pokemon    We've been waiting diligently, and that wait has paid off with a quality game that shows what Pokemon truly could be if the right developers took liberties with the franchise.

    Illumina Pokemon? A much more interesting gimmick than Dynamax, AND it has an explanation to what it actually is and does (unlike GameFreak's "I don't know" when asked what is really happening when a Pokemon dynamaxes.)

    Photos become very personable and the tools to edit are very in depth. Only issue I took was why does it take so long for the blur setting to move from left to right?

    The photodex is also very interactive and allows you to rotate the high quality models, make them perform brilliant animations, and give actual up to date battle cry sounds that don't rip your ear to shreds. I never knew how much I wanted updated Pokemon cries until playing New Snap.

    Lastly the gameplay and graphics are wonderful. I can't stress enough how much more BandaiNamco reached Pokemon's potential far better than GameFreak has in over 20 years.    … Expand
  15. Rikyun
    May 1, 2021
    6
    For a 60USD game Pokemon Snap is not worth it. It sure feels right and amazing for a first play, but slowly becomes a boring game. If you can get it with some discount then purchase it, but keep your money safe from paying the whole price.

    Pros: +Amazing graphics considering is a switch game. +It brings nostalgia of the first game, which is an amazing feeling for the first day.    For a 60USD game Pokemon Snap is not worth it. It sure feels right and amazing for a first play, but slowly becomes a boring game. If you can get it with some discount then purchase it, but keep your money safe from paying the whole price.

    Pros:
    +Amazing graphics considering is a switch game.
    +It brings nostalgia of the first game, which is an amazing feeling for the first day.
    +Watching some characters and pokemon living in this scripted world first amazing the first time, and even the second one.
    +Having some missions to accomplish gives you purpose to replay
    +Watching pokemon doing something related to their environment gives the impression of a living game.

    Cons:
    -Is not a 60USD game, it lack play ability and content to justify the whole price, sure making it look pretty does not justify the whole price.
    -It lacks puzzles, I spent the first day excited waited to unlock the right level or tool to help me solve any puzzle to get some evolution or secret pictures, or hidden pokemon, there are none of this.
    -Once I realize there are no puzzle to solve, or hidden content to unlock the game started to feel repetitive and boring.
    -Some tools like the music feel worthless I spent almost all my levels playing it, and can´t see any difference or reaction to the music.
    -Scripted trails with no hidden paths or alternative routes (Routes only have 1 and they are very small)
    -Not clear rating mechanics, sometimes you make a pokemon do something new and crazy and it is a 1 star, and sometimes it is in idle animation and it has 2 or 3 stars.    … Expand
  16. HankLord
    May 2, 2021
    5
    Don’t expect much and you’ll be happier maybe. Price tag too high for what you get, at least for me. A lazy reboot of the original with less charm, but looks great. An extremely casual experience. If you’re the kind of person that plays games for nostalgia and a chill experience, you’ll like this. If you want more than that, take a hard pass. To be clear, I know it’s the norm to haveDon’t expect much and you’ll be happier maybe. Price tag too high for what you get, at least for me. A lazy reboot of the original with less charm, but looks great. An extremely casual experience. If you’re the kind of person that plays games for nostalgia and a chill experience, you’ll like this. If you want more than that, take a hard pass. To be clear, I know it’s the norm to have Pokémon games rehashed with barely any changes, some people like that. Just not for everyone. An average game that doesn’t deserve a 0 but surely does not deserve a 10.… Expand
  17. Zzechoes
    May 1, 2021
    10
    10 hours in after a night, such a delight to play, not too much to say on it you snap pokemon and interact with them but it the moment to moment gameplay and the surprise and wonder that makes it
  18. AndRooCBR
    May 1, 2021
    9
    This game is worth it for the Nostalgia. Not much has changed except for the slightly updated graphics and different Pokemon. Same sense of wonder when spotting Pokemon, same relaxing, casual game.

    That's almost exactly what I was looking for, so points for that. My girlfriend, who doesn't play games much, loves it. There could be a little less repetition and a few more options to change    This game is worth it for the Nostalgia. Not much has changed except for the slightly updated graphics and different Pokemon. Same sense of wonder when spotting Pokemon, same relaxing, casual game.

    That's almost exactly what I was looking for, so points for that. My girlfriend, who doesn't play games much, loves it.

