Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 116 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 116
  2. Negative: 0 out of 116
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  1. May 10, 2021
    100
    Playing New Pokémon Snap filled me with a joy and excitement that I haven’t felt from a game in a while. Though it has its minor flaws, it really is an experience worth playing that offers gameplay you won’t find elsewhere.
  2. May 3, 2021
    100
    A delight from start to finish, New Pokemon Snap improves on the original game in every conceivable way.
  3. Apr 28, 2021
    100
    The game plays at just the right speed so that you’re desperate to try again to get the perfect snap, but without it feeling overwhelming and absurdly complex. I will admit that for those who aren’t so big on replaying levels, it may get tiring. Still, it helps that the personalities of the Pokémon really shine through, the cheeky Scorbunny, the cheerful Grookey, the bouncy Pichu; why wouldn’t you want to go and spend more time with them?
  4. Apr 28, 2021
    100
    New Pokémon Snap might be one of the most thoroughly pleasant games that’s come out for the Switch, if not ever. While the core gameplay is the same as it was in 1999, everything about the 2021 game is better. The environments are visual delights, the Pokémon are lovingly recreated, and the progression and pacing are just right. If the hobby of gaming has started to feel like a second or third job, then New Pokémon Snap might just be the vacation you need.
  5. Jun 25, 2021
    95
    So it is easy to recommend this to fans of the original game and it is easy to recommend this to fans of Pokémon, but what about people who may have no interest in Pokémon’s main series? Well, if photography is a passion then I think there’s definitely fun to be had here because New Pokémon Snap does feel like a fantasy animal safari where the whole goal is to capture the best photos. The interactions between Pokémon feel natural and while they do things that no animal equivalent does, I think that makes them all the more interesting. New Pokémon Snap is like nothing else on the market and proves that this spin off series should have never been gone for this long.
  6. Jun 1, 2021
    95
    New Pokémon Snap is the perfect blend of nostalgic and modern, accommodating for the fact that Pokémon is so much more now than what it was over 20 years ago. Just as the series has developed a life all its own, New Pokémon Snap gives the Pokémon, region, and cast the polish they need to truly shine. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and New Pokémon Snap proves it, as it captures everything there is to love about Pokémon into one package.
  7. May 10, 2021
    95
    New Pokémon Snap is a delightful photography game that I’ll be coming back to constantly for just one more course. Seeing Pokémon in their natural habitats captures a unique magic the series has been missing for a while, and seeing how they react to you is a ton of fun. While filling out the Photodex is rewarding, equally rewarding is taking more creative snaps, editing them, and sharing them online.
  8. 95
    New Pokémon Snap is a delightful take on the Pokemon Universe. In this title you're able to interact with wild Pokémon in their natural habitat, leading to a unique adventure that is both relaxing and gorgeous through the Lental Region.
  9. Apr 30, 2021
    95
    While the graphics are slightly lackluster in small areas, like grass, New Pokémon Snap is gorgeous as a whole. The controls are solid, the design is adorable, and the game gives you a wealth of tools to work with. Combined with the fact that each path has more than eight ways to go about it and the professor wants four pictures of each Pokemon, you end up with something that has more replay value than I thought would ever be possible. And that’s coming from someone who still pops in the Nintendo 64 original. This is such a pleasant surprise that I was hyped for this game and it still exceeded my expectations.
  10. 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]
  11. May 14, 2021
    90
    New Pokemon Snap is everything I hoped it would be. It's beautiful, well designed and full of endless charm. There's so much depth and replayability that I felt compelled to return over and over.
  12. May 13, 2021
    90
    Many fans have been waiting for a Pokemon Snap sequel since their childhood, and while it may not exactly be what they imagined, it's a solid experience and highlights what has been sorely been missed in the franchise. New Pokemon Snap is a worthwhile sequel, a relaxing journey through the Pokemon world, and fun to play in the comfort of one's home or on the go.
  13. May 7, 2021
    90
    New Pokemon Snap isn’t perfect, but it’s smartly-built and worth the time it asks of you.
  14. 90
    New Pokémon Snap is a delight to play. It's bright, colourful, and overflowing with personality and while it does become a little too "grindy" for its own good, the core gameplay hasn't evolved much from the N64 original, and that's a very good thing indeed. Nintendo may have launched this in and around a lot of big blockbuster stuff (Returnal AND Resident Evil Village has been a big win for Sony over the last week), but then those games are so darned hardcore that New Pokémon Snap is exactly the antidote to them that I have needed.
  15. May 4, 2021
    90
    New Pokémon Snap is a heartwarming trip down nostalgia lane. With a huge range of levels, gorgeous graphics, and a relaxing soundtrack, it’s hard not to enjoy every minute you spend in the Lental region.
