'New Pokemon Snap' Coming To Nintendo Switch

A new Pokemon game inspired by an N64 classic has been revealed for the Nintendo Switch.

During the recent Pokemon Presents event, The Pokemon Company announced a new game inspired by a classic on the old Nintendo 64 system. “New Pokemon Snap” is a spinoff of a cult classic where players take on the character of Todd Snap as he takes photos of Pokemon in various locales.

Acknowledged as one of the most popular spinoffs of the original Pokemon series, “Pokemon Snap” was released in 1999 and was a hit for both fans and critics, Gamespot notes. It was a first-person rail shooter and simulation game co-developed by HAL Laboratory and Pax Softnica that was published by Nintendo.

Since 21 years have passed since that original came out, there have been rumblings from fans who have wondered what this game would look like with current technology and using the versatility that the Nintendo Switch provides.

In “New Pokemon Snap,” you are brought to Pokemon Island, a place with a selection of environments that include jungles and beaches. As Todd Snap, players can then “research various Pokemon in their natural habitats.” Professor Oak directs you to take photos of the many Pokemon, which then end up in a Photodex (clearly inspired by the main Pokemon series’ own Pokedex).

Perhaps promoting the wildlife angle, the company says that in "New Pokemon Snap," players will be able to discover new, never before seen Pokemon expressions and behaviors while taking these snapshots.

The original “Pokemon Snap” was one of the first times that many Pokemon were rendered for the first time in real-time 3D. Recognizing its popularity, Nintendo re-released it for the Wii's Virtual Console in December 2007 as well as the Wii U's Virtual Console in 2016. In the original game, players started out with only a camera, but as they progress, Professor Oak would provide them with a number of special accessories used to obtain better photographs.

“Pokemon Snap” featured seven levels: Beach, Tunnel, Volcano, River, Cave, Valley, and the special course "Rainbow Cloud." This coming game already looks like it won't be limited to just one island and shutterbugs will surely enjoy these other locations.

Gamespot reports that “New Pokemon Snap” is being developed by Bandai Namco Studios, which has also partnered with Nintendo on other exclusive series such as “Super Smash Bros.” An actual release date is yet to be announced.