    There could be a little less repetition and a few more options to change angles. It could also have a few more levels with a little more variety. But, in my opinion, it's still very much worth a buy - either for nostalgia or for casual game players.    … Expand
  19. Kevinrate
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Amazing happy to play again like before in my 64 but maybe the price of this games is not the best
  20. PaleEyedFever
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Not sure what's up with all the review bombing but this game is packed with charm, and showcases an ever-evolving world you're able to capture through an in-game camera. If you loved the original title and are looking for a new and improved version with more fleshed out mechanics, then look no further. But if the idea of taking photos of pokemon bores you then maybe this isn't the game forNot sure what's up with all the review bombing but this game is packed with charm, and showcases an ever-evolving world you're able to capture through an in-game camera. If you loved the original title and are looking for a new and improved version with more fleshed out mechanics, then look no further. But if the idea of taking photos of pokemon bores you then maybe this isn't the game for you. Only giving it a 10 to offset the 0 ratings that this game definitely does not deserve. So far it seems like a solid 8.5/10 game. Love it!… Expand
  21. oreganoCure
    May 1, 2021
    10
    It's not a perfect game, but I really don't understand what all these zeros are about. It's a new game using the formula of the old one. Were people expecting something different? It's absolutely gorgeous, and as a pokemon fan, the way these pokemon are given life really makes me crave a mainline game with this level of polish. Being what's essentially a rail shooter, it's definitely not aIt's not a perfect game, but I really don't understand what all these zeros are about. It's a new game using the formula of the old one. Were people expecting something different? It's absolutely gorgeous, and as a pokemon fan, the way these pokemon are given life really makes me crave a mainline game with this level of polish. Being what's essentially a rail shooter, it's definitely not a game for everyone. It's very linear and literally on rails, but that's only there to serve the purpose of giving the world the gorgeous scenery with pokemon acting in ways you'd definitely never find in Sword and Shield. It has the chance to get repetitive, but going through a stage again changes things in little ways. You see something new every time, especially when you focus your attention in different directions than before. As someone who enjoys the aesthetics of a game just as much as the gameplay, this game was spot on for me. I'm loving my time with it, and if you want to be immersed in the pokemon version of nature photography and ecological cataloging, this game might be for you!… Expand
  22. Pesciplume
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Recién voy iniciando y es una experiencia muy buena. Los gráficos están muy bien y se siente casi como su predecesor. Tiene muchos Pokemon, no pierde la simpleza pero no por eso se convierte en un juego fácil. A mi hermano le ha encantado y es descubrir mundos muy distintos a lo acostumbrado.
  23. AbslomDaak
    May 6, 2021
    5
    50 quid for a game that you can clear the core content of in 6 hours, and then the rest of the content in another 3 to 6. It looks lovely, and it plays just fine, but it's not worth its price tag.

    If, and this is a big if, as this is one of those Switch titles that wont drop in price too much, if you can find this for a low price AND you are a Pokemon fan... not a blinkered psycho fan,    50 quid for a game that you can clear the core content of in 6 hours, and then the rest of the content in another 3 to 6. It looks lovely, and it plays just fine, but it's not worth its price tag.

    If, and this is a big if, as this is one of those Switch titles that wont drop in price too much, if you can find this for a low price AND you are a Pokemon fan... not a blinkered psycho fan, just a regular fan... then you might wanna pick this up.

    But at full price? No, I cannot recommend such a short game that has zero replay value.    … Expand
  24. VestOfHolding
    May 1, 2021
    9
    New Pokemon Snap is the perfect amount of relaxation I needed right now. I love seeing Pokemon interact with these various environments and getting the best pictures I can of them. The previous Pokemon Snap game was missing more Pokemon and more levels, and that's what this game delivers. Many courses have both a day and night version, as well as alternate hidden routes, which does a greatNew Pokemon Snap is the perfect amount of relaxation I needed right now. I love seeing Pokemon interact with these various environments and getting the best pictures I can of them. The previous Pokemon Snap game was missing more Pokemon and more levels, and that's what this game delivers. Many courses have both a day and night version, as well as alternate hidden routes, which does a great job of getting more Pokemon and scenarios for them without the devs having to create 20+ courses from scratch.

    This game doesn't not have all 900+ Pokemon, and frankly, anyone who is expecting that is kidding themselves. That's way too many for a game where the devs aren't just creating their 3D models and putting battle animations on them, but carefully placing and pathing them and their behaviors into really cool environments. Plus, there's always DLC, which I would massively look forward to with this game.