  16. 90
    New Pokémon Snap goes beyond the scope of the original game to provide an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. On-rails photography journeys are enjoyable thanks to a plethora of secrets, fun items to use, and consistently interesting changes to each level. Modern quality-of-life features minimize any potential frustrations with not understanding how to best plan out your runs, while a slew of side quests, online functionality, and postgame bonuses add some meaningful replayability. Though it remains technically imperfect and may not justify its price tag for all players, New Pokémon Snap is a welcome return for the spin-off series and one that Pokémon fans shouldn’t skip.
  17. Apr 28, 2021
    90
    New Pokemon Snap could very well be the next "chill" hit for Nintendo in the vein of last year's Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game itself has very low stakes, but there's still lots to explore and find, and it should be a great distraction for players over the rest of the spring and summer. New Pokemon Snap is an impressive re-debut for the Pokemon Snap franchise and should hopefully give Nintendo and The Pokemon Company motivation to make additional Pokemon Snap games. Less than a quarter of all Pokemon species is represented in New Pokemon Snap, so there is certainly room for more exploration, more discovery, and more photos in the future.
  18. Apr 28, 2021
    90
    New Pokémon Snap is a stunning experience that, at its best, feels like Pokémon for the first time.
  19. Apr 28, 2021
    90
    New Pokémon Snap is the perfect mix of discovery and escapism that retains its nostalgic feel but in a modern and beautiful Poké-laden package.
  20. May 7, 2021
    85
    New Pokémon Snap offers a great chance to explore the Pokémon world, with beautiful animations and designs, thrilling levels, and a sense of calm throughout. You'll struggle to not enjoy your time with it.
  21. The creatures themselves remain the coolest and most interesting part of the Pokemon games, so it’s always wonderful to explore their natural habitats purely for observation rather than for poaching and battles. New Pokemon Snap is an extended and ever-changing expedition through an enchanting world, with limited interactivity but plenty of opportunity for surprise and delight.
  22. May 6, 2021
    85
    New Pokémon Snap is a sign of the times in that way, but while it's adapted to the age of Instagram, it hasn't lost its soul in the process. This is the Pokémon Snap you remember, with a few additions that don't always hit as resoundingly, but the foundation has been well-kept. It was a blast to spend a weekend just blasting through every ride this park had to offer, and they're varied enough that I know I can go back today, tomorrow, and months from now, and still find new things to photograph, new interactions to fool around with, and a good time to be had.
  23. Apr 28, 2021
    85
    Quotation forthcoming.
  24. Apr 28, 2021
    85
    New Pokémon Snap delivers an experience similar to that of the original while expanding on the formula in ways that prolong the appeal of the expedition. In the two decades since the first game’s release, the Pokémon world has changed in innumerable ways, but the simple appeal of immersing yourself in this universe and taking pictures has remained unchanged.
  25. Apr 28, 2021
    85
    With graphics that will make other games in the franchise jealous, New Pokémon Snap succeeds in following the line of successful spin-offs. More than a revival of the episode released on N64, this new opus is a breath of fresh air offering us a colorful journey in a new region. Let's admit it, New Pokémon Snap has everything to please and has very few flaws that could spoil its potential, even if its lifespan remains a bit short.
  26. Apr 28, 2021
    85
    New Pokemon Snap captures the magic of the original game without ever losing focus, expanding on that game with a vastly increased collection of Pokemon, colourful zones to explore, and a few other interesting developments behind the lens. It's a delightful adventure that imagines the world of Pokemon as a lively and cathartic safari.
  27. Apr 28, 2021
    85
    Concerning its gameplay mechanics, New Pokémon Snap is nearly as thin as the N64 original. But that does not reduce the captured fascination of the well-animated and diverse pocket monsters and especially not the fun while playing the game. Developer Bandai Namco did a good job and delivers a non-action focused Pokémon adventure on switch, that at least every fan of the franchise needs to play.
  28. Apr 28, 2021
    84
    For the type of game it is, it inevitably gets repetitive, but there is much to discover before that happens, and it is a beautiful and relaxing haven if you are looking for escapism.
  29. Apr 28, 2021
    84
    A very nice evolution over the original Pokémon Snap, this new chapter is excellent for young players and nice for experienced users too.
  30. 83
    Few games offer the precise mix of escapism and relaxation that is the basis of New Pokémon Snap. It's an exquisite game that improves on its predecessor on Nintendo 64 in every way, smartly taking advantage of the Switch's merits. If you adore Pokémon, this is certainly the well-deserved vacation for you.
  31. Apr 28, 2021
    83
    New Pokémon Snap isn’t going to blow your mind in any way, but what it is, is a really fun, very pure title that is perfect for those with a penchant for photography, wonderful for the established Pokémon fan, and a zen, relaxed experience for everyone else.
  32. Apr 28, 2021
    83
    New Pokémon Snap is a surprisingly complex photo simulator that is not only fun for die-hard Pokémon fans.
  33. May 4, 2021
    82
    New Pokémon Snap is great. Some inconsistent evaluations, a slightly low pacing and a few graphical problems keep it from being the perfect Pokémon safari simulator, but those with love for the creatures themselves will love this game.
