Why New Pokemon Snap took 22 years: Director reveals development insights and timing strategy
The Legacy of Pokemon Snap
For Nintendo 64 owners in 1999, Pokemon Snap represented a revolutionary take on the franchise, blending photography gameplay with creature collection. This innovative title from Nintendo and HAL Laboratory transported players to Pokemon Island as Todd, Professor Oak’s photographic assistant, creating a unique gameplay experience that stood apart from traditional Pokemon RPGs.
Despite its niche appeal compared to mainline Pokemon games, Snap developed a passionate following that consistently demanded a sequel through multiple console generations, particularly during the 3DS era when its portable nature seemed perfect for the concept.
The original game’s charm lay in its simplicity – players rode on rails through various environments, snapping photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats. These images were then graded by Professor Oak based on composition, Pokemon size, and unique behaviors. While the concept seemed straightforward, mastering the game required understanding Pokemon patterns and perfect timing, creating surprising depth.
Nintendo / HAL LaboratoriesThe original N64 version’s on-rails photography gameplay created a unique blend of observation and timing challenges.
Development Insights
In an April 2021 interview with Metro, Bandai Namco’s Haruki Suzaki (who also directed Pokken Tournament) shared fascinating insights about New Pokemon Snap’s development history. Contrary to assumptions, Nintendo had actually considered reviving the franchise multiple times before greenlighting the Switch version. “When I started on this project,” Suzaki revealed, “I had heard there had been a couple of attempts at making a new Pokemon Snap before.”
These abandoned projects never reached completion, likely due to technological limitations or concerns about translating the experience to newer hardware. The 3DS, while portable, lacked the graphical capabilities to significantly improve upon the N64 original, and the Wii’s motion controls might have forced gimmicky mechanics. The Wii U’s poor sales likely discouraged investment in what was already considered a niche spinoff.
Bandai Namco / The Pokemon CompanyDirector Haruki Suzaki brought experience from Pokken Tournament to the New Pokemon Snap project.
Why Now Was the Right Time
Suzaki emphasized that the dramatic evolution of photography culture since 1999 made the Switch era ideal for a sequel. “The idea of photography has changed so much in the last 20 years,” he noted, pointing to smartphone photography’s rise and social media sharing becoming ubiquitous. These cultural shifts created an audience more receptive to photographic gameplay than ever before.
Technologically, the Switch offered perfect hardware for a photography game – its hybrid nature allowed both TV play for detailed image composition and portable mode for quick sessions. The console’s improved graphical capabilities enabled more realistic Pokemon behaviors and environments, while its touchscreen provided intuitive photo editing tools impossible on earlier systems.
New Pokemon Snap also benefits from two decades of Pokemon design evolution. With over 200 creatures available at launch (compared to the original’s 63), the sequel offers vastly more photographic opportunities. Modern rendering techniques allow Pokemon to interact more naturally with environments and each other, creating dynamic moments perfect for capturing.
Getting the Most from New Pokemon Snap
For players diving into New Pokemon Snap, several strategies can enhance the experience. First, experiment with different camera angles – unlike the N64 original, the Switch version allows limited camera movement during certain sequences. Pay attention to Pokemon behavior patterns; many species have multiple reactions to items or sounds that can create unique photo opportunities.
Avoid common mistakes like focusing solely on rare Pokemon – common creatures often have more varied behaviors that score higher. Don’t neglect the photo editing tools either; subtle adjustments can dramatically improve your scores.
Advanced players should master the scoring system’s nuances: shots with multiple Pokemon interacting score bonus points, as do images capturing unique behaviors. The game rewards patience – sometimes waiting a few extra seconds reveals special moments. Replaying courses at different times (day/night) or after story progression unlocks new scenarios.
New Pokemon Snap releases on April 30, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. For pre-order details including special editions and bonus content, consult our comprehensive buying guide.
Follow @PokemonSwordNS for updates on this and other Pokemon titles. H/T: Metro
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » New Pokemon Snap director explains why it took 22 years to make a sequel Why New Pokemon Snap took 22 years: Director reveals development insights and timing strategy