Nintendo announces surprise April release for New Pokémon Snap

New trailer published for N64 follow-up

New Pokémon Snap, the Switch sequel to the classic N64 game, will release on April 30, Nintendo has announced.

The first-person game, which is co-developed by Bandai Namco, challenges players to photograph over 200 different types of Pokémon while exploring a colourful island setting.

A new trailer published on Thursday reveals that the game has players travelling to the Lental region. “Venture from island to island on an ecological survey, building your Pokémon Photodex as you observe wild Pokémon in their natural habitat,” it says.

“Pokémon and vegetation in Lental have sometimes been seen to glow,” the description continues. “This is known as the Illumina phenomenon, which is unique to the Lental region in New Pokémon Snap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq8Kn6mhUxA&feature=youtu.be

“At the request of Lental’s own Professor Mirror, you’ll venture from island to island on an ecological survey, floating safely along in your trusty pod, the NEO-ONE, as you photograph Lental Pokémon and their habitats to uncover the truth behind the Illumina phenomenon.”

Professor Mirror will evaluate players’ photos and issue scores based on subjects’ poses, how large they appear, how directly they’re facing the camera, and their placement within the frame.

Pokémon Snap originally released for Nintendo 64 in 1999 before being made available to Wii owners as a Virtual Console title in 2007.

The Pokémon Company recently detailed plans to celebrate Pokémon’s 25th anniversary this year.

As revealed on a special anniversary website this week, TPC will be collaborating with singer Katy Perry, releasing special merchandise, and reprinting classic Pokémon cards.