  34. Apr 28, 2021
    82
    Exploring a world full of Pokémon, vast landscapes, and an impressive number of possibilities for interaction with and with each other is something any fan of the series should dream of. Maybe New Pokémon Snap presents a simple gameplay, but in which it can be deepened to immortalize an infinite number of unique moments and snapshots worthy of belonging to any nature photographer.
  35. 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]
  36. May 29, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is a fantastic sequel to a much-beloved N64 classic. It improves on everything from the original game, and the opportunity to snap cute pics of our favourite Pokémon with upgraded graphics is worth the purchase alone. Due to a few small annoyances, it falls short of being a masterpiece, but it’s certainly nothing that will ruin your enjoyment. New Pokémon Snap was worth the wait, and it’s a must-have for any Pokémon fan.
  37. May 26, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap brings back a recognizable formula and updates it to our days. If the gameplay remains simple and intuitive, the adding of online capabilities and rankings make the experience all the more interesting. There are lot of Pokémon here too, and the merging of the plot with the gameplay is achieved in a marvelous way. While New Pokémon Snap might get a bit repetitive at times, fans of the series have plenty to look forward to with this delivery.
  38. May 26, 2021
    80
    This new generation of Pokémon photography achieves what it set out to do - bring cuteness, creativity and relaxation then combine it with the adrenaline of trying to snap the perfect picture. This is a hell of an escape from your daily routine.
  39. Edge Magazine
    May 20, 2021
    80
    A remarkably sure-footed followup. [Issue#259, p.110]
  40. May 19, 2021
    80
    And so I set out again. I see a Pidgeot grab a Magikarp from the air as it jumps out of the water. Unfortunately, I am just too late to get it right in the picture because I am a bit startled by my childish enthusiasm. Maybe it's because of the vacation spirit I missed. Or maybe because New Pokémon Snap is just really fun to play. I think mostly the latter.
  41. May 18, 2021
    80
    While players looking to check off all the boxes have their work cut out for them, a more casual approach to New Pokémon Snap really allows you to take things at your own pace, going down the rabbit holes you enjoy and ignoring the ones you don’t. Vague direction and limits on how many photos you can turn in at a time can get in the way, but overall, it’s a warm, peaceful trip as you discover these creatures in the wild and search out all the different ways they interact.
  42. May 17, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is a delightful revision of an N64 icon. The new region is beautiful and invites you to engage with Pokémon you know and love in different ways, with a unique type of challenge.
  43. May 17, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is a delight, and a big part of that comes from how the Pokémon are brought to life, from the animations to their behaviours and the way they inhabit the world. Each unique creature is afforded their moment to shine, contributing towards making the Lental region a vivid and fulfilling place to explore.
  44. May 17, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap is, well, a new Pokemon Snap—nothing more and nothing less, but that’s exactly what it should be. It captures everything that made the original such a beloved game two decades ago, building on that with some new features and a bigger pool of Pokemon to snap, but not messing too much with a formula that works well. The arcade fun of a rail shooter, the joy of photography, and all the personality of these adorable pocket monsters is a combination that never gets old.
  45. May 12, 2021
    80
    The reactions of Pokémon when items are used can be a little underwhelming, and the photography scoring system feels a bit off, but each of the Pokémon and the detailed world they inhabit are so well crafted that it all really comes to life. While the premise of replaying the same course over and over to take pictures may sound a bit too simple, the different Pokémon you encounter and the stories they provide prevent the experience from becoming tedious. New Pokémon Snap has us hoping that future installments in the Pokémon series will learn from its stellar world building.
  46. May 11, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap earns it’s name—maintaining what made the original so beloved, but making it feel fresh and exciting.
  47. May 10, 2021
    80
    While the first game felt a bit short, this new one has almost two or three times as much to offer. The mechanics can get a little repetitive after a while, but seeing all of these familiar characters in a slightly more natural setting than usual is a solid hook that pulls the game through its slower moments. A great sequel for fans of the first, and a compelling spin on the Pokemon formula for those who missed the original.
  48. 80
    With so many Pokémon to photograph and so many new areas to explore, New Pokémon Snap feels like a worthy successor to the original, if a little simple. It can be challenging at times, but its relaxing gameplay will keep you coming back for more.
  49. May 7, 2021
    80
    It's the absolute perfect time for this game. Not only because Pokémon is just settling into a new renaissance and resurgence of interest not seen since the 90s, but also because of the state of the world. Games that encapsulate escapism and the ability to just chill are desperately needed. It's part of the reason Animal Crossing exploded like it did. New Pokémon Snap is enjoyable in the exact same way. A game to lose yourself in. A game to play on rainy Sundays. To play late at night. To unwind and to decompress. Best of all, it's the perfect way to reconnect with the franchise in honour of the 25th anniversary. So, settle in, sleeve those new Shining Fates, throw on season two of Pokémon Journeys and get snapping.
  50. May 6, 2021
    80
    No amount of grind or patronizing feedback from Professor Mirror can dim just how charming New Pokemon Snap is. It's calm, colorful, and cozy, rewarding you for capturing free Pokemon just living their lives in the wild. Aside from being a much-needed alternative perspective on the Pokemon world, there's little else like it in video games right now.