    Is it a 10? Eh, the graphics and lighting have room for improvement at the very least, but what it does present is bright, fun, and just generally great. I'll absolutely be doing multiple playthroughs with this as my new zen game.    … Expand
  25. Fer_B
    May 1, 2021
    10
    El juego hace lo q tiene q hacer y de una forma sublime, expandir sobre el original y mejorarlo en todos los aspectos posibles (gráficos, rejugabilidad, presentación, historia, jugabilidad, etc). Obviamente al ser un juego in rail shooter se puede sentir cierta falta de control pero si ignoras eso y te gustan los pokemons y las fotografías o uno de ambos podemos asegurar que esta es elEl juego hace lo q tiene q hacer y de una forma sublime, expandir sobre el original y mejorarlo en todos los aspectos posibles (gráficos, rejugabilidad, presentación, historia, jugabilidad, etc). Obviamente al ser un juego in rail shooter se puede sentir cierta falta de control pero si ignoras eso y te gustan los pokemons y las fotografías o uno de ambos podemos asegurar que esta es el mejor spinoffs de la franquicia y esa valla es alta.… Expand
  26. myjy
    May 1, 2021
    5
    Got rid of the evolutions so it it’s incredibly boring now. No mind games to see how to Use the environment. It’s such a let down I wasted my money for nostalgia.
  27. jordan-simister
    May 2, 2021
    5
    So amazing to have a game where you can experience pokemon in their natural habitat, I gasp everytime I see a new pokemon! The game is overall pretty user friendly and can keep me hooked for hours (or the last 3 days... :') )
  28. SamusCR1
    May 15, 2021
    9
    This game is bound to be hit or miss, the kind of games that stray away from any "adventure" or traditional formula.

    There are 2 ways of seeing this game: As a succesor and as a brand new game. As a succesor this is a 10/10, the originally formula but improved in basically every single aspect (except the evolutions which i missed). Graphics are the best the pokemon series have seen (to    This game is bound to be hit or miss, the kind of games that stray away from any "adventure" or traditional formula.

    There are 2 ways of seeing this game: As a succesor and as a brand new game.
    As a succesor this is a 10/10, the originally formula but improved in basically every single aspect (except the evolutions which i missed). Graphics are the best the pokemon series have seen (to be honest, not that hard but ok), gameplay is very much improved to the original snap, lots of different maps, beautiful attention to detail, lots of new pokemon.

    As a brand new game, in 2021 is where this game might be hit or miss: You are tied to on rails, to take screenshots of pokemon, that would be the basic pitch for this game. Of course is more detailed than that but for someone that is absolutely not familiar with the pokemon franchise or a more "chill" take pictures of something game, this is where the recommendation gets hard.

    But where it shines, it does it perfectly: capturing the beautiful diversity of the Pokemon world, their habitats and how they interact. If you are into Pokemon, this is a must if you aren't then this gets a bit harder to recommend specially at $60.    … Expand
  29. Camu_Camu
    May 17, 2021
    9
    A really good game, worth 60 bucks though is up to you but to me it is a nice game, albeit it has issues and could use some more stuff to do but i enjoy this photo snapping adventure.
  30. ZeoN
    May 23, 2021
    8
    Uno de los spin-offs de Pokémon más cuidados en términos generales.
    Lo recomiendo mucho para los fans más cercanos a la saga.
    Sus mecánicas jugables son similares a las de N64 con añadidos y su apartado gráfico y artístico es sobresaliente
Page:

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Switch Game of 2021
7
#7 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 116 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 116
  3. Negative: 0 out of 116
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 7, 2021
    80
    In a nutshell: as a researcher, you travel to various places, interact with wild Pokémon and take photos to document their behavior. This simple concept only works thanks to the Pokémon, but it doesn’t have to be a drawback, because the game shows the world of pocket monsters more realistically and vividly than any title before it. [07/2021, p.72]
  2. Ninty Fresh Magazine
    Dec 3, 2021
    75
    New Pokémon Snap looks beautiful and is packed full of exciting Pokémon, but the increased complexity has brought the game to a grinding halt. [Issue #4, p.51]
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 6, 2021
    90
    New Pokémon Snap isn't totally perfect, but it is a lovingly, intelligently updated take on a now 22-year-old original that only came to life because it was imbued with Mr. Iwata's magic. I know seeing this sequel would have made him smile. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 69]
See all critic reviews »