  51. May 6, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap takes what made the original special, but doesn’t add or changes much. It is a fun experience and fans will be happy with this new entry, but they shouldn’t expect more than a simple and arcade experience with tedious progression.
  52. May 5, 2021
    80
    It’s a calming, relatively tranquil game with a huge addictiveness at its core and a desire among players to come back and try to snap an ever-better picture perfect moment.
  53. May 4, 2021
    80
    Yes, yes - New Pokémon Snap is probably the best Pokémon game a fan of the franchise could play on the Nintendo Switch. But to be honest, I think that this game is better suited for all those who think that Pokémon is only a kids monster collecting and battling game. It does such a good job at making you feel how big and wonderful is the Pokémon world, and for that it deserves praise.
  54. May 4, 2021
    80
    One of the most anticipated spin-offs by Pokémon fans is here. Help Professor Mirror on an adventure to photograph Pokémon and discover the secret that surrounds the lumini orbs.
  55. May 4, 2021
    80
    Ridiculously charming and extremely relaxing, New Pokemon Snap provides the most realized and fleshed out window into the Pokemon world yet, also delivering a robust and entertaining game that makes good on the original title's potential remarkably well in the process.
  56. May 3, 2021
    80
    All in all, New Pokémon Snap delivers exactly what the title promises: a Pokémon Snap that is bigger and more modern, but with a core that's very similar to the original N64 game. Whether this is a plus or a minus depends on how much you enjoy seeing cute cartoony monsters being adorable. There are few more relaxing and chill games on the Switch, and if you're looking for something to de-stress after a long day, New Pokémon Snap has you covered. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to figure out how to get this giant turtle monster to yawn....
  57. May 3, 2021
    80
    When it comes to long-awaited sequels, New Pokémon Snap doesn’t disappoint in the least. There’s so much more to do for those looking for a wonderful adventure through the brand new Lental region with camera in hand. The amount of time any player will get out of New Pokémon Snap will vary of course, as it’s a title that relies on people enjoying pure atmosphere and seeing tons of adorable or tough Pokémon in brand new ways. All in all it’s a proper and fantastic sequel to the long-beloved original N64 title. While New Pokémon Snap borrows much from its predecessor, it has plenty of new to stand up on its own two legs that builds an endearing experience. Hopefully it won’t be another 22 years until the next entry, as New Pokémon Snap is so utterly charming that it’s hard to keep from wanting even more.
  58. May 3, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is a delightful follow-up to a beloved classic, which is no small task. It avoids being a simple nostalgia act by giving players tons of photo ops to chase and way more control over their final shots. There’s more room for it to grow, whether that’s through DLC or a sequel, but it’s a wholesome photography game for fans who want to soak in the colorful glow of the Pokémon universe.
  59. May 3, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap brings the spirit of the original game to a brand new generation on the Nintendo Switch. With breath-taking visuals, tight gameplay, and an unmistakable Pokémon charm, this title is a relaxing and laid-back experience worth exploring.
  60. May 3, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap is there for fans who wish for a casual Pokemon experience with the only challenge being to take creative pictures of Pokemon. It recaptures much of what the previous entry offered with plenty of new systems and features to add depth, but it sadly doesn’t deliver on the sense of ownership over the pictures that I once felt. It’s all so fleeting in this digital age. Still, there are plenty of beautiful environments and Pokemon to take shots of. I wouldn’t mind waiting another 20 years for a sequel or having this be the last entry altogether.
  61. May 2, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is not perfect, but it is far and away the sequel to the 1999 classic we have all been waiting for. While I wish some pacing issues and nitpicks with what is no longer in the game have influenced my enjoyment, overall, I cannot wait to spend countless more hours perfecting my photography skills and engrossing myself in this absolutely stunning world.
  62. Apr 30, 2021
    80
    Overall, New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing but still a quite involved game There’s a lot to do in the Lental Region and the game definitely turned out better than I ever expected it to. While it can get a bit repetitive, there are enough surprises to keep you engaged.
  63. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap offers dynamic environments and memorable meetings in a winning journey that brings back the best from the past, and restructures it to the current generation. Bandai Namco delivers us a respectful reinvention of the 99 classic, brimmed with multiple secrets to discover throughout delightful expeditions, while giving the player all the necessary tools to capture every moment. The weird scoring system and some auxiliary problems are not enough to spoil the moments of calm, beauty and surprise.
  64. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap arrives 20 years later. This sequel collects all the essence of the classic Nintendo 64 title and tries to expand it in a somewhat improvable way. If you want a different experience but with your beloved Pokémon, this game may be perfect for you.
  65. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap brings back the essence of the N64 original, and adds tons of new features and much more content that its predecessor. Its gameplay is still quite limited, but it manages to create a very satisfying experience.
  66. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap is a true gift to the fans, that came out 22 years after the original release. But newcomers can enjoy this game too, by having fun with tons and tons of pokemons, in an easy going and enjoyable ways.
  67. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    With all its flaws and repetition, New Pokémon Snap is a great new approach to the that concept that made so special the Nintendo 64 classic from 1999.
  68. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    The main gripe I see some people having with New Pokémon Snap is that it's a full-priced game. If you're the type of person expecting a deep narrative that will last for over 10 hours, and have no interest in sticking around after the credits roll to pump up your PhotoDex, then you're going to have a bad time. But if you're like me, you're gonna stick around, max out the research levels on each course, complete all the research requests to unlock stickers, and discover all the cool secrets, fun interactions and hard-to-uncover Pokémon. And you're going to love it.
  69. I don’t know how much longer this pandemic will go on, but I’m happy to have New Pokemon Snap as one more weapon in my arsenal to combat lockdown boredom, alleviate my creative listlessness, and encourage a little more socially distanced friendship and community.
  70. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo Switch is a worthy follow-up to the N64's beloved photo game. It blends the classic gameplay with cool, contemporary touches.
  71. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap lets you explore and relax while having fun trying to spot every single Pokémon around. A soothing and calming experience.
  72. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    If you’re the sort of player who got really mad about the national Pokedex in Sword & Shield, you might also bemoan the level of content here. But I think this is plenty, delivering far more than the original and with a whole lot of replay value – it’s just a shame the developers felt the need to stretch it out artificially to justify what they’ve managed to build. Even with the grind, I do adore this game, though. It’s a video game safari that manages to evoke the sense of wonder of the real thing. It’s a worthy successor to the beloved original; a comforting, gorgeous, lovely little thing that soars when it just basks in its core conceit and lets you at its content.
  73. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap is a photography game with occasionally clunky progression, but which is eager to show off its delightful subjects and let them surprise you.
  74. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    It’s been a long time coming but the magic of Pokémon Snap has been effectively recreated in a game that’s more challenging and engrossing than its peaceable premise suggests.
  75. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    If, like us, you've been waiting a significant chunk of your life for a sequel to Pokémon Snap, then you're in luck; New Pokémon Snap brings back almost everything that made the original special and fleshes it out into a much more elaborate game. This is something you can sink some serious time into and while there are some minor frustrations and pacing issues in the story, playing freely at your own pace is a pure joy. The original has gone down in history possibly as Pokémon's greatest spinoff, and it may have just been dethroned.
  76. 80
    New Pokemon Snap really captures what has made Pokemon popular for so many years. It gives a new life to so many Pokemon that we've known and loved over the years and provides a relaxing relief from the plethora of action games on the market. I don't know if a lot of the padding was necessary, but I still enjoyed every second of my time with the game.
  77. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    It may not be the next amazing Pokemon spinoff, but fans that have been waiting for over 20 years won’t be disappointed with New Pokemon Snap.
  78. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap has issues when it comes to tedium between courses, arbitrary solutions, and boring, barely functional extra mechanics, but the courses and Pokemon are legitimately incredible. The Photodex is a marvel, multiplayer creates healthy competition for replayability , and just being able to inhabit Lental is a spectacle in and of itself. I’m not sure I’d recommend it to someone who can’t tell Bagon from Beldum, but if you’re a born and bred Pokemon fan, New Pokemon Snap could be your sleeper hit of the year.
  79. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokemon Snap is easy to recommend to a wide audience. It’s a fun game for Pokemon fans, a worthy sequel for those who enjoyed the original, and a unique experience for those who are looking for something new to pick up and play in short bursts.
  80. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    New Pokémon Snap manages to defy the odds and live up to the original game, despite being released so much later. It's not just for those with nostalgia for the originals either; this is a way better game than the original and should get newcomers excited too. The only thing that gets in the way is the game's progression system, which is at odds with the mood of the rest of the game. It was worth waiting 22 years for this; The best Pokémon spinoff game in a very long time.
  81. Apr 28, 2021
    80
    Fans clamored for a Pokemon Snap remake for years, and with New Pokemon Snap, we've gotten even more than we bargained for: a great sequel that pulls from all eight generations of Pokemon released so far, dynamic courses that can be explored during both daytime and nighttime, and the ability to create an album of edited, personalized Pokemon photos (which you can then print or post online, a fitting evolution of the game in the social media era). Though there's sometimes a disparity between photos that make it into your Photodex and the ones you like the most, the core motivation of catching a Pokemon doing something particularly cool remains the driving force and the satisfying draw of New Pokemon Snap. 20 years later, taking photos of Pokemon in the wild remains as fun and exhilarating as it always was, and though it's been a long time coming, New Pokemon Snap was worth the wait.
  82. May 7, 2021
    78
    New Pokémon Snap takes everything the original game did right and only adds onto the original, successful formula. It is beautiful and relaxing while being frantic and fun. There is an almost overload of things to see and do on each stage with plenty of challenges to complete. Seeing your favorite Pokémon come to life is an absolute treat, but making the game bigger and better while adding certain limitations feels like a recipe for artificial longevity. With so much going on at any given time and imperfect means of interacting with the Pokémon – coupled with the ability to submit only one photo per outing per Pokémon at a time – New Pokémon Snap is asking you to complete dozens of perfect runs per stage to fill the Photodex. While the repetitive nature might be just fine for kids, this game may be better in short bursts for adults and perfectionists.
  83. Apr 28, 2021
    78
    New Pokémon Snap meets the demands of the fans, abandoning the idea of a "short videogame" and presents a Lensis region full of content, both in terms of Pokémon and routes. Its mechanical depth is limited, advancing very little from the Nintendo 64 entry, although it makes up for this lack of gameplay ambition with an audiovisual delight where everything you see around you is alive and reactive. Bandai Namco has understood that nowadays there is little point in keeping your experiences to yourself, that your album needs to be retouched and shared. This title is meant to celebrate the Pokémon universe in its natural environment, for you to show it off and discover its many secrets.
  84. May 5, 2021
    77
    I really enjoyed discovering new Pokémon, finding new secrets, uncovering a way to change the route a bit, and generally getting a great picture. Pokémon Snap is a very relaxing and enjoyable game. However, let's remember that it focuses on photographing nature, Pokémon in their natural habitat: this is why you may imagine totally organic routes and moments, but New Pokémon Snap strangely strives to be as robotic and repetitive as possible. Here is a winning formula at its base, just needs evolve a little.
  85. 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]
  86. May 10, 2021
    75
    Some may ask if New Pokémon Snap lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor. If some were to ask me, I'd say it well exceeds them. Gorgeous environments, a reason to keep playing, and tons of content—this new addition to a once-thought abandoned series is everything a sequel should be. Some personal gripes about how it handles its story and characters prevent me from praising it any further, but my adoration should not be understated. This is the best Pokémon game in some time, including mainline games. If the world of Pokémon is as exciting and wonderful as it ever has been, there is absolutely no reason this shouldn't be in your hands immediately.
  87. Apr 28, 2021
    75
    A pleasant experience that will easily appeal to fans of the original opus, and even to newcomers.
  88. 75
    New Pokemon Snap is exactly what the name implies. It is a new Pokemon Snap and that’s it. It doesn’t reinvent the gameplay, nor does it add to it or even clean it up. Quality of life issues that were present in 1999 stand proudly untouched in 2021. That being said, if you just wanted another Pokemon Snap, this is exactly that. It is significantly bigger than the original, and photo editing options in combination with Twitter and Facebook integration make it a somewhat more social experience. While it is easy to say this is the definitive Pokemon Snap experience, I can’t help but find myself wanting something that truly feels new rather than simply more. New Pokemon Snap is a loyal-to-a-fault sequel, that hopefully harkens to something a bit more adventurous down the line.
  89. Apr 28, 2021
    75
    New Pokémon Snap found its footing on Nintendo Switch: it's relaxing and fun but gets grating fast if you don't take your time and look just for the best shots.
  90. Apr 28, 2021
    73
    New Pokémon Snap remains a video game that consumes very quickly, which burns its many elements of ingenuity in a certainly rapid way, and which is bound to the tracks of its anachronistic DNA. New Pokémon Snap, however, is a product packaged with great care, which aficionados of the series will certainly be able to fully appreciate.
  91. Jun 8, 2021
    70
    We would not usually note this, but to pay the asking price for this game and not be absolutely in love with the Pokémon franchise is close to insane. There is plenty to love here if you are a fan of slow-paced, relaxing and pretty puzzle games, but if only that is the case - do wait for a discount. In any other case, better invest that money in a real camera.
  92. May 28, 2021
    70
    New Pokemon Snap is a good and nostalgic game, but it falls a bit short for what the franchise and its players deserve. While this won't hurt the series reputation, it cannot be denied that this new game does not take real risks.
  93. May 19, 2021
    70
    New Pokémon Snap offers fan service to those who were there when it all began. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do enough to engage and retain new players, failing to make full use of the niche genre it invented.
  94. May 17, 2021
    70
    New Pokémon Snap may not reinvent the wheel, but it's just as charming as its predecessor was. It's a calming, lovingly crafted spin-off that will challenge your photography skills.
  95. May 10, 2021
    70
    If all you’re looking to do in New Pokémon Snap is take pictures of your favourite Pokémon, then you’re going to have a great time because that is literally what it’s all about, and that’s what it does best. There are moments of genuine Pokémon magic here in an absolutely beautiful game clearly made for the fans, but just be prepared to grind.
  96. May 10, 2021
    70
    Though it comes with a crop of upgrades, and its graphics have been brushed to a smooth shine, what it offers, despite its title, is the joy of the old.
  97. May 9, 2021
    70
    Despite my issues with the game, I really did enjoy New Pokémon Snap. Even after completing the game’s storyline, there’s still a ton more to do after the credits roll. To this old Pokémon fan, this is a must-own title. If you love photographing wild creatures and exploring a vibrant new region, this is the game for you. And if you really want to feel like you’re a budding photographer, play the game using the optional motion controls, swinging the Switch around like a giant camera. Now to spend hours and hours more to fill out my Photodex and unearth all the secrets of the Lental region.
  98. May 7, 2021
    70
    New Pokémon Snap may not showcase the Switch’s graphical capabilities, nor will it blow you away with its unimaginative storyline and anti-climactic conclusion, but if you’re a fan of the N64 original, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. For non-Pokémon fans, the repetitive gameplay does unfortunately hold it back from being a must-have, however its adorable aura and slower pace will have you glowing more than an Illumina Maganium.
  99. Although it repeats itself from time to time and price is a little bit high, it's a must-have game for Pokemon fans.
  100. May 4, 2021
    70
    A colorful and charming adventure.
  101. May 4, 2021
    70
    A perfect « feel good » game for every pokémon lover out there. New Pokémon Snap has its usual flaws, but this new title brings pokémon to life like no other game.
  102. May 4, 2021
    70
    New Pokémon Snap is ideal for fans of the franchise and the creatures that can finally be seen in their true wild state. It's fun and satisfying, especially seeing how the routes change periodically and having to adapt to their circumstances. But it leaves a feeling of emptiness: their world and the tools available could have been used much better.
  103. 70
    New Pokemon Snap is largely successful in recapturing the magic of the Nintendo 64 original… while it will probably not appeal to people who are not already a fan of Pokemon, for fans, New Pokemon Snap is a wonderful piece of fan service and wholly charming.
  104. May 4, 2021
    70
    New Pokémon Snap has a lot going for it. It’s a genuinely endearing game that shutterbugs and Pokémon fans alike will enjoy, and anyone in the middle of that Venn diagram will absolutely love. That love will not be blind to the game’s stark limitations, though. As it stands, it’s a perfectly serviceable game, but some minor tweaks and quality of life improvements such as auto-completing requests you’ve finished, could drastically improve this game's flow and make it a far more enjoyable experience for everyone.
  105. It gives the player just enough story and intrigue to press on through a grindy midgame focused on revisiting maps.
  106. Apr 28, 2021
    70
    After more than 20 years the Pokémon Snap's formula hasn't aged so well, but a bunch of new features keeps it quite fresh despite its repetitive gameplay.
  107. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Sep 3, 2021
    65
    Most modern AAA games have a photo mode, so there’s no need to buy Snap just to play photographer. But for a Pokémon fan, there’s the appeal of seeing these creatures in their natural habitat. [Issue#254]
  108. May 9, 2021
    65
    Its levels are far too structured for me to believe in its weird world, while its secrets are more laborious to uncover than they are fun. I had a reasonably enjoyable time with New Pokemon Snap, though it’s still a missed opportunity to do something with these creatures other than beat them up.
  109. Jun 8, 2021
    60
    What used to be a recipe for success back in the day, returns with some modern-day additions, but with its core mostly unchanged and unevolved. Despite offering some of the best visuals ever jeweling a Pokemon game, it falls victim to its repetitiveness, unchanged mechanics and indifferent gameplay.
  110. May 17, 2021
    60
    When I wasn’t getting frustrated with New Pokemon Snap, I was having a great time – but I really can’t help but question the thought process with saving the best of the game for after the player has exhausted so much of the game’s content. It feels like I’m being asked to prove I deserve to play more of the game I fell in love with on the Wii’s Virtual Console by finishing a huge stack of work first. For a game that seems so determined to relax the player, I feel like they forgot to consider that there’s a fine line between relaxation and boredom. New Pokemon Snap didn’t have to bore me, and that’s what makes it all the more frustrating.
  111. May 14, 2021
    60
    After 22 years, we finally get a sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic Pokémon Snap. Even though a lot of time has passed, much of the gameplay is intact. You follow a fixed road forward and your mission is to photograph as many Pokémons as possible before the route reaches its end. It may not sound all that fun, but it really is. For a while anyway. Although the adventure is more than twice as long as the original and the gameplay has evolved in a few important areas, it is a bit too limited to please others than those who already love the series.
  112. Apr 28, 2021
    60
    Relaxed photo safari with plenty of charming Pokémo. But the concept is very limited and shows problems with picture recognition and assessment.
  113. Apr 28, 2021
    60
    It is still enjoyable, because the Pokémon themselves are so interesting to look at; it’s just not wildly exciting. It’s a laid-back game and one that offers many hours of gentle photographic research to anyone drawn to Pokémon’s weird world – whether you’re a veteran of 90s Pokémania, or a nine-year-old.
  114. Jun 22, 2021
    50
    A middle of the road performance for New Pokémon Snap. It will certainly find its niche, and anyone who considers themselves a big Pokémon fan will come away from this game grinning about some really beautiful moments. The biggest issue with New Pokémon Snap is that there is no reason to stick around after the first couple of hours.
  115. May 15, 2021
    50
    Pokemon Snap left me in a worried state for the franchise. Between Pokemon Legends: Arceus and the Gen IV remake coming up, I had high hopes. Now, it feels like the developers have lulled themselves into an outdated and boring pattern of game design. In other words, there is a lot to love in the new generation of Pokemon but unfortunately, there's a lot to be skeptical about as well.
  116. May 4, 2021
    50
    But by stripping the Pokémon of anything that feels organic, Nintendo has effectively made its critters feel like wind-up toys, removing the romanticism and mystique that should always come through witnessing raw, unbridled nature. They took these untamed lands and tamed them before we even got there. Unfortunately, the resultant game is as exciting as you’d imagine.
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This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Apr 28, 2021
    New Pokémon Snap is a compelling upgrade when compared to the original Nintendo 64 videogame. It expands upon the basics of Pokémon Snap and adds a layer of complexity and new graphics to Nintendo Switch.
  2. Apr 28, 2021
    Still, after 15 hours snapping thousands of photos of hundreds of distinct Pokémon, I feel like there are plenty of secrets left to be uncovered in New Pokémon Snap's varied environments. What's more, I'm eager to uncover them in quick, five or 10-minute safaris whenever I happen to have a Switch handy.
  3. Apr 28, 2021
    New Pokémon Snap captures the strange joy of the original game without being derivative. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  4. Apr 28, 2021
    New Pokémon Snap is pretty magical as well. It takes the unique formula of the 1999 original and expands on it just enough to feel like a completely new adventure, without diluting the simple joy of riding and snapping photos of impossible creatures.
  5. Apr 28, 2021
    New Pokémon Snap is video gaming’s equivalent of visiting Jurassic Park — without the whole eating-the-tourists thing — or landing a gig as a Planet Earth photographer. And you can make the trip from the comfort of your Switch.
  6. Apr 28, 2021
    Really, New Pokémon Snap is a game that forced me to change the way I think about virtual spaces. Decades of playing games have conditioned me to race through levels, checking off a to-do list of accomplishments as efficiently as possible. But that doesn’t work here. I had to slow down and watch carefully, focusing on the small details as well as the big moments. I had to relax to enjoy the view — and it’s exactly what I needed.
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 642 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. May 1, 2021
    4
    Comprado de salida por 49'99€ creo que el juego podría haber dado más. Los diálogos y tutoriales pueden ser un poco pesados y se hace aburridaComprado de salida por 49'99€ creo que el juego podría haber dado más. Los diálogos y tutoriales pueden ser un poco pesados y se hace aburrida la experiencia.

    A pesar de que el videojuego es entretenido (en lo que respecta a mi opinión) y las mecánicas son diferentes a lo normalmente visto en Pokémon, creo que les ha quedado una versión un poco más light de lo que realmente podría haber sido el videojuego.

    Seguiré jugando pero veo difícil el completarlo porque apenas he desbloqueado la tercera y cuarta zona y ya me está resultando un poco pesado. Una pena, porque recordaba con gusto el juego de N64.
    Full Review »
  2. May 1, 2021
    2
    I'm here to give you a real review of the game, not a 10, not a 0. To start off this is at BEST a pretty game to look at. At worst this is aI'm here to give you a real review of the game, not a 10, not a 0. To start off this is at BEST a pretty game to look at. At worst this is a bland, boring, repetitive nostalgia bait game that costs about 3x as much as it should. This game in total is 6 HOURS TO COMPLETE. 6 hours, including cutscenes, tutorials, and story segments. No, not all of the Pokémon are in the game, maybe about 15-20%, there are no secret paths, or special evolutions, this is a very basic game, that only improves from the original with graphics, in terms of gameplay there are very little in terms of significant improvements. I can't even recommend this game over the original, as it felt special, and you earned abilities that really made the game feel special, and the photographs felt unique and interesting. In 'New' Pokémon Snap, you gain star ratings for photos, that seem to be entirely random, sometimes you'll get 4 stars for an idle Pokémon, and sometimes it's 3 stars, pretty much random and never explained in game. This game much like the Pokémon franchise in general as of late is completely overhyped, and undelivers in nearly every single aspect. Do not buy this game, it is a complete waste of your money, and your time. Full Review »
  3. May 1, 2021
    2
    After seeing how hyped some people were to play this game, I decided to check it out. Here are my thoughts on it:
    It's a $60 game where all
    After seeing how hyped some people were to play this game, I decided to check it out. Here are my thoughts on it:
    It's a $60 game where all you do is... take pictures of Pokémon. That's it. That's all you do. For $60.

    This game sums what Nintendo does at its best: relying on nostalgia to sell low-effort, overpriced exclusives. I admit, they have 2 great exclusive titles for the Switch but, other than those, that's exactly what happens.

    New Pokémon Snap literally looks and plays like it could be a $10 game for iOS and Android and I'm not even joking. If anything, it should be a mini-game in the main series, because there's not enough substance for it to be a full-priced standalone game.
    Full